Dishwasher and control method for dishwasher

Abstract

The present invention discloses a dishwasher and a control method for the dishwasher. The dishwasher includes a main body and a heat pump system. The main body has a heat exchange air channel, a washing chamber, an exhaust vent, and a spray system. The washing chamber is in communication with an external environment through the exhaust vent. The heat exchange air channel is in communication with the washing chamber. The heat pump system includes a compression device, a first heat exchange device, and a second heat exchange device. The first heat exchange device is disposed in the heat exchange air channel and includes a first heat exchange member and a first fan. The first heat exchange member 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, 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. The first fan is configured to drive an airflow in the heat exchange air channel to pass through the first heat exchange member for heat exchange, to provide hot air to the washing chamber. The present invention can reduce energy consumption of an existing dishwasher.

Description

FIELD

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

[0002] Dishwashers typically have two modes or stages of washing and drying. After washing is completed, the dishwasher is internally filled with humid air with relatively high humidity and temperature and liquid water droplets adhering to a surface of tableware, thus it is necessary to enter the drying mode. However, in the related art, the existing dishwasher has a problem of high energy consumption for washing and drying.

[0003] The above contents are only used to assist in understanding technical solutions of the present invention, and do not mean that the above contents are recognized as prior art.SUMMARY

[0004] A main objective of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher, aiming at reducing energy consumption of the existing dishwasher.

[0005] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a dishwasher. The dishwasher comprises: a main body having a heat exchange air channel, a washing chamber, an exhaust vent, and a spray system, the washing chamber being in communication with an external environment through the exhaust vent, the heat exchange air channel being in communication with the washing chamber, and the spray system being configured to spray washing water to the washing chamber; and a heat pump system comprising a compression device, a first heat exchange device, and a second heat exchange device, the first heat exchange device being disposed in the heat exchange air channel and comprising a first heat exchange member and a first fan, the first heat exchange member having 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, and the second heat exchange device being sequentially connected to form a circulation heat exchange loop. The second heat exchange channel is in communication with the spray system and configured to allow the washing water to flow through the second heat exchange channel, to exchange heat with refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchange channel. The first fan is configured to drive airflow in the heat exchange air channel to pass through the first heat exchange member for heat exchange, to provide hot air to the washing chamber.

[0006] Optionally, the main body comprises a first damper movably disposed at the exhaust vent. The first damper is configured to cover the exhaust vent during a washing stage and expose the exhaust vent during a drying stage.

[0007] Optionally, the main body further has an air inlet in communication with the external environment, and / or the air inlet is in communication with the heat exchange air channel and / or the washing chamber.

[0008] Optionally, the main body further comprises a second damper movably disposed at the air inlet. The second damper is configured to cover the air inlet during a washing stage and expose the air inlet during a drying stage.

[0009] Optionally, the second heat exchange device is disposed outside the heat exchange air channel and the washing chamber.

[0010] Optionally, the main body comprises an outer shell and a tub.

[0011] Optionally, the tub is disposed in the outer shell.

[0012] Optionally, the outer shell has a first opening.

[0013] Optionally, the main body comprises a door body movably disposed at the outer shell to uncover or cover the first opening. Preferably, the washing chamber is defined between the tub and the door body. Preferably, the heat exchange air channel is defined between the outer shell and the tub. Preferably, the exhaust vent is formed at the door body and / or the outer shell.

[0014] Optionally, the main body comprises an outer shell and further has an air inlet in communication with the external environment. Preferably, the air inlet, the heat exchange air channel, the washing chamber, and the exhaust vent are sequentially connected. Preferably, the air inlet and the exhaust vent are formed at a same side of the outer shell.

[0015] Optionally, the second heat exchange device comprises a second heat exchange member and a second fan configured to supply air to the second heat exchange member. Preferably, the outer shell has an air outlet. Preferably, the second fan is in communication with the air outlet at an air outlet side of the second fan. Preferably, the air inlet and the air outlet are formed at different sides of the outer shell.

[0016] Optionally, the heat pump system further comprises a throttling device. Preferably, the throttling device is disposed at the circulation heat exchange loop and located between the first heat exchange member and the second heat exchange device.

[0017] Optionally, the spray system comprises a spray assembly, a water cup, and a water pump. The spray assembly is disposed in the washing chamber and configured to spray washing water to the washing chamber. The water cup is in communication with the second heat exchange channel. The second heat exchange channel is in communication with the spray assembly through a first pipeline. The water pump is disposed at the first pipeline.

[0018] Optionally, the dishwasher further comprises an electric heating device. The electric heating device is disposed at the first pipeline and configured to heat washing water in the first pipeline; and / or the electric heating device is disposed in the heat exchange air channel.

[0019] The present invention also provides a control method for a dishwasher, which is applied to the above dishwasher. The method comprises: during a washing process, obtaining a washing water temperature, in response to a continuous operation duration of the heat pump system being less than a duration threshold; in response to the washing water temperature being lower than a target temperature, controlling the heat pump system to maintain continuous operation, and continuing to obtain the washing water temperature; and controlling the heat pump system to stop operation, in response to the washing water temperature being higher than or equal to the target temperature.

[0020] In an embodiment, the control method further comprises: during the washing process, controlling the heat pump system to stop operation, in response to the continuous operation duration of the heat pump system being greater than or equal to the duration threshold.

[0021] Optionally, the control method further comprises: initiating a drying process subsequent to completing the washing process; obtaining a chamber temperature in the washing chamber, and determining a target drying duration based on the chamber temperature; and controlling the heat pump system to stop operation, in response to a cumulative drying duration being greater than or equal to the target drying duration.

[0022] Optionally, said determining the target drying duration based on the chamber temperature comprises: determining a temperature interval which the chamber temperature falls, and taking a drying duration associated with the temperature interval as the target drying duration; determining the target drying duration corresponding to the chamber temperature based on a pre-stored mapping relationship; and inputting the chamber temperature to a predetermined heat pump model and determining the target drying duration.

[0023] Optionally, the main body further has an air inlet. The heat exchange air channel is in communication with the external environment through the air inlet. The main body comprises a first damper and a second damper. The method further comprises, prior to said obtaining the chamber temperature in the washing chamber: in response to the washing process being initiated, controlling the heat pump system to activate, the first damper to cover the exhaust vent, and the second damper to cover the air inlet; and in response to the drying process being initiated, controlling the heat pump system to activate, the first damper to expose the exhaust vent, and the second damper to expose the air inlet.

