Washing electric appliance

Abstract

The washing electric appliance comprises an inner container, an air duct component, a heat pump system, a drainage assembly and a respirator, the air duct component comprises a heat exchange shell, an air inlet pipe and an exhaust pipe, and the air inlet pipe and the exhaust pipe both communicate with the inner container and the heat exchange shell; the heat pump system comprises a compressor, a condenser, a throttling device and an evaporator which form a closed refrigerant loop, a water pan is arranged in the heat exchange shell and located below the evaporator, and the heat exchange shell is provided with a water outlet communicated with the water pan. The drainage assembly is communicated with the drainage port and the respirator and used for enabling condensate water in the water pan to enter the inner container through the respirator. Therefore, due to the fact that the cleanliness degree of condensate water formed by the evaporator is high, the condensate water in the water pan is drained to the respirator through the drainage assembly, the condensate water passing through the respirator can be reused, the condensate water can be fully utilized, and the utilization rate of the condensate water is increased.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of household appliance technology, and in particular to a washing appliance. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, washing appliances include an inner tank and a heat pump system, and the washing appliances have a drying mode for drying dishes. When the washing appliance enters the drying mode, the heat pump system can cool the high temperature and humidity inside the washing appliance's inner tank to form condensate, which is then discharged to the outside of the washing appliance. However, this results in a low utilization rate of the condensate. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides a washing appliance that at least solves the technical problem of low utilization rate of condensate generated by the washing appliance.

[0004] This application discloses a washing appliance, which includes:

[0005] Inner liner;

[0006] The air duct component includes a heat exchange shell, an air inlet pipe, and an exhaust pipe, wherein the air inlet pipe and the exhaust pipe are both connected to the inner liner and the heat exchange shell;

[0007] A heat pump system, comprising a compressor, a condenser, a throttling device, and an evaporator forming a closed refrigerant circuit, wherein the evaporator is disposed in the heat exchange shell and is used to cool the gas flowing out from the inner liner; a water receiving tray is provided in the heat exchange shell and is located below the evaporator; and a drain outlet communicating with the water receiving tray is provided in the heat exchange shell.

[0008] A drainage assembly and a breather, wherein the drainage assembly connects the drain outlet and the breather, and is used to allow condensate in the water receiving tray to enter the inner liner through the breather.

[0009] In the washing appliance of this application embodiment, since the condensate formed by the evaporator is highly clean, the drain assembly discharges the condensate in the water collection tray to the breather, so that the condensate passing through the breather can be reused, the condensate can be fully utilized, and the utilization rate of condensate is improved.

[0010] In some embodiments, the drainage assembly includes a pump and a drain pipe, the pump being used to draw condensate from the water collection tray through the drain pipe and discharge the condensate to the respirator.

[0011] In some embodiments, the drainage assembly includes a mounting bracket disposed on the heat exchange housing, and the water pump is disposed on the mounting bracket.

[0012] In some embodiments, the respirator has a water inlet channel communicating with the drain pipe, and the respirator includes a flow meter disposed in the water inlet channel, wherein the inlet of the drain pipe is located upstream of the flow meter in the direction of water flow in the water inlet channel.

[0013] In some embodiments, the drain pipe includes a first pipe and a second pipe, the first pipe connecting the drain outlet and the water pump, the second pipe connecting the water pump and the breather, and at least a portion of the first pipe being mounted on the heat exchange housing.

[0014] In some embodiments, the respirator and the water pump are located on opposite sides of the inner liner, and the second tube is located at the bottom of the inner liner and extends toward the respirator, the second tube having a horizontal section that crosses the bottom of the inner liner.

[0015] In some embodiments, the drainage assembly further includes a water softener, the breather is in communication with the water softener, and the pump draws the condensate into the water softener through the second pipe and the breather.

[0016] In some embodiments, the water softener is provided with a resin chamber, and the water pump discharges the condensate in the water receiving tray into the resin chamber through the second pipe and the breather in sequence, so that the condensate flows into the inner tank.

[0017] In some embodiments, the water softener is provided with a resin chamber and a salt chamber. The water pump discharges the condensate in the water receiving tray through the second pipe and the breather into the salt chamber, so that the solution in the salt chamber can regenerate the water softening resin in the resin chamber.

