EP3532667A1

EP3532667A1 - Household appliance and operating method thereof

Info

Publication number: EP3532667A1
Application number: EP17791749.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ismael Jesus Almendros Carmona; Min Chen; Shanyue WU
Original assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Current assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Priority date: 2016-10-31
Filing date: 2017-10-20
Publication date: 2019-09-04
Also published as: WO2018078496A1; CN107998842A

Abstract

A household appliance, and in particular, a dish-washing machine (100), wherein the household appliance comprises a treatment chamber (10) used for accommodating an article to be treated and a drying system (20), wherein the drying system (20) comprises: a first air channel (21), wherein the first air channel (21) comprises a first inlet (21a) and a first outlet (21b) communicating with the treatment chamber (10), and air enters the first air channel (21) from the treatment chamber (10) via the first inlet (21a), and enters the treatment chamber (10) from the first air channel (21) via the first outlet (21b), wherein the first air channel (21) communicates with the atmosphere through a semi-permeable membrane (23), and the semi-permeable membrane (23) allows only a gaseous substance, in particular water vapor, to pass through.

Description

HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE AND OPERATING METHOD THEREOF

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of household appliances, and specifically, to a household appliance and an operating method thereof.

Related Art

A household appliance, for example, a washer & dryer, a dish- washing machine, a dryer, or a disinfection cabinet, generally includes a treatment chamber for accommodating articles to be treated (for example, dishes or clothes) and a drying system communicating with the treatment chamber. Moist air in the treatment chamber is dried by using the drying system.

Using a dish washing machine as an example, drying systems of some dish washing machines in the market have closed air circulation, and moisture in moist and hot air is condensed or absorbed by a drying agent (for example zeolite) to be separated from the air.

SUMMARY

A problem resolved in the present invention is to provide a household appliance with an alternative and/or modified drying system.

Therefore, an aspect of the present invention provides a household appliance, and in particular a dish-washing machine. The household appliance includes a treatment chamber used for accommodating an article to be treated and a drying system, where the drying system includes: a first air channel, where the first air channel includes a first inlet and a first outlet communicating with the treatment chamber, and air enters the first air channel from the treatment chamber via the first inlet, and enters the treatment chamber from the first air channel via the first outlet, where the first air channel communicates with the atmosphere through a semi-permeable membrane, and the semi-permeable membrane allows only a gaseous substance, in particular water vapor, to pass through. Compared with the prior art, the technical solution of the present invention has the following advantages:

Moist air entering the first air channel from the treatment chamber can exchange with the atmosphere through the semi-permeable membrane to reduce humidity, and air with reduced humidity returns to the treatment chamber, and this cycle is repeated. Compared with existing totally closed air circulation between the first channel and the treatment chamber, the present invention can enable the moist air in the treatment chamber to enter the atmosphere by exchange in the first air channel, thereby achieving the purpose of rapid drying. By means of such a drying means, the treatment chamber and the article to be treated can be dried by using less or no additional drying means, thereby making it possible to obtain a household appliance with high cost efficiency and high drying efficiency. On the other hand, when relatively dry external air from the atmosphere enters the treatment chamber through the semi-permeable membrane, the semi-permeable membrane can prevent external impurities from entering the treatment chamber, and ensure cleanness and dryness of the treatment chamber.

The present invention is especially suitable for a household appliance having a drying system such as a dish- washing machine, a disinfection cabinet, a washer & dryer, or a dryer.

It should be understood that the "semi-permeable membrane" referred to in the present invention allows a gaseous substance, in particular water vapor, having a particle diameter on the order of micrometer or less to cross through, but a liquid or solid substance with a relatively larger particle diameter cannot pass through.

Optionally, the semi-permeable membrane forms at least a part of a boundary wall of the first air channel.

Optionally, the first air channel includes a first section parallel to an airflow direction, and the semi-permeable membrane is located in the first section and is parallel to the airflow direction of the first section. In this way, when an airflow passes through the first section, the airflow can flow along the semi-permeable membrane. This is not only conducive to preventing the semi-permeable membrane to cause significant ventilative resistance within the first air channel, but also can ensure that the airflow is fully exposed to the semipermeable membrane, and improve moisture removal efficiency.

The side face of the semi- permeable membrane which is exposed to a humid or moist air/water vapor mixture flowing in the first air channel, for example at the end of the rinsing phase and/or at least at the beginning of the subsequent drying phase of a dishwashing program of a dishwashing machine, might preferably be called the retentate face or inside face of the semi-permeable membrane and the opposite side face of the semipermeable membrane might preferably be called the permeate face or outside face.

In more general terms it is expedient, when the moist air and/or water vapor in the first air channel mainly flows with a flow component which is parallel to the retentate or inside face of the extension area of the semi- permeable membrane which forms in particular at least a section of the boundary wall of the first air channel.

Optionally, a first fan blade is provided within the first air channel to facilitate air circulation between the first air channel and the treatment chamber.