[0024] The dishwasher of the present invention comprises the main body and the heat pump system. The main body has the heat exchange air channel, the washing chamber, the exhaust vent, and the spray system. The washing chamber is in communication with the external environment through the exhaust vent, and the heat exchange air channel is in communication with the washing chamber, in such a manner that the heat exchange air channel, the washing chamber, and the exhaust vent are sequentially connected. The heat pump system comprises the compression device, the first heat exchange device, and the second heat exchange device. The first heat exchange device is disposed in the heat exchange air channel and comprises the first heat exchange member and the first fan. The first heat exchange member has the first heat exchange channel and the second heat exchange channel that are arranged for heat exchange with each other. The compression device, the first heat exchange channel, and the second heat exchange device are sequentially connected to form the circulation heat exchange loop. The first fan is configured to drive the airflow in the heat exchange air channel to pass through the first heat exchange member for the heat exchange, to provide the hot air to the washing chamber. The second heat exchange channel is in communication with the spray system. In this way, when the dishwasher is in the washing stage, refrigerant discharged from the compression device passes through the circulation heat exchange loop, and flows through the first heat exchange channel to condense and release heat. In this case, the first heat exchange member generates heat, and the washing water in the spray system flows through the second heat exchange channel to absorb the heat released by the refrigerant to produce hot water. The produced washing hot water is sprayed to the washing chamber to wash the tableware placed in the washing chamber. In addition, the first fan is disposed in the heat exchange air channel, and configured to drive air to pass through the first heat exchange member for heating, and heated air flows into the washing chamber. When the dishwasher is in the washing stage, the air heated by the first heat exchange member flows into the washing chamber to heat the washing water, to improve a washing effect, and residual heat may also be used to dry the tableware. When the dishwasher is in the drying stage, the air heated by the first heat exchange member flows into the washing chamber to heat and dry the tableware in the washing chamber, and is discharged outward from the exhaust vent. It can be seen that, the heat generated by the first heat exchange device in the dishwasher of the present invention is used for the washing stage and the drying stage. Therefore, the heat generated by the first heat exchange device has a high utilization rate, which reduces energy waste and facilitates to reducing the energy consumption of the dishwasher. Also, an internal structure of the dishwasher is optimized, which is beneficial to miniaturization of the dishwasher.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] In order 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 according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic flowchart according to a first embodiment of a control method for a dishwasher of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic flowchart according to a second embodiment of a control method for a dishwasher of the present invention.

[0026] Description of reference numerals of the accompanying drawings: 10, dishwasher; 100, main body; 110, heat exchange air channel; 120, washing chamber; 130, exhaust vent; 140, spray system; 141, spray assembly; 142, water cup; 143, water pump; 144, first pipeline; 150, first damper; 160, air inlet; 170, second damper; 200, heat pump system; 210, compression device; 220, first heat exchange device; 221, first heat exchange member; 222, first heat exchange channel; 223, second heat exchange channel; 224, first fan; 230, second heat exchange device; 231, second heat exchange member; 232, second fan; 240, throttling device; 300, electric heating device.

[0027] 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

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] The present invention provides a dishwasher, aiming at reducing energy consumption of the existing dishwasher. The dishwasher is a heat pump dishwasher, which can be used for domestic purposes or, of course, commercial purposes. For ease of understanding and explanation, in the drawings of the specification of the present invention, solid arrows indicate spaces, slots, or holes.

[0032] As illustrated in FIG. 1, in embodiments of the present invention, a dishwasher 10 comprises a main body 100 and a heat pump system 200. The main body 100 has a heat exchange air channel 110, a washing chamber 120, an exhaust vent 130, and a spray system 140. The washing chamber 120 is in communication with an external environment through the exhaust vent 130, and the heat exchange air channel 110 is in communication with the washing chamber 120. The spray system 140 is configured to spray washing water to the washing chamber 120. The heat pump system 200 comprises a compression device 210, a first heat exchange device 220, and a second heat exchange device 230. The first heat exchange device 220 is disposed in the heat exchange air channel 110 and comprises a first heat exchange member 221 and a first fan 224. The first heat exchange member 221 has a first heat exchange channel 222 and a second heat exchange channel 223 that are arranged for heat exchange with each other. The compression device 210, the first heat exchange channel 222, and the second heat exchange device 230 are sequentially connected to form a circulation heat exchange loop. The second heat exchange channel 223 is in communication with the spray system 140 and configured to allow the washing water to flow through the second heat exchange channel 223, to exchange heat with refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchange channel 222. The first fan 224 is configured to drive an airflow in the heat exchange air channel 110 to pass through the first heat exchange member 221 for heat exchange, to provide hot air to the washing chamber 120.

[0033] It should be understood that, refrigerant discharged from the compression device 210 passes through the circulation heat exchange loop, which enables media in the first heat exchange channel 222 and media in the second heat exchange channel 223 to exchange heat with each other, to produce hot water for the spray system 140. The compression device 210 is not limited to a compressor, and the refrigerant discharged from the compression device 210 uses, for example, freon such as chlorofluorocarbons, hydrochlorofluorocarbons, and hydrofluorocarbons, or hydrofluorocarbons, etc.

[0034] Further, the dishwasher 10 has a washing stage and a drying stage. The first heat exchange device 220 comprises the first heat exchange member 221 and the first fan 224 that are both disposed in the heat exchange air channel 110. The first fan 224 is configured to drive the airflow to pass through the first heat exchange member 221 for heat exchange to provide the hot air to the washing chamber 120. The hot air can not only heat the washing water in the washing stage, but also heat and dry the tableware in the drying stage. That is, the technical solution of the present invention improves a utilization rate of the first heat exchange device 220 and a heat utilization rate of the dishwasher 10 by using heat generated by the first heat exchange device 220 for the washing stage and the drying stage, reducing the energy consumption of the dishwasher 10.

[0035] Further, the dishwasher 10 comprises the main body 100 and the heat pump system 200 configured to heat the washing water in the spray system 140 and air in the washing chamber 120. The main body 100 usually comprises a shell and the spray system 140. The shell defines the washing chamber 120 and the heat exchange air channel 110, and usually comprises an outer shell, a tub, and a door body. The outer shell has a first opening, the tub is disposed in the outer shell, and the door body is movably disposed at the outer shell to uncover or cover the first opening. The washing chamber 120 is defined between the tub and the door body, and the heat exchange air channel 110 is defined between the outer shell and the tub. The washing chamber 120 has the exhaust vent 130 in communication with an external environment of the shell, and the heat exchange air channel 110 is in communication with the washing chamber 120. That is, the heat exchange air channel 110, the washing chamber 120, and the exhaust vent 130 are sequentially connected. In some embodiments, the dishwasher 10 may be composed of the door body and the tub integrated together.

[0036] Regarding the spray system 140, the spray system 140 is configured to spray the washing water to the washing chamber 120, to wash the tableware placed in the washing chamber 120, and usually comprises a water pump 143, a spray assembly 141, a water cup 142, a pipeline system, a controller, a filter, a water level sensor, and a drainage device, etc. The water pump 143 is one of key components of the spray system 140 of the dishwasher 10, and is responsible for delivering cleaning liquid configured to clean the tableware to spray arms or nozzles. The water pump 143 is usually driven by an electric motor to generate sufficient water pressure and flow to ensure a washing effect. The spray assembly 141 usually comprises the spray arms and / or nozzles, and is an outlet for spray of the cleaning liquid in the spray system 140 of the dishwasher 10. The spray assembly 141 is usually located inside the dishwasher 10, and uniformly sprays spraying water on surfaces of dishes, the tableware, etc. by rotating or directional spraying, to clean the tableware. The pipeline assembly is responsible for delivering water to the spray arms or nozzles and ensuring that the water flows smoothly to a target area. The pipeline assembly is usually made of corrosion-resistant materials, such as stainless steel or plastic. The controller of the spray assembly 141 is configured to control start and stop, a spray duration, a spray mode, and other parameters of the spray assembly 141. The controller of the spray assembly 141 is usually part of an electronic control panel of the dishwasher 10. A user can set the corresponding parameters through buttons on the panel or a touch screen. The filter is configured to perform filtering on impurities and residues in the washing water, to prevent the nozzles and pipes of the spray system 140 from being blocked, which is conducive to maintaining normal operation and a cleaning effect of the spray system 140. The water level sensor is configured to monitor an internal water level of the water cup 142 of the dishwasher 10, to ensure stable operation of the water pump 143, to prevent the water level from being too high during the drying stage and a drying period. The drainage device is configured to discharge sewage generated during a cleaning process out of the dishwasher 10 to maintain a clean environment, and usually comprises components such as a drainage pipeline, a drainage pump 143, and a drainage filter.

