Patent Description:
The washing appliance in the related art has a drying mode for drying tableware. In the drying mode, a hot and humid airflow in a tub flows out from an outlet, passes through and is cooled down by an evaporator, and flows back to the tub after being reheated by an air-cooled condenser, to dry the tableware. However, since a fan, the evaporator, and the air-cooled condenser are connected in series, the hot and humid airflow flowing out of the tub is cooled down by the evaporator and heated by the air-cooled condenser successively, which increases power consumption of the washing appliance. <CIT> discloses an apparatus and method for providing heating power for a laundry treatment apparatus and Laundry treatment apparatus. Furthermore, <CIT> discloses a dishwashing machine comprising a cavity, an evaporator air channel, a condenser air channel, and a heat pump drying system.

The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems in the related art. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides a washing appliance, which has advantages of good drying effect on tableware, safe and reliable drying process, and low energy consumption.

The above objects are solved by the washing appliance according to the present invention, as disclosed in the independent claim.

The preferred embodiments are defined by the features of the dependent claims.

In addition, the washing appliance according to the embodiments of the present disclosure can further have the following additional technical features.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first air duct comprises a main air duct, an inflow segment, and an outflow segment. Two ends of the main air duct are in communication with the inflow segment and the outflow segment respectively. The outlet of the second air duct is in communication with the outflow segment; and the air-cooled condenser is at least partially disposed in the outflow segment.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the inlet of the second air duct is in communication with the inflow segment to allow the inlet of the second air duct to be in communication with the air outlet via the inflow segment; or the inflow segment and the inlet of the second air duct are respectively in direct communication with the air outlet.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a flow cross-section area of the main air duct is greater than a flow cross-section area of the second air duct.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the air duct assembly comprises a first vent and a second vent, the first vent and the second vent being respectively in communication with an ambient environment. The washing appliance further comprises a first switching member and a second switching member, the first switching member controls the main air duct to be or not to be in communication with the first vent or the inflow segment, and the second switching member is configured to control the main air duct to be or not to be in communication with the second vent or the outflow segment.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the washing appliance further comprises a washing system. The heat pump system further comprises a water-cooled condenser heating a washing liquid in the washing system. The washing appliance has a drying state and a heating state. In the drying state of the washing appliance, the first switching member communicates the main air duct with the inflow segment and shuts the first vent, and the second switching member communicates the main air duct with the outflow segment and shuts the second vent. In the heating state of the washing appliance, the first switching member communicates the main air duct with the first vent and blocks the main air duct from the inflow segment, and the second switching member communicates the main air duct with the second vent and blocks the main air duct from the outflow segment.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the washing appliance further comprises a washing system. The heat pump system further comprises a water-cooled condenser heating a washing liquid in the washing system.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the compressor, the throttling device, the air-cooled condenser, the water-cooled condenser, and the evaporator are connected in series; and the water-cooled condenser is located upstream of the air-cooled condenser in a flow direction of a heat exchange medium in the heat pump system.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the heat pump system comprises a first branch, a second branch, and a third branch, and two ends of the second branch and two ends of the third branch are respectively in communication with the first branch; the compressor, the evaporator, and the throttling device are connected in the first branch; the water-cooled condenser and a first on-off valve are connected in the second branch; and the air-cooled condenser and a second on-off valve are connected in the third branch.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the throttling device comprises a first expansion valve and a second expansion valve; the heat pump system comprises a first branch, a second branch, and a third branch, and two ends of second branch and two ends of the third branch are respectively in communication with the first branch; the compressor and the evaporator are connected in the first branch; the water-cooled condenser and the first expansion valve are connected in the second branch; and the air-cooled condenser and the second expansion valve are connected in the third branch.

Additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will be provided at least in part in the following description, or will become apparent at least in part from the following description, or can be learned from practicing of the present disclosure.

The above and/or additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent and more understandable from the following description of embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Reference numerals of the accompanying drawings: washing appliance <NUM>, tub <NUM>, air inlet <NUM>, air outlet <NUM>, third vent <NUM>, air duct assembly <NUM>, first air duct <NUM>, main air duct <NUM>, inflow segment <NUM>, outflow segment <NUM>, second air duct <NUM>, first vent <NUM>, second vent <NUM>, heat pump system <NUM>, compressor <NUM>, throttling device <NUM>, first expansion valve <NUM>, second expansion valve <NUM>, first on-off valve <NUM>, second on-off valve <NUM>, air-cooled condenser <NUM>, evaporator <NUM>, water-cooled condenser <NUM>, first branch <NUM>, second branch <NUM>, third branch <NUM>, first switching member <NUM>, second switching member <NUM>, washing system <NUM>, spray arm assembly <NUM>, top spray arm <NUM>, middle spray arm <NUM>, lower spray arm <NUM>, water collection member <NUM>, washing pump <NUM>, first fan <NUM>.

The embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to examples thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which same or similar elements, or elements having same or similar functions, are denoted by same or similar reference numerals. The embodiments described below with reference to the drawings are illustrative only, and are intended to explain, rather than limiting, the present disclosure.

A washing appliance <NUM> according to embodiments of the present disclosure is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the washing appliance <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a tub <NUM>, an air duct assembly <NUM>, and a heat pump system <NUM>.

The tub <NUM> has an air inlet <NUM> and an air outlet <NUM>. The air duct assembly <NUM> comprises a first air duct <NUM>. The first air duct <NUM> has an inlet in communication with the air outlet <NUM> and an outlet in communication with the air inlet <NUM>. The heat pump system <NUM> comprises a compressor <NUM>, a throttling device <NUM>, an air-cooled condenser <NUM>, and an evaporator <NUM>. The evaporator <NUM> is at least partially disposed in the first air duct <NUM> to facilitate heat exchange between the evaporator <NUM> and gas flowing through the evaporator <NUM>. The air duct assembly <NUM> further comprises a second air duct <NUM>. The second air duct <NUM> has an inlet in communication with the air outlet <NUM> and an outlet in communication with the first air duct <NUM>. The air-cooled condenser <NUM> is at least partially disposed in the first air duct <NUM> and located downstream of the second air duct <NUM> in a gas flow direction to facilitate heat exchange between the air-cooled condenser <NUM> and gas flowing through the air-cooled condenser <NUM>.

Specifically, in the gas flow direction, a position at which the outlet of the second air duct <NUM> is communicated with the first air duct <NUM> is located upstream of the air-cooled condenser <NUM> and downstream of the evaporator <NUM>. That is, the gas in the first air duct <NUM>, after being subject to dehumidification of the evaporator <NUM>, may merge with the gas in the second air duct <NUM>. Both the gas in the first air duct <NUM> and the gas in the second air duct <NUM> are heated by the air-cooled condenser <NUM> before flowing into the tub <NUM> through the air inlet <NUM>.

It should be understood that the expression "the air-cooled condenser <NUM> is located downstream of the second air duct <NUM> in the gas flow direction" means that the gas flowing out of the tub <NUM> flows through the second air duct <NUM> before flowing through the air-cooled condenser <NUM>. The expression "a position at which the outlet of the second air duct <NUM> is communicated with the first air duct <NUM> is located upstream of the air-cooled condenser <NUM> in the gas flow direction" means that the gas flowing out of the tub <NUM> flows through the position at which the outlet of the second air duct <NUM> is communicated with the first air duct <NUM> before flowing through the air-cooled condenser <NUM>.

According to the washing appliance <NUM> of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the heat pump system <NUM> is provided, the heat pump system <NUM> can be used to absorb heat from an external environment to heat the gas flowing in the air duct assembly <NUM> or a washing liquid in the washing appliance <NUM>. That is, low-grade energy is converted into high-grade heat energy, and the high-grade heat energy is then released into the gas or the washing liquid, which achieves a purpose of efficient and low-energy heating. With the compressor <NUM>, the throttling device <NUM>, the air-cooled condenser <NUM>, and the evaporator <NUM> in the heat pump system <NUM>, a refrigerant in the heat pump system <NUM> is subject to processes of compression, condensation and heat release, throttling expansion, evaporation and heat absorption, low-grade energy is converted into high-grade heat energy, and the high-grade heat energy is then released into the gas in the air duct assembly <NUM> or the washing liquid in the washing appliance <NUM>, to achieve the purpose of efficient and low-energy heating. Compared with an electric heating manner, such a manner has remarkable energy saving performance, and can significantly reduce energy consumption of the washing appliance <NUM>.

In addition, by setting the first air duct <NUM> and the second air duct <NUM> in the air duct assembly <NUM>, the highly humid gas flowing out of the tub <NUM> can flow into the first air duct <NUM> and the second air duct <NUM> through the air outlet <NUM>. When a part of the highly humid gas flows through the evaporator <NUM> in the first air duct <NUM>, water vapor in the highly humid gas is condensed into a liquid state to reduce the humidity of the gas, which achieves drying and dehumidification of the gas. In this case, a temperature of the gas decreases accordingly, and the highly humid gas becomes dry and cold air. Another part of the highly humid gas can flow directly through the second air duct <NUM> and merge with the processed dry and cold air in the first air duct <NUM>. The mixed gas flows through and is heated by the air-cooled condenser <NUM> and flows back to the tub <NUM> via the air inlet <NUM> to facilitate drying of tableware in the tub <NUM>.