In the first air channel, if the position of the first inlet is higher than that of the first outlet, the first fan blade may be located downstream of the semi-permeable membrane in the airflow direction in the first air channel, to reduce ventilative resistance and accelerate a flowing speed of the air in the first air channel.

Optionally, a valve for controlling opening and closing of the first air channel is provided within the first air channel. At or during a stage other than a drying stage, for example, at or during a washing stage of a dish-washing machine/washer & dryer, or at or during a disinfection stage of a disinfection cabinet, the valve may be closed in the first air channel, thereby preventing moist and hot air or a disinfection gas from flowing into the atmosphere through the semi-permeable membrane after entering the first air channel.

Optionally, the drying system further includes a second air channel communicating with the atmosphere, and the first air channel and the second air channel communicate through the semi-permeable membrane. The second air channel separates the first air channel from the atmosphere. On one hand, contamination of a contaminant for a surface of the semipermeable membrane can be reduced. On the other hand, moisture removal efficiency of the drying system can be adjusted by adjusting an airflow direction and flowing speed in the second air channel. It can be understood that the moisture removal efficiency is higher when a relative flowing speed of airflows in the first air channel and the second air channel is larger.

Optionally, the second air channel includes a second section parallel to an airflow direction, and the semi-permeable membrane is located in the second section and is parallel to the airflow direction of the second section. In this way, when airflow passes through the second section, the airflow can flow along the semi-permeable membrane. This is not only conducive to preventing the semi-permeable membrane to cause significant ventilative resistance within the second air channel, but also can ensure that the airflow is fully exposed to the semi-permeable membrane, and improve moisture removal efficiency.

Optionally, at least partial sections of the first air channel and the second air channel are parallel to each other, and the semi-permeable membrane is located between the parallel sections to communicate the sections. The shapes of the corresponding sections of the first air channel and the second air channel are not limited herein, for example, may be straight, curved, or another shape. For instance the first air channel could be a first, in particular cylindrical or flat rectangular block-shaped, tube and the second air channel, in particular coaxially, surrounds it as a second, in particular cylindrical or flat rectangular block- shaped, tube. Thus a compact tube-in-tube arrangement is provided. Of course, it is possible to arrange the first air channel and the second air channel vice-versa for a modified tube-in-tube construction. Optionally, the second air channel includes a second inlet and a second outlet both communicating with the atmosphere and air enters the second air channel from the ambient atmosphere via the second inlet, and enters the ambient atmosphere from the second air channel via the second outlet. Thereby, efficiency of air circulation between the second air channel and the atmosphere is improved, so that air within the second air channel stays relatively dry, and thereby drying efficiency is improved. In some other embodiments, the outlet and the inlet of the second air channel may also be combined into a single one.

Optionally, the second outlet opens toward the front of the household appliance. Highly moist air discharged from the treatment chamber via the first air channel and the semipermeable membrane opens toward the front of the household appliance, conducing to preventing furniture near the household appliance from being eroded by the moist air.

Optionally, a second fan blade is provided within the second air channel to facilitate air circulation between the second air channel and the atmosphere.

In the second air channel, if the position of the second inlet is higher than that of the second outlet, the second fan blade may be located downstream of the semi-permeable membrane in the airflow direction in the second air channel, to accelerate a flowing speed of the air in the second air channel and reduce ventilative resistance.

Optionally, the flowing direction of air in the first air channel streaming along the inside face of the semi-permeable membrane and the flowing direction of the air in the second air channel streaming along the outside or opposite face of the semi-permeable membrane are opposite, the same, or intersected.

According to an advantageous embodiment it can be expedient, when the air flows in the first air channel mainly parallel to the inside face of the semi-permeable membrane and when the air flows in the second air channel mainly parallel to the opposite face of the semi- permeable membrane. According to an advantageous embodiment the semi- permeable membrane forms a commonly owned wall section of the first air channel and the second air channel separating them from each other.

High-concentration moisture (gaseous water molecules) within the first air channel can enter the second air channel through the semi-permeable membrane, and be taken away by air in the second air channel. An intersection angle is not limited. For example, the flowing directions may be perpendicular to each other or form another intersection angle. When flowing directions of airflows inside and outside the semi-permeable membrane, which means in the first air channel and in the second air channel, are opposite, because a relative speed of air on the two sides are relatively large, air exchange efficiency is relatively high.

Optionally, there is a pair of semi-permeable membranes and the semi-permeable membranes are disposed face to face, the first air channel is located between the pair of semi-permeable membranes, and each of the semi-permeable membranes forms the second air channel outside the first air channel. In this way, the area of the semi-permeable membrane can be increased, and efficiency of air exchange between the first air channel and the second air channel can be improved.

Optionally, the first air channel and the second air channel can be realized as a tube-in-tube system, wherein the wall of the inner tube is at least partly built by the semi-permeable membrane. The inner tube can be built by the first air channel or the second air channel.