[0037] In an embodiment, the spray system 140 comprises the water cup 142 disposed at a bottom of the tub. On the one hand, the water cup 142 is configured to store the washing water for washing the tableware, and the washing water is pumped from the water cup 142 to the spray assembly 141 through the water pump 143. On the other hand, the water cup 142 is further configured to collect the sewage generated subsequent to washing the tableware, and the sewage is discharged through the drainage pipeline subsequent to being collected by the water cup 142.

[0038] Regarding the first heat exchange device 220, the first heat exchange device 220 has the first heat exchange channel 222 and the second heat exchange channel 223. The refrigerant discharged from the compression device 210 may flow through the first heat exchange channel 222 to condense and release heat. The second heat exchange channel 223 is in communication with the spray system 140, and the first heat exchange channel 222 and the second heat exchange channel 223 are arranged for heat exchange with each other. Specific shapes of the first heat exchange channel 222 and the second heat exchange channel 223 are not limited, for example, but not limited to, a straight tube shape, a curved tube shape, a spiral shape, and the like. The first heat exchange device 220 comprises, but is not limited to, a double-pipe heat exchanger, a plate heat exchanger, a spiral heat exchanger, a shell-and-tube heat exchanger, or the like.

[0039] The double-pipe heat exchanger consists of an inner tube and an outer shell. A heat transfer medium (typically liquid or vapor) passes through the inner tube to transfer heat to another medium (which may be liquid, gas, or vapor, in this embodiment, the liquid) and the outer shell surrounds outside the inner tube. The inner tube has the first heat exchange channel 222, and the second heat exchange channel 223 is formed between the inner tube and the outer shell; or the inner tube has the second heat exchange channel 223, and the first heat exchange channel 222 is formed between the inner tube and the outer shell.

[0040] The plate heat exchanger is composed of a plurality of plates with gaps between the plates. The first heat exchange channel 222 and the second heat exchange channel 223 may be formed through these gaps 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.

[0041] The spiral plate heat exchanger achieves efficient heat transfer through a multilayer spiral plate structure. This heat exchanger combines the advantages of the plate heat exchanger and the double-pipe heat exchanger.

[0042] Through a spiral pipe structure, the spiral heat exchanger can effectively transfer the heat of one medium to another medium. The above two media in this embodiment refer to the refrigerant and water.

[0043] Regarding the second heat exchange device 230, the second heat exchange device 230 is configured to exchange heat with air, usually absorbing heat in the air. The second heat exchange device 230 comprises a heat sink, a fan, a heat dissipation pipe, etc., and cools gas by forced convection. For example, the second heat exchange device 230 comprises the second heat exchange member 231 and the second fan 232 configured to supply air to the second heat exchange member 231, and the second heat exchange member 231 has a heat exchange channel for media circulation. In this embodiment, the second heat exchange device 230 may also be an air spiral heat exchanger. The air spiral heat exchanger combines a design of the spiral heat exchanger and a function of an air heat exchanger, and exchanges heat with the air through a spiral channel structure.

[0044] The dishwasher 10 of the present invention comprises the main body 100 and the heat pump system 200. The main body 100 has the heat exchange air channel 110, the washing chamber 120, the exhaust vent 130, and the spray system 140. The washing chamber 120 is in communication with the external environment through the exhaust vent 130, and the heat exchange air channel 110 is in communication with the washing chamber 120, in such a manner that the heat exchange air channel 110, the washing chamber 120, and the exhaust vent 130 are sequentially connected. The heat pump system 200 comprises the compression device 210, the first heat exchange device 220, and the second heat exchange device 230. The first heat exchange device 220 is disposed in the heat exchange air channel 110 and comprises the first heat exchange member 221 and the first fan 224. The first heat exchange member 221 has the first heat exchange channel 222 and the second heat exchange channel 223 that are arranged for heat exchange with each other. The compression device 210, the first heat exchange channel 222, and the second heat exchange device 230 are sequentially connected to form the circulation heat exchange loop. The first fan 224 is configured to drive the airflow in the heat exchange air channel 110 to pass through the first heat exchange member 221 for heat exchange, to provide the hot air to the washing chamber 120. The second heat exchange channel 223 is in communication with the spray system 140. In this way, when the dishwasher 10 is in the washing stage, the refrigerant discharged by the compression device 210 passes through the circulation heat exchange loop, and flows through the first heat exchange channel 222 to condense and release heat. In this case, the first heat exchange member 221 generates heat, and the washing water in the spray system 140 flows through the second heat exchange channel 223 to absorb the heat released by the refrigerant to produce the hot water. Produced washing hot water is sprayed to the washing chamber 120 to wash the tableware placed in the washing chamber 120. In addition, the first fan 224 is disposed in the heat exchange air channel 110, and configured to drive the air to pass through the first heat exchange member 221 for heating, and heated air flows into the washing chamber 120. When the dishwasher 10 is in the washing stage, the air heated by the first heat exchange member 221 flows into the washing chamber 120 to heat the washing water, to improve the washing effect, and the residual heat may also be used to dry the tableware. When the dishwasher 10 is in the drying stage, the air heated by the first heat exchange member 221 flows into the washing chamber 120 to heat and dry the tableware in the washing chamber 120, and is discharged outward from the exhaust vent 130. It can be seen that, the heat generated by the first heat exchange device 220 in the dishwasher 10 of the present invention is used for the washing stage and the drying stage. Therefore, the heat generated by the first heat exchange device 220 has a high utilization rate, which reduces energy waste and facilitates to reducing the energy consumption of the dishwasher 10. Also, an internal structure of the dishwasher 10 is optimized, which is beneficial to miniaturization of the dishwasher 10.

[0045] As illustrated in FIG. 1, in an embodiment, the main body 100 comprises a first damper 150 movably disposed at the exhaust vent 130. The first damper 150 is configured to cover the exhaust vent 130 during the washing stage and expose the exhaust vent 130 during the drying stage. It should be understood that, a manner in which the first damper 150 is movably disposed at the exhaust vent 130 is not limited. For example, the first damper 150 is rotatably disposed at the exhaust vent 130, or the first damper 150 is slidably disposed at the exhaust vent 130. When the dishwasher 10 washes the tableware in the washing stage, the first damper 150 covers the exhaust vent 130 to prevent the washing water from splashing out of the exhaust vent 130. When the dishwasher 10 heats and dries the tableware in the drying stage, the first damper 150 exposes the exhaust vent 130, in such a manner that the air subsequent to drying the tableware in the washing chamber 120 can be discharged from the exhaust vent 130 to form circulation air, which facilitates to improving drying speed.