By setting the first air duct <NUM> and the second air duct <NUM>, the humidity and temperature of the highly humid gas flowing out of the tub <NUM> can be adjusted to allow the gas flowing back to the tub <NUM> to have a suitable temperature range and humidity range, which facilitates smooth drying of tableware inside the tub <NUM> by the gas and improves the drying performance of the washing appliance <NUM>. In addition, not only an unnecessary increase in power consumption of the washing appliance <NUM> caused by drying and cooling all the highly humid gas flowing out of the tub <NUM> can be avoided, but also an internal circulation of the gas between the air duct assembly <NUM> and the tub <NUM> can be ensured in a process of drying the tableware, which prevents impurities such as dust in the external environment from entering the tub <NUM> and contaminating the tub <NUM> and the tableware inside the tub <NUM>, and improves safety and reliability of the drying of the tableware.

That is, a part of the gas flowing out of the tub <NUM> passes through the evaporator <NUM> and another part does not pass through the evaporator <NUM>. The gas of the two parts is mixed before flowing through the air-cooled condenser <NUM> and enters the tub <NUM> via the air inlet <NUM>. In this way, a total amount of the part of gas flowing through the evaporator <NUM> is controlled, which facilitates control of the humidity and temperature of the gas flowing back to the tub <NUM>, and improves a dehumidification capacity of the gas per unit.

The washing appliance <NUM> according to the embodiments of the present disclosure has advantages of good drying effect on tableware, safe and reliable drying process, and low energy consumption.

The washing appliance <NUM> according to specific embodiments of the present disclosure is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In some specific embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in <FIG>, the washing appliance <NUM> according to the embodiments of the present disclosure comprises the tub <NUM>, the air duct assembly <NUM>, and the heat pump system <NUM>.

Specifically, as illustrated in <FIG>, the first air duct <NUM> comprises a main air duct <NUM>, an inflow segment <NUM>, and an outflow segment <NUM>. The main air duct <NUM> has two ends and the two ends are in communication with the inflow segment <NUM> and the outflow segment <NUM> respectively. The outlet of the second air duct <NUM> is in communication with the outflow segment <NUM>. The air-cooled condenser <NUM> is at least partially disposed in the outflow segment <NUM>. In this way, it is not only convenient for the first air duct <NUM> to be communicated with the tub <NUM> via the inlet and the outlet to form a circulation loop, but also convenient for the gas in the first air duct <NUM> and the gas in the second air duct <NUM> to merge with each other and then flow through the air-cooled condenser <NUM> to be heated.

Specifically, the first air duct <NUM> comprises the main air duct <NUM>, the inflow segment <NUM>, and the outflow segment <NUM>. The main air duct <NUM> has the two ends in communication with the inflow segment <NUM> and the outflow segment <NUM> respectively. The inlet of the first air duct <NUM> is formed on the inflow segment <NUM>. The inflow segment <NUM> is in communication with the air outlet <NUM> through the inlet of the first air duct <NUM>. The outlet of the first air duct <NUM> is formed on the outflow segment <NUM>. The outflow segment <NUM> is in communication with the air inlet <NUM> through the outlet of the first air duct <NUM>. The evaporator <NUM> is disposed in the main air duct <NUM> or the outflow segment <NUM>. The inlet of the second air duct <NUM> is in communication with the first air duct <NUM>. The outlet of the second air duct <NUM> is in communication with the outflow segment <NUM>. The air-cooled condenser <NUM> is at least partially disposed in the outflow segment <NUM>. In the gas flow direction, a connection of the second air duct <NUM> and the outflow segment <NUM> is located upstream of the air-cooled condenser <NUM>, and a connection of the second air duct <NUM> and the outflow segment <NUM> is located downstream of the evaporator <NUM>. That is, the gas in the first air duct <NUM> flows through the air-cooled condenser <NUM> after flowing through the evaporator <NUM>, and then flows back to the tub <NUM>. The gas in the second air duct <NUM> flows back to the tub <NUM> after flowing through the air-cooled condenser <NUM>.

In some specific embodiments, as illustrated in <FIG>, the inlet of the second air duct <NUM> is in communication with the inflow segment <NUM> to allow the inlet of the second air duct <NUM> to be in communication with the air outlet <NUM> via the inflow segment <NUM>. In this way, the highly humid gas in the tub <NUM> can be guided, via the inflow segment <NUM>, to the main air duct <NUM> of the first air duct <NUM> and the second air duct <NUM>, in such a manner that the first air duct <NUM> and the second air duct <NUM> are in communication with the tub <NUM> to form a circulation loop.

In some other specific embodiments, the inflow segment <NUM> and the inlet of the second air duct <NUM> are respectively in direct communication with the air outlet <NUM>. In this way, the highly humid gas in the tub <NUM> can flow into each of the first air duct <NUM> and the second air duct <NUM> separately to prevent normal flow of the gas from being affected by mutual interference of the gas in the first air duct <NUM> and the gas in the second air duct <NUM>.