Optionally, the drying system has a cavity communicating with the treatment chamber, and the first air channel and the second air channel are located within the cavity.

Optionally, the semi-permeable membrane separates the cavity into the first air channel and the second air channel. The semi-permeable membrane may be directly fixed on an inner wall of the cavity. Alternatively, a frame is provided within the cavity, and the semipermeable membrane is fixed on the frame. Optionally, one or more passages are provided within the cavity, and the multiple passages are disposed at intervals; and one of a space inside the passage and a space outside the passage forms at least a part of the first air channel, and the other forms at least a part of the second air channel.

Optionally, all spaces forming the first air channel communicate with each other, and/or all spaces forming the second air channel communicate with each other.

Optionally, the passage includes a frame for forming the shape of the passage, and the semi-permeable membrane covers the frame.

Optionally, a heating element is provided within the first air channel. The heating element is used for heating air in the first air channel, to accelerate drying of the treatment chamber. More preferably, the heating element within the first air channel is disposed downstream of the semi-permeable membrane in the airflow direction within the first air channel, so that after passing through the semi-permeable membrane, air is heated by the heating element, and then returns to the treatment chamber. It should be understood that the drying effect of the treatment chamber is better when the heating element is closer to the outlet of the first air channel.

Optionally, the second air channel is provided with a heating element, for heating the air in the second air channel, to accelerate drying of the treatment chamber. In this way, when an airflow in the second air channel passes through the semi-permeable membrane, moisture concentration of the airflow can be reduced, thereby increasing a moisture concentration difference on the two sides of the semi-permeable membrane, improving moisture exchange efficiency, and facilitating moisture removal.

More preferably, the heating element within the second air channel is disposed upstream of the semi-permeable membrane in the airflow direction within the second air channel, and close to the inlet of the second air channel to the greatest extent, so that air exchanges with the air within the first air channel through the semi-permeable membrane after being heated by the heating element.

Optionally, the semi-permeable membrane has a folded portion. By providing folds, the area or surface of the semi-permeable membrane can be increased, thereby improving an air exchange speed, and conducing to moisture removal. In some other embodiments, a flat semi-permeable membrane without folds may also be used, to reduce ventilative resistance when an airflow flows through the semi-permeable membrane.

Optionally, the folded portion has a folded surface or a wavy surface.

Optionally, the semi-permeable membrane has an aperture diameter ranging from 0.45 micrometer to 5 micrometers.

Optionally, the material of the semi-permeable membrane includes one or more of a mixed cellulose membrane, a nylon membrane, a polyether sulfone membrane, a polytetrafluoroethylene membrane, in particular a hydrophobic polytetrafluoroethylene membrane, or a polyvinylidene fluoride membrane.

Optionally, the drying system is located on one side of the treatment chamber. In some other embodiments, the drying system may also surround the treatment chamber at least partially.

Optionally, at least parts of the first air channel and the second air channel are distributed in a direction perpendicular to a side wall of the treatment chamber.

Another aspect of the present invention is related to an operating method of a household appliance, including: at or during a drying stage, sucking air within a treatment chamber into a first air channel communicating with the treatment chamber, to form air circulation between the treatment chamber and the first air channel, where the air entering the first air channel from the treatment chamber flows to the treatment chamber after air exchange with the atmosphere when passing through a semi-permeable membrane communicating the first air channel with the atmosphere, and the semi-permeable membrane allows only a gaseous substance, in particular water vapor, to pass through.

In a possible embodiment, at or during the drying stage, a first fan blade located within the first air channel is at least temporarily activated, to accelerate a flowing speed of air within the first air channel.

In a possible embodiment, at or during the drying stage, a second fan blade located within the second air channel is at least temporarily activated, to accelerate a flowing speed of air within the second air channel; and the second air channel is located on one side of the semi-permeable membrane away from the first air channel and communicates with the atmosphere.

In a possible embodiment, at orduring the drying stage, the second fan blade is at least temporarily activated to suck air from the atmosphere into the second air channel from an inlet of the second air channel, and discharge the air within the second air channel into the atmosphere from an outlet of the second air channel after the air flows through the semipermeable membrane.

In a possible embodiment, at or during the drying stage, the air within the first air channel is heated at least temporarily. In particular, the air is heated by a heater at a position after passing the semi-permeable membrane. This is advantageous because the humidity carried by the air and/or water vapor have at least partially passed through the semi-permeable membrane to the outside atmosphere before. Thus the air in the first air channel is drier after the section with the semi-permeable membrane. This warmed up, drier air streams back through the first outlet of the first air channel into the treatment chamber and is able to take up moisture or humidity again.

In a possible embodiment, at or during a washing stage or a disinfection stage, the first air channel is closed.