[0046] As illustrated in FIG. 1, in an embodiment, the main body 100 further has an air inlet 160 in communication with the external environment. The air inlet 160 is in communication with the heat exchange air channel 110 and / or the washing chamber 120. It should be understood that, in the drying stage, the air outside the dishwasher 10 enters through the air inlet 160. The air inlet 160 may be in communication with the heat exchange air channel 110, or the air inlet 160 may also be in communication with the washing chamber 120, or the air inlet 160 may be in communication with both the heat exchange air channel 110 and the washing chamber 120, as long as the air can flow through the heat exchange air channel 110 and the washing chamber 120 and be discharged from the exhaust vent 130. In addition, the air inlet 160 may be formed in various ways, for example, but not limited to, the air inlet 160 may be disposed at the door body; or the air inlet 160 is formed between the door body and the outer shell; or the air inlet 160 is disposed at the outer shell; or the door body is opened to form the air inlet 160 in the drying stage. Forming the air inlet 160 is beneficial to improving smoothness of the air flowing out from the exhaust vent 130 subsequent to flowing through the heat exchange air channel 110 and the washing chamber 120 during the drying stage.

[0047] In an embodiment, the main body 100 further comprises a second damper 170 movably disposed at the air inlet 160. The second damper 170 is configured to cover the air inlet 160 during the washing stage and expose the air inlet 160 during the drying stage. It should be understood that, a manner in which the second damper 170 is movably disposed at the exhaust vent 160 is not limited. For example, the second damper 170 is rotatably disposed at the air inlet 160, or the second damper 170 is slidably disposed at the air inlet 160. The air inlet 160 in this solution may be disposed at the door body; or the air inlet 160 is disposed at the outer shell. By disposing the second damper 170 at the air inlet 160, when the dishwasher 10 washes the tableware in the washing stage, the second damper 170 covers the air inlet 160 to prevent the washing water from splashing out of the air inlet 160. When the dishwasher 10 heats and dries the tableware in the drying stage, the second damper 170 exposes the air inlet 160, in such a manner that the air can be smoothly discharged from the exhaust vent 130 subsequent to flowing through the heat exchange air channel 110 and the washing chamber 120, which facilitates to improving the drying speed.

[0048] In an embodiment, the second heat exchange device 230 is disposed outside the heat exchange air channel 110 and the washing chamber 120. Such an arrangement facilitates mounting of the second heat exchange device 230, and the second heat exchange device 230 does not need to be disposed in the heat exchange air channel 110, which occupies a large space in the heat exchange air channel 110. In this way, it is conducive to reducing a volume of the heat exchange air channel 110, which makes the heat exchange air channel 110 easy to form in the dishwasher 10, facilitating to optimizing structural arrangement in the dishwasher 10. In addition, the second heat exchange device 230 is disposed outside the washing chamber 120, which is beneficial to ensuring that the washing chamber 120 has sufficient capacity space. Also, there is no specific requirement for a mounting position of the second heat exchange device 230, which can be mounted as desired, improving convenience of mounting of the second heat exchange device 230.

[0049] In an embodiment, the main body 100 comprises the outer shell, the tub, and the door body. The tub is disposed in the outer shell. The outer shell has the first opening, and the door body is movably disposed at the outer shell to uncover or cover the first opening. The washing chamber 120 is defined between the tub and the door body. The heat exchange air channel 110 is defined between the outer shell and the tub. The exhaust vent 130 is disposed at the door body and / or the outer shell.

[0050] It should be understood that, when the exhaust vent 130 is disposed at the door body, the exhaust vent 130 and the door body are disposed at one side of the outer shell. That is, the exhaust vent 130 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 a wall, making the air exhaust smoother. In addition, a specific position in which the exhaust vent 130 disposed at the outer shell is not limited, and only that the air in the washing chamber 120 can be discharged from the exhaust vent 130. By disposing the exhaust vent 130, the air in the washing chamber 120 can exchange heat with the air outside the dishwasher 10, which is beneficial to improving a heat exchange efficiency of the first heat exchange member 221.

[0051] In an embodiment, the main body 100 comprises the outer shell and further has the air inlet 160 in communication with the external environment. The air inlet 160, the heat exchange air channel 110, the washing chamber 120, and the exhaust vent 130 are sequentially connected. The air inlet 160 and the exhaust vent 130 are disposed at one side of the outer shell. It should be understood that, the air inlet 160 and the exhaust vent 130 may be disposed at one side of the door body. That is, the air inlet 160 and the exhaust vent 130 are disposed at a front side of the dishwasher 10, in such a manner that a situation in which the air inlet and air outlet are blocked or the airflow is intercepted when the dishwasher 10 is placed against the wall is avoided, making the air inlet and air outlet smoother.

[0052] In an embodiment, the second heat exchange device 230 comprises the second heat exchange member 231 and the second fan 232 configured to supply air to the second heat exchange member 231. The outer shell has the air outlet. The second fan 232 is in communication with the air outlet at an air outlet side of the second fan. The air inlet and the air outlet 160 are disposed at different sides of the outer shell.

[0053] It should be understood that, the second heat exchange member 231 has a heat exchange channel for refrigerant circulation. By disposing the second fan 232, a heat exchange efficiency of the second heat exchange member 231 can be accelerated, and frosting of the second heat exchange member 231 can be avoided during the drying stage. In addition, the air outlet and the air inlet 160 are disposed at the different sides of the outer shell to prevent cold air blown out from the air outlet from flowing into the washing chamber 120 and affecting a washing effect and a drying effect of the tableware. For example, the air inlet 160 may be disposed at the front side of the dishwasher 10, and the air outlet 160 may be disposed at a left side surface, a right side surface, a rear side surface, a bottom surface, or a top surface, etc. of the dishwasher 10, which is not limited herein.

[0054] In an embodiment, the second heat exchange device 230 can also be disposed outside the shell of the dishwasher 10.

[0055] In an embodiment, the first heat exchange device 220 and the second heat exchange device 230 are disposed below the tub.

[0056] In an embodiment, the exhaust vent 130 is disposed at an upper part of the tub, the air inlet 160 is disposed at a lower part of the tub, and / or the air outlet is disposed at the lower part of the tub. That is, the air inlet 160 is disposed below the exhaust vent 130. A median line of a tub height may be used as a standard, the upper part is above the median line, and the lower part is below the median line.