In some embodiments, a flow cross-section area of the main air duct <NUM> is greater than a flow cross-section area of the second air duct <NUM>. In this way, it can be ensured that most of the highly humid gas flowing out of the tub <NUM> can pass through the evaporator <NUM> for drying and dehumidification, which facilitates a reduction of humidity of the gas and improves the drying performance of the gas on the tableware.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in <FIG>, the air duct assembly <NUM> comprises a first vent <NUM> and a second vent <NUM>. The first vent <NUM> and the second vent <NUM> are respectively in communication with an ambient environment. Here, the washing appliance <NUM> further comprises a first switching member <NUM> and a second switching member <NUM>. The first switching member <NUM> is configured to control the main air duct <NUM> to be or not to be in communication with the first vent <NUM> or the inflow segment <NUM>. The second switching member <NUM> is configured to control the main air duct <NUM> to be or not to be in communication with the second vent <NUM> or the outflow segment <NUM>. In this way, the main air duct <NUM> of the first air duct <NUM> can be in communication with the external environment or the tub <NUM> to form a circulation loop as desired, which is convenient to enhance circulation flexibility of the gas circulating in the first air duct <NUM> and improve functionality and applicability of the air duct assembly <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the first vent <NUM> and the second vent <NUM> may be disposed at positions of a side panel, a skirting board, or a housing of the washing appliance <NUM> that are not obscured by a cabinet or an external object. The air inlet <NUM> and the air outlet <NUM> may be disposed on positions of a side wall surface or a top surface of the tub <NUM> that are easily accessible to the tub <NUM>.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in <FIG>, the washing appliance <NUM> further comprises a washing system <NUM>. The heat pump system <NUM> further comprises a water-cooled condenser <NUM> configured to heat a washing liquid in the washing system <NUM>. The washing appliance <NUM> has a drying state and a heating state. In the drying state of the washing appliance <NUM>, the first switching member <NUM> communicates the main air duct <NUM> with the inflow segment <NUM> and shuts the first vent <NUM>, and the second switching member <NUM> communicates the main air duct <NUM> with the outflow segment <NUM> and shuts the second vent <NUM>. In the heating state of the washing appliance <NUM>, the first switching member <NUM> communicates the main air duct <NUM> with the first vent <NUM> and blocks the main air duct <NUM> from the inflow segment <NUM>, and the second switching member <NUM> communicates the main air duct <NUM> with the second vent <NUM> and blocks the main air duct <NUM> from the outflow segment <NUM>. In this way, when the washing appliance <NUM> is in the drying state, the air duct assembly <NUM> can form an inner circulation with the tub <NUM> to facilitate drying and dehumidification of the highly humid gas flowing out of the tub <NUM>, which can not only improve the drying performance of the washing appliance <NUM>, but also prevent the dust in the external environment from entering the tub <NUM> and causing pollution to the tub <NUM> and the tableware. When the washing appliance <NUM> is in the heating state, the air duct assembly <NUM> can be in communication with the external environment to facilitate the evaporator <NUM> to collect heat from air in the external environment, which improves the heating efficiency of the heat pump system <NUM>, and enhances washing performance of the washing appliance <NUM>.

For example, the evaporator <NUM> is disposed in the main air duct <NUM>. When the washing appliance <NUM> is in the heating state and needs to heat the washing liquid, two ends of the main air duct <NUM> can be in communication with the external environment through the first vent <NUM> and the second vent <NUM> respectively, by means of the first switching member <NUM> and the second switching member <NUM>, to allow the air in the external environment to continuously flow through the evaporator <NUM>, which facilitates the evaporator <NUM> to absorb the heat of the air in the external environment. When the washing appliance <NUM> is in the drying state and needs to dry the tableware inside the tub <NUM>, the two ends of the main air duct <NUM> can be in communication with the inflow segment <NUM> and the outflow segment <NUM> respectively, by means of the first switching member <NUM> and the second switching member <NUM>, to form an inner circulation loop between the air duct assembly <NUM> and the tub <NUM>, in such a manner that drying and dehumidification can be performed, using the evaporator <NUM>, on the highly humid gas flowing out of the tub <NUM>, and the dried and dehumidified gas flows back to the tub <NUM> to dry the tableware.

In some embodiments,, as illustrated in <FIG>, the washing appliance <NUM> further comprises the washing system <NUM>. The heat pump system <NUM> comprises the water-cooled condenser <NUM> configured to heat the washing liquid in the washing system <NUM>. In this way, the water-cooled condenser <NUM> can be used to heat the washing liquid in the washing system <NUM>. The high-temperature washing liquid washes away contaminants on the tableware and brings heat to the tableware to allow the washing appliance <NUM> to obtain a high abluent rate and a dry rate in a short washing period.