The preceding wording "optionally" has the meaning of "an advantageous embodiment of the invention". All preceding embodiments and/or the advantageous embodiments of the claims can be used alone or can be combined in any order with the exception of clear dependencies of these embodiments or incompatible embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a dish- washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a folded structure of a semi-permeable membrane;

FIG. 3 shows another folded structure of a semi-permeable membrane;

FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 respectively show airflow directions in first air channels and second air channels of dish-washing machines in two variable embodiments of the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a schematic structural diagram of a dish-washing machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic structural diagram of a dish-washing machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along direction AA in FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

To make the foregoing objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention more clear and easy to understand, specific embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. First embodiment

This embodiment provides a household appliance, for example, a washing machine or a dish-washing machine. The household appliance includes a treatment chamber for accommodating an article to be treated and a drying system. It should be understood that the household appliance referred to in the present invention is not limited to a washing machine or a dish- washing machine, and the solutions of the present invention are applicable to any household appliance having the foregoing treatment chamber and the drying system.

As shown in FIG. 1, a dish-washing machine 100 is used as an example. The dish-washing machine 100 includes: a treatment chamber 10 and a drying system 20 communicating with each other. The treatment chamber 10 is used to accommodate dishes 10a, and the dishes 10a are cleaned in the treatment chamber 10. The drying system 20 is used to dry air within the treatment chamber 10. Further the drying system is designed to ensure a hygienic environment in the treatment chamber 10.

The drying system 20 comprises a first air channel 21, which has a first inlet 21a and a first outlet 21b, communicating with the treatment chamber 10. The treatment chamber 10 exchanges air with the drying system 20 through the first inlet 21a and the first outlet 21b of the first air channel 21.

As shown in FIG. 1, the drying system 20 has a cavity 20a communicating with the treatment chamber 10. The first air channel 21 is provided in the cavity 20a. The first air channel 21 communicates with the treatment chamber 10 at the first inlet 21a and the first outlet 21b, and the first air channel 21 communicates with the atmosphere through a semipermeable membrane 23. Specifically, air enters the first air channel 21 from the treatment chamber 10 via the first inlet 21a, and enters the treatment chamber 10 from the first air channel 21 via the first outlet 21b. The first inlet 21a of the first air channel 21 forms a first outlet of the treatment chamber 10. The first outlet 21b of the first air channel 21 forms a first inlet of the treatment chamber 10.

The semi-permeable membrane 23 refers to a membrane structure allowing only ions and micromolecules to pass through, and biomacromolecules cannot freely pass through the semi-permeable membrane 23. Specifically, in this embodiment, water molecules (for example, gaseous water molecules, that is, moisture and/or water vapor) and air can freely pass through the semi-permeable membrane 23, but particles with relatively large sizes, for example, water drops, dust, and/or insects, cannot pass through the semi-permeable membrane 23.

It follows that by providing the semi-permeable membrane 23, on one hand, moist air and/or water vapor in the treatment chamber 10 can enter the outside atmosphere via the first air channel 21 by exchange through the semi- permeable membrane 23, to achieve a drying purpose; on the other hand, exterior impurities can be prevented from entering the treatment chamber 10, to ensure cleanness and dryness of the treatment chamber 10.

The first air channel 21 includes a first section 211 parallel to an airflow direction (for example, a direction indicated by the black arrows in the figure), and the semi-permeable membrane 23 is located in the first section 211 and is parallel to the airflow direction in the first section 211.

It can be seen from FIG. 1 that the first air channel 21 is not absolutely straight, but includes two transitional sections (not denoted in the figure) respectively close to the first inlet 21a and the first outlet 21b, the first section 211 is located between the two transitional sections, and the semi-permeable membrane 23 is placed within the first section 211. The length direction of the first section 211 is the same as the airflow direction within the first section 211, and the semi-permeable membrane 23 acts as a part of or the entire boundary wall of the first air channel 21 in the first section 211, and therefore, the airflow direction within the first section 211 is parallel to the semi-permeable membrane 23. It should be noted that the airflow direction described herein refers to a flowing direction of moist air within the first section 21 1, and does not include a flowing direction of air or moisture flowing out of the first air channel 21 through the semipermeable membrane 23.

To facilitate air circulation between the first air channel 21 and the treatment chamber 10, a first fan blade 31 is provided within the first air channel 21. Theoretically, the first fan blade 31 may be disposed at any position of the first air channel 21, and may be disposed according to an installation space in practice.

In some embodiments, if the position of the first inlet 21a of the first air channel 21 is higher than that of the first outlet 21b of the first air channel 21, the first fan blade 31 may be disposed downstream of the semi-permeable membrane 23 in the airflow direction in the first air channel 21, to reduce ventilative resistance, and accelerate a flowing speed of the air in the first air channel 21.

In addition, a valve (not shown in the figure) for controlling opening and closing of the first air channel 21 may further be provided within the first air channel 21. When the dishwashing machine 100 is at or during a washing stage, the first air channel 21 is closed by using the valve, to prevent moisture, in particular washing water, from entering the first air channel 21 during the washing stage.

A heating element 40 is further provided in the first air channel 21, to heat the air in the first air channel 21, so as to accelerate drying of the treatment chamber 10. Preferably the heating element 40 is arranged in the first air channel 21 in a downstream direction of the air flow after the section of the semi-permeable membrane 23.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the drying system 20 further includes a second air channel 22 communicating with the atmosphere. The first air channel 21 and the second air channel 22 communicate through the semi-permeable membrane 23. It can be seen from FIG. 1 that the first air channel 21 does not directly communicate with the atmosphere, which would according to the invention also be possible, but communicates with the atmosphere through the second air channel 22. Moreover, the second air channel 22 communicates with the treatment chamber 10 through the first air channel 21. In other words, the second air channel 22 does not directly communicate with the treatment chamber 10, but communicates with the treatment chamber 10 through the first air channel 21 and the semi-permeable membrane 23.

From the perspective of disposition positions, the first air channel 21 and the second air channel 22 are respectively located on two sides of the semi-permeable membrane 23, and communicate through the semi-permeable membrane 23.

In this embodiment, the semi-permeable membrane 23 is located in the cavity 20a of the drying system 20, and the semi-permeable membrane 23 separates the cavity 20a into two parts: one part communicates with the treatment chamber 10, and is the first air channel 21 ; and the other part communicates with the atmosphere, and is the second air channel 22. In other words, the semi-permeable membrane 23 forms a separating surface between the first air channel 21 and the second air channel 22. That is, the first air channel 21 and the second air channel 22 are separated by the semi-permeable membrane 23. The semipermeable membrane 23 forms at least a section of the partition wall between the first air channel 21 and the second air channel 22.

It should be noted that the separating surface between the first air channel 21 and the second air channel 22 may be entirely the semi-permeable membrane 23, or the separating surface between the first air channel 21 and the second air channel 22 may be partially the semi-permeable membrane 23. By providing the second air channel 22, moisture discharged from the first air channel 21 can be directionally conducted out, so as to conduct moisture out of a cabinet in a kitchen according to a set discharging path, and avoid effects on the embedded cabinet. In addition, by providing the second air channel 22, a flowing speed of air on the side of an external surface (that is, a side away from the first air channel 21) of the semi-permeable membrane 23 can be increased, to rapidly discharge moisture penetrated from the first air channel 21 into the ambient atmosphere, and thereby ensure a continuous and smooth penetration process of moisture in the first air channel 21. In other words, by providing the second air channel 22, highly moist air near the semi-permeable membrane 23 can be soon separated and taken away, ensuring a balance direction (from inside to outside) of moisture diffusion and discharge, and accelerating a moisture penetration and discharge speed.

In particular, according to an advantageous embodiment the partial pressure of the humid air and/or water vapor which is inside the treatment chamber 10 or tub of the dishwashing machine 100 after the rinsing step and at least during a first phase of the final drying step of a dishwashing program is higher than the partial pressure of the ambient air outside the treatment chamber 10 or tub of the dishwashing machine 100. At the end of the rinsing step and at the beginning of the drying step the air inside the treating chamber 10 might preferably have a relative humidity of 100% and a temperature between 40°C and 75°C. The ambient air in a kitchen or living room of a house or apartment has under normal conditions preferably a relative humidity between 30% and 60% and a temperature between 18°C and 26°C. This significant difference between the partial pressure of the air and/or water vapor in the treatment chamber 10 and the first air channel 21 and the partial pressure of the ambient air outside the dishwashing machine 100 after the rinsing step and at the beginning of the final drying step causes diffusion of the humid air and/or water vapor of the treatment chamber 10 via the first air channel 21 through the pores of the semi-permeable membrane 23 directly to the outside or via the second air channel 22 to the outside.

The material of the semi-permeable membrane 23 includes one or more of a mixed cellulose membrane, a nylon membrane, a polyether sulfone membrane, a polytetrafluoroethylene membrane, or a polyvinylidene fluoride membrane. The semipermeable membrane 23 preferably has an aperture diameter (which refers to a diameter) ranging from 0.45 micrometer to 5 micrometers. The semi-permeable membrane 23 may be planar, or may be folded. In this embodiment, as shown FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the semipermeable membrane 23 has a folded portion, to increase the surface of the semipermeable membrane 23. The folded portion has a folded surface (FIG. 2) or a wavy surface (FIG. 3).

In this embodiment, the second air channel 22 includes a second section 221 parallel to an airflow direction (a direction indicated by the black arrows in FIG. 1), and the semipermeable membrane 23 is located in the second section 221 and is parallel to the airflow direction in the second section 221. It can be seen from FIG. 1 that the second air channel 22 is not absolutely straight, but includes two transitional sections (not denoted in the figure) respectively close to a second inlet 22a and a second outlet 22b, the second section 221 is located between the two transitional sections, and the semi-permeable membrane 23 is placed within the second section 221. The length direction of the second section 221 is the same as the airflow direction within the second section 221, and the semi-permeable membrane 23 acts as a part of or the entire boundary wall of the second air channel 22 in the second section 221, and therefore, the airflow direction within the second section 221 is parallel to the semi-permeable membrane 23. It should be noted that the airflow direction described herein refers to a flowing direction of ambient air or air from outside within the second section 221, and does not include a flowing direction of air or moisture flowing into the second air channel 22 through the semi-permeable membrane 23.

In some other embodiments, the sections of the first air channel 21 and the second air channel 22 that are separated by the semi-permeable membrane 23 may also be of other shapes such as an arc, a polygonal line, or a curve in the length direction, and are not limited to the straight-line shape shown in FIG. 1. In this case, at least partial sections of the first air channel 21 and the second air channel 22 are parallel to each other, and the semi-permeable membrane 23 is located between the parallel sections to connect the sections and allow gas exchange between the sections. The semi-permeable membrane 23 forms a common partition wall or separating wall between the first air channel 21 and the second air channel 22. To be more exact, at the position of the semi-permeable membrane 23, the airflow directions in the first air channel 21 and the second air channel 22 are preferably along the semi-permeable membrane 23.

A disposition position of the drying system 20 relative to the treatment chamber 10 is not limited, and the drying system 20 may be located on one side of the treatment chamber 10, or may be disposed surrounding or semi- surrounding or partly surrounding the treatment chamber 10. The first air channel 21 and the second air channel 22 may be arranged in a direction departing or approaching the treatment chamber 10, or may be arranged in the length or width direction of the treatment chamber 10.

In this embodiment, the drying system 20 is located on one side of the treatment chamber 10, and at least parts of the first air channel 21 and the second air channel 22 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to one side wall of the treatment chamber 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the first air channel 21 is located between the treatment chamber 10 and the second air channel 22. Alternatively, the second air channel 22 may be disposed between the treatment chamber 10 and the first air channel 21.

In this embodiment, there are one first air channel 21 and one second air channel 22. The first inlet 21a of the first air channel 21 and the first outlet 21b of the first air channel 21 are respectively located at two ends of the treatment chamber 10, and are located at two ends of the first air channel 21 in the length direction. The second air channel 22 is substantially parallel to the first air channel 21 in the length direction, and is provided with the second inlet 22a and the second outlet 22b respectively located at two ends in the length direction. Specifically, air enters the second air channel 22 from the ambient atmosphere via the second inlet 22a, and enters the ambient atmosphere from the second air channel 22 via the second outlet 22b.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the first inlet 21a and the second inlet 22a are located at a same end of the treatment chamber 10, and the first outlet 21b and the second outlet 22b are located at a same, in particular other, end of the treatment chamber 10. Therefore, flowing directions of airflows in the first air channel 21 and the second air channel 22 are the same. Preferably, the second outlet 22b opens toward the front of the household appliance, that is, faces the front of the household appliance.

In other embodiments, the flowing directions of the airflows in the first air channel 21 and the second air channel 22 are not limited. For example, the flowing directions of the airflows in the first air channel 21 and the second air channel 22 may be changed by changing the positions of the inlets and the outlets. As shown in FIG. 4, the flowing directions of the airflows in the first air channel 21 and the second air channel 22 may be opposite. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5, the flowing direction of the airflow in the second air channel 22 may be intersected with, for example, perpendicular to the flowing direction of the airflow in the first air channel 21. When the flowing directions of the air in the first air channel 21 and the second air channel 22 are opposite or intersected, the moisture removal effect can be improved.

Continuing referring to FIG. 1, to increase a flowing speed of air and improve drying efficiency, a second fan blade 32 is provided within the second air channel 22 to facilitate air circulation between the second air channel 22 and the atmosphere.

In some embodiments, if the position of the second inlet 22a is higher than that of the second outlet 22b, the second fan blade 32 may be disposed downstream of the semipermeable membrane 23 in the airflow direction in the second air channel 22, to reduce ventilative resistance, and accelerate a flowing speed of the air in the second air channel 22. The first fan blade 31 and the second fan blade 32 are driven by a fan 30, and the fan 30 is disposed within a space independent from the first air channel 21 and the second air channel 22, and the space advantageously needs to be sealed and waterproof. As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the first fan blade 31 and the second fan blade 32 share one fan 30, in particular a single fan motor. In other embodiments, the first fan blade 31 and the second fan blade 32 may also be respectively provided by separate, own fans, in particular fan motors.

At a drying stage, the concentration of water molecules in air within the first air channel 21 is greater than the concentration of water molecules in air within the second air channel 22. In the area of the semi-permeable membrane 23, water molecules in moist air in the first air channel 21 diffuse to the second air channel 22 through the semi-permeable membrane 23 under the effects of a concentration difference and a wind pressure, and are discharged from the second outlet 22b of the second air channel 22. Thereby, the air in the first air channel 21 is dried, and the dried air returns to the treatment chamber 10 again. By means of such continuous cycles, the moisture within the treatment chamber 10 is gradually discharged, and finally the humidity within the dish-washing machine 100 is decreased to be the same as that of the ambient atmosphere.

According to an expedient embodiment a heating element may also be provided in the second air channel 22, to increase the air temperature in the second air channel 22, enhancing the capability of the second air channel 22 of carrying moisture, and thereby accelerating a drying speed. Preferably, the heating element in the second air channel 22 is disposed at an inlet of the airflow in the second air channel 22, so that the airflow can enter the second air channel 22 after being heated, and thereby the air in the second air channel 22 can rapidly rise. Second embodiment

A difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment lies in that in this embodiment, the first air channel 21 is located in the middle of the cavity 20a of the drying system 20, and spaces of the cavity 20a on two sides of the first air channel 21 communicate with each other to form the second air channel 22.

As shown in FIG. 6, there is a pair of semi-permeable membranes 23 and the semipermeable membranes 23 are disposed face to face, the first air channel 21 is located between the pair of semi-permeable membranes 23, and the second air channel 22 is formed outside of each semi-permeable membrane 23 away from the first air channel 21.

The second air channel 22 includes two parts, respectively disposed on the two sides of the first air channel 21. The two parts of the second air channel 22 may communicate with each other and communicate with the atmosphere via a same pair of outlet 22b and inlet 22a. Alternatively, in some other expedient embodiments, the two parts of the second air channel 22 may also not communicate with each other, and respectively communicate with the atmosphere via respective outlets and inlets.

A boundary wall for separation between the first air channel 21 and the second air channel 22 may be entirely or partially the semi-permeable membranes 23.

In addition, to position and fix the semi-permeable membranes 23 in the cavity 20a, the semi-permeable membranes 23 may be directly connected to an inner wall of the cavity 20a, and the first air channel 21 and the second air channel 22 are respectively enclosed by partial walls of the cavity 20a and the semi-permeable membranes 23. Alternatively, a frame (not shown in the figure) may be provided in the cavity 20a, and the semi-permeable membranes 23 are fixed on the frame, so as to prevent the semi-permeable membranes 23 from swaying or other deformations. In this case, at least one of the first air channel 21 and the second air channel 22 may be partially or entirely enclosed by the semi-permeable membranes 23.

In this embodiment, the first fan blade 31 in the first air channel 21 and the second fan blade 32 in the second air channel 22 are respectively driven by respective fans, in particular fan motors, 30.

In other embodiments, the positions of the first air channel 21 and the second air channel 22 may also be interchanged. For example, the space between the two semi-permeable membranes 23 is the second air channel 22, and the remaining part is the first air channel 21.

Third embodiment

In this embodiment, there are multiple first air channels 21.

A difference from the second embodiment lies in that, as shown in FIG. 7, in this embodiment one or more passages P with annular cross-sections are provided in the cavity of the drying system 20, and there are spaces between adjacent passages P.

One of a space inside the passage P and a space outside the passage P forms at least a part of the first air channel 21, and the other forms at least a part of the second air channel 22.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, there are multiple passages P. Spaces inside the passages P form a part of the first air channel 21, and the passages P for forming the first air channel 21 communicate with each other. Spaces between adjacent passages P form a part of the second air channel 22, and all the spaces acting as the second air channel 22 communicate with each other. In this way, the area of the boundary wall for separation between the first air channel 21 and the second air channel 22 can be adjusted by adjusting the positions and shapes of the passages P, so as to change the area of the semi-permeable membrane 23 and adjust drying efficiency.

In this embodiment, there are spaces between the passages P and the inner wall of the cavity 20a in the drying system 20. That is, outer circumferential surfaces of the passages P are not in contact with the inner wall of the cavity 20a, so as to maximize the area of the boundary wall for separation between the first air channel 21 and the second air channel 22, and increase the area of the semi-permeable membrane 23.

The passages P include a frame PI for forming the shapes of the passages P, and the semipermeable membrane 23 covers the frame PI for fixture.

The shapes of the cross sections of the passages P are not limited, and may be circular, rectangular, or another shape having a closed-loop structure. In this embodiment, the passages P are cylindrical, and have circular cross sections, as shown in FIG. 8.

In other embodiments, the passages P may also not communicate with each other, thereby forming multiple first air channels 21 separately communicating with the treatment chamber 10; the spaces between adjacent passages P may also not communicate, thereby forming multiple second air channels 22 separately communicating with the atmosphere. In addition, the passages P may be such disposed that the passages P form the second air channel 22, and the spaces between adjacent passages P form the first air channel 21. Fourth embodiment

This embodiment provides an operating method of a household appliance. The household appliance includes a treatment chamber 10 for accommodating an article to be treated and a drying system 20. It should be understood that the household appliance referred to in the present invention may be a washing machine, a dish-washing machine, or any household appliance having the foregoing treatment chamber 10 and the drying system 20.

A first air channel 21 communicating with the treatment chamber 10 is provided in the drying system 20.

The method includes: at or during a drying stage, sucking air within the treatment chamber 10 into the first air channel 21 communicating with the treatment chamber 10, to form air circulation between the treatment chamber 10 and the first air channel 21, where the air flows between the atmosphere and the first air channel 21 via a semi-permeable membrane 23 provided in the first air channel 21.

Water molecules (for example, moisture and/or water vapor) and air can freely pass through the semi-permeable membrane 23, but particles with relatively large sizes, for example, water drops, dust, and insects, cannot pass through the semi-permeable membrane 23, thereby achieving sealing and air permeability of an internal space of the first air channel 21. On one hand, moisture in the treatment chamber 10 can be discharged through the semi-permeable membrane 23, and on the other hand, external contaminants can be prevented from entering the treatment chamber 10.

The semi-permeable membrane 23 optionally has an aperture diameter ranging from 0.45 micrometer to 5 micrometers. Further, during or at the drying stage, according to an expedient embodiment, a first fan blade 31 located within the first air channel 21 is at least temporarily activated to accelerate a flowing speed of air within the first air channel 21. At the same time, a second fan blade 32 located within the second air channel 22 may further be at least temporarily activated to accelerate a flowing speed of air within the second air channel 22.

The second air channel 22 has an inlet 22a and an outlet 22b. Therefore, during or at the drying stage, when the second fan blade 32 is at least temporarily activated, air in the atmosphere may be sucked into the second air channel 22 from the inlet 22a of the second air channel 22, and after the air flows through the semi-permeable membrane 23, the air within the second air channel 22 is discharged into the atmosphere from the outlet 22b of the second air channel 22.

Further, during or at the drying stage or phase, the air within the first air channel 21 may be heated, in particular after passing the section 211 of the first air channel with the semipermeable membrane 23.

During or at a washing stage or a disinfection stage, the first air channel 21 may be closed. In particular, the inlet 21a of the first air channel 21 is closed.

Although the present invention is disclosed as above, the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention shall subject to the scope defined by the claims.

Claims

A household appliance, and in particular, a dish-washing machine (100), wherein the household appliance comprises a treatment chamber (10) used for accommodating an article to be treated and a drying system (20), wherein

the drying system (20) comprises:

a first air channel (21), wherein the first air channel (21) comprises a first inlet (21a) and a first outlet (21b) communicating with the treatment chamber (10), and air enters the first air channel (21) from the treatment chamber (10) via the first inlet (21a), and enters the treatment chamber (10) from the first air channel (21) via the first outlet (21b), wherein the first air channel (21) communicates with the atmosphere through a semi-permeable membrane (23), and the semi-permeable membrane (23) allows only a gaseous substance, in particular water vapor, to pass through.

The household appliance according to claim 1, wherein the semi-permeable membrane (23) forms at least a part of a boundary wall of the first air channel (21).

The household appliance according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first air channel (21) comprises a first section (211) parallel to an airflow direction, and the semi-permeable membrane (23) is located in the first section (21 1) and is parallel to the airflow direction of the first section (211).

The household appliance according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a first fan blade (31) is provided within the first air channel (21) to facilitate air circulation between the first air channel (21) and the treatment chamber (10).

The household appliance according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the drying system (20) further comprises a second air channel (22) communicating with the atmosphere, and the first air channel (21) and the second air channel (22) communicate through the semi-permeable membrane (23).

6. The household appliance according to claim 5, wherein the second air channel (22) comprises a second section parallel to an airflow direction, and the semi-permeable membrane (23) is located in the second section and is parallel to the airflow direction of the second section.

7. The household appliance according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein at least partial sections of the first air channel (21) and the second air channel (22) are parallel to each other, and the semi-permeable membrane (23) is located between the parallel sections to communicate the sections.

8. The household appliance according to any of the claims 5 to 7, wherein the second air channel (22) comprises a second inlet (22a) and a second outlet (22b) communicating with the atmosphere, and air enters the second air channel (22) from the ambient atmosphere via the second inlet (22a), and enters the ambient atmosphere from the second air channel (22) via the second outlet (22b).

9. The household appliance according to any of the claims 5 to 8, wherein a second fan blade (32) is provided within the second air channel (22) to facilitate air circulation between the second air channel (22) and the atmosphere.

10. The household appliance according to any of the claims 5 to 9, wherein there are a pair of semi-permeable membranes (23) and the pair of semi-permeable membranes (23) are disposed face to face, the first air channel (21) is located between the pair of semi-permeable membranes (23), and each of the semi-permeable membranes (23) forms the second air channel (22) outside the first air channel (21).

11. The household appliance according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a heating element (40) is provided within