[0057] In an embodiment, the first heat exchange member 221 is a flexible member, the main body 100 further has a mounting gap, and the first heat exchange member 221 is disposed in the mounting gap. It is should be understood that, the mounting gap may be formed between the outer shell and the tub, or between the outer shell and the spray system 140, or among the outer shell, the tub, and the spray system 140. In summary, the mounting gap may be formed between any necessary components of the dishwasher 10. The first heat exchange member 221 may have a tubular shape or other shapes, and only needs to be the flexible member. The first heat exchange member 221 of the flexible member is convenient to be disposed in the mounting gap of the dishwasher 10. That is, the first heat exchange member 221 is convenient to be disposed in an internal space of the dishwasher 10, which reduces gaps between the first heat exchange member 221 and other components of the dishwasher 10 and a mounting space occupied by the first heat exchange member 220, making the internal structure of the dishwasher 10 more compact.

[0058] In an embodiment, the spray system 140 comprises the spray assembly 141 and the water cup 142. The second heat exchange channel 223 is in communication the water cup 142 and the spray assembly 141 for heating the washing water discharged from the water cup 142 to the spray assembly 141. The main body 100 comprises the outer shell, and the mounting gap is formed between the outer shell and the water cup 142. The first heat exchange member 221 is disposed at a side of the water cup 142; or the first heat exchange member 221 is wound around the water cup 142.

[0059] It should be understood that, the first heat exchange member 221 is disposed at the side of the water cup 142, specifically, a front side, a rear side, a left side, a right side, a bottom side, etc., and a side facing towards the user (a side at which the door body is located) is the front side. Preferably, the first heat exchange member 221 is disposed at the rear side of the water cup 142, that is, at a side facing away from the door body. Of course, the first heat exchange member 221 may be wound around the water cup 142. Such an arrangement is beneficial to reducing the mounting space occupied by the first heat exchange member 221, which makes the internal structure of the dishwasher 10 more compact.

[0060] In an embodiment, the first heat exchange member 221 has an outer tube and an inner tube that are flexible tubes. The inner tube has the first heat exchange channel 222, and the second heat exchange channel 223 is formed between the outer tube and the inner tube; or the inner tube has the second heat exchange channel 223, and the first heat exchange channel 222 is formed between the outer tube and the inner tube. Such an arrangement is convenient to mount the first heat exchange member 221 in the mounting gap of the first heat exchange member 221 in the dishwasher 10, to reduce the mounting space occupied by the first heat exchange device 220, making the internal structure of the dishwasher 10 more compact.

[0061] It should be understood that, the heat pump system 200 further comprises a throttling device 240. Functions of the throttling device are mainly as follows:

[0062] regulating a refrigerant flow rate: the throttling device can throttle and depressurize high pressure liquid to low pressure liquid, and regulate the refrigerant flow rate into an evaporator, ensuring that the refrigerant flow rate in the heat pump system 200 is within a reasonable range.

[0063] reducing heat exchange difficulty: for example, during a heat exchange process, the throttling device 240 can allow refrigerant liquid to flow through a small hole, to form a local contraction, increasing the flow rate and reducing static pressure. This pressure difference makes the refrigerant easier to evaporate in the evaporator, reducing the heat exchange difficulty and improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0064] realizing temperature control: the throttling device 240 may 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 a throttle, reducing an evaporation temperature. On the contrary, when the system requires a warmer temperature, the refrigerant flow rate can be increased by the throttle, increasing the evaporation temperature.

[0065] As illustrated in FIG. 1, in an embodiment, the heat pump system 200 further comprises the throttling device 240. The throttling device 240 is disposed at the circulation heat exchange loop and located between the first heat exchange member 221 and the second heat exchange device 230.

[0066] It should be understood that, the throttling device 240 may be an electronic expansion valve. During the washing stage, the refrigerant discharged from the compression device 210 flows along the circulation heat exchange loop, passes through the throttling device 240 to throttle subsequent to flowing through the first heat exchange channel 222 to condense and release heat, flows through the second heat exchange device 230 to evaporate and absorb the heat, and returns to the compression device 210. In this process, the heat generated by the first heat exchange device 220 may flow into the washing chamber 120 to heat an inner wall of the washing chamber, the washing water, and the tableware, facilitating to improving the washing effect of the tableware. During the drying stage, the first heat exchange device 220 generates the heat, and the first fan 224 operates. The air is heated through the first heat exchange member 221 and flows into the washing chamber 120 along the heat exchange air channel 110 to heat and dry the tableware in the washing chamber 120, and is discharged outward from the exhaust vent 130. It can be seen that, the throttling device 240 of the present solution can control flow speed of the refrigerant and the refrigerant flow rate, which adjusts the evaporation temperature and pressure, controlling a heat exchange effect of the heat pump system 200.

[0067] As illustrated in FIG. 1, in an embodiment, the spray system 140 comprises the spray assembly 141, the water cup 142, and the water pump 143. The spray assembly 141 is disposed in the washing chamber 120 and configured to spray washing water to the washing chamber 120. The water cup 142 is in communication with the second heat exchange channel 223. The second heat exchange channel 223 is in communication with the spray assembly 141 through a first pipeline 144. The water pump 143 is disposed at the first pipeline 144.

[0068] It should be understood that, the water pump 143 is disposed at the first pipeline 144, the water cup 142 is disposed at a bottom of the washing chamber 120, and the water cup 142, the second heat exchange channel 223, the water pump 143, and the spray assembly 141 are sequentially connected, in such a manner that the water pump 143 can transport the washing water in the water cup 142 to the spray assembly 141, and the spray assembly 141 sprays the washing water to the washing chamber 120 to clean the tableware placed in the washing chamber 120. By disposing the water pump 143, it is ensured that the spray assembly 141 can generate sufficient water pressure and flow rate to guarantee the washing effect.

[0069] In an embodiment, the dishwasher 10 further comprises an electric heating device 300. The electric heating device 300 is disposed at the first pipeline 144 and configured to heat washing water in the first pipeline 144. It should be understood that, the electric 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 heat pump system 200 is unable to meet demands or requires additional heating. When the electric heating device 300 is disposed at the first pipeline 144, the electric heating device 300 is configured to heat the washing water in the first pipeline 144, and can be activated when the heat pump system 200 is unable to meet the demands during the washing stage.

[0070] In an embodiment, the electric heating device 300 is disposed in the heat exchange air channel 110. In this way, during the drying stage, when the heat pump system 200 is unable to meet the demands, the electric heating device 300 can be activated.

[0071] It should be understood that, each of the heat exchange air channel 110 and the first pipeline 144 is provided with the electric heating device 300, or one electric heating device 300 can be used to heat accordingly during both the washing stage and the drying stage. The electric heating device 300 usually comprises an electric heating element, a control element, and a protection element. The electric heating element is usually a heating wire, a heating tube, or a heating plate, and is a key component for converting the electric energy into the thermal energy. The control element is configured to control heating power and an operating state of the electric heating element, and usually comprises a temperature sensor and a temperature controller. The temperature controller is usually integrated with other control elements into one control device. The protection element is configured to ensure safe operation of the electric heating device 300 and prevent overheating or circuit failure, and usually comprises an overheating protector and a leakage protector. When the dishwasher 10 requires additional heating, the control device receives a signal and heats the electric heating element. The electric heating element generates thermal energy under action of a current, and transfers the thermal energy to surrounding fluid (usually water or air). The temperature sensor monitors a fluid temperature and feeds back information to the control device. The control element adjusts the heating power of the electric heating element based on the feedback information of the temperature sensor to keep the fluid temperature within a predetermined range. In response to the temperature being too high or a fault occurring, the protection element automatically disconnects a power supply to ensure the safe operation.