In some specific embodiments, as illustrated in <FIG>, the compressor <NUM>, the throttling device <NUM>, the air-cooled condenser <NUM>, the water-cooled condenser <NUM>, and the evaporator <NUM> are connected in series. The water-cooled condenser <NUM> is located upstream of the air-cooled condenser <NUM> in a flow direction of a heat exchange medium in the heat pump system <NUM>. In this way, after absorbing heat, the heat exchange medium flows through the water-cooled condenser <NUM> and then flows through the air-cooled condenser <NUM>, which can ensure that the heat pump system <NUM> preferentially heats the washing liquid in the washing system <NUM> using the water-cooled condenser <NUM>. Therefore, the washing performance of the washing appliance <NUM> is guaranteed.

It should be understood that the expression "the water-cooled condenser <NUM> is located upstream of the air-cooled condenser <NUM> in a flow direction of a heat exchange medium in the heat pump system <NUM>" means that after absorbing heat through the evaporator <NUM>, the heat exchange medium flows through the water-cooled condenser <NUM> and then flows through the air-cooled condenser <NUM>.

Specifically, the evaporator <NUM>, the compressor <NUM>, the water-cooled condenser <NUM>, the air-cooled condenser <NUM>, and the throttling device <NUM> are connected sequentially in series to form a circulation loop. The throttling device <NUM> may be an expansion valve. Further, the throttling device <NUM> may be an electronic expansion valve.

In some other specific embodiments, as illustrated in <FIG>, the heat pump system <NUM> comprises a first branch <NUM>, a second branch <NUM>, and a third branch <NUM>. Two ends of the second branch <NUM> and two ends of the third branch <NUM> are respectively in communication with the first branch <NUM>. The compressor <NUM>, the evaporator <NUM>, and the throttling device <NUM> are connected in the first branch <NUM>. The water-cooled condenser <NUM> and a first on-off valve <NUM> are connected in the second branch <NUM>. The air-cooled condenser <NUM> and a second on-off valve <NUM> are connected in the third branch <NUM>. In this way, when the heat pump system <NUM> heats the washing liquid, the first on-off valve <NUM> can be opened and the second on-off valve <NUM> can be closed. In this case, no heat exchange medium flows in the third branch <NUM>, which can reduce flowing resistance in pipelines of the heat pump system <NUM> and reduce energy consumption of the heat pump system <NUM> when heating the washing liquid. At a stage of drying or storing the tableware, the second on-off valve <NUM> can be opened and the first on-off valve <NUM> can be closed. In this case, no heat exchange medium flows in the second branch <NUM>, which can reduce the flowing resistance in the pipelines of the heat pump system <NUM>, and reduce energy consumption of the heat pump system <NUM> at the stage of drying or storing the tableware. Therefore, an energy efficiency of the washing appliance <NUM> can be increased to reduce the energy consumption.

In some other specific embodiments, as illustrated in <FIG>, the throttling device <NUM> comprises a first expansion valve <NUM> and a second expansion valve <NUM>. The heat pump system <NUM> comprises a first branch <NUM>, a second branch <NUM>, and a third branch <NUM>. Two ends of the second branch <NUM> and two ends of the third branch <NUM> are respectively in communication with the first branch <NUM>. The compressor <NUM> and the evaporator <NUM> are connected in the first branch <NUM>. The water-cooled condenser <NUM> and the first expansion valve <NUM> are connected in the second branch <NUM>. The air-cooled condenser <NUM> and the second expansion valve <NUM> are connected in the third branch <NUM>. In this way, a dual throttling device <NUM> system can be formed using the first expansion valve <NUM> and the second expansion valve <NUM>. When the heat pump system <NUM> heats the washing liquid, the first expansion valve <NUM> enters a normal operation state, and the second expansion valve <NUM> is closed completely or in a state with a minimum opening. In this case, no heat exchange medium flows in the third branch <NUM>, which can reduce the flowing resistance in the pipelines of the heat pump system <NUM> and reduce energy consumption of the heat pump system <NUM> when heating the washing liquid. At a stage of drying or storing the tableware, the second expansion valve <NUM> enters a normal operation state, and the first expansion valve <NUM> is closed completely or in a state with a minimum opening. In this case, no heat exchange medium flows in the second branch <NUM>, which can reduce the flowing resistance in the pipelines of the heat pump system <NUM>, and reduce energy consumption of the heat pump system <NUM> at the stage of drying or storing the tableware. Therefore, an energy efficiency of the washing appliance <NUM> can be increased to reduce the energy consumption.

