Dishwasher and control method thereof

Abstract

The present invention provides a dishwasher and a control method thereof, and relates to the field of dishwasher technologies. The dishwasher includes a main body and a heat pump system. The main body includes a washing chamber, an internal circulation air channel, and a spray system. The heat pump system includes a compression device, a first heat exchange device, a second heat exchange device, an air cooling device, and an air heating device. The first heat exchange device has a first heat exchange channel and a second heat exchange channel that are arranged for heat exchange with each other. The compression device, the first heat exchange channel of the first heat exchange device, the air heating device, the air cooling device, and the second heat exchange device are sequentially connected to form a circulation heat exchange loop. In the technical solutions of the present invention, the compression device, the first heat exchange channel, the air heating device, the air cooling device, and the second heat exchange device are sequentially connected to form the circulation heat exchange loop, in such a manner that the circulation heat exchange loop of the heat pump system of the dishwasher can have washing and drying modes or stages simultaneously without other switching devices, simplifying pipeline structures of the heat pump system of the dishwasher.

Description

FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of dishwasher technologies, and more particularly, to a dishwasher and a control method thereof.BACKGROUND

[0002] In the related prior art, after a dishwasher finishes cleaning a tableware, residual heat and moisture may remain on the tableware. If the tableware is not dried in time, the moisture can cause bacteria and mold to breed on the tableware. Therefore, it is necessary to enter a drying mode. However, in the related art, in order to switch between washing and drying modes or stages, an existing heat pump dishwasher usually needs to be provided with a plurality of control valves, resulting in a complex a piping structure of the heat pump system of the dishwasher.SUMMARY

[0003] A main objective of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher, aiming at simplifying a piping structure of a heat pump system of the dishwasher.

[0004] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides the dishwasher. The dishwasher comprises: a main body having a washing chamber, an internal circulation air channel, and a spray system, the internal circulation air channel having an air inlet and an air outlet that are both in communication with the washing chamber, and the spray system being configured to spray washing water to the washing chamber to wash tableware placed in the washing chamber; and a heat pump system comprising a compression device, a first heat exchange device, a second heat exchange device, an air cooling device, and an air heating device, in which the first heat exchange device has a first heat exchange channel and a second heat exchange channel that are arranged for heat exchange with each other, and the compression device, the first heat exchange channel of the first heat exchange device, the air heating device, the air cooling device, and the second heat exchange device are sequentially connected to form a circulation heat exchange loop. The second heat exchange channel is in communication with the spray system. Media in the first heat exchange channel and media in the second heat exchange channel exchange heat with each other to produce hot water for the spray system. The air cooling device and the air heating device are sequentially arranged in the internal circulation air channel in a direction from the air inlet to the air outlet.

[0005] In an embodiment, the first heat exchange device may comprise an outer tube and an inner tube. The inner tube may define the first heat exchange channel, and the second heat exchange channel may be formed between the outer tube and the inner tube.

[0006] In an embodiment, the inner tube may define the second heat exchange channel, and the first heat exchange channel may be formed between the outer tube and the inner tube.

[0007] In an embodiment, the first heat exchange device may comprise a housing and a first heat exchange member disposed in the housing.

[0008] In an embodiment, the first heat exchange member may define the first heat exchange channel.

[0009] In an embodiment, the second heat exchange channel may be formed between the housing and the first heat exchange member.

[0010] In an embodiment, the heat pump system may comprise a first throttling device. The first throttling device may be disposed at a flow path between the first heat exchange device and the second heat exchange device.

[0011] In an embodiment, the heat pump system may comprise a second throttling device. The second throttling device may be disposed at a flow path between the air heating device and the air cooling device.

[0012] In an embodiment, the second heat exchange device may comprise a second heat exchange member and a second fan. The second fan may be configured to supply air to the second heat exchange member.

[0013] In an embodiment, the air cooling device may comprise a third heat exchange member and a third fan. The third fan may be configured to supply air to the third heat exchange member.

[0014] In an embodiment, the air heating device may comprise a fourth heat exchange member and a fourth fan. The fourth fan may be configured to supply air to the fourth heat exchange member.

[0015] In an embodiment, the second heat exchange member, the third heat exchange member, and the fourth heat exchange member each may have heat exchange channels for media circulation.

[0016] In an embodiment, the main body may comprise a shell. The shell may comprise an outer shell and a tub disposed in the outer shell. The internal circulation air channel may be formed between the outer shell and the tub.

[0017] In an embodiment, the outer shell may have an exhaust vent. The second fan may be in communication with the exhaust vent at an air outlet side of the second fan.

[0018] In an embodiment, the shell may comprise a door body. The outer shell may have a first opening. The tub may have a second opening at a position corresponding to the first opening. The door body may be disposed at the outer shell and configured to expose or cover the first opening and the second opening.

[0019] In an embodiment, when the door body covers the first opening and the second opening, the tub and the door body enclose to form the washing chamber.

[0020] In an embodiment, the exhaust vent and the first opening may be formed at a same side of the outer shell.

[0021] In an embodiment, the dishwasher may comprise a control assembly. The control assembly may be configured to control operation of the second fan during a washing stage and to control operation of the third fan and / or the fourth fan during a drying stage.

[0022] In an embodiment, the spray system may comprise a water collection tank, a water pump, and a spray assembly. The spray assembly may be disposed at the washing chamber and configured to spray the washing water to the washing chamber. The water collection tank may be in communication with the second heat exchange channel. The second heat exchange channel may be in communication with the spray assembly through a pipeline. The water pump may be disposed at a connection pipeline between the second heat exchange channel and the spray assembly.

[0023] In an embodiment, the dishwasher further may comprise an electric auxiliary heating device. The electric auxiliary heating device may be disposed at a flow path between the second heat exchange channel of the first heat exchange device and the spray assembly.

[0024] In an embodiment, the electric auxiliary heating device may be disposed in the internal circulation air channel.

[0025] The present invention also provides a control method for a dishwasher applied to the dishwasher described in any one of the above-described claims. The method comprises: obtaining washing water temperature when continuous operation duration of the heat pump system is less than a duration threshold during a washing process; determining whether the washing water temperature is lower than target temperature; in response to the determination that the washing water temperature is lower than the target temperature, controlling the heat pump system to maintain continuous operation, and continue to obtain the washing water temperature; determining whether the washing water temperature is higher than or equal to the target temperature; and controlling the heat pump system to stop operation, in response to the determination that the washing water temperature is higher than or equal to the target temperature.

[0026] In an embodiment, the control method may further comprise: during the washing process, determining whether the continuous operation duration of the heat pump system is greater than or equal to the duration threshold, and controlling the heat pump system to stop operation in response to the determination that the continuous operation duration of the heat pump system is greater than or equal to the duration threshold.

[0027] In an embodiment, the control method may further comprise: initiating a drying process subsequent to completing the washing process; obtaining cavity temperature in the washing chamber, and determining target drying duration based on the cavity temperature; determining whether cumulative drying duration is greater than or equal to the target drying duration; and controlling the heat pump system to stop operation, in response to the determination that the cumulative drying duration is greater than or equal to the target drying duration.

[0028] In an embodiment, said determining the target drying duration based on the cavity temperature may comprise: determining a temperature interval within which the cavity temperature falls, and setting drying duration associated with the temperature interval as the target drying duration; determining the target drying duration corresponding to the cavity temperature based on a pre-stored mapping relationship; and inputting the cavity temperature to a predetermined heat pump model and determining the target drying duration.

[0029] In an embodiment, the second heat exchange device may comprise a second fan, and the air heating device may comprise a fourth fan. The control method may further comprise: when the washing process is initiated, controlling the compression device to activate, the second fan to activate, and the fourth fan to deactivate; and when the drying process is initiated, controlling the compression device to activate, the fourth fan to operate, and the second fan to deactivate.

[0030] In the technical solutions of the present invention, the compression device, the first heat exchange channel of the first heat exchange device, the air heating device, the air cooling device, and the second heat exchange device are sequentially connected to form the circulation heat exchange loop, in such a manner that the circulation heat exchange loop of the heat pump system of the dishwasher can have washing and drying modes or stages simultaneously without other switching devices, simplifying pipeline structures of the heat pump system of the dishwasher.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] To clearly explain embodiments of the present invention or technical solutions of the related art, drawings used in the description of the present invention and existing technologies are briefly described below. Obviously, the drawings as described below are merely some embodiments of the present invention. Based on structures shown in these drawings, other drawings can be obtained by those skilled in the art without paying creative efforts. FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of a dishwasher provided by the present invention.

[0032] Description of reference numerals of the accompanying drawings: 10, dishwasher; 100, main body; 101, washing chamber; 102, internal circulation air channel; 102a, air inlet; 102b, air outlet; 110, spray system; 111, water pump; 112, spray assembly; 200, heat pump system; 210, compression device; 230, first heat exchange device; 231, first heat exchange member; 232, housing; 240, air heating device, 241, fourth heat exchange member; 242, fourth fan; 250, second heat exchange device; 251, second heat exchange member; 252, second fan; 260, air cooling device; 261, third heat exchange member; 262, third fan; 270, first throttling device; 280, second throttling device; 300, electric auxiliary heating device.

[0033] Implementations of the objects, functional features, and advantages of the present invention will be further described in connection with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Technical solutions according to embodiments of the present invention will be described clearly and completely below in combination with accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described below are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all embodiments of the present invention. On a basis of the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0035] It should be noted that if there are directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, rear, etc.) involved in the embodiments of the present invention, the directional indications are only used to explain relative positions between various components, movements of various components, or the like under a predetermined posture. When the predetermined posture changes, the directional indications also change accordingly.

[0036] In addition, in the embodiments of the present invention, if there are descriptions associated with "first", "second", or the like involved in the embodiments of the present invention, the descriptions associated with "first", "second", or the like are only used for descriptive purposes, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, the features associated with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly comprise at least one of the features. In addition, if "and / or" or "and / or" appears throughout, the meaning thereof comprises three parallel schemes, and taking "A and / or B" as an example, it comprises scheme A, scheme B, or scheme in which both A and B are satisfied. Further, combinations can be performed on the technical solutions according to various embodiments, but these combinations must be based on the fact that they can be realized by those skilled in the art. When a combination of the technical solutions is contradictory or unattainable, the combination of the technical solutions neither exists nor falls within the protection scope of the appended claims of the present invention.

[0037] The present invention provides a dishwasher, aiming at improving washing and drying efficiency of the dishwasher. For ease of understanding and explanation, in FIG. 1 of the specification of the present invention, solid arrows indicate spaces, slots, or holes. The dishwasher can be used for household and commercial purposes, and the advantages are more obvious when used for commercial purposes.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 1, in an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher 10 comprises a main body 100 and a heat pump system 200. The main body 100 has a washing chamber 101, an internal circulation air channel 102, and a spray system 110. The internal circulation air channel 102 has an air inlet 102a and an air outlet 102b that are both in communication with the washing chamber 101. The spray system 110 is configured to spray washing water to the washing chamber 101. The heat pump system 200 comprises a compression device 210, a first heat exchange device 230, a second heat exchange device 250, an air cooling device 260, and an air heating device 240. The first heat exchange device 230 has a first heat exchange channel and a second heat exchange channel that are arranged for heat exchange with each other. The compression device 210, the first heat exchange channel of the first heat exchange device 230, the air heating device 240, the air cooling device 260, and the second heat exchange device 250 are sequentially connected to form a circulation heat exchange loop. The second heat exchange channel is in communication with the spray system 110. Media in the first heat exchange channel and media in the second heat exchange channel exchange heat with each other to produce hot water for the spray system 110. The air cooling device 260 and the air heating device 240 are sequentially arranged in the internal circulation air channel 102 in a direction from the air inlet 102a to the air outlet 102b.

[0039] In the technical solutions of the present invention, the compression device 210, the first heat exchange channel of the first heat exchange device 230, the air heating device 240, the air cooling device 260, and the second heat exchange device 250 are sequentially connected to form the circulation heat exchange loop, in such a manner that the circulation heat exchange loop of the heat pump system 200 of the dishwasher 10 can have washing and drying modes or stages simultaneously without other switching devices, simplifying pipeline structures of the heat pump system 200 of the dishwasher 10.