[0072] As illustrated in FIG. 2, based on a structure of the above dishwasher 10, the present invention also provides a control method for the dishwasher. The method comprises operations at blocks.

[0073] At block S10, during a washing process, washing water temperature is obtained, in response to continuous operation duration of the heat pump system 200 being less than a duration threshold.

[0074] At block S20, in response to the washing water temperature being lower than target temperature, the heat pump system 200 is controlled to maintain continuous operation, and the washing water temperature is continued to obtain.

[0075] At block S30, the heat pump system 200 is controlled to stop operation, in response to the washing water temperature being higher than or equal to the target temperature.

[0076] 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, the first heat exchange device 220, and the second heat exchange device 230 are controlled to activate, and the heat pump system 200 operates based on operation parameters, achieving faster heating of the washing water. The operation parameters are fixed predetermined values. Subsequent to activating the heat pump system 200, the heat pump system 200 can operate directly based on 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 a rotational speed of the fan, a rotational speed of the compression device 210, and so on.

[0077] In an alternative scheme, the operation parameters of the heat pump system 200 may 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 become larger as the indoor ambient temperature or the washing water temperature decreases, improving a heating efficiency of the washing water. For example, the operation parameters corresponding to different indoor ambient temperatures and / or washing water temperatures may be set in advance, and the indoor ambient temperature and / or the washing water temperature are stored in association with the corresponding operation parameters. Therefore, the current indoor ambient temperature and / or washing water temperature may be detected prior to or while activating the heat pump system 200. In this way, associated operation parameters are determined based on the current indoor ambient temperature and / or the washing water temperature, and the heat pump system 200 operates based on the operation parameters.

[0078] Optionally, the washing process may be initiated automatically or remotely based on network communication. For example, a initiating time period of the washing process may be set in advance, in such a manner that the dishwasher 10 automatically initiates the washing process when the initiating time period is reached. A remote communication connection with the dishwasher 10 may also be established in advance, and a initiating instruction is transmitted to the dishwasher 10 based on the remote communication connection. When the dishwasher 10 receives the initiating instruction, the washing process is initiated. Alternatively, in some variant embodiments, a surface of the tableware in the washing chamber 120 may also be detected. The washing process may be automatically initiated when a surface of a bowl meets an automatic initiating condition of the washing process. The automatic initiating condition may be a stain on the surface of the bowl, such as food residue on the surface of the bowl.

[0079] In this embodiment, subsequent to starting the washing process, the continuous operation duration of the heat pump system 200 may be detected in real time or at a fixed time during the washing process, and whether the continuous operation duration is less than the duration threshold is determined. For example, a timer may be set. When the washing process is started, the timer may be controlled to start, the timer may be reset to enable the timer to start timing from zero, and a timing value of the timer is obtained in real time or at a fixed time. The timing value is the continuous operation duration of the heat pump system 200. In this way, the timing value is compared with the duration threshold to determine a comparison result. Also, when the washing process is started, a network time period may be obtained through the Internet and is a start operation time period of the heat pump system 200. The network time period is obtained through the Internet again in real time or at a fixed time and is a current operation time period of the heat pump system 200. A difference between the current operation time period and the start operation time period is the continuous operation duration of the heat pump system 200, in such a manner that the continuous operation duration is compared with the duration threshold to determine the comparison result. The comparison result is a result of whether the continuous operation duration is less than the duration threshold.

[0080] Optionally, the duration threshold is determined based on a preheating time period of the heat pump system 200. The preheating time period refers to a time for the heat pump system 200 to reach a stable operation state from being activated. Within the preheating time period, 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 usually low. However, a low heating speed of the heat pump system 200 within the preheating time period does not mean that the heating efficiency of the heat pump system 200 in the operation state is also decreased. Once the heat pump system 200 reaches the stable operation state, its heating efficiency may usually be maintained at a high level. Therefore, in response to the continuous operation duration of the heat pump system 200 being less than the duration threshold, the washing water temperature is obtained, a problem of high power consumption caused by long-term operation of the dishwasher 10 can be reduced.

[0081] In an alternative scheme, the preheating time period may be determined based on the operation parameters of the heat pump system 200. The operation parameters affect an energy efficiency of the heat pump system 200. The heat pump system 200 with high energy efficiency requires a shorter preheating time period, while the heat pump system 200 with low energy efficiency requires a longer preheating time period to achieve the stable operation state. Therefore, determining the preheating time period based on the operation parameters of the heat pump system 200 can avoid the preheating time period being too long or too short, avoiding a problem that the heat pump system 200 operates for a long time. The preheating time period may also be determined based on the indoor ambient temperature. In response to the indoor ambient temperature being too low, the heating efficiency of the heat pump system 200 is affected, in such a manner that a longer preheating time period is required to achieve the stable operation state. Therefore, determining the preheating time period based on the indoor ambient temperature can also avoid the problem that the heat pump system 200 operates for a long time.

[0082] In a feasible implementation, the washing water temperature may be collected and obtained by the temperature sensor. One or more temperature sensors may be provided, and 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 sensors may be disposed at a water inlet of the water pump 143 and a water outlet of the spray assembly 141. The temperature sensors may also be disposed in a water collection tank. When a plurality of temperature sensors are provided, an average temperature value collected by the plurality of temperature sensors may be obtained as the washing water temperature, or an median temperature value collected by the plurality of temperature sensors is obtained as the washing water temperature, or a maximum temperature or a minimum temperature collected by the plurality of temperature sensors is obtained as the washing water temperature.

[0083] Further, in this embodiment, the target temperature is an optimum washing temperature of the washing water, at which activity of a detergent can be fully activated, and grease adhered to the tableware can be fully dissolved, improving a washing effect. The target temperature may be set to 40°C to 70°C.

[0084] In an alternative implementation, in response to the washing water temperature being lower than the target temperature which indicates that the washing water needs to continue to be heated, the heat pump system 200 can be controlled to maintain continuous operation, and the washing water temperature can be continued to obtain until the washing water temperature is higher than or equal to the target temperature. In response to the washing water temperature being higher than or equal to the target temperature which indicates that the washing water has been heated to the optimum washing temperature, the heat pump system 200 is controlled to stop operation, reducing energy consumption of the heat pump system 200.

[0085] Optionally, the washing water temperature and an inlet water temperature may be subtracted, and a difference can be divided by the continuous operation duration of the heat pump system 200 to obtain 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 may be expressed as: V = (S2-S1) / t, where V represents a 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 washing water temperature is continued to obtain.

[0086] 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.

[0087] In an embodiment, the control method further comprises: during the washing process, controlling the heat pump system 200 to stop operation, in response to the continuous operation duration of the heat pump system 200 being greater than or equal to the duration threshold.