Specifically, as illustrated in <FIG>, the washing system <NUM> comprises a spray arm assembly <NUM>, a water collection member <NUM>, and a washing pump <NUM>. The spray arm assembly <NUM> is disposed in the tub <NUM>. The water collection member <NUM> is disposed in the tub <NUM> and located below the spray arm assembly <NUM> (an up-down direction of the tub <NUM> is as illustrated in <FIG>). The washing pump <NUM> is in communication with the spray arm assembly <NUM> and the water collection member <NUM> respectively. In this way, the washing pump <NUM> can be used to deliver the washing liquid in the washing system <NUM> to the spray arm assembly <NUM>. The spray arm assembly <NUM> can be used to continuously impose jet washing on the tableware to achieve a purpose of cleaning the tableware. The water collection member <NUM> can collect the washing liquid in the tub <NUM> to achieve circulation and flowing of the washing liquid in the washing system <NUM>.

It should be understood that the up-down direction in <FIG> is only to facilitate description of upper and lower positions of an internal structure of the tub <NUM>, rather than limit an actual structure of the washing appliance <NUM>.

More specifically, as illustrated in <FIG>, the spray arm assembly <NUM> comprises a top spray arm <NUM>, a middle spray arm <NUM>, and a lower spray arm <NUM>. The water collection member <NUM> is formed as a water-cup collection tank located in a lower part of the tub <NUM>.

In some embodiments,, as illustrated in <FIG>, a first fan <NUM> is provided in the first air duct <NUM>. The first fan <NUM> is located upstream of the evaporator <NUM> in the gas flow direction. In this way, under the action of the first fan <NUM>, the gas can flow through the evaporator <NUM> smoothly to increase a ventilation quantity in the air duct assembly <NUM> and improve a heat exchange efficiency of the heat pump system <NUM>.

Further, the first fan <NUM> is disposed in the main air duct <NUM> of the first air duct <NUM>.

In some embodiments,, as illustrated in <FIG>, the tub <NUM> has a third vent <NUM>. The third vent <NUM> is in communication with the external environment and located at a top end of the tub <NUM>. A movable seal is disposed at the third vent <NUM>. When an internal pressure of the tub <NUM> is greater than a predetermined pressure, the seal is pushed away to expose the third vent <NUM>, in which case the third vent <NUM> is in communication with the tub <NUM>, and the gas inside the tub <NUM> can be discharged to the external environment via the third vent <NUM>. When the internal pressure of the tub <NUM> is smaller than or equal to the predetermined pressure, the seal seals the third vent <NUM> to form a sealed space inside the tub <NUM>.

In some embodiments, when the washing appliance <NUM> is in a state for heating the washing liquid, the compressor <NUM> in the heat pump system <NUM> operates to pump the high-temperature and high-pressure heat exchange medium to the water-cooled condenser <NUM> to heat the washing liquid in the washing system <NUM>. The heat exchange medium flows out of the water-cooled condenser <NUM> after exchanging heat with the washing liquid, and then flows into the air-cooled condenser <NUM>. After being throttled by the throttling device <NUM>, the heat exchange medium becomes a low-temperature and low-pressure heat exchange medium which then flows into the evaporator <NUM>. The heat exchange medium exchanges heat with the gas in the evaporator <NUM>, and then flows back to the compressor <NUM> to complete a heating cycle of the whole heat pump system <NUM>.

In this mode, the washing pump <NUM> operates to pump the washing liquid from the water collection member <NUM> to the water-cooled condenser <NUM> in the heat pump system <NUM> to heat the washing liquid, and then supplies the heated washing liquid to the spray arm assembly <NUM> to wash the tableware.

In this mode, the first fan <NUM> is activated, the first switching member <NUM> communicates the main air duct <NUM> with the first vent <NUM>, and the second switching member <NUM> communicates the main air duct <NUM> with the second vent <NUM>. Under the action of the first fan <NUM>, the air in the external environment flows from the first vent <NUM> into the main air duct <NUM>, flows through the evaporator <NUM>, and is then discharged from the second vent <NUM>.

In some other embodiments, when the washing appliance <NUM> is in the drying state for drying the tableware, the first fan <NUM> is activated, and the compressor <NUM> in the heat pump system <NUM> is also activated. In this mode, the high-temperature and high-pressure heat exchange medium is pumped by the compressor <NUM> to the water-cooled condenser <NUM> to dry internal components of the water-cooled condenser <NUM> and the washing system <NUM>, and then flows into the air-cooled condenser <NUM> to circulate and heat the gas in the tub <NUM>. Therefore, faster evaporation and drying of water droplets on the tableware can be realized and a temperature of the tableware per se can be increased.