[0018] In some embodiments, the washing appliance includes a water inlet valve, which introduces a preset water inlet into the salt chamber to regenerate the resin chamber. When the amount of condensate is lower than the preset water inlet, the water inlet valve opens to allow tap water to enter the salt chamber.

[0019] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this application will become apparent and readily understood from the following description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a washing appliance according to certain embodiments of this application;

[0022] Figure 2This is a partial perspective view of a washing appliance according to certain embodiments of this application;

[0023] Figure 3 This is another perspective view of a heat pump system according to certain embodiments of this application;

[0024] Figure 4 This is another perspective view of a heat pump system according to certain embodiments of this application;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a partially exploded schematic diagram of a heat pump system according to certain embodiments of this application;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of a heat pump system according to certain embodiments of this application;

[0027] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 An enlarged schematic diagram of part A of the heat pump system;

[0028] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the mounting bracket according to some embodiments of this application;

[0029] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the cooperation between the fan and the water pump in some embodiments of this application.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0031] 1000-Washing appliance, 1100-Inner tank, 1200-Heat pump system, 100-Air duct components, 10-Heat exchange shell, 14-Drain tray, 15-Drain outlet, 16-Limiting plate, 161-Slot, 20-Evaporator, 30-Condenser, 40-Fan, 41-Hall sensor, 60-Compressor, 70-Inlet pipe, 80-Exhaust pipe, 90-Throttling device, 1500-Water softener, 1600-Breathe;

[0032] 300-Drainage component, 310-Water pump, 311-Metal casing, 312-Inlet, 320-Mounting bracket, 321-Mounting hole, 322-Mounting part, 323-Connecting part, 3231-Hanging hole, 330-Mounting column, 331-Column body, 332-Hook-shaped part, 340-Drainage pipe, 341-First pipe, 342-Second pipe, 343-Horizontal section. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the embodiments of this application, and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of this application.

[0034] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the embodiments of this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of the embodiments of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0035] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linkage" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows for communication; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0036] In embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0037] The following disclosure provides numerous different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of the embodiments of this application. To simplify the disclosure of the embodiments of this application, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. Of course, these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Reference numerals and / or reference letters may be repeated in different examples of the embodiments of this application; such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed. Furthermore, the embodiments of this application provide examples of various specific processes and materials, but those skilled in the art will recognize the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0038] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The washing appliance 1000 of this application includes an inner tank 1100 and a heat pump system 1200, which is connected to the inner tank 1100. The washing appliance 1000 is mainly used for washing various types of tableware. The inner tank 1100 can serve as the main structure of the washing appliance 1000. The inner tank 1100 forms a washing chamber 1101 with an opening, allowing tableware and other objects to be placed into the washing chamber 1101 through the opening. The washing chamber 1101 may be equipped with a bracket for supporting and securing tableware, and a water cup 1300 placed below the bracket. The water cup 1300 is used to collect and drain water generated during the washing and condensation processes. The washing appliance 1000 is, for example, a dishwasher.

[0039] The heat pump system 1200 dries the humid, hot air flowing out of the inner tank 1100 and heats the dried air so that the heated, dried air flows back into the inner tank 1100, thus achieving the effect of drying tableware and other items. The washing appliance 1000 is, for example, a dishwasher. It should be noted that the dried air mentioned above is relative to the humid, hot air inside the inner tank 1100, and does not mean that the air contains absolutely no moisture.

[0040] Please see Figures 2-5In some embodiments, the washing appliance 1000 further includes an air duct component 100, a drain assembly 300, and a water softener 100. The air duct component 100 includes a heat exchange shell 10, an air inlet pipe 70, and an exhaust pipe 80. Both the air inlet pipe 70 and the exhaust pipe 80 are connected to the inner tank 1100 and the heat exchange shell 10. The heat pump system 1200 includes a compressor 60, a condenser 30, a throttling device 90, and an evaporator 20 that form a closed refrigerant circuit. The evaporator 20 is disposed in the heat exchange shell 10 and is used to cool the gas flowing out of the inner tank 1100. A water receiving tray 14 is provided inside the heat exchange shell 10 and is located below the evaporator 20. The heat exchange shell 10 is provided with a drain outlet 15 that communicates with the water receiving tray 14. The drain assembly 300 connects the drain outlet 15 and the breather 1600 and is used to drain the condensate in the water receiving tray 14 to the breather 1600.

[0041] In the washing appliance 1000 of this application embodiment, the heat pump system 1200 and the air duct component 100 work together to dry the environment in the inner tank 1100. During the operation of the heat pump system 1200, the water pump 310 can extract the condensate located below the evaporator 20, so that the heat pump system 1200 can maintain normal operation. Since the condensate formed by the evaporator 20 is relatively clean, the drain component 300 discharges the condensate in the water receiving pan 14 to the breather 1600. In this way, the condensate passing through the breather 1600 is reused, the condensate can be fully utilized, and the utilization rate of condensate is improved.

[0042] Specifically, the heat exchange housing 10 is used for ventilation. The heat exchange housing 10 can be made of easily moldable materials such as plastic, making it easy to manufacture. The ventilation channel formed by the heat exchange housing 10 is used to achieve the effect of ventilation, allowing gas to circulate between the inner tank 1100 of the washing appliance 1000 and the ventilation channel, thereby achieving the effect of drying tableware and other items.

[0043] The air inlet pipe 70 can guide the gas in the inner liner 1100 into the heat exchange shell 10, and the exhaust pipe 80 can guide the gas after passing through the evaporator 20 and the condenser 30 into the inner liner 1100. The air inlet pipe 70, the heat exchange shell 10 and the exhaust pipe 80 together form the air duct component 100, so as to realize the gas circulation between the heat exchange shell 10 and the inner liner 1100.

[0044] Both the air inlet pipe 70 and the exhaust pipe 80 can be flat pipes, facilitating close fitting with the outer wall of the inner tank 1100. In some embodiments, both the air inlet pipe 70 and the exhaust pipe 80 can be connected to the side wall of the inner tank 1100, for example, the left side wall, right side wall, or rear side wall of the inner tank 1100, thereby reducing interference between the air inlet pipe 70 and the exhaust pipe 80 and other components of the washing appliance 1000, and improving the reliability of the washing appliance 1000. In some embodiments, the air inlet pipe 70 can be connected to the top wall of the inner tank 1100, while the exhaust pipe 80 is connected to the side wall of the inner tank 1100.

[0045] The intake pipe 70 and the heat exchange housing 10 can be an integrally formed structure or a separate, detachable structure. Similarly, the exhaust pipe 80 and the heat exchange housing 10 can be an integrally formed structure or a separate, detachable structure.

[0046] The heat pump system 1200 is a module with heat exchange function. The heat pump system 1200 has at least some of the components of the heat pump system 1200 of the washing appliance 1000, enabling the washing appliance 1000 to achieve the effect of drying tableware and other items through the heat pump system 1200.

[0047] The heat exchange housing 10 can be configured with a specific external structure according to the installation location of the heat pump system 1200, so that the heat pump system 1200 can fit more compactly with the surrounding components. The heat exchange housing 10 is connected to the inner liner 1100.

[0048] Evaporator 20 is a heat exchanger in heat pump system 1200. When heat pump system 1200 is working, evaporator 20 can cool by absorbing heat from the air around evaporator 20 to lower the temperature of the surrounding air, so that the gas flowing through evaporator 20 condenses to form condensate water, thus achieving the effect of drying the air.

[0049] The evaporator 20 is roughly flat. The evaporator 20 can be placed vertically, or in other words, the thickness direction of the evaporator 20 is roughly horizontal, and the thickness direction of the evaporator 20 is roughly parallel to the central axis of the ventilation duct, so as to increase the contact area between the gas in the ventilation duct and the evaporator 20, which is beneficial to improving the drying effect of the air flowing through the evaporator 20.

[0050] The condenser 30 is roughly flat. The condenser 30 can be placed vertically, or in other words, the thickness direction of the condenser 30 is roughly horizontal, and the thickness direction of the condenser 30 is roughly parallel to the central axis of the ventilation duct, so as to increase the contact area between the gas in the ventilation duct and the condenser 30, which is beneficial to improving the heating effect of the air flowing through the condenser 30.

[0051] The evaporator 20 can condense water vapor in the air to form condensate. The condensate drips down under the action of gravity. Therefore, the drip tray 14 can catch the condensate formed by the evaporator 20, reducing the risk of condensate flowing to other places and causing adverse effects.

[0052] In one example, the water receiving tray 14 may be formed on the inner surface of the heat exchange shell 10, or in other words, the water receiving tray 14 and the heat exchange shell 10 may be an integral structure. For example, the surface of the heat exchange shell 10 may be recessed or inclined to form the water receiving tray 14.

[0053] In another example, the water receiving tray 14 and the heat exchange shell 10 are detachable structures, which allows the heat exchange shell 10 and the water receiving tray 14 to be molded independently and then assembled together, making the shape of the heat exchange shell 10 simpler and reducing the manufacturing cost of the heat exchange shell 10.

[0054] The breather 1600 includes a flow meter, which calculates the inflow of water. All water passing through the breather 1600 passes through the flow meter. The breather 1600 prevents backflow of water into the inner tank 1100 and connects the inside and outside of the inner tank 1100, balancing the internal and external air pressure. This significantly reduces manufacturing costs and maintenance expenses of the washing appliance 1000, while ensuring stable and reliable operation. The breather 1600 can be fixed to the side wall of the inner tank 1100. The condensate from the breather 1600 can be used to wash objects inside the washing appliance 1000. It should be noted that the breather 1600 can be purchased commercially or manufactured directly by those skilled in the art.

[0055] In some embodiments, the drainage assembly 300 includes a water pump 310 mounted on the heat exchange housing 10 for drawing condensate from the water collection tray 14 through the drain port 15.

[0056] Thus, the heat pump system 1200 and the air duct component 100 work together to dry the environment in the inner tank 1100. During the operation of the heat pump system 1200, the water pump 310 can extract the condensate located below the evaporator 20, so that the heat pump system 1200 can maintain normal operation. The water pump 310 is installed on the heat exchange housing 10, which can make full use of the space around the heat exchange housing 10 and make the water pump 310 closer to the drain outlet 15, which is beneficial to the water pump 310 pumping water and improves the overall structural compactness of the washing appliance 1000, so that the washing appliance 1000 can be made smaller.

[0057] Specifically, the main body of the water pump 310 can be cylindrical, and the water pump 310 is connected to the drain outlet 15, so that the condensate in the water receiving pan 14 can be pumped out and discharged through the drain outlet 15.

[0058] Please see Figure 5 In some embodiments, a mounting bracket 320 is provided on the side wall of the heat exchange housing 10. The mounting bracket 320 is elastic and has a mounting hole 321, in which the water pump 310 is inserted. Thus, the water pump 310 is mounted on the side wall of the heat exchange housing 10 via the mounting bracket 320, making the installation of the water pump 310 more stable. Furthermore, because the mounting bracket 320 is elastic, it can absorb the vibration generated by the water pump 310 during operation, thereby reducing the noise generated by the washing appliance 1000, improving the user experience of the washing appliance 1000, and also extending the service life of components such as the heat exchange housing 10.

[0059] Specifically, the mounting bracket 320 can be made of an elastic material such as silicone. It is understood that the mounting hole 321 has an opening on one axial side, through which the water pump 310 can be inserted. The insertion of the water pump 310 into the mounting hole 321 allows the mounting bracket 320 to enclose at least a portion of the water pump 310, thereby improving the mounting bracket 320's ability to absorb vibrations generated by the water pump 310.

[0060] The shape of the mounting hole 321 matches the shape of the water pump 310 so that the mounting assembly fits more tightly with the water pump 310. For example, when the body of the water pump 310 is cylindrical, the mounting hole 321 is also a cylindrical hole.

[0061] Please see Figures 5-8 In some embodiments, the heat exchange housing 10 is provided with a mounting post 330 on its side wall, and the mounting bracket 320 is provided with a connecting part 323 connected to the mounting post 330. The connecting part 323 is provided with a mounting hole 3231. The mounting post 330 passes through the mounting hole 3231 to suspend the water pump 310 on the mounting bracket 320 on the heat exchange housing 10.

[0062] This allows the water pump 310 to be suspended on the heat exchange housing 10, reducing contact between the water pump 310 and other components of the washing appliance 1000, and reducing the transmission of vibration from the water pump 310 to other components of the washing appliance 1000 during operation, thereby reducing the noise of the washing appliance 1000. In addition, the mounting hole 3231 also makes it easier to install the mounting bracket 320 on the heat exchange housing 10.

[0063] Specifically, the mounting bracket 320 may include a mounting portion 322, which has a mounting hole 321. The mounting portion 322 may be generally cylindrical, and the connecting portion 323 may protrude tangentially from the mounting portion 322. In one example, the mounting portion 322 and the connecting portion 323 are integrally molded. For example, the mounting portion 322 and the connecting portion 323 may be formed by silicone injection molding.

[0064] The mounting column 330 and the heat exchange shell 10 can be an integral structure. The mounting hole 3231 is a through hole, through which the mounting column 330 can be inserted, allowing the mounting bracket 320 to be hung on the mounting column 330. To ensure more stable installation of the mounting bracket 320, there can be multiple mounting columns 330 and multiple connecting parts 323, with each mounting column 330 and connecting part 323 corresponding to the others, and each connecting part 323 having a mounting hole 3231.

[0065] Multiple connecting parts 323 can be disposed at different positions on the mounting part 322. In one example, there are four connecting parts 323, with two connecting parts 323 disposed on the upper side of the mounting part 322 and the other two connecting parts 323 disposed on the lower side of the mounting part 322, and each connecting part 323 is mounted on a corresponding mounting post 330.

[0066] Please see Figures 6-8 In some embodiments, the mounting post 330 includes a post body 331 and a hook-shaped portion 332 formed on the post body 331. The post body 331 is connected to the heat exchange housing 10 and passes through the mounting hole 3231. The hook-shaped portion 332 abuts against the end face of the mounting hole 3231 to prevent the connecting portion 323 from detaching from the mounting post 330. In this way, the post body 331 can provide a mounting position for the mounting bracket 320, and the hook-shaped portion 332 prevents the connecting portion 323 from detaching from the mounting post 330, making the mounting bracket 320 more stable when mounted on the heat exchange housing 10.

[0067] In one example, as mentioned above, since the mounting bracket 320 is elastic, it can be stretched during the process of mounting the mounting bracket 320 onto the heat exchange housing 10, so that the edge of the mounting hole 3231 extends beyond the edge of the hook portion 332, so that the connecting portion 323 can be hung on the mounting column 330.

[0068] In some embodiments, the mounting post 330 is disposed perpendicular to the side wall of the heat exchange housing 10, the mounting hole 321 has an opening on one side in the horizontal direction, and the water pump 310 is horizontally mounted on the heat exchange housing 10.

[0069] Please see Figures 2-5 In some embodiments, the drainage assembly 300 further includes a drain pipe 340, one end of which is connected to a drain outlet 15. A water pump 310 is used to draw condensate from the water collection tray 14 through the drain pipe 340 and discharge the condensate to the respirator 1600. In this way, the drain pipe 340 can perform the function of drawing water from the water collection tray 14, allowing the condensate to flow smoothly to the respirator 1600.

[0070] Please see Figure 3In some embodiments, the respirator 1600 has a water inlet channel 1610 that communicates with a drain pipe 340. The respirator 1600 includes a flow meter 1620 disposed in the water inlet channel 1610. In the direction of water flow in the water inlet channel 1610, the inlet of the drain pipe 340 is located upstream of the flow meter 1620.

[0071] In this way, the flow meter 1620 can measure the condensate flowing into the respirator 1600, thereby determining the amount of condensate.

[0072] It should be noted that the flow meter 1620 is installed in the water inlet channel 1610, which means that the water flowing in the water inlet channel 1610 can pass through the flow meter 1620 so that the flow meter 1620 can measure the water flowing through it.

[0073] Please see Figures 2-5 In some embodiments, the drain pipe 340 is at least partially secured to the heat exchange housing 10. This at least partial securing of the drain pipe 340 to the heat exchange housing 10 makes the position of the drain pipe 340 more stable and improves the compactness of the connection between the drain pipe 340 and the heat exchange housing 10.

[0074] Specifically, the drain pipe 340 can be a flexible hose, or in other words, the drain pipe 340 is easily bendable, making it easy to connect the drain outlet 15 and the water pump 310. For example... Figure 5 As shown, a limiting piece 16 can be provided on the heat exchange shell 10. A groove 161 is formed between the limiting piece 16 and the heat exchange shell 10. The drain pipe 340 is locked in the groove 161, thereby limiting the position of the drain pipe 340.

[0075] Please see Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 In some embodiments, the heat pump system 1200 further includes a fan 40 disposed within the heat exchange housing 10, the fan 40 having a Hall sensor 41, a water pump 310 disposed adjacent to the fan 40, the water pump 310 having a metal housing 311, the metal housing 311 being offset from the Hall sensor 41 along the axial direction of the fan 40.

[0076] In this way, the fan 40 can generate airflow in the duct component 100, allowing the gas to circulate between the inner liner 1100 and the duct component 100. The metal housing of the water pump 310 is offset from the Hall sensor 41 of the fan 40 along the axial direction of the fan 40. This reduces the influence of the water pump 310 on the Hall sensor 41 and improves the accuracy of the data detected by the Hall sensor 41.

[0077] Specifically, the fan 40 can be an axial flow fan or a centrifugal fan. The fan 40 can be embedded within the heat exchange housing 10 to ensure stable positioning. The Hall sensor 41 can be used to detect the rotational speed of the fan 40. For example, the rotor of the fan 40 can be equipped with magnetic elements such as magnets, forming a magnetic field around the magnetic elements. The Hall sensor 41 detects the rotational speed of the fan 40 by measuring the strength of the magnetic field.

[0078] The metal casing 311 of the water pump 310 can be made of steel. The steel casing can affect the magnetic field, which in turn can affect the detection of the Hall sensor 41. When the metal casing 311 of the water pump 310 and the Hall sensor 41 are offset, that is, when the metal casing 311 of the water pump 310 and the Hall sensor 41 are not aligned with the axis of the fan 40, the influence of the metal casing 311 of the water pump 310 on the Hall sensor 41 is smaller, thereby improving the accuracy of the detection data of the Hall sensor 41.

[0079] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 9 In some embodiments, the water pump 310 is located near the drain outlet 15, the axis of the water pump 310 is horizontal, and the size of the water pump 310 is smaller than the size of the heat exchange housing 10 along the axial direction of the water pump 310.

[0080] Thus, the water pump 310 is positioned near the drain outlet 15, which shortens the length of the drain pipe 340 and reduces the resistance to the flow of condensate. This not only makes the washing appliance 1000 more compact but also reduces the power and size of the water pump 310. The axis of the water pump 310 is horizontally positioned, which facilitates the pump 310 in drawing condensate into the pump and then discharging it.

[0081] Furthermore, the size of the water pump 310 is smaller than that of the heat exchange housing 10, or in other words, the water pump 310 is smaller in volume and occupies less space, thereby making the washing appliance 1000 more compact.

[0082] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 9 In some embodiments, the fan 40 is a centrifugal fan, and the axis of the fan 40 is perpendicular to the axis of the water pump 310. Thus, when the fan 40 is a centrifugal fan, it draws in air axially and discharges air tangentially. The perpendicularity of the axis of the fan 40 to the axis of the water pump 310 reduces the space occupied by the fan 40 and the water pump 310 along the axial direction of the fan 40, thereby improving the structural compactness of the washing appliance 1000.

[0083] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 5In some embodiments, the water pump 310 has an inlet 312, and the inlet 312 and the outlet 15 are located on opposite sides of the water pump 310 along its axial direction. This provides sufficient space between the inlet 312 and the outlet 15 for installing the drain pipe 340. Furthermore, this design allows the metal casing 311 of the water pump 310 to be offset from the Hall sensor 41 of the fan 40, thereby improving the detection efficiency of the Hall sensor 41.

[0084] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, the drain pipe 340 includes a first pipe 341 and a second pipe 342. The first pipe 341 connects the drain outlet 15 and the water pump 310, and the second pipe 342 connects the water pump 310 and the breather 1600. At least a portion of the first pipe 341 is mounted on the heat exchange housing 10.

[0085] Thus, the water pump 310 can draw condensate from the water receiving tray 14 through the first pipe 341 and discharge the condensate to the respirator 1600 through the second pipe 342.

[0086] Specifically, both the first pipe 341 and the second pipe 342 can be flexible hoses. The two ends of the first pipe 341 are detachably connected to the drain outlet 15 and the water pump 310. One end of the second pipe 342 is detachably connected to the water pump.

[0087] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, the respirator 1600 and the water pump 310 are located on opposite sides of the inner liner 1100, and the second tube 342 is located at the bottom of the inner liner 1100 and extends toward the respirator 1600. The second tube 342 has a horizontal section 343 that crosses the bottom of the inner liner 1100.

[0088] Thus, the breather 1600 and the water pump 310 are located on opposite sides of the inner tank 1100, which makes full use of the space around the inner tank 1100 and makes the structure of the washing appliance 1000 more compact. Generally, the breather 1600 is located near the front of the inner tank 1100. In this case, the second tube 342 extends from the bottom of the inner tank 1100 to the breather 1600, which makes the total length of the second tube 342 shorter and reduces interference between the second tube 342 and other parts of the washing appliance 1000.

[0089] In one example, the horizontal section 343 of the second pipe 342 is arranged horizontally, and the height of each position of the horizontal section 343 is roughly the same.

[0090] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 3In some embodiments, the drainage assembly 300 also includes a water softener 1500, a breather 1600 connected to the water softener 1500, and a water pump 310 for introducing condensate into the water softener 1500 through a second pipe 342 and the breather 1600.

[0091] Thus, the second pipe 342 is connected to the breather 1600, which allows condensate to be discharged into the water softener 1500 without changing the existing structure of the water softener 1500, reducing the design and manufacturing costs of the washing appliance 1000. In addition, the condensate can be fully utilized by the water softener 1500.

[0092] Specifically, the water softener 1500 is an ion exchange water softener 1500 with an operation and regeneration process. It utilizes sodium-type cation exchange resin to remove calcium and magnesium ions from the water, reducing the hardness of the raw water to soften it and thus preventing scale formation from carbonates in pipes and containers. This significantly reduces investment costs while ensuring smooth production. In one embodiment, the water softener 1500 can be fixed to the side wall of the inner tank 1100. It should be noted that the aforementioned water softener 1500 can be purchased commercially or manufactured directly by those skilled in the art.

[0093] In some embodiments, the water softener 1500 is provided with a resin chamber. The water pump 310 discharges the condensate in the drip tray 14 through the drain pipe 340 and the breather 1600 into the resin chamber of the water softener 1500, so that the condensate flows into the inner tank 1100. In this way, the condensate in the drip tray 14 can be fully utilized, saving the amount of tap water used by the washing machine 100.

[0094] Specifically, please combine Figure 1 and Figure 3 The condensate in the drip tray 14 can flow to the resin chamber of the water softener 1500 when the washing appliance 100 is in washing mode. Then, it can enter the inner tank 1100 through the spray wall 1700 and other parts of the washing appliance 1000 to wash the objects in the inner tank 1100. The condensate finally flows to the water cup 1800 of the washing appliance 1000.

[0095] It is understandable that the washing mode of the washing appliance 100 is the process by which the washing appliance 100 cleans the items in the inner tank 1100.

[0096] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 3In some embodiments, the water softener 1500 is provided with a resin chamber and a brine chamber. The water pump 310 discharges the condensate in the water receiving tray 14 through the second pipe 342 and the breather 1600 into the brine chamber of the water softener 1500, so that the solution in the brine chamber of the water softener 1500 can regenerate the water softening resin in the resin chamber of the water softener 1500.

[0097] In this way, the condensate in the water receiving tray 14 can regenerate the water softening resin in the resin chamber of the water softener 1500, thus realizing the reuse of the condensate.

[0098] In some embodiments, the washing appliance 1000 includes a water inlet valve (not shown). The washing appliance 1000 introduces a preset water volume into the brine chamber of the water softener 1500 to regenerate the resin chamber of the water softener 1500. If the amount of condensate is lower than the preset water volume, the water inlet valve opens to allow tap water to enter the brine chamber. For example, if the brine chamber of the water softener 1500 requires 300 ml of water, and there is only 100 ml of condensate in the drip tray, the water inlet valve needs to be opened to add another 200 ml of tap water to the brine chamber of the water softener 1500.

[0099] It is understandable that after the solution in the brine chamber of the water softener 1500 regenerates the water softening resin in the resin chamber of the water softener 1500, it can enter the inner tank 1100 through the spray wall 1700 and other parts of the washing appliance 1000 to wash the objects in the inner tank 1100, and finally flow to the water cup 1800 of the washing appliance 1000, or flow directly to the water cup 1800 of the washing appliance 1000.

[0100] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, the respirator 1600 is located on one side of the inner tank 1100, the air inlet pipe 70 and the exhaust pipe 80 are located on the opposite side of the inner tank 1100, and the respirator 1600 is located above the water softener 1500.

[0101] For example, the respirator 1600 can be located on the left side of the inner tank 1100, and the air inlet pipe 70 and the exhaust pipe 80 can be located on the right side of the inner tank 1100. This can make full use of the space around the inner tank 1100, making the structure of the washing appliance 1000 more compact.

[0102] In some embodiments, the evaporator 20 and the condenser 30 are spaced apart in the heat exchange housing 10, and the condenser 30 is used to heat the gas flowing into the inner liner 1100.

[0103] Thus, when the heat pump system 1200 is working, the condenser 30 can generate heat, thereby absorbing heat from the surrounding air to raise the temperature of the surrounding air, so that the gas flowing through the condenser 30 can re-enter the inner tank 1100 of the washing appliance 1000 to achieve the effect of drying tableware and other objects.

[0104] In this embodiment, the evaporator 20 is located upstream of the condenser 30. Thus, the evaporator 20 and the condenser 30 cooperate with each other to cool and dry the air in the ventilation duct before heating it, thereby enabling the washing appliance 1000 to dry tableware and other items using the heat pump system 1200.

[0105] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0106] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting this application. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A washing appliance characterised in that, include: Inner liner; The air duct component includes a heat exchange shell, an air inlet pipe, and an exhaust pipe, wherein the air inlet pipe and the exhaust pipe are both connected to the inner liner and the heat exchange shell; A heat pump system, comprising a compressor, a condenser, a throttling device, and an evaporator forming a closed refrigerant circuit, wherein the evaporator is disposed in the heat exchange shell and is used to cool the gas flowing out from the inner liner; a water receiving tray is provided in the heat exchange shell and is located below the evaporator; and a drain outlet communicating with the water receiving tray is provided in the heat exchange shell. A drainage assembly and a breather, wherein the drainage assembly connects the drain outlet and the breather, and is used to allow condensate in the water receiving tray to enter the inner liner through the breather.

2. The washing appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drainage assembly includes a water pump and a drain pipe. The water pump is used to draw condensate from the water collection tray through the drain pipe and discharge the condensate to the respirator.

3. The washing appliance according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drainage assembly includes a mounting bracket, which is mounted on the heat exchange housing, and the water pump is mounted on the mounting bracket.

4. The laundry appliance according to claim 2, characterized in that, The respirator has a water inlet channel that communicates with the drain pipe. The respirator includes a flow meter disposed in the water inlet channel. In the direction of water flow in the water inlet channel, the inlet of the drain pipe is located upstream of the flow meter.

5. The washing appliance according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drain pipe includes a first pipe and a second pipe. The first pipe connects the drain outlet and the water pump, and the second pipe connects the water pump and the breather. At least a portion of the first pipe is mounted on the heat exchange housing.

6. The washing appliance according to claim 5, characterized in that, The respirator and the water pump are located on opposite sides of the inner liner, and the second tube is located at the bottom of the inner liner and extends toward the respirator. The second tube has a horizontal section that crosses the bottom of the inner liner.

7. The washing appliance according to claim 5, characterized in that, The drainage assembly also includes a water softener, the breather is connected to the water softener, and the water pump passes the condensate into the water softener through the second pipe and the breather.

8. The washing appliance according to claim 7, characterized in that, The water softener is provided with a resin chamber. The water pump discharges the condensate in the water receiving tray into the resin chamber through the second pipe and the breather in sequence, so that the condensate flows into the inner tank.

9. The washing appliance according to claim 7, characterized in that, The water softener is provided with a resin chamber and a salt chamber. The water pump discharges the condensate in the water receiving tray through the second pipe and the breather to the salt chamber, so that the solution in the salt chamber can regenerate the water softening resin in the resin chamber.

10. The washing appliance according to claim 9, characterized in that, The washing appliance includes a water inlet valve. The washing appliance introduces a preset water inlet into the salt chamber to regenerate the resin chamber. When the amount of condensate is lower than the preset water inlet, the water inlet valve opens to allow tap water to enter the salt chamber.

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