[0088] It should be understood that, in response to the continuous operation duration of the heat pump system 200 being greater than or equal to the duration threshold which indicates that the heat pump system 200 has been operating for a predetermined time period, and an operation time period of the heat pump system 200 has been completed, that is, a washing and heating stage of the heat pump system 200 has been completed, the heat pump system 200 is controlled to stop operation. In this way, the heat pump system 200 enters a standby state, which facilitates to reducing the energy consumption of the heat pump system 200.

[0089] It should be understood that, the main body 100 further has an air inlet 160, and the heat exchange air channel 110 is in communication with the external environment through the air inlet 160. The main body 100 comprises a first damper 150 movably disposed at the exhaust vent 130 and a second damper 170 movably disposed at the air inlet 160.

[0090] In an alternative solution, the dishwasher 10 may also determine states of the first damper 150 and the second damper 170 prior to starting the washing process, and controls the first damper 150 and / or the second damper 170 in an open state to close. Since the dishwasher 10 has an action of spraying high-temperature hot water during the washing process, an action of detecting and automatically closing the first damper 150 and / or the second damper 170 can be set prior to starting the washing process, which can avoid overflow of high-temperature washing water without manual detection and closing. In this way, an effect of simplifying operation steps of the dishwasher 10 is achieved while improving safety of the dishwasher 10. In addition, during the washing process, when the first damper 150 and / or the second damper 170 are in the open state, an aerosol formed by water vapor, the detergent, food residue, and the like together may escape into the air, causing air pollution. Therefore, a step of automatically detecting and closing the first damper 150 and / or the second damper 170 prior to starting the washing process can also avoid the air pollution due to the washing process.

[0091] Furthermore, the first damper 150 and the second damper 170 are closed, which allows the dishwasher 10 to operate based on air internal circulation. That is, the dishwasher 10 circulates the air in the washing chamber 120 during the washing process instead of introducing external air. Therefore, no additional energy is required to heat or cool the external air, which can help improve an efficiency of the dishwasher 10 and reduce the energy consumption of the heat pump system 200. Also, the air internal circulation can also better control humidity and temperature in the washing chamber 120, which activates the activity of the detergent and quickly dissolves the grease attached to the tableware, improving the washing effect of the dishwasher 10.

[0092] In an alternative implementation, in response to the indoor ambient temperature being higher than a predetermined temperature threshold which indicates that heat carried by the external air itself is high, the first damper 150 and the second damper 170 can be controlled to open. In this way, the dishwasher 10 operates based on air external circulation. In response to the indoor ambient temperature being lower than the predetermined temperature threshold which indicates that the heat carried by the external air itself is low, the first damper 150 and the second damper 170 can be controlled to close. In this way, the dishwasher 10 operates based on the air internal circulation.

[0093] As illustrated in FIG. 3, in an embodiment, the control method further comprises the operations at blocks.

[0094] At block S40, a drying process is initiated subsequent to completing the washing process.

[0095] In this embodiment, subsequent to completing the washing process, the drying process is initiated automatically or manually by a user. In response to the drying process being initiated, the heat pump system 200 is controlled to activate, the first damper 150 is controlled to expose the exhaust vent 130, and the second damper 170 is controlled to expose the air inlet 160, in such a manner that the dishwasher 10 enters the drying process. The drying process may also be referred to as a drying mode or a drying stage. The first damper 150 exposes the exhaust vent 130, and the second damper 170 exposes the air inlet 160, which means that the dishwasher 10 operates based on the air external circulation. That is, the dishwasher 10 circulates the external air during the drying process to accelerate discharge of moisture in the washing chamber 120 and improve the drying efficiency.

[0096] At block S50, chamber temperature in the washing chamber 120 is obtained, and target drying duration is determined based on the chamber temperature.

[0097] In this embodiment, the chamber temperature may be collected and obtained by the temperature sensor, and the temperature sensor may be disposed in the washing chamber 120. A temperature interval which the chamber temperature falls may be determined, and drying duration associated with the temperature interval is taken as the target drying duration; or the target drying duration corresponding to the chamber temperature is determined based on a pre-stored mapping relationship; or the chamber temperature is inputted to a predetermined heat pump model and the target drying duration is determined.

[0098] In a feasible implementation, drying duration of the tableware may be detected in advance at the chamber temperatures in different temperature intervals. The drying duration is a minimum drying duration, and the temperature interval is stored in association with the drying duration. Therefore, subsequent to obtaining the chamber temperature, the temperature interval which the indoor ambient temperature falls is determined, and the drying duration associated with the temperature interval is taken as the target drying duration. Specifically, the temperature interval and the drying duration may be stored in a mapping table, in such a manner that the temperature interval which the chamber temperature falls may be searched in the mapping table through the chamber temperature subsequent to obtaining the chamber temperature, taking the drying duration associated with the temperature interval as the target drying duration.

[0099] 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 40 minutes to 60 minutes, the second temperature interval may be set to (30, 50), the second drying duration may be set to 30 minutes to 50 minutes, the third temperature interval may be set to [50, ∞), and the third drying duration may be set to 20 minutes to 40 minutes.

[0100] In another feasible implementation, the target drying duration corresponding to the chamber temperature is determined based on the pre-stored mapping relationship. Specifically, the pre-stored mapping relationship may be a functional relationship expression or curve, and the target drying duration corresponding to the chamber temperature is obtained by substituting the chamber temperature into the functional relationship expression or curve.

[0101] In yet another feasible implementation, the operation parameters of the heat pump system 200 at different chamber temperatures may be detected in advance, the minimum drying duration corresponding to different chamber temperatures and operation parameters may be determined based on the operation parameters and chamber temperature modeling, and a heat pump model can be generated. Further, the chamber temperature may be substituted into the heat pump model subsequent to obtaining the chamber temperature to determine the target drying duration corresponding to the chamber temperature. The heat pump model may be a linear regression model or other models.

[0102] In yet still another feasible implementation, cavity humidity in the washing chamber 120 may be obtained, and the target drying duration is determined based on the cavity humidity. The cavity humidity may be collected and obtained by a humidity sensor, and the humidity sensor may be disposed in the washing chamber 120. Specifically, for how to determine the target drying duration based on the cavity humidity, reference can refer to an implementation solution of determining the target drying duration based on the chamber temperature, and thus details thereof will be omitted here.

[0103] At block S60, the heat pump system 200 is controlled to stop operation in response to a cumulative drying duration being greater than or equal to the target drying duration.

[0104] In this embodiment, in response to the cumulative drying duration being greater than or equal to the target drying duration, the heat pump system 200 is controlled to stop operation, and drying is completed.

[0105] In a feasible implementation, during the drying process, the chamber temperature of the washing chamber 120 can be continued to obtain. In response to the chamber temperature being higher than or equal to a predetermined chamber temperature threshold, the heat pump system 200 may be controlled to enter the standby state to prevent excessively high chamber temperature causing loss of the dishwasher 10. In response to the chamber temperature being lower than the predetermined chamber temperature threshold, the heat pump system 200 may be controlled to maintain continuous operation.