Further, the heat exchange medium that has undergone the condensation by the air-cooled condenser <NUM> is throttled by the throttling device <NUM> and then flows into the evaporator <NUM>. Under the action of the first fan <NUM>, the highly humid gas in the tub <NUM> flows into the air duct assembly <NUM> via the air outlet <NUM>. A part of the highly humid gas passes through and is cooled and dehumidified in the evaporator <NUM>, and is then mixed with the other part of the highly humid gas that has not passed through the evaporator <NUM>. The mixed gas flows towards the air-cooled condenser <NUM>, and then enters the tub <NUM> via the air inlet <NUM> to be mixed with high-temperature and high-humidity gas in the tub <NUM> or to squeeze out the high-temperature and high-humidity gas from the air outlet <NUM>. The above processes are cycled to achieve humidity reduction of the gas in the tub <NUM>, improving the drying efficiency and shortening the drying time.

According to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, the washing appliance <NUM> comprises the tub <NUM>, the air duct assembly <NUM>, and the heat pump system <NUM>. The tub <NUM> has the air inlet <NUM> and the air outlet <NUM>. The air duct assembly <NUM> comprises the first air duct <NUM>. The inlet of the first air duct <NUM> is in communication with the air outlet <NUM>. The outlet of the first air duct <NUM> is in communication with the air inlet <NUM>. The heat pump system <NUM> comprises the compressor <NUM>, the throttling device <NUM>, the air-cooled condenser <NUM>, and the evaporator <NUM>. The evaporator <NUM> is at least partially disposed in the first air duct <NUM>. The air duct assembly <NUM> further comprises the second air duct <NUM>. The inlet of the second air duct <NUM> is in communication with the air outlet <NUM>. The outlet of the second air duct <NUM> is in communication with the first air duct <NUM>. The air-cooled condenser <NUM> is at least partially disposed in the first air duct <NUM> and located downstream of the second air duct <NUM> in the gas flow direction.

The first air duct <NUM> comprises the main air duct <NUM>, the inflow segment <NUM>, and the outflow segment <NUM>. The two ends of the main air duct <NUM> are in communication with the inflow segment <NUM> and the outflow segment <NUM> respectively. The outlet of the second air duct <NUM> is in communication with the outflow segment <NUM>. The air-cooled condenser <NUM> is at least partially disposed in the outflow segment <NUM>. The inlet of the second air duct <NUM> is in communication with the inflow segment <NUM> to allow the inlet of the second air duct <NUM> to be in communication with the air outlet <NUM> via the inflow segment <NUM>. The flow cross-section area of the main air duct <NUM> is greater than the flow cross-section area of the second air duct <NUM>.

The air duct assembly <NUM> comprises the first vent <NUM> and the second vent <NUM>. The first vent <NUM> and the second vent <NUM> are respectively in communication with the ambient environment. The washing appliance <NUM> further comprises the first switching member <NUM> and the second switching member <NUM>. The first switching member <NUM> is configured to control the main air duct <NUM> to be or not to be in communication with the first vent <NUM> or the inflow segment <NUM>. The second switching member <NUM> is configured to control the main air duct <NUM> to be or not to be in communication with the second vent <NUM> or the outflow segment <NUM>.

Further, the washing appliance <NUM> further comprises the washing system <NUM>. The heat pump system <NUM> further comprises the water-cooled condenser <NUM> configured to heat the washing liquid in the washing system <NUM>. The washing appliance <NUM> has the drying state and the heating state. In the drying state of the washing appliance <NUM>, the first switching member <NUM> communicates the main air duct <NUM> with the inflow segment <NUM> and shuts the first vent <NUM>, and the second switching member <NUM> communicates the main air duct <NUM> with the outflow segment <NUM> and shuts the second vent <NUM>. In the heating state of the washing appliance <NUM>, the first switching member <NUM> communicates the main air duct <NUM> with the first vent <NUM> and blocks the main air duct <NUM> from the inflow segment <NUM>, and the second switching member <NUM> communicates the main air duct <NUM> with the second vent <NUM> and blocks the main air duct <NUM> from the outflow segment <NUM>.

The compressor <NUM>, the throttling device <NUM>, the air-cooled condenser <NUM>, the water-cooled condenser <NUM>, and the evaporator <NUM> are connected in series. The water-cooled condenser <NUM> is located upstream of the air-cooled condenser <NUM> in the flow direction of the heat exchange medium in the heat pump system <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the heat pump system <NUM> comprises the first branch <NUM>, the second branch <NUM>, and the third branch <NUM>. Two ends of the second branch <NUM> and two ends of the third branch <NUM> are respectively in communication with the first branch <NUM>. The compressor <NUM>, the evaporator <NUM>, and the throttling device <NUM> are connected in the first branch <NUM>. The water-cooled condenser <NUM> and the first on-off valve <NUM> are connected in the second branch <NUM>. The air-cooled condenser <NUM> and the second on-off valve <NUM> are connected in the third branch <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the throttling device <NUM> comprises the first expansion valve <NUM> and the second expansion valve <NUM>. The heat pump system <NUM> comprises the first branch <NUM>, the second branch <NUM>, and the third branch <NUM>. Two ends of the second branch <NUM> and two ends of the third branch <NUM> are respectively in communication with the first branch <NUM>. The compressor <NUM> and the evaporator <NUM> are connected in the first branch <NUM>. The water-cooled condenser <NUM> and the first expansion valve <NUM> are connected in the second branch <NUM>. The air-cooled condenser <NUM> and the second expansion valve <NUM> are connected in the third branch <NUM>.

The washing system <NUM> comprises the spray arm assembly <NUM>, the water collection member <NUM>, and the washing pump <NUM>. The spray arm assembly <NUM> is disposed in the tub <NUM>. The water collection member <NUM> is disposed in the tub <NUM> and located below the spray arm assembly <NUM>. The washing pump <NUM> is in communication with the spray arm assembly <NUM> and the water collection member <NUM> respectively. The spray arm assembly <NUM> comprises the top spray arm <NUM>, the middle spray arm <NUM>, and the lower spray arm <NUM>. The water collection member <NUM> is formed as the water-cup collection tank located in the lower part of the tub <NUM>.

The first fan <NUM> is provided in the first air duct <NUM>. The first fan <NUM> is located upstream of the evaporator <NUM> in the gas flow direction. The first fan <NUM> is disposed in the main air duct <NUM> of the first air duct <NUM>.

The tub <NUM> has the third vent <NUM>. The third vent <NUM> is in communication with the external environment and located at the top end of the tub <NUM>. The movable seal is disposed at the third vent <NUM>. When the internal pressure of the tub <NUM> is greater than the predetermined pressure, the seal is pushed away to expose the third vent <NUM>, in which case the third vent <NUM> is in communication with the tub <NUM>, and the gas inside the tub <NUM> can be discharged to the external environment via the third vent <NUM>. When the internal pressure of the tub <NUM> is smaller than or equal to the predetermined pressure, the seal seals the third vent <NUM>.

Other compositions and operations of the washing appliance <NUM> according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are known to those skilled in the art and are not described in detail here.

It should be understood that in the description of the present disclosure, the orientation or position relationship indicated by the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" etc., is based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing the present disclosure and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the indicated device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and cannot be construed as limiting the present disclosure. In addition, the features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly comprise at least one of the features. In the description of the present disclosure, "plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined. In the description of the present disclosure, the first feature "on" or "under" the second feature may mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or the first and second features are in indirect contact through another feature between them.

In the description of the present disclosure, the first feature "above" the second feature may mean that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or simply mean that the level of the first feature is higher than that of the second feature.

It should be noted that in the description of the present disclosure, terms such as "install", "connect", "connected" and the like should be understood in a broad sense, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited. For example, it may be a fixed connection or a detachable connection or connection as one piece; mechanical connection or electrical connection; direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate; or internal communication of two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above-mentioned terms in the present disclosure can be understood according to specific circumstances.

In the description of this specification, descriptions with reference to the terms "an embodiment", "some embodiments", "example embodiments", "examples", "specific examples", or "some examples" etc. mean that specific features, structure, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are comprised in at least one embodiment or example of the present disclosure. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the described specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner.

Claim 1:
A washing appliance (<NUM>), comprising:
a tub (<NUM>) comprising an air inlet (<NUM>) and an air outlet (<NUM>);
an air duct assembly (<NUM>) comprising a first air duct (<NUM>), the first air duct (<NUM>) comprising an inlet in communication with the air outlet (<NUM>) and an outlet in communication with the air inlet (<NUM>); and
a heat pump system (<NUM>) comprising a compressor (<NUM>), a throttling device (<NUM>), an air-cooled condenser (<NUM>), and an evaporator (<NUM>), the evaporator (<NUM>) being at least partially disposed in the first air duct (<NUM>), wherein:
the air duct assembly (<NUM>) further comprises a second air duct (<NUM>), the second air duct (<NUM>) comprising an inlet in communication with the air outlet (<NUM>) and an outlet in communication with the first air duct (<NUM>); and
the air-cooled condenser (<NUM>) is at least partially disposed in the first air duct (<NUM>) and located downstream of the second air duct (<NUM>) in a gas flow direction,
characterized in that
the first air duct (<NUM>) and the second air duct (<NUM>) are arranged in the air duct assembly (<NUM>) such that gas flowing out of the tub (<NUM>) can flow into the first air duct (<NUM>) and the second air duct (<NUM>) through the air outlet (<NUM>), wherein a part of the gas can flow through the evaporator (<NUM>) in the first air duct (<NUM>), so that water vapor in the highly humid gas can be condensed into a liquid state to reduce the humidity of the gas to achieve drying and dehumidification of the gas that becomes dry and cold air, and wherein another part of the gas can flow directly through the second air duct (<NUM>) and merge with the processed dry and cold air in the first air duct (<NUM>).