[0040] A specific structure of the dishwasher 10 is described in detail below.

[0041] The main body 100 usually comprises a shell and the spray system 110. The shell defines the washing chamber 101 and the internal circulation air channel 102. The washing chamber 101 is configured to place the tableware. The shell usually comprises an outer shell, a tub, and a door body. The outer shell has a first opening. The tub has a second opening at a position corresponding to the first opening. The door body is disposed at the outer shell and configured to expose or cover the first opening and the second opening. When the door body covers the first opening and the second opening, the tub and the door body enclose to form the washing chamber 101. The internal circulation air channel 102 is formed between the outer shell and the tub. The internal circulation air channel 102 has the air inlet 102a and the air outlet 102b that are both in communication with the washing chamber 101. In some embodiments, the dishwasher 10 may be composed of the door body and the tub integrated together.

[0042] For the spray system 110, the spray system 110 is configured to spray the washing water to the washing chamber 101 to wash the tableware placed in the washing chamber 101. The spray system 110 usually comprises a water pump 111, a spray assembly 112, a water pipe, a pipeline system, a controller of the spray system 110, a filter, a water level sensor, and a drainage device.

[0043] For the spray system 110, the spray system 110 comprises a water collection tank 113, the water pump 111, and the spray assembly 112. The spray assembly 112 is disposed at the washing chamber 101 and configured to spray the washing water to the washing chamber 101. The water collection tank 113 is in communication with the second heat exchange channel. The second heat exchange channel is in communication with the spray assembly 112 through a pipeline. The water pump 111 is disposed at a connection pipeline between the second heat exchange channel and the spray assembly 112.

[0044] The spray system 110 usually also comprises the water pipe, the pipeline system, the controller of the spray system 110, the filter, the water level sensor, and the drainage device. The water pump 111 is one of key components of the spray system 110 of the dishwasher 10, and is responsible for delivering detergent and water from a storage tank 232 to spray arms or nozzles. The water pump 111 is usually driven by an electric motor and generates sufficient water pressure and flow to ensure a washing effect. The spray assembly 112 is usually the spray arms or the nozzles, and is an outlet for spray of the liquid in the spray system 110 of the dishwasher 10. They are usually located inside the dishwasher 10 and spray the detergent and water uniformly on surfaces of dishes, tableware, etc. by means of rotated or directional sprays for thorough cleaning. The water pipe and pipeline system are responsible for delivering the water from the water pump 111 to the spray arm or nozzle and ensuring that the water flows smoothly to a target area. These pipes are usually made of corrosion-resistant materials, such as stainless steel or plastic. The controller of the spray system 110 is configured to control parameters such as start and stop, a spray duration, and a spray mode of the spray system 110, and is usually part of an electronic control panel of the dishwasher 10. A user can set the corresponding parameters through buttons or touch screens on the panel. The filter is configured to perform filtering on impurities and residues in the washing water, preventing nozzles or pipes of the spray system 110 from being blocked. In this way, this helps to maintain normal operation and cleaning effect of the spray system 110. The water level sensor is configured to monitor a water level inside the dishwasher 10, ensuring that the water pump 111 operates at the correct water level to prevent the water level from being too high or too low during drying. The drainage device is configured to discharge the sewage generated during a dishwashing process out of the dishwasher 10 to maintain a clean environment. The drainage device usually comprises components such as a drainage pipe, a drainage pump 111, and a drainage filter.

[0045] The heat pump system 200 comprises the compression device 210, the first heat exchange device 230, the second heat exchange device 250, the air cooling device 260, and the air heating device 240. The first heat exchange device 230 has the first heat exchange channel and the second heat exchange channel that are arranged for heat exchange with each other. The compression device 210, the first heat exchange channel of the first heat exchange device 230, the air heating device 240, the air cooling device 260, and the second heat exchange device 250 are sequentially connected to form the circulation heat exchange loop. The second heat exchange channel is in communication with the spray system 110. The media in the first heat exchange channel and the media in the second heat exchange channel exchange heat with each other to produce the hot water for the spray system 110. The air cooling device 260 and the air heating device 240 are sequentially arranged in the internal circulation air channel 102 in the direction from the air inlet 102a to the air outlet 102b.

[0046] For the compression device 210, a main function of the compression device 210 is to compress a low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant into a high-temperature and highpressure refrigerant to realize a refrigeration cycle. Its operating principle is that the compression device 210 sucks the refrigerant from a suction port and compresses the refrigerant to the exhaust port for discharge through the internal reciprocating motion or rotating motion inside the compression device 210. During this process, the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant increases to achieve an effect of cooling or heating.

[0047] For the first heat exchange device 230, the first heat exchange device 230 has the first heat exchange channel and the second heat exchange channel. The first heat exchange channel is used for the refrigerant such as a refrigerant that can be compressed by the compression device 210, and the second heat exchange channel is in communication with the spray system 110.

[0048] In this embodiment, the first heat exchange device 230 may be a double-pipe heat exchanger, a plate heat exchanger, a spiral heat exchanger, a spiral plate heat exchanger, or the like.

[0049] The double-pipe heat exchanger consists of a tube bundle (inner tube) and a casing. A heat transfer medium (typically liquid or vapor) passes through the tube bundle to transfer heat to another medium (which may be a liquid, gas, or vapor, in this embodiment, the liquid) and flows around the tube bundle in the casing. In this case, the inner tube defines the first heat exchange channel, and the second heat exchange channel is formed between the casing and the inner tube; or the inner tube defines the second heat exchange channel, and the first heat exchange channel is formed between the casing and the inner tube. Preferably, the inner tube defines the first heat exchange channel, and the second heat exchange channel is formed between the inner tube and the casing.

[0050] The plate heat exchanger is composed of a plurality of plates with gaps between the plates, through which the first heat exchange channel and the second heat exchange channel can be formed to allow heat transfer between the two flowing media. Advantages of the plate heat exchanger comprise compact design, efficient heat transfer, easy maintenance and cleaning.

[0051] The spiral plate heat exchanger realizes efficient heat transfer through multi-layer spiral plate structure. This heat exchanger combines the advantages of the plate heat exchanger and the double-pipe heat exchanger.

[0052] For the spiral heat exchanger, the spiral heat exchanger can effectively transfer the heat of one medium to another medium through a spiral pipe structure. The above two media usually refer to the refrigerant, air, or water.

[0053] In an exemplary embodiment, the first heat exchange device 230 comprises a housing 232 and a first heat exchange member 231 disposed in the housing 232. The first heat exchange channel is disposed in the first heat exchange member 231, and the second heat exchange channel is disposed in the housing 232. The housing 232 is configured to temporarily store washing water to be heated. During the washing mode, the first heat exchange member 231 is located in the water, heating the water in the housing 232. When the spiral plate heat exchanger is selected as the first heat exchange device 231, the heating efficiency is better. The spiral plate heat exchanger is similar to the plate heat exchanger, and the design of the spiral plate heat exchanger allows it to perform heat exchange operation in the water. Selecting the spiral plate heat exchanger enables this embodiment to have higher heat exchange efficiency and smaller volume.

[0054] In another exemplary embodiment, the first heat exchange device 230 comprises an outer tube and an inner tube. The inner tube defines the first heat exchange channel, and the second heat exchange channel is formed between the outer tube and the inner tube; or the inner tube defines the second heat exchange channel, and the first heat exchange channel is formed between the outer tube and the inner tube.

[0055] For the second heat exchange device 250, in this embodiment, the second heat exchange device 250 may be a finned heat exchanger having heat dissipation fins or heat dissipation channels. The second heat exchange device 250 takes heat away from heat media by a fan or natural convection, and releases the heat into the surrounding air. For example, the second heat exchange device 250 may be the spiral plate heat exchanger. Alternatively, the second heat exchange device 250 comprises a second heat exchange member and a liquid storage device containing the cold storage liquid. The second heat exchange member is disposed in the liquid storage device. The second heat exchange device may be partially immersed in the cold storage liquid, or may be completely immersed in the cold storage liquid. Preferably, the second heat exchange device is completely immersed in the cold storage liquid.

[0056] For the air cooling device 260 and the air heating device 240, the air cooling device 260 and the air heating device 240 are sequentially arranged in the internal circulation air channel 102 in the direction from the air inlet 102a to the air outlet 102b. In this way, during the drying mode or the drying stage, the high-temperature and high-humidity air of the dishwasher 10 enters the internal circulation air channel 102 from the air inlet 102a, is cooled and dehumidified by the air cooling device 260, is heated by the air heating device 240, and is blown into the washing chamber 101 from the air outlet 102b.

[0057] The air cooling device 260 is mainly configured to transfer heat in the heat media (such as water, engine oil, refrigerant) to the surrounding air to realize cooling. This heat exchanger usually comprises the heat dissipation fins or heat dissipation channels, and takes heat away from the heat media by the fan or natural convection, and releases the heat into the surrounding air. In this embodiment, the air cooling device 260 may also be an air spiral heat exchanger. The air spiral heat exchanger combines the design of the spiral heat exchanger and the function of the air heat exchanger, and exchanges heat with the air through the spiral pipe structure.

[0058] In this embodiment, the air heating device 240 and the air cooling device 260 have the same structure, but are different in positions, in such a manner that the difference between cooling and heating is realized, which is not described in detail here.

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment, the air cooling device 260 comprises a third heat exchange member 261 and a third fan 262 configured to supply air to the third heat exchange member 261. The air heating device 240 comprises a fourth heat exchange member 241 and a fourth fan 242 configured to supply air to the fourth heat exchange member 241. The second heat exchange member 251, the third heat exchange member 261, and the fourth heat exchange member 241 each have the heat exchange channel for medium circulation. By disposing the third fan 262 and the fourth fan 242, the heat exchange efficiency of the second heat exchange device 250 and the air heating device 240 can be accelerated.

[0060] It should be understood that, when the dishwasher 10 is provided, the dishwasher 10 usually also comprises a tableware shelf, a water collection tank, and the like, or may also comprise some other auxiliary components, such as a warm-box, a tableware support, a filter, and the like, to ensure the normal operation of the dishwasher 10 and the convenience of maintenance of the dishwasher 10, which is not described in detail here.

[0061] In the actual operation process, the heat pump system 200 comprises a throttling device. The functions of the throttling device are mainly as follows.

[0062] A refrigerant flow rate is regulated: the throttling device can throttle and depressurize the high pressure liquid from the air heating device 240 to the low pressure liquid, and simultaneously regulate the refrigerant flow rate into an evaporator to ensure that the refrigerant flow rate in the heat pump system 200 is within a reasonable range.

[0063] The difficulty of heat exchange is reduced: for example, during a heat exchange process, the throttling device can enable the refrigerant liquid to flow through a small hole, to form a local contraction, increasing the flow rate and reducing the static pressure. This pressure difference makes the refrigerant easier to evaporate in the evaporator, reducing the difficulty of heat exchange and improving the efficiency of heat exchange.

[0064] The temperature control is realized: the throttling device can also serve as an important part of the temperature control. When the system requires a cooler temperature, the refrigerant flow rate can be reduced by the throttling device, reducing the evaporation temperature. Conversely, when the system requires a warmer temperature, the refrigerant flow rate can be increased by the throttling device, increasing the evaporation temperature.

[0065] In an embodiment, to facilitate the temperature control in the washing stage and reduce the difficulty of heat exchange in the washing stage, the heat pump system 200 comprises a first throttling device 270 disposed at a flow path between the first heat exchange device 230 and the second heat exchange device 250. Preferably, the first throttling device 270 is disposed at a flow path between the air cooling device 260 and the second heat exchange device 250.

[0066] In another embodiment, to facilitate the temperature control in the drying stage and reduce the difficulty of heat exchange in the drying stage, the heat pump system 200 comprises a second throttling device 280 disposed at a flow path between the air heating device 240 and the air cooling device 260.

[0067] In an embodiment, the second heat exchange device 250 comprises the second heat exchange member 251 and the second fan 252 configured to supply air to the second heat exchange member 251. That is, the second heat exchange device 250 is the finned heat exchanger, and the finned heat exchanger has high heat exchange efficiency when heating exchange with the air. Of course, in other embodiments, the second heat exchange device 250 may also be other types of heat exchangers.

[0068] In another embodiment, the air cooling device 260 comprises the third heat exchange member 261 and the third fan 262 configured to supply air to the third heat exchange member 261. That is, the air cooling device 260 is the finned heat exchanger, and the finned heat exchanger has high heat exchange efficiency when heating exchange with the air. Of course, in other embodiments, the second heat exchange device 260 may also be other types of heat exchangers.

[0069] In yet another embodiment, the air cooling device 260 comprises the fourth heat exchange member 241 and the fourth fan 242 configured to supply air to the fourth heat exchange member 241. That is, the air cooling device 260 is the finned heat exchanger, and the finned heat exchanger has high heat exchange efficiency when heating exchange with the air. Of course, in other embodiments, the second heat exchange device 260 may also be other types of heat exchangers.

[0070] The second heat exchange member 251, the third heat exchange member 261, and the fourth heat exchange member 241 as described above each have the heat exchange channels for the media circulation.

[0071] The dishwasher comprises a control assembly. The control assembly is configured to control operation of the second fan 252 during the washing stage and to control operation of the third fan 262 and / or the fourth fan 242 during the drying stage. Said "control operation of the second fan 252 and control operation of the third fan 262 and / or the fourth fan 242", the operation of the fan comprises controlling its activating, an activating duration, and a rotational speed of the fan.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment, only one of the third fan 262 and the fourth fan 242 can be selected.

[0073] In an embodiment, the main body 100 comprises the shell comprising the outer shell, the door body, the tub with an opening at a side of the tub, and the water collection tank disposed below the tub. The door body is rotatably disposed at the outer shell to expose or cover the opening. When the door body covers the opening, the tub, the water collection tank, and the door body enclose to form the washing chamber 101. The internal circulation air channel 102 is formed between the outer shell and the tub.

[0074] On the basis of the previous embodiment, to improve the heat exchange efficiency of the second heat exchange device 250, the second heat exchange device 250 comprises the second heat exchange member 251 and the second fan 252 configured to supply air to the second heat exchange member 251.

[0075] To further improve the heat exchange efficiency of the second heat exchange device 250, the outer shell has an exhaust vent, and the second fan is in communication with the exhaust vent at an air outlet side of the second fan 252. In this way, by disposing the exhaust vent, the second heat exchange device 250 can exchange heat with the air outside the dishwasher 10, improving the heat exchange efficiency of the second heat exchange device 250.

[0076] In addition, to make the air exhaust smoother, the exhaust vent and the first opening are formed at one side of the outer shell. That is, the exhaust vent is disposed at a front side (a side facing towards the user), in such a manner that the exhaust vent is prevented from being blocked or the air flow is prevented from being intercepted when the dishwasher 10 is placed against the wall, making the air exhaust smoother.

[0077] In other embodiments, the second heat exchange device 250 may also be disposed outside the shell of the dishwasher 10.

[0078] In some embodiments, the internal circulation air channel 102 has the air inlet 102a disposed at an upper part of the tub and the air outlet 102b disposed at a lower part of the tub. A median line of a height of the tub may be used as the standard. Therefore, the upper part is above the median line, and the lower part is below the median line. The air inlet 102a and the air outlet 102b of the internal circulation air channel 102 may be disposed at one side surface of the tub.

[0079] As an example, the tub is in a square shape. The air inlet 102a and the air outlet 102b of the inner circulation air channel 102 may be disposed at a left side surface, a right side surface, or a rear side surface of the tub. In this case, the air cooling device 260 and the air heating device 240 may also be disposed at one side surface of the tub, and may be disposed at the left side surface, the right side surface, or the rear side surface of the tub.

[0080] In another embodiment, the air cooling device 260 and the air heating device 240 are disposed at a bottom surface of the tub.

[0081] In an embodiment, the dishwasher 10 further comprises an electric auxiliary heating device 300. In this embodiment, the electric auxiliary heating device 300, as an auxiliary heating device using electric energy as an energy source, converts the electric energy into thermal energy to provide additional heat when the main heat pump system 200 is unable to meet the demand or requires additional heating.

[0082] The electric auxiliary heating device 300 is disposed at a flow path between the second heat exchange channel of the first heat exchange device 220 and the spray assembly 112, in such a manner that the electric auxiliary heating device 300 can be activated when the heat pump system 200 fails to meet the demand during the washing stage. The electric auxiliary heating device 300 may further be disposed in the internal circulation air channel 102, in such a manner that the electric auxiliary heating device 300 can also be activated when the heat pump system 200 fails to meet the demand during the drying stage. It should be understood that, each of the internal circulation air channel 102 and a flow path between the housing 232 and the spray assembly 112 is provided with the electric auxiliary heating device 300, or an electric auxiliary heating device 300 can be heated accordingly during both the washing stage and the drying stage.

[0083] Exemplarily, the electric auxiliary heating device 300 usually comprises an electric heating element, a control element, and a protection element.

[0084] The heating element is usually a heating wire, a heating tube, or a heating plate, and is a key component for converting electric energy into thermal energy. The control element is configured to control the heating power and operating state of the electric heating element, and usually comprises a temperature sensor and a temperature controller. This temperature controller is usually integrated with other control elements into a control device. The protection element is configured to ensure safe operation of the electric auxiliary heating device 300 and prevent overheating or circuit failure, and usually comprises an overheating protector and a leakage protector.

[0085] When the heating system requires additional heating, the control device receives a signal and enables the electric heating element to heat up. The electric heating element generates the thermal energy under the action of a current, and transfers the thermal energy to the surrounding fluid (usually the water or air). The temperature sensor monitors the fluid temperature and feeds the information back to the control device. The control element adjusts the heating power of the electric heating element according to the feedback information of the temperature sensor to maintain the fluid temperature within a predetermined range. If the temperature is too high or a fault occurs, the protection device automatically disconnects the power supply, ensuring the safe operation.

[0086] Based on the structure of the above dishwasher 10, the present invention also provides a control method for a dishwasher. The method comprises the following operations at blocks.

[0087] At block S10, washing water temperature is obtained when continuous operation duration of the heat pump system 200 is less than a duration threshold during a washing process.

[0088] At block S20, whether the washing water temperature is lower than target temperature is determined, and in response to the determination that the washing water temperature is lower than the target temperature, the heat pump system 200 is controlled to maintain continuous operation, and the washing water temperature is continued to obtain.

[0089] At block S30, whether the washing water temperature is higher than or equal to the target temperature is determined, and the heat pump system 200 is controlled to stop operation, in response to the determination that the washing water temperature is higher than or equal to the target temperature.

[0090] It should be understood that, the dishwasher 10 may passively or actively initiate the washing process. Subsequent to initiating the washing process, the dishwasher 10 activates the heat pump system 200. When the heat pump system 200 is activated, the compression device 210 is controlled to activate, and the heat pump system operates according to operation parameters. The operation parameters are fixed predetermined values. Subsequent to controlling the heat pump system 200 to activate, the heat pump system 200 can directly operate according to the operation parameters, which simplifies activating operation of the heat pump system 200 and improves an activating efficiency of the heat pump system 200. For example, the operation parameters may be the rotational speed of the fan, the rotational speed of the compression device 210, or the like.

[0091] In an alternative scheme, the operation parameters of the heat pump system 200 can be determined based on an indoor ambient temperature and / or the washing water temperature. The indoor ambient temperature and the washing water temperature are directly proportional to the operation parameters. The operation parameters increase as the indoor ambient temperature or the washing water temperature becomes lower, improving the heating efficiency of the washing water. For example, the operation parameters corresponding to different indoor ambient temperatures and / or washing water temperatures can be set in advance, and the indoor ambient temperatures and / or the washing water temperatures are stored in association with the corresponding operation parameters, in such a manner that the current indoor ambient temperature and / or the washing water temperature can be detected before or while the heat pump system 200 is activated. In this way, the associated operation parameters are determined according to the current indoor ambient temperature and / or washing water temperature, and the heat pump system 200 operates according to the operation parameters.

[0092] Optionally, the washing process can be initiated automatically or remotely based on network communication. For example, a initiating duration of the washing process can be preset, in such a manner that the dishwasher 10 automatically initiates the washing process when the initiating duration is reached. It is also possible to establish remote communication connection with the dishwasher 10 in advance. A initiating instruction can be transmitted to the dishwasher 10 based on the remote communication connection, and when the dishwasher 10 receives the initiating instruction, the washing process can be initiated. Alternatively, in some variant embodiments, a surface of the tableware in the washing chamber 101 can also be detected, and the washing process can be automatically initiated if the surface of the tableware meets an automatic initiating condition of the washing process. The automatic initiating condition may be that there are stains on the surface of the bowl, such as food residue on the surface of the bowl.

[0093] In this embodiment, subsequent to starting the washing process, the continuous operation duration of the heat pump system 200 can be detected in real time or at a fixed time during the washing process, and then whether the continuous operation duration is less than the duration threshold can be determined. For example, a timer can be set. When the washing process is started, the timer can be controlled to start and reset to allow the timer to start timing from zero, and a timing value of the timer, which is the continuous operation duration of the heat pump system 200, can be acquired in real time or at the fixed time. The timing value is compared with the duration threshold to determine a comparison result. Also, when the washing process is started, a network time, which is a start operation duration of the heat pump system 200, can be obtained through the Internet, and the network time, which is the current operation duration of the heat pump system 200, can be obtained through the Internet again in real time or at a fixed time. Since a difference between the current operation duration and the start operation duration is the continuous operation duration of the heat pump system 200, the continuous operation duration is compared with the duration threshold to determine the comparison result. The comparison result is the result of whether the continuous operation duration is less than the duration threshold.

[0094] Optionally, the duration threshold is determined according to a preheating duration of the heat pump system 200. The preheating duration refers to the duration for the heat pump system 200 to reach a stable operating state from activating. During the preheating duration, the heat pump system 200 needs to consume additional energy to heat cooled components, such as the compression device 210 and the heat exchange device. In this case, a heating speed of the heat pump system 200 is typically low. However, the low heating speed of the heat pump system 200 during the preheating duration does not mean that the heating efficiency of the heat pump system 200 in the operating state is also decreased. Once the heat pump system 200 reaches the stable operating state, its heating efficiency can usually be maintained at a high level. Therefore, if the washing water temperature is obtained when the continuous operation duration of the heat pump system 200 is less than the duration threshold, a problem of high power consumption caused by long-term operation of the dishwasher 10 can be reduced.

[0095] In an alternative scheme, the preheating duration can be determined according to the operation parameters of the heat pump system 200. The operation parameters affect the energy efficiency of the heat pump system 200. The heat pump system 200 with high energy efficiency requires a shorter preheating duration, while the heat pump system 200 with low energy efficiency requires a longer preheating duration to achieve a stable operating state. Therefore, determining the preheating time according to the operating parameters of the heat pump system 200 can avoid the preheating time being too long or too short, avoiding a problem that the heat pump system 200 operates for a long time. The preheating duration can also be determined according to the indoor ambient temperature. Too low indoor ambient temperature affects the heating efficiency of the heat pump system 200, requiring a longer preheating duration to achieve the stable operating state. Therefore, determining the preheating duration according to the indoor ambient temperature can also avoid the problem that the heat pump system 200 operates for a long time.

[0096] In a feasible implementation, the washing water temperature can be obtained by the temperature sensor. One or more temperature sensors may be provided, and may be disposed at a same position or at different positions at a flow path between a hot water heat exchanger and the spray assembly 141. For example, the temperature sensor may be disposed at the water inlet of the water pump 143 or the water outlet of the spray assembly 141. The temperature sensor may also be disposed in the water collection tank. If the plurality of temperature sensors are provided, an average value of temperatures collected by the plurality of temperature sensors can be obtained as the washing water temperature, or an median value of the temperatures collected by the plurality of temperature sensors can be used as the washing water temperature, or a maximum temperature or a minimum temperature collected by the plurality of temperature sensors can be used as the washing water temperature.

[0097] Further, in this embodiment, the target temperature is an optimum washing temperature of the washing water. At this target temperature, an activity of the detergent can be fully activated, and grease adhered to the tableware can be fully dissolved, improving the washing effect. The target temperature may be set to 40 °C to 70 °C.

[0098] In an alternative embodiment, if the washing water temperature is lower than the target temperature, it indicates that the washing water needs to be continuously heated, in such a manner that the heat pump system 200 can be controlled to operate continuously, and the washing water temperature can be continuously obtained until the washing water temperature is higher than or equal to the target temperature. If the washing water temperature is higher than or equal to the target temperature, it indicates that the washing water has been heated to the optimum washing temperature, in such a manner that the heat pump system 200 is controlled to stop operation, reducing the energy consumption of the heat pump system 200.

[0099] Optionally, the washing water temperature can be differentiated from an inlet water temperature, and the difference can be divided by the continuous operation duration of the heat pump system 200, obtaining the heating speed of the heat pump system 200. The inlet water temperature may be an initial temperature of the washing water. The heating speed of the heat pump system 200 can be expressed as: V = (S2-S1) / t.

[0100] In the above formula, V represents the current heating speed of the heat pump system 200, S1 represents the inlet water temperature, S2 represents the washing water temperature, and t represents the continuous operation duration of the heat pump system 200. It should be understood that, during the washing process, the step of obtaining the washing water temperature is continuously executed.

[0101] It can be seen that, this solution can control the washing water to the optimum washing temperature, to reduce the energy consumption of the dishwasher 10.

[0102] In an embodiment, the control method further comprises: during the washing process, determining whether the continuous operation duration of the heat pump system 200 is greater than or equal to the duration threshold, and controlling the heat pump system 200 to stop operation in response to the determination that the continuous operation duration of the heat pump system 200 is greater than or equal to the duration threshold.

[0103] It should be understood that, if the continuous operation duration of the heat pump system 200 is greater than or equal to the duration threshold, it indicates that the heat pump system 200 has operated for a predetermined duration, and the operation duration of the heat pump system 200 has been completed. That is, the washing and heating stage of the heat pump system 200 has been completed. Therefore, the heat pump system 200 is controlled to stop operation and enters a standby state, which is beneficial to reducing the energy consumption of the heat pump system 200.

[0104] Subsequent to completing the washing process, the drying process is initiated. In this embodiment, subsequent to completing the washing process, the drying process is automatically initiated, or the drying process is manually initiated by the user. When the drying process is initiated, the heat pump system 200 is activated, the compression device 210 is activated, the fourth fan 242 is operated, and the second fan 252 is deactivated. The scheme is that the dishwasher 10 operates based on internal circulation of the air. That is, during the drying process of the dishwasher 10, since the fourth fan 242 is disposed in the internal circulation air channel, the fourth fan 242 is in communication with the outlet of the internal circulation air channel at the air outlet side of the fourth fan 242. In this way, in the drying mode or the drying stage, the high-temperature and high-humidity air of the dishwasher 10 enters the internal circulation air channel 102 from the air inlet 102a, passes through the air cooling device 260 to cool and dehumidify, passes through the air heating device 240 to heat, and blows from the air outlet 102b into the washing chamber 101 to heat and dry the tableware in the washing chamber 101.

[0105] At block S50, cavity temperature in the washing chamber 101 is obtained, and target drying duration is determined based on the cavity temperature. In this embodiment, the cavity temperature can be collected and obtained by the temperature sensor, and the temperature sensor can be disposed in the washing chamber 101. A temperature interval within which the cavity temperature falls may be determined, and drying duration associated with the temperature interval may be set as target drying duration; or, the target drying duration corresponding to the cavity temperature is determined based on a pre-stored mapping relationship; or, the cavity temperature is inputted to a predetermined heat pump model and the target drying duration is determined. A total target drying duration may be 10 minutes to 50 minutes.

[0106] In a feasible implementation, the drying duration of the tableware may be detected in advance at the cavity temperatures in different temperature intervals. The drying duration is the lowest drying duration, and the temperature interval is stored in association with the drying duration. Therefore, subsequent to obtaining the cavity temperature, the temperature interval within which the indoor ambient temperature falls is determined, and the drying duration associated with the temperature interval is set as the target drying duration. Specifically, the temperature interval and the drying duration can be stored in a mapping table, and subsequent to obtaining the cavity temperature, the temperature interval within which the cavity temperature falls can be searched in the mapping table through the cavity temperature, in such a manner that the drying duration associated with the temperature interval can be set as the target drying duration.

[0107] Optionally, the temperature interval may comprise a first temperature interval, a second temperature interval, and a third temperature interval. The first temperature interval corresponds to a first drying duration, the second temperature interval corresponds to a second drying duration, and the third temperature interval corresponds to a third drying duration. Specifically, the first temperature interval may be set to (∞, 30], the first drying duration may be set to 10 minutes to 20 minutes, the second temperature interval may be set to (30, 50), the second drying duration may be set to 10 minutes to 20 minutes, the third temperature interval may be set to [50, ∞), and the third drying duration may be set to 10 minutes to 20 minutes.

[0108] In another feasible implementation, the drying duration corresponding to the cavity temperature is determined according to the pre-stored mapping relationship. Specifically, the pre-stored mapping relationship may be a functional relationship expression or a curve, and the target drying duration corresponding to the cavity temperature is obtained by substituting the cavity temperature into the functional relationship expression or the curve.

[0109] In yet another feasible implementation, the operation parameters of the heat pump system 200 at different cavity temperatures can be detected in advance, the minimum drying duration corresponding to different cavity temperatures and operation parameters can be determined according to the operation parameters and the cavity temperature modeling, and a heat pump model can be generated. Also, the cavity temperature can be substituted into the heat pump model subsequent to obtaining the cavity temperature, to determine the target drying duration corresponding to the cavity temperature. The heat pump model may be a linear regression model or other models.

[0110] In yet another feasible implementation, cavity humidity in the washing chamber 101 can be obtained, and the target drying duration is determined based on the cavity humidity. The cavity humidity can be collected and obtained by a humidity sensor, and the humidity sensor can be disposed in the washing chamber 101. Specifically, for how to determine the target drying duration according to the cavity humidity, reference can be made to the embodiment of determining the target drying duration according to the cavity temperature, and thus details thereof are omitted here.

[0111] At block S60, whether cumulative drying duration is greater than or equal to the target drying duration is determined, and the heat pump system 200 is controlled to stop operation, in response to the determination that the cumulative drying duration is greater than or equal to the target drying duration.

[0112] In this embodiment, when the cumulative drying duration is greater than or equal to the target drying duration, the heat pump system 200 is controlled to stop operation, and the drying ends.

[0113] In a feasible implementation, the cavity temperature of the washing chamber 101 can be continuously obtained during the drying process. When the cavity temperature is higher than or equal to a predetermined cavity temperature threshold, the heat pump system 200 can be controlled to enter the standby state to prevent excessively high cavity temperature from causing loss of the dishwasher 10. When the cavity temperature is less than the predetermined cavity temperature threshold, the heat pump system 200 can be controlled to continue to operate.

[0114] In a feasible implementation, if the cumulative drying duration is greater than or equal to the target drying duration, the cavity humidity in the washing chamber 101 can be obtained. When the cavity humidity is greater than or equal to the predetermined humidity threshold, it indicates that the tableware has been dried, in such a manner that the heat pump system 200 is controlled to stop operation and the drying ends. When the cavity humidity is less than the predetermined humidity threshold, drying may continue for the predetermined drying duration, and / or prompt information can be output. Subsequent to continuing drying for the predetermined drying duration, the heat pump system 200 is controlled to stop operation, and the drying ends. The prompt information may be emitted by beeping and / or lighting. The predetermined drying duration may be limited to 10 minutes or 15 minutes.

[0115] In another feasible implementation, when the cavity humidity is less than the predetermined humidity threshold, the prompt information is output. If a confirmation instruction to continue drying corresponding to the prompt information is received within the predetermined duration, drying is continued for the predetermined drying duration. Subsequent to continuing drying for the predetermined drying duration, the heat pump system 200 is controlled to stop operation and the drying ends. If the confirmation instruction to continue drying corresponding to the prompt information is not received within the predetermined duration, the heat pump system 200 is controlled to stop operation, and the drying ends.

[0116] In an embodiment, to accelerate the washing process and the drying process and improve the heat exchange efficiency in the heat pump system, the second heat exchange device 250 comprises the second fan 252, and the air heating device 240 comprises the fourth fan 242. The control method further comprises: when the washing process is initiated, controlling the compression device 210 to activate, the second fan 252 to activate, and the fourth fan 242 to deactivate; and when the drying process is initiated, controlling the compression device 210 to activate, the fourth fan 242 to operate, and the second fan 252 to deactivate.

[0117] Generally, during the washing process and drying process of the dishwasher, the compression device 210 is activated. During the washing process, the second fan 252 is always activated, but the fourth fan 242 is deactivated. During the drying process, the fourth fan 242 is activated, but the second fan 252 is deactivated.

[0118] In the technical solution provided by this embodiment, subsequent to completing the washing process, the drying process is initiated, and the cavity temperature in the washing chamber 101 is obtained to further determine the target drying duration according to the cavity temperature. When the cumulative drying duration is greater than or equal to the target drying duration, the heat pump system 200 is controlled to stop operation. In the present invention, the target drying duration is reasonably set according to the cavity temperature, which can reduce the energy consumption of the dishwasher 10.

[0119] Although some exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Within the concept of the present invention, any equivalent structure transformation made using the contents of the specification and the accompanying drawings, or any direct or indirect application of the contents of the specification and the accompanying drawings in other related fields, shall equally fall within the scope of the present invention.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0034]Technical solutions according to embodiments of the present invention will be described clearly and completely below in combination with accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described below are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all embodiments of the present invention. On a basis of the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0035]It should be noted that if there are directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, rear, etc.) involved in the embodiments of the present invention, the directional indications are only used to explain relative positions between various components, movements of various components, or the like under a predetermined posture. When the predetermined posture changes, the directional indications also change...

FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of dishwasher technologies, and more particularly, to a dishwasher and a control method thereof.BACKGROUND

[0002] In the related prior art, after a dishwasher finishes cleaning a tableware, residual heat and moisture may remain on the tableware. If the tableware is not dried in time, the moisture can cause bacteria and mold to breed on the tableware. Therefore, it is necessary to enter a drying mode. However, in the related art, in order to switch between washing and drying modes or stages, an existing heat pump dishwasher usually needs to be provided with a plurality of control valves, resulting in a complex a piping structure of the heat pump system of the dishwasher.SUMMARY

[0003] A main objective of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher, aiming at simplifying a piping structure of a heat pump system of the dishwasher.

[0004] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides the dishwasher. The dishwasher comprises: a main body having a washing chamber, an internal circulation air channel, and a spray system, the internal circulation air channel having an air inlet and an air outlet that are both in communication with the washing chamber, and the spray system being configured to spray washing water to the washing chamber to wash tableware placed in the washing chamber; and a heat pump system comprising a compression device, a first heat exchange device, a second heat exchange device, an air cooling device, and an air heating device, in which the first heat exchange device has a first heat exchange channel and a second heat exchange channel that are arranged for heat exchange with each other, and the compression device, the first heat exchange channel of the first heat exchange device, the air heating device, the air cooling device, and the second heat exchange device are sequentially connected to form a circulation heat exchange loop. The second heat exchange channel is in communication with the spray system. Media in the first heat exchange channel and media in the second heat exchange channel exchange heat with each other to produce hot water for the spray system. The air cooling device and the air heating device are sequentially arranged in the internal circulation air channel in a direction from the air inlet to the air outlet.

[0005] In an embodiment, the first heat exchange device may comprise an outer tube and an inner tube. The inner tube may define the first heat exchange channel, and the second heat exchange channel may be formed between the outer tube and the inner tube.

[0006] In an embodiment, the inner tube may define the second heat exchange channel, and the first heat exchange channel may be formed between the outer tube and the inner tube.

[0007] In an embodiment, the first heat exchange device may comprise a housing and a first heat exchange member disposed in the housing.

[0008] In an embodiment, the first heat exchange member may define the first heat exchange channel.

[0009] In an embodiment, the second heat exchange channel may be formed between the housing and the first heat exchange member.

[0010] In an embodiment, the heat pump system may comprise a first throttling device. The first throttling device may be disposed at a flow path between the first heat exchange device and the second heat exchange device.

[0011] In an embodiment, the heat pump system may comprise a second throttling device. The second throttling device may be disposed at a flow path between the air heating device and the air cooling device.

[0012] In an embodiment, the second heat exchange device may comprise a second heat exchange member and a second fan. The second fan may be configured to supply air to the second heat exchange member.

[0013] In an embodiment, the air cooling device may comprise a third heat exchange member and a third fan. The third fan may be configured to supply air to the third heat exchange member.

[0014] In an embodiment, the air heating device may comprise a fourth heat exchange member and a fourth fan. The fourth fan may be configured to supply air to the fourth heat exchange member.

[0015] In an embodiment, the second heat exchange member, the third heat exchange member, and the fourth heat exchange member each may have heat exchange channels for media circulation.

[0016] In an embodiment, the main body may comprise a shell. The shell may comprise an outer shell and a tub disposed in the outer shell. The internal circulation air channel may be formed between the outer shell and the tub.

[0017] In an embodiment, the outer shell may have an exhaust vent. The second fan may be in communication with the exhaust vent at an air outlet side of the second fan.

[0018] In an embodiment, the shell may comprise a door body. The outer shell may have a first opening. The tub may have a second opening at a position corresponding to the first opening. The door body may be disposed at the outer shell and configured to expose or cover the first opening and the second opening.

[0019] In an embodiment, when the door body covers the first opening and the second opening, the tub and the door body enclose to form the washing chamber.

[0020] In an embodiment, the exhaust vent and the first opening may be formed at a same side of the outer shell.

[0021] In an embodiment, the dishwasher may comprise a control assembly. The control assembly may be configured to control operation of the second fan during a washing stage and to control operation of the third fan and / or the fourth fan during a drying stage.

[0022] In an embodiment, the spray system may comprise a water collection tank, a water pump, and a spray assembly. The spray assembly may be disposed at the washing chamber and configured to spray the washing water to the washing chamber. The water collection tank may be in communication with the second heat exchange channel. The second heat exchange channel may be in communication with the spray assembly through a pipeline. The water pump may be disposed at a connection pipeline between the second heat exchange channel and the spray assembly.

[0023] In an embodiment, the dishwasher further may comprise an electric auxiliary heating device. The electric auxiliary heating device may be disposed at a flow path between the second heat exchange channel of the first heat exchange device and the spray assembly.

[0024] In an embodiment, the electric auxiliary heating device may be disposed in the internal circulation air channel.

[0025] The present invention also provides a control method for a dishwasher applied to the dishwasher described in any one of the above-described claims. The method comprises: obtaining washing water temperature when continuous operation duration of the heat pump system is less than a duration threshold during a washing process; determining whether the washing water temperature is lower than target temperature; in response to the determination that the washing water temperature is lower than the target temperature, controlling the heat pump system to maintain continuous operation, and continue to obtain the washing water temperature; determining whether the washing water temperature is higher than or equal to the target temperature; and controlling the heat pump system to stop operation, in response to the determination that the washing water temperature is higher than or equal to the target temperature.

[0026] In an embodiment, the control method may further comprise: during the washing process, determining whether the continuous operation duration of the heat pump system is greater than or equal to the duration threshold, and controlling the heat pump system to stop operation in response to the determination that the continuous operation duration of the heat pump system is greater than or equal to the duration threshold.

[0027] In an embodiment, the control method may further comprise: initiating a drying process subsequent to completing the washing process; obtaining cavity temperature in the washing chamber, and determining target drying duration based on the cavity temperature; determining whether cumulative drying duration is greater than or equal to the target drying duration; and controlling the heat pump system to stop operation, in response to the determination that the cumulative drying duration is greater than or equal to the target drying duration.

[0028] In an embodiment, said determining the target drying duration based on the cavity temperature may comprise: determining a temperature interval within which the cavity temperature falls, and setting drying duration associated with the temperature interval as the target drying duration; determining the target drying duration corresponding to the cavity temperature based on a pre-stored mapping relationship; and inputting the cavity temperature to a predetermined heat pump model and determining the target drying duration.

[0029] In an embodiment, the second heat exchange device may comprise a second fan, and the air heating device may comprise a fourth fan. The control method may further comprise: when the washing process is initiated, controlling the compression device to activate, the second fan to activate, and the fourth fan to deactivate; and when the drying process is initiated, controlling the compression device to activate, the fourth fan to operate, and the second fan to deactivate.

[0030] In the technical solutions of the present invention, the compression device, the first heat exchange channel of the first heat exchange device, the air heating device, the air cooling device, and the second heat exchange device are sequentially connected to form the circulation heat exchange loop, in such a manner that the circulation heat exchange loop of the heat pump system of the dishwasher can have washing and drying modes or stages simultaneously without other switching devices, simplifying pipeline structures of the heat pump system of the dishwasher.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] To clearly explain embodiments of the present invention or technical solutions of the related art, drawings used in the description of the present invention and existing technologies are briefly described below. Obviously, the drawings as described below are merely some embodiments of the present invention. Based on structures shown in these drawings, other drawings can be obtained by those skilled in the art without paying creative efforts. FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of a dishwasher provided by the present invention.

[0032] Description of reference numerals of the accompanying drawings: 10, dishwasher; 100, main body; 101, washing chamber; 102, internal circulation air channel; 102a, air inlet; 102b, air outlet; 110, spray system; 111, water pump; 112, spray assembly; 200, heat pump system; 210, compression device; 230, first heat exchange device; 231, first heat exchange member; 232, housing; 240, air heating device, 241, fourth heat exchange member; 242, fourth fan; 250, second heat exchange device; 251, second heat exchange member; 252, second fan; 260, air cooling device; 261, third heat exchange member; 262, third fan; 270, first throttling device; 280, second throttling device; 300, electric auxiliary heating device.

[0033] Implementations of the objects, functional features, and advantages of the present invention will be further described in connection with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Technical solutions according to embodiments of the present invention will be described clearly and completely below in combination with accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described below are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all embodiments of the present invention. On a basis of the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0035] It should be noted that if there are directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, rear, etc.) involved in the embodiments of the present invention, the directional indications are only used to explain relative positions between various components, movements of various components, or the like under a predetermined posture. When the predetermined posture changes, the directional indications also change accordingly.

[0036] In addition, in the embodiments of the present invention, if there are descriptions associated with "first", "second", or the like involved in the embodiments of the present invention, the descriptions associated with "first", "second", or the like are only used for descriptive purposes, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, the features associated with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly comprise at least one of the features. In addition, if "and / or" or "and / or" appears throughout, the meaning thereof comprises three parallel schemes, and taking "A and / or B" as an example, it comprises scheme A, scheme B, or scheme in which both A and B are satisfied. Further, combinations can be performed on the technical solutions according to various embodiments, but these combinations must be based on the fact that they can be realized by those skilled in the art. When a combination of the technical solutions is contradictory or unattainable, the combination of the technical solutions neither exists nor falls within the protection scope of the appended claims of the present invention.

[0037] The present invention provides a dishwasher, aiming at improving washing and drying efficiency of the dishwasher. For ease of understanding and explanation, in FIG. 1 of the specification of the present invention, solid arrows indicate spaces, slots, or holes. The dishwasher can be used for household and commercial purposes, and the advantages are more obvious when used for commercial purposes.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 1, in an embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher 10 comprises a main body 100 and a heat pump system 200. The main body 100 has a washing chamber 101, an internal circulation air channel 102, and a spray system 110. The internal circulation air channel 102 has an air inlet 102a and an air outlet 102b that are both in communication with the washing chamber 101. The spray system 110 is configured to spray washing water to the washing chamber 101. The heat pump system 200 comprises a compression device 210, a first heat exchange device 230, a second heat exchange device 250, an air cooling device 260, and an air heating device 240. The first heat exchange device 230 has a first heat exchange channel and a second heat exchange channel that are arranged for heat exchange with each other. The compression device 210, the first heat exchange channel of the first heat exchange device 230, the air heating device 240, the air cooling device 260, and the second heat exchange device 250 are sequentially connected to form a circulation heat exchange loop. The second heat exchange channel is in communication with the spray system 110. Media in the first heat exchange channel and media in the second heat exchange channel exchange heat with each other to produce hot water for the spray system 110. The air cooling device 260 and the air heating device 240 are sequentially arranged in the internal circulation air channel 102 in a direction from the air inlet 102a to the air outlet 102b.

[0039] In the technical solutions of the present invention, the compression device 210, the first heat exchange channel of the first heat exchange device 230, the air heating device 240, the air cooling device 260, and the second heat exchange device 250 are sequentially connected to form the circulation heat exchange loop, in such a manner that the circulation heat exchange loop of the heat pump system 200 of the dishwasher 10 can have washing and drying modes or stages simultaneously without other switching devices, simplifying pipeline structures of the heat pump system 200 of the dishwasher 10.

[0040] A specific structure of the dishwasher 10 is described in detail below.

[0041] The main body 100 usually comprises a shell and the spray system 110. The shell defines the washing chamber 101 and the internal circulation air channel 102. The washing chamber 101 is configured to place the tableware. The shell usually comprises an outer shell, a tub, and a door body. The outer shell has a first opening. The tub has a second opening at a position corresponding to the first opening. The door body is disposed at the outer shell and configured to expose or cover the first opening and the second opening. When the door body covers the first opening and the second opening, the tub and the door body enclose to form the washing chamber 101. The internal circulation air channel 102 is formed between the outer shell and the tub. The internal circulation air channel 102 has the air inlet 102a and the air outlet 102b that are both in communication with the washing chamber 101. In some embodiments, the dishwasher 10 may be composed of the door body and the tub integrated together.

[0042] For the spray system 110, the spray system 110 is configured to spray the washing water to the washing chamber 101 to wash the tableware placed in the washing chamber 101. The spray system 110 usually comprises a water pump 111, a spray assembly 112, a water pipe, a pipeline system, a controller of the spray system 110, a filter, a water level sensor, and a drainage device.

[0043] For the spray system 110, the spray system 110 comprises a water collection tank 113, the water pump 111, and the spray assembly 112. The spray assembly 112 is disposed at the washing chamber 101 and configured to spray the washing water to the washing chamber 101. The water collection tank 113 is in communication with the second heat exchange channel. The second heat exchange channel is in communication with the spray assembly 112 through a pipeline. The water pump 111 is disposed at a connection pipeline between the second heat exchange channel and the spray assembly 112.

[0044] The spray system 110 usually also comprises the water pipe, the pipeline system, the controller of the spray system 110, the filter, the water level sensor, and the drainage device. The water pump 111 is one of key components of the spray system 110 of the dishwasher 10, and is responsible for delivering detergent and water from a storage tank 232 to spray arms or nozzles. The water pump 111 is usually driven by an electric motor and generates sufficient water pressure and flow to ensure a washing effect. The spray assembly 112 is usually the spray arms or the nozzles, and is an outlet for spray of the liquid in the spray system 110 of the dishwasher 10. They are usually located inside the dishwasher 10 and spray the detergent and water uniformly on surfaces of dishes, tableware, etc. by means of rotated or directional sprays for thorough cleaning. The water pipe and pipeline system are responsible for delivering the water from the water pump 111 to the spray arm or nozzle and ensuring that the water flows smoothly to a target area. These pipes are usually made of corrosion-resistant materials, such as stainless steel or plastic. The controller of the spray system 110 is configured to control parameters such as start and stop, a spray duration, and a spray mode of the spray system 110, and is usually part of an electronic control panel of the dishwasher 10. A user can set the corresponding parameters through buttons or touch screens on the panel. The filter is configured to perform filtering on impurities and residues in the washing water, preventing nozzles or pipes of the spray system 110 from being blocked. In this way, this helps to maintain normal operation and cleaning effect of the spray system 110. The water level sensor is configured to monitor a water level inside the dishwasher 10, ensuring that the water pump 111 operates at the correct water level to prevent the water level from being too high or too low during drying. The drainage device is configured to discharge the sewage generated during a dishwashing process out of the dishwasher 10 to maintain a clean environment. The drainage device usually comprises components such as a drainage pipe, a drainage pump 111, and a drainage filter.

[0045] The heat pump system 200 comprises the compression device 210, the first heat exchange device 230, the second heat exchange device 250, the air cooling device 260, and the air heating device 240. The first heat exchange device 230 has the first heat exchange channel and the second heat exchange channel that are arranged for heat exchange with each other. The compression device 210, the first heat exchange channel of the first heat exchange device 230, the air heating device 240, the air cooling device 260, and the second heat exchange device 250 are sequentially connected to form the circulation heat exchange loop. The second heat exchange channel is in communication with the spray system 110. The media in the first heat exchange channel and the media in the second heat exchange channel exchange heat with each other to produce the hot water for the spray system 110. The air cooling device 260 and the air heating device 240 are sequentially arranged in the internal circulation air channel 102 in the direction from the air inlet 102a to the air outlet 102b.

[0046] For the compression device 210, a main function of the compression device 210 is to compress a low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant into a high-temperature and highpressure refrigerant to realize a refrigeration cycle. Its operating principle is that the compression device 210 sucks the refrigerant from a suction port and compresses the refrigerant to the exhaust port for discharge through the internal reciprocating motion or rotating motion inside the compression device 210. During this process, the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant increases to achieve an effect of cooling or heating.

[0047] For the first heat exchange device 230, the first heat exchange device 230 has the first heat exchange channel and the second heat exchange channel. The first heat exchange channel is used for the refrigerant such as a refrigerant that can be compressed by the compression device 210, and the second heat exchange channel is in communication with the spray system 110.

[0048] In this embodiment, the first heat exchange device 230 may be a double-pipe heat exchanger, a plate heat exchanger, a spiral heat exchanger, a spiral plate heat exchanger, or the like.

[0049] The double-pipe heat exchanger consists of a tube bundle (inner tube) and a casing. A heat transfer medium (typically liquid or vapor) passes through the tube bundle to transfer heat to another medium (which may be a liquid, gas, or vapor, in this embodiment, the liquid) and flows around the tube bundle in the casing. In this case, the inner tube defines the first heat exchange channel, and the second heat exchange channel is formed between the casing and the inner tube; or the inner tube defines the second heat exchange channel, and the first heat exchange channel is formed between the casing and the inner tube. Preferably, the inner tube defines the first heat exchange channel, and the second heat exchange channel is formed between the inner tube and the casing.

[0050] The plate heat exchanger is composed of a plurality of plates with gaps between the plates, through which the first heat exchange channel and the second heat exchange channel can be formed to allow heat transfer between the two flowing media. Advantages of the plate heat exchanger comprise compact design, efficient heat transfer, easy maintenance and cleaning.

[0051] The spiral plate heat exchanger realizes efficient heat transfer through multi-layer spiral plate structure. This heat exchanger combines the advantages of the plate heat exchanger and the double-pipe heat exchanger.

[0052] For the spiral heat exchanger, the spiral heat exchanger can effectively transfer the heat of one medium to another medium through a spiral pipe structure. The above two media usually refer to the refrigerant, air, or water.

[0053] In an exemplary embodiment, the first heat exchange device 230 comprises a housing 232 and a first heat exchange member 231 disposed in the housing 232. The first heat exchange channel is disposed in the first heat exchange member 231, and the second heat exchange channel is disposed in the housing 232. The housing 232 is configured to temporarily store washing water to be heated. During the washing mode, the first heat exchange member 231 is located in the water, heating the water in the housing 232. When the spiral plate heat exchanger is selected as the first heat exchange device 231, the heating efficiency is better. The spiral plate heat exchanger is similar to the plate heat exchanger, and the design of the spiral plate heat exchanger allows it to perform heat exchange operation in the water. Selecting the spiral plate heat exchanger enables this embodiment to have higher heat exchange efficiency and smaller volume.

[0054] In another exemplary embodiment, the first heat exchange device 230 comprises an outer tube and an inner tube. The inner tube defines the first heat exchange channel, and the second heat exchange channel is formed between the outer tube and the inner tube; or the inner tube defines the second heat exchange channel, and the first heat exchange channel is formed between the outer tube and the inner tube.

[0055] For the second heat exchange device 250, in this embodiment, the second heat exchange device 250 may be a finned heat exchanger having heat dissipation fins or heat dissipation channels. The second heat exchange device 250 takes heat away from heat media by a fan or natural convection, and releases the heat into the surrounding air. For example, the second heat exchange device 250 may be the spiral plate heat exchanger. Alternatively, the second heat exchange device 250 comprises a second heat exchange member and a liquid storage device containing the cold storage liquid. The second heat exchange member is disposed in the liquid storage device. The second heat exchange device may be partially immersed in the cold storage liquid, or may be completely immersed in the cold storage liquid. Preferably, the second heat exchange device is completely immersed in the cold storage liquid.

[0056] For the air cooling device 260 and the air heating device 240, the air cooling device 260 and the air heating device 240 are sequentially arranged in the internal circulation air channel 102 in the direction from the air inlet 102a to the air outlet 102b. In this way, during the drying mode or the drying stage, the high-temperature and high-humidity air of the dishwasher 10 enters the internal circulation air channel 102 from the air inlet 102a, is cooled and dehumidified by the air cooling device 260, is heated by the air heating device 240, and is blown into the washing chamber 101 from the air outlet 102b.

[0057] The air cooling device 260 is mainly configured to transfer heat in the heat media (such as water, engine oil, refrigerant) to the surrounding air to realize cooling. This heat exchanger usually comprises the heat dissipation fins or heat dissipation channels, and takes heat away from the heat media by the fan or natural convection, and releases the heat into the surrounding air. In this embodiment, the air cooling device 260 may also be an air spiral heat exchanger. The air spiral heat exchanger combines the design of the spiral heat exchanger and the function of the air heat exchanger, and exchanges heat with the air through the spiral pipe structure.

[0058] In this embodiment, the air heating device 240 and the air cooling device 260 have the same structure, but are different in positions, in such a manner that the difference between cooling and heating is realized, which is not described in detail here.

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment, the air cooling device 260 comprises a third heat exchange member 261 and a third fan 262 configured to supply air to the third heat exchange member 261. The air heating device 240 comprises a fourth heat exchange member 241 and a fourth fan 242 configured to supply air to the fourth heat exchange member 241. The second heat exchange member 251, the third heat exchange member 261, and the fourth heat exchange member 241 each have the heat exchange channel for medium circulation. By disposing the third fan 262 and the fourth fan 242, the heat exchange efficiency of the second heat exchange device 250 and the air heating device 240 can be accelerated.

[0060] It should be understood that, when the dishwasher 10 is provided, the dishwasher 10 usually also comprises a tableware shelf, a water collection tank, and the like, or may also comprise some other auxiliary components, such as a warm-box, a tableware support, a filter, and the like, to ensure the normal operation of the dishwasher 10 and the convenience of maintenance of the dishwasher 10, which is not described in detail here.

[0061] In the actual operation process, the heat pump system 200 comprises a throttling device. The functions of the throttling device are mainly as follows.

[0062] A refrigerant flow rate is regulated: the throttling device can throttle and depressurize the high pressure liquid from the air heating device 240 to the low pressure liquid, and simultaneously regulate the refrigerant flow rate into an evaporator to ensure that the refrigerant flow rate in the heat pump system 200 is within a reasonable range.

[0063] The difficulty of heat exchange is reduced: for example, during a heat exchange process, the throttling device can enable the refrigerant liquid to flow through a small hole, to form a local contraction, increasing the flow rate and reducing the static pressure. This pressure difference makes the refrigerant easier to evaporate in the evaporator, reducing the difficulty of heat exchange and improving the efficiency of heat exchange.

[0064] The temperature control is realized: the throttling device can also serve as an important part of the temperature control. When the system requires a cooler temperature, the refrigerant flow rate can be reduced by the throttling device, reducing the evaporation temperature. Conversely, when the system requires a warmer temperature, the refrigerant flow rate can be increased by the throttling device, increasing the evaporation temperature.

[0065] In an embodiment, to facilitate the temperature control in the washing stage and reduce the difficulty of heat exchange in the washing stage, the heat pump system 200 comprises a first throttling device 270 disposed at a flow path between the first heat exchange device 230 and the second heat exchange device 250. Preferably, the first throttling device 270 is disposed at a flow path between the air cooling device 260 and the second heat exchange device 250.

[0066] In another embodiment, to facilitate the temperature control in the drying stage and reduce the difficulty of heat exchange in the drying stage, the heat pump system 200 comprises a second throttling device 280 disposed at a flow path between the air heating device 240 and the air cooling device 260.

[0067] In an embodiment, the second heat exchange device 250 comprises the second heat exchange member 251 and the second fan 252 configured to supply air to the second heat exchange member 251. That is, the second heat exchange device 250 is the finned heat exchanger, and the finned heat exchanger has high heat exchange efficiency when heating exchange with the air. Of course, in other embodiments, the second heat exchange device 250 may also be other types of heat exchangers.

[0068] In another embodiment, the air cooling device 260 comprises the third heat exchange member 261 and the third fan 262 configured to supply air to the third heat exchange member 261. That is, the air cooling device 260 is the finned heat exchanger, and the finned heat exchanger has high heat exchange efficiency when heating exchange with the air. Of course, in other embodiments, the second heat exchange device 260 may also be other types of heat exchangers.

[0069] In yet another embodiment, the air cooling device 260 comprises the fourth heat exchange member 241 and the fourth fan 242 configured to supply air to the fourth heat exchange member 241. That is, the air cooling device 260 is the finned heat exchanger, and the finned heat exchanger has high heat exchange efficiency when heating exchange with the air. Of course, in other embodiments, the second heat exchange device 260 may also be other types of heat exchangers.

[0070] The second heat exchange member 251, the third heat exchange member 261, and the fourth heat exchange member 241 as described above each have the heat exchange channels for the media circulation.

[0071] The dishwasher comprises a control assembly. The control assembly is configured to control operation of the second fan 252 during the washing stage and to control operation of the third fan 262 and / or the fourth fan 242 during the drying stage. Said "control operation of the second fan 252 and control operation of the third fan 262 and / or the fourth fan 242", the operation of the fan comprises controlling its activating, an activating duration, and a rotational speed of the fan.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment, only one of the third fan 262 and the fourth fan 242 can be selected.

[0073] In an embodiment, the main body 100 comprises the shell comprising the outer shell, the door body, the tub with an opening at a side of the tub, and the water collection tank disposed below the tub. The door body is rotatably disposed at the outer shell to expose or cover the opening. When the door body covers the opening, the tub, the water collection tank, and the door body enclose to form the washing chamber 101. The internal circulation air channel 102 is formed between the outer shell and the tub.

[0074] On the basis of the previous embodiment, to improve the heat exchange efficiency of the second heat exchange device 250, the second heat exchange device 250 comprises the second heat exchange member 251 and the second fan 252 configured to supply air to the second heat exchange member 251.

[0075] To further improve the heat exchange efficiency of the second heat exchange device 250, the outer shell has an exhaust vent, and the second fan is in communication with the exhaust vent at an air outlet side of the second fan 252. In this way, by disposing the exhaust vent, the second heat exchange device 250 can exchange heat with the air outside the dishwasher 10, improving the heat exchange efficiency of the second heat exchange device 250.

[0076] In addition, to make the air exhaust smoother, the exhaust vent and the first opening are formed at one side of the outer shell. That is, the exhaust vent is disposed at a front side (a side facing towards the user), in such a manner that the exhaust vent is prevented from being blocked or the air flow is prevented from being intercepted when the dishwasher 10 is placed against the wall, making the air exhaust smoother.

[0077] In other embodiments, the second heat exchange device 250 may also be disposed outside the shell of the dishwasher 10.

[0078] In some embodiments, the internal circulation air channel 102 has the air inlet 102a disposed at an upper part of the tub and the air outlet 102b disposed at a lower part of the tub. A median line of a height of the tub may be used as the standard. Therefore, the upper part is above the median line, and the lower part is below the median line. The air inlet 102a and the air outlet 102b of the internal circulation air channel 102 may be disposed at one side surface of the tub.

[0079] As an example, the tub is in a square shape. The air inlet 102a and the air outlet 102b of the inner circulation air channel 102 may be disposed at a left side surface, a right side surface, or a rear side surface of the tub. In this case, the air cooling device 260 and the air heating device 240 may also be disposed at one side surface of the tub, and may be disposed at the left side surface, the right side surface, or the rear side surface of the tub.

[0080] In another embodiment, the air cooling device 260 and the air heating device 240 are disposed at a bottom surface of the tub.

[0081] In an embodiment, the dishwasher 10 further comprises an electric auxiliary heating device 300. In this embodiment, the electric auxiliary heating device 300, as an auxiliary heating device using electric energy as an energy source, converts the electric energy into thermal energy to provide additional heat when the main heat pump system 200 is unable to meet the demand or requires additional heating.

[0082] The electric auxiliary heating device 300 is disposed at a flow path between the second heat exchange channel of the first heat exchange device 220 and the spray assembly 112, in such a manner that the electric auxiliary heating device 300 can be activated when the heat pump system 200 fails to meet the demand during the washing stage. The electric auxiliary heating device 300 may further be disposed in the internal circulation air channel 102, in such a manner that the electric auxiliary heating device 300 can also be activated when the heat pump system 200 fails to meet the demand during the drying stage. It should be understood that, each of the internal circulation air channel 102 and a flow path between the housing 232 and the spray assembly 112 is provided with the electric auxiliary heating device 300, or an electric auxiliary heating device 300 can be heated accordingly during both the washing stage and the drying stage.

[0083] Exemplarily, the electric auxiliary heating device 300 usually comprises an electric heating element, a control element, and a protection element.

[0084] The heating element is usually a heating wire, a heating tube, or a heating plate, and is a key component for converting electric energy into thermal energy. The control element is configured to control the heating power and operating state of the electric heating element, and usually comprises a temperature sensor and a temperature controller. This temperature controller is usually integrated with other control elements into a control device. The protection element is configured to ensure safe operation of the electric auxiliary heating device 300 and prevent overheating or circuit failure, and usually comprises an overheating protector and a leakage protector.

[0085] When the heating system requires additional heating, the control device receives a signal and enables the electric heating element to heat up. The electric heating element generates the thermal energy under the action of a current, and transfers the thermal energy to the surrounding fluid (usually the water or air). The temperature sensor monitors the fluid temperature and feeds the information back to the control device. The control element adjusts the heating power of the electric heating element according to the feedback information of the temperature sensor to maintain the fluid temperature within a predetermined range. If the temperature is too high or a fault occurs, the protection device automatically disconnects the power supply, ensuring the safe operation.

[0086] Based on the structure of the above dishwasher 10, the present invention also provides a control method for a dishwasher. The method comprises the following operations at blocks.

[0087] At block S10, washing water temperature is obtained when continuous operation duration of the heat pump system 200 is less than a duration threshold during a washing process.

[0088] At block S20, whether the washing water temperature is lower than target temperature is determined, and in response to the determination that the washing water temperature is lower than the target temperature, the heat pump system 200 is controlled to maintain continuous operation, and the washing water temperature is continued to obtain.

[0089] At block S30, whether the washing water temperature is higher than or equal to the target temperature is determined, and the heat pump system 200 is controlled to stop operation, in response to the determination that the washing water temperature is higher than or equal to the target temperature.

[0090] It should be understood that, the dishwasher 10 may passively or actively initiate the washing process. Subsequent to initiating the washing process, the dishwasher 10 activates the heat pump system 200. When the heat pump system 200 is activated, the compression device 210 is controlled to activate, and the heat pump system operates according to operation parameters. The operation parameters are fixed predetermined values. Subsequent to controlling the heat pump system 200 to activate, the heat pump system 200 can directly operate according to the operation parameters, which simplifies activating operation of the heat pump system 200 and improves an activating efficiency of the heat pump system 200. For example, the operation parameters may be the rotational speed of the fan, the rotational speed of the compression device 210, or the like.

[0091] In an alternative scheme, the operation parameters of the heat pump system 200 can be determined based on an indoor ambient temperature and / or the washing water temperature. The indoor ambient temperature and the washing water temperature are directly proportional to the operation parameters. The operation parameters increase as the indoor ambient temperature or the washing water temperature becomes lower, improving the heating efficiency of the washing water. For example, the operation parameters corresponding to different indoor ambient temperatures and / or washing water temperatures can be set in advance, and the indoor ambient temperatures and / or the washing water temperatures are stored in association with the corresponding operation parameters, in such a manner that the current indoor ambient temperature and / or the washing water temperature can be detected before or while the heat pump system 200 is activated. In this way, the associated operation parameters are determined according to the current indoor ambient temperature and / or washing water temperature, and the heat pump system 200 operates according to the operation parameters.

[0092] Optionally, the washing process can be initiated automatically or remotely based on network communication. For example, a initiating duration of the washing process can be preset, in such a manner that the dishwasher 10 automatically initiates the washing process when the initiating duration is reached. It is also possible to establish remote communication connection with the dishwasher 10 in advance. A initiating instruction can be transmitted to the dishwasher 10 based on the remote communication connection, and when the dishwasher 10 receives the initiating instruction, the washing process can be initiated. Alternatively, in some variant embodiments, a surface of the tableware in the washing chamber 101 can also be detected, and the washing process can be automatically initiated if the surface of the tableware meets an automatic initiating condition of the washing process. The automatic initiating condition may be that there are stains on the surface of the bowl, such as food residue on the surface of the bowl.

[0093] In this embodiment, subsequent to starting the washing process, the continuous operation duration of the heat pump system 200 can be detected in real time or at a fixed time during the washing process, and then whether the continuous operation duration is less than the duration threshold can be determined. For example, a timer can be set. When the washing process is started, the timer can be controlled to start and reset to allow the timer to start timing from zero, and a timing value of the timer, which is the continuous operation duration of the heat pump system 200, can be acquired in real time or at the fixed time. The timing value is compared with the duration threshold to determine a comparison result. Also, when the washing process is started, a network time, which is a start operation duration of the heat pump system 200, can be obtained through the Internet, and the network time, which is the current operation duration of the heat pump system 200, can be obtained through the Internet again in real time or at a fixed time. Since a difference between the current operation duration and the start operation duration is the continuous operation duration of the heat pump system 200, the continuous operation duration is compared with the duration threshold to determine the comparison result. The comparison result is the result of whether the continuous operation duration is less than the duration threshold.

[0094] Optionally, the duration threshold is determined according to a preheating duration of the heat pump system 200. The preheating duration refers to the duration for the heat pump system 200 to reach a stable operating state from activating. During the preheating duration, the heat pump system 200 needs to consume additional energy to heat cooled components, such as the compression device 210 and the heat exchange device. In this case, a heating speed of the heat pump system 200 is typically low. However, the low heating speed of the heat pump system 200 during the preheating duration does not mean that the heating efficiency of the heat pump system 200 in the operating state is also decreased. Once the heat pump system 200 reaches the stable operating state, its heating efficiency can usually be maintained at a high level. Therefore, if the washing water temperature is obtained when the continuous operation duration of the heat pump system 200 is less than the duration threshold, a problem of high power consumption caused by long-term operation of the dishwasher 10 can be reduced.

[0095] In an alternative scheme, the preheating duration can be determined according to the operation parameters of the heat pump system 200. The operation parameters affect the energy efficiency of the heat pump system 200. The heat pump system 200 with high energy efficiency requires a shorter preheating duration, while the heat pump system 200 with low energy efficiency requires a longer preheating duration to achieve a stable operating state. Therefore, determining the preheating time according to the operating parameters of the heat pump system 200 can avoid the preheating time being too long or too short, avoiding a problem that the heat pump system 200 operates for a long time. The preheating duration can also be determined according to the indoor ambient temperature. Too low indoor ambient temperature affects the heating efficiency of the heat pump system 200, requiring a longer preheating duration to achieve the stable operating state. Therefore, determining the preheating duration according to the indoor ambient temperature can also avoid the problem that the heat pump system 200 operates for a long time.

[0096] In a feasible implementation, the washing water temperature can be obtained by the temperature sensor. One or more temperature sensors may be provided, and may be disposed at a same position or at different positions at a flow path between a hot water heat exchanger and the spray assembly 141. For example, the temperature sensor may be disposed at the water inlet of the water pump 143 or the water outlet of the spray assembly 141. The temperature sensor may also be disposed in the water collection tank. If the plurality of temperature sensors are provided, an average value of temperatures collected by the plurality of temperature sensors can be obtained as the washing water temperature, or an median value of the temperatures collected by the plurality of temperature sensors can be used as the washing water temperature, or a maximum temperature or a minimum temperature collected by the plurality of temperature sensors can be used as the washing water temperature.

[0097] Further, in this embodiment, the target temperature is an optimum washing temperature of the washing water. At this target temperature, an activity of the detergent can be fully activated, and grease adhered to the tableware can be fully dissolved, improving the washing effect. The target temperature may be set to 40 °C to 70 °C.

[0098] In an alternative embodiment, if the washing water temperature is lower than the target temperature, it indicates that the washing water needs to be continuously heated, in such a manner that the heat pump system 200 can be controlled to operate continuously, and the washing water temperature can be continuously obtained until the washing water temperature is higher than or equal to the target temperature. If the washing water temperature is higher than or equal to the target temperature, it indicates that the washing water has been heated to the optimum washing temperature, in such a manner that the heat pump system 200 is controlled to stop operation, reducing the energy consumption of the heat pump system 200.

[0099] Optionally, the washing water temperature can be differentiated from an inlet water temperature, and the difference can be divided by the continuous operation duration of the heat pump system 200, obtaining the heating speed of the heat pump system 200. The inlet water temperature may be an initial temperature of the washing water. The heating speed of the heat pump system 200 can be expressed as: V = (S2-S1) / t.

[0100] In the above formula, V represents the current heating speed of the heat pump system 200, S1 represents the inlet water temperature, S2 represents the washing water temperature, and t represents the continuous operation duration of the heat pump system 200. It should be understood that, during the washing process, the step of obtaining the washing water temperature is continuously executed.

[0101] It can be seen that, this solution can control the washing water to the optimum washing temperature, to reduce the energy consumption of the dishwasher 10.

[0102] In an embodiment, the control method further comprises: during the washing process, determining whether the continuous operation duration of the heat pump system 200 is greater than or equal to the duration threshold, and controlling the heat pump system 200 to stop operation in response to the determination that the continuous operation duration of the heat pump system 200 is greater than or equal to the duration threshold.

[0103] It should be understood that, if the continuous operation duration of the heat pump system 200 is greater than or equal to the duration threshold, it indicates that the heat pump system 200 has operated for a predetermined duration, and the operation duration of the heat pump system 200 has been completed. That is, the washing and heating stage of the heat pump system 200 has been completed. Therefore, the heat pump system 200 is controlled to stop operation and enters a standby state, which is beneficial to reducing the energy consumption of the heat pump system 200.

[0104] Subsequent to completing the washing process, the drying process is initiated. In this embodiment, subsequent to completing the washing process, the drying process is automatically initiated, or the drying process is manually initiated by the user. When the drying process is initiated, the heat pump system 200 is activated, the compression device 210 is activated, the fourth fan 242 is operated, and the second fan 252 is deactivated. The scheme is that the dishwasher 10 operates based on internal circulation of the air. That is, during the drying process of the dishwasher 10, since the fourth fan 242 is disposed in the internal circulation air channel, the fourth fan 242 is in communication with the outlet of the internal circulation air channel at the air outlet side of the fourth fan 242. In this way, in the drying mode or the drying stage, the high-temperature and high-humidity air of the dishwasher 10 enters the internal circulation air channel 102 from the air inlet 102a, passes through the air cooling device 260 to cool and dehumidify, passes through the air heating device 240 to heat, and blows from the air outlet 102b into the washing chamber 101 to heat and dry the tableware in the washing chamber 101.

[0105] At block S50, cavity temperature in the washing chamber 101 is obtained, and target drying duration is determined based on the cavity temperature. In this embodiment, the cavity temperature can be collected and obtained by the temperature sensor, and the temperature sensor can be disposed in the washing chamber 101. A temperature interval within which the cavity temperature falls may be determined, and drying duration associated with the temperature interval may be set as target drying duration; or, the target drying duration corresponding to the cavity temperature is determined based on a pre-stored mapping relationship; or, the cavity temperature is inputted to a predetermined heat pump model and the target drying duration is determined. A total target drying duration may be 10 minutes to 50 minutes.

[0106] In a feasible implementation, the drying duration of the tableware may be detected in advance at the cavity temperatures in different temperature intervals. The drying duration is the lowest drying duration, and the temperature interval is stored in association with the drying duration. Therefore, subsequent to obtaining the cavity temperature, the temperature interval within which the indoor ambient temperature falls is determined, and the drying duration associated with the temperature interval is set as the target drying duration. Specifically, the temperature interval and the drying duration can be stored in a mapping table, and subsequent to obtaining the cavity temperature, the temperature interval within which the cavity temperature falls can be searched in the mapping table through the cavity temperature, in such a manner that the drying duration associated with the temperature interval can be set as the target drying duration.

[0107] Optionally, the temperature interval may comprise a first temperature interval, a second temperature interval, and a third temperature interval. The first temperature interval corresponds to a first drying duration, the second temperature interval corresponds to a second drying duration, and the third temperature interval corresponds to a third drying duration. Specifically, the first temperature interval may be set to (∞, 30], the first drying duration may be set to 10 minutes to 20 minutes, the second temperature interval may be set to (30, 50), the second drying duration may be set to 10 minutes to 20 minutes, the third temperature interval may be set to [50, ∞), and the third drying duration may be set to 10 minutes to 20 minutes.

[0108] In another feasible implementation, the drying duration corresponding to the cavity temperature is determined according to the pre-stored mapping relationship. Specifically, the pre-stored mapping relationship may be a functional relationship expression or a curve, and the target drying duration corresponding to the cavity temperature is obtained by substituting the cavity temperature into the functional relationship expression or the curve.

[0109] In yet another feasible implementation, the operation parameters of the heat pump system 200 at different cavity temperatures can be detected in advance, the minimum drying duration corresponding to different cavity temperatures and operation parameters can be determined according to the operation parameters and the cavity temperature modeling, and a heat pump model can be generated. Also, the cavity temperature can be substituted into the heat pump model subsequent to obtaining the cavity temperature, to determine the target drying duration corresponding to the cavity temperature. The heat pump model may be a linear regression model or other models.

[0110] In yet another feasible implementation, cavity humidity in the washing chamber 101 can be obtained, and the target drying duration is determined based on the cavity humidity. The cavity humidity can be collected and obtained by a humidity sensor, and the humidity sensor can be disposed in the washing chamber 101. Specifically, for how to determine the target drying duration according to the cavity humidity, reference can be made to the embodiment of determining the target drying duration according to the cavity temperature, and thus details thereof are omitted here.

[0111] At block S60, whether cumulative drying duration is greater than or equal to the target drying duration is determined, and the heat pump system 200 is controlled to stop operation, in response to the determination that the cumulative drying duration is greater than or equal to the target drying duration.

[0112] In this embodiment, when the cumulative drying duration is greater than or equal to the target drying duration, the heat pump system 200 is controlled to stop operation, and the drying ends.

[0113] In a feasible implementation, the cavity temperature of the washing chamber 101 can be continuously obtained during the drying process. When the cavity temperature is higher than or equal to a predetermined cavity temperature threshold, the heat pump system 200 can be controlled to enter the standby state to prevent excessively high cavity temperature from causing loss of the dishwasher 10. When the cavity temperature is less than the predetermined cavity temperature threshold, the heat pump system 200 can be controlled to continue to operate.

[0114] In a feasible implementation, if the cumulative drying duration is greater than or equal to the target drying duration, the cavity humidity in the washing chamber 101 can be obtained. When the cavity humidity is greater than or equal to the predetermined humidity threshold, it indicates that the tableware has been dried, in such a manner that the heat pump system 200 is controlled to stop operation and the drying ends. When the cavity humidity is less than the predetermined humidity threshold, drying may continue for the predetermined drying duration, and / or prompt information can be output. Subsequent to continuing drying for the predetermined drying duration, the heat pump system 200 is controlled to stop operation, and the drying ends. The prompt information may be emitted by beeping and / or lighting. The predetermined drying duration may be limited to 10 minutes or 15 minutes.

[0115] In another feasible implementation, when the cavity humidity is less than the predetermined humidity threshold, the prompt information is output. If a confirmation instruction to continue drying corresponding to the prompt information is received within the predetermined duration, drying is continued for the predetermined drying duration. Subsequent to continuing drying for the predetermined drying duration, the heat pump system 200 is controlled to stop operation and the drying ends. If the confirmation instruction to continue drying corresponding to the prompt information is not received within the predetermined duration, the heat pump system 200 is controlled to stop operation, and the drying ends.

[0116] In an embodiment, to accelerate the washing process and the drying process and improve the heat exchange efficiency in the heat pump system, the second heat exchange device 250 comprises the second fan 252, and the air heating device 240 comprises the fourth fan 242. The control method further comprises: when the washing process is initiated, controlling the compression device 210 to activate, the second fan 252 to activate, and the fourth fan 242 to deactivate; and when the drying process is initiated, controlling the compression device 210 to activate, the fourth fan 242 to operate, and the second fan 252 to deactivate.

[0117] Generally, during the washing process and drying process of the dishwasher, the compression device 210 is activated. During the washing process, the second fan 252 is always activated, but the fourth fan 242 is deactivated. During the drying process, the fourth fan 242 is activated, but the second fan 252 is deactivated.

[0118] In the technical solution provided by this embodiment, subsequent to completing the washing process, the drying process is initiated, and the cavity temperature in the washing chamber 101 is obtained to further determine the target drying duration according to the cavity temperature. When the cumulative drying duration is greater than or equal to the target drying duration, the heat pump system 200 is controlled to stop operation. In the present invention, the target drying duration is reasonably set according to the cavity temperature, which can reduce the energy consumption of the dishwasher 10.

[0119] Although some exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Within the concept of the present invention, any equivalent structure transformation made using the contents of the specification and the accompanying drawings, or any direct or indirect application of the contents of the specification and the accompanying drawings in other related fields, shall equally fall within the scope of the present invention.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0034]Technical solutions according to embodiments of the present invention will be described clearly and completely below in combination with accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described below are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all embodiments of the present invention. On a basis of the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0035]It should be noted that if there are directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, rear, etc.) involved in the embodiments of the present invention, the directional indications are only used to explain relative positions between various components, movements of various components, or the like under a predetermined posture. When the predetermined posture changes, the directional indications also change...

Claims

1. A dishwasher (10), comprising: a main body (100) having a washing chamber (101), an internal circulation air channel (102), and a spray system (110), the internal circulation air channel (102) having an air inlet (102a) and an air outlet (102b) that are both in communication with the washing chamber (101), and the spray system (110) being configured to spray washing water to the washing chamber (101) to wash tableware placed in the washing chamber (101); and a heat pump system (200) comprising a compression device (210), a first heat exchange device (230), a second heat exchange device (250), an air cooling device (260), and an air heating device (240), wherein the first heat exchange device (230) has a first heat exchange channel and a second heat exchange channel that are arranged for heat exchange with each other, and the compression device (210), the first heat exchange channel of the first heat exchange device (230), the air heating device (240), the air cooling device (260), and the second heat exchange device (250) are sequentially connected to form a circulation heat exchange loop, wherein: the second heat exchange channel is in communication with the spray system (110), media in the first heat exchange channel and media in the second heat exchange channel exchange heat with each other to produce hot water for the spray system (110); and the air cooling device (260) and the air heating device (240) are sequentially arranged in the internal circulation air channel (102) in a direction from the air inlet (102a) to the air outlet (102b).

2. The dishwasher (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first heat exchange device (230) comprises an outer tube and an inner tube, wherein: the inner tube defines the first heat exchange channel, and the second heat exchange channel is formed between the outer tube and the inner tube; or the inner tube defines the second heat exchange channel, and the first heat exchange channel is formed between the outer tube and the inner tube.

3. The dishwasher (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first heat exchange device (230) comprises a housing (232) and a first heat exchange member (231) disposed in the housing (232), the first heat exchange member (231) defining the first heat exchange channel, and the second heat exchange channel being formed between the housing (232) and the first heat exchange member (231).

4. The dishwasher (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: the heat pump system (200) comprises a first throttling device (270) disposed at a flow path between the first heat exchange device (230) and the second heat exchange device (250); and / or the heat pump system (200) comprises a second throttling device (280) disposed at a flow path between the air heating device (240) and the air cooling device (260).

5. The dishwasher (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: the second heat exchange device (250) comprises a second heat exchange member (251) and a second fan (252) configured to supply air to the second heat exchange member (251); the air cooling device (260) includes a third heat exchange member (261) and a third fan (262) configured to supply air to the third heat exchange member (261); and the air heating device (240) comprises a fourth heat exchange member (241) and a fourth fan (242) configured to supply air to the fourth heat exchange member (241).

6. The dishwasher (10) according to claim 5, wherein the main body (100) comprises a shell comprising an outer shell and a tub disposed in the outer shell, wherein: the internal circulation air channel (102) is formed between the outer shell and the tub; and the outer shell has an exhaust vent, the second fan (252) being in communication with the exhaust vent at an air outlet side of the second fan (252).

7. The dishwasher (10) according to claim 6, wherein the shell comprises a door body, the outer shell has a first opening, the tub has a second opening at a position corresponding to the first opening, wherein: the door body is disposed at the outer shell and configured to expose or cover the first opening and the second opening; when the door body covers the first opening and the second opening, the tub and the door body enclose to form the washing chamber (101); and the exhaust vent and the first opening are formed at a same side of the outer shell.

8. The dishwasher (10) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, comprising a control assembly, the control assembly being configured to control operation of the second fan (252) during a washing stage and to control operation of the third fan (262) and / or the fourth fan (242) during a drying stage.

9. The dishwasher (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the spray system (110) comprises a water pump (111) and a spray assembly (112), wherein: the spray assembly (112) is disposed in the washing chamber (101) and configured to spray the washing water to the washing chamber (101); and the water pump (111) is disposed at a flow path between the second heat exchange channel and the spray assembly (112).

10. The dishwasher (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the spray system (110) comprises a water collection tank (113), a water pump (111), and a spray assembly (112), wherein: the spray assembly (112) is disposed at the washing chamber (101) and configured to spray the washing water to the washing chamber (101); the water collection tank (113) is in communication with the second heat exchange channel; the second heat exchange channel is in communication with the spray assembly (112) through a pipeline; and the water pump (111) is disposed at a connection pipeline between the second heat exchange channel and the spray assembly (112).

11. A control method for a dishwasher (10), being applied to the dishwasher (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the method comprising: obtaining washing water temperature when continuous operation duration of a heat pump system (200) is less than a duration threshold during a washing process; determining whether the washing water temperature is lower than target temperature; in response to the determination that the washing water temperature is lower than the target temperature, controlling the heat pump system (200) to maintain continuous operation, and continuing to obtain the washing water temperature; determining whether the washing water temperature is higher than or equal to the target temperature; and controlling the heat pump system (200) to stop operation, in response to the determination that the washing water temperature is higher than or equal to the target temperature.

12. The control method according to claim 11, further comprising: during the washing process, determining whether the continuous operation duration of the heat pump system (200) is greater than or equal to the duration threshold, and controlling the heat pump system (200) to stop operation in response to the determination that the continuous operation duration of the heat pump system (200) is greater than or equal to the duration threshold.

13. The control method according to claim 12, further comprising: initiating a drying process subsequent to completing the washing process; obtaining cavity temperature in a washing chamber (101), and determining target drying duration based on the cavity temperature; determining whether cumulative drying duration is greater than or equal to the target drying duration; and controlling the heat pump system (200) to stop operation, in response to the determination that the cumulative drying duration is greater than or equal to the target drying duration.

14. The control method according to claim 13, wherein said determining the target drying duration based on the cavity temperature comprises: determining a temperature interval within which the cavity temperature falls, and setting drying duration associated with the temperature interval as the target drying duration; determining the target drying duration corresponding to the cavity temperature based on a pre-stored mapping relationship; and inputting the cavity temperature to a predetermined heat pump model and determining the target drying duration.

15. The control method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein a second heat exchange device (250) comprises a second fan (252), and an air heating device (240) comprises a fourth fan (242), the control method further comprising: when the washing process is initiated, controlling a compression device (210) to activate, the second fan (252) to activate, and the fourth fan (242) to deactivate; and when the drying process is initiated, controlling the compression device (210) to activate, the fourth fan (242) to operate, and the second fan (252) to deactivate.

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