[0106] In a feasible implementation, in response to the cumulative drying duration being greater than or equal to the target drying duration, the cavity humidity in the washing chamber 120 may be obtained. In response to the cavity humidity being greater than or equal to the predetermined humidity threshold which indicates that the tableware has been dried, the heat pump system 200 is controlled to stop operation and the drying is completed. In response to the cavity humidity being less than the predetermined humidity threshold, the drying may be continued for a predetermined drying duration, and / or prompt information may be output. Subsequent to continuing to dry for the predetermined drying duration, the heat pump system 200 is controlled to stop operation, and the drying is completed. The prompt information may be sent by beeping and / or lighting. The predetermined drying duration may be limited to 10 minutes or 15 minutes.

[0107] In another feasible implementation, in response to the cavity humidity being less than the predetermined humidity threshold, the prompt information is output. When a confirmation instruction to continue drying corresponding to the prompt information is received within the predetermined duration, the drying is continued for the predetermined drying duration. Subsequent to continuing to dry for the predetermined drying duration, the heat pump system 200 is controlled to stop operation and the drying is completed. When 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 is completed.

[0108] In the technical solution provided by this embodiment, subsequent to completing the washing process, the drying process is initiated, and the chamber temperature in the washing chamber 120 is obtained to further determine the target drying duration based on the chamber temperature. In response to the cumulative drying duration being 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 based on the chamber temperature, which can reduce the energy consumption of the dishwasher 10.

Claims

1. A dishwasher (10), comprising: a main body (100) having a heat exchange air channel (110), a washing chamber (120), an exhaust vent (130), and a spray system (140), the washing chamber (120) being in communication with an external environment through the exhaust vent (130), the heat exchange air channel (110) being in communication with the washing chamber (120), and the spray system (140) being configured to spray washing water to the washing chamber (120); and a heat pump system (200) comprising a compression device (210), a first heat exchange device (220), and a second heat exchange device (230), the first heat exchange device (220) being disposed in the heat exchange air channel (110) and comprising a first heat exchange member (221) and a first fan (224), the first heat exchange member (221) having a first heat exchange channel (222) and a second heat exchange channel (223) that are arranged for heat exchange with each other, and the compression device (210), the first heat exchange channel (222), and the second heat exchange device (230) being sequentially connected to form a circulation heat exchange loop, wherein: the second heat exchange channel (223) is in communication with the spray system (140), and is configured to allow the washing water to flow through the second heat exchange channel (223) to exchange heat with refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchange channel (222); and the first fan (224) is configured to drive airflow in the heat exchange air channel (110) to pass through the first heat exchange member (221) for heat exchange, to provide hot air to the washing chamber (120).

2. The dishwasher (10) according to claim 1, wherein the main body (100) comprises a first damper (150) movably disposed at the exhaust vent (130), the first damper (150) being configured to cover the exhaust vent (130) during a washing stage and expose the exhaust vent (130) during a drying stage.

3. The dishwasher (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the main body (100) further has an air inlet (160) in communication with the external environment, the air inlet (160) being in communication with the heat exchange air channel (110) and / or the washing chamber (120).

4. The dishwasher (10) according to claim 3, wherein the main body (100) further comprises a second damper (170) movably disposed at the air inlet (160), the second damper (170) being configured to cover the air inlet (160) during a washing stage and expose the air inlet (160) during a drying stage.

5. The dishwasher (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second heat exchange device (230) is disposed outside the heat exchange air channel (110) and the washing chamber (120).

6. The dishwasher (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the main body (100) comprises an outer shell, a tub, and a door body, wherein: the tub is disposed in the outer shell; the outer shell has a first opening, and the door body is movably disposed at the outer shell to uncover or cover the first opening; the washing chamber (120) is defined between the tub and the door body; and / or the heat exchange air channel (110) is defined between the outer shell and the tub; and / or the exhaust vent (130) is formed at the door body and / or the outer shell.

7. The dishwasher (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the main body (100) comprises an outer shell and further has an air inlet (160) in communication with the external environment, wherein: the air inlet (160), the heat exchange air channel (110), the washing chamber (120), and the exhaust vent (130) are sequentially connected; and / or the air inlet (160) and the exhaust vent (130) are formed at a same side of the outer shell.

8. The dishwasher (10) according to claim 7, wherein: the second heat exchange device (230) comprises a second heat exchange member (231) and a second fan (232) configured to supply air to the second heat exchange member (231); and / or the outer shell has an air outlet, the second fan (232) being in communication with the air outlet at an air outlet side of the second fan (232), and the air inlet (160) and the air outlet being formed at different sides of the outer shell.

9. The dishwasher (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the heat pump system (200) further comprises a throttling device (240), the throttling device (240) being disposed at the circulation heat exchange loop and located between the first heat exchange member (221) and the second heat exchange device (230).

10. The dishwasher (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the spray system (140) comprises a spray assembly (141), a water cup (142), and a water pump (143), wherein: the spray assembly (141) is disposed in the washing chamber (120) and configured to spray the washing water to the washing chamber (120); and / or the water cup (142) is in communication with the second heat exchange channel (223); and / or the second heat exchange channel (223) is in communication with the spray assembly (141) through a first pipeline (144), the water pump (143) being disposed at the first pipeline (144).

11. The dishwasher (10) according to claim 10, further comprising an electric heating device (300), wherein: the electric heating device (300) is disposed at the first pipeline (144) and configured to heat washing water in the first pipeline (144); and / or the electric heating device (300) is disposed in the heat exchange air channel (110).

12. A control method for a dishwasher (10), being applied to a dishwasher (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the method comprising: (S10) during a washing process, obtaining a washing water temperature in response to a continuous operation duration of a heat pump system (200) being less than a duration threshold; (S20) in response to the washing water temperature being lower than a target temperature, controlling the heat pump system (200) to maintain continuous operation, and continuing to obtain the washing water temperature; and (S30) controlling the heat pump system (200) to stop operation, in response to the washing water temperature being higher than or equal to the target temperature.

13. The control method according to claim 12, further comprising: during the washing process, controlling the heat pump system (200) to stop operation, in response to the continuous operation duration of the heat pump system (200) being greater than or equal to the duration threshold; and / or the control method further comprising: (S40) initiating a drying process subsequent to completing the washing process; (S50) obtaining a chamber temperature in a washing chamber (120), and determining a target drying duration based on the chamber temperature; and (S60) controlling the heat pump system (200) to stop operation, in response to a cumulative drying duration being 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 chamber temperature comprises: determining a temperature interval within which the chamber temperature falls, and setting a drying duration associated with the temperature interval as the target drying duration; determining the target drying duration corresponding to the chamber temperature based on a pre-stored mapping relationship; and inputting the chamber temperature to a predetermined heat pump model and determining the target drying duration.

15. The control method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein a main body (100) further has an air inlet (160), a heat exchange air channel (110) being in communication with an external environment through the air inlet (160), and wherein the main body (100) comprises a first damper (150) and a second damper (170), the method further comprising, prior to said obtaining the chamber temperature in the washing chamber (120): in response to the washing process being initiated, controlling the heat pump system (200) to activate, the first damper (150) to cover an exhaust vent (130), and the second damper (170) to cover the air inlet (160); and in response to the drying process being initiated, controlling the heat pump system (200) to activate, the first damper (150) to expose the exhaust vent (130), and the second damper (170) to expose the air inlet (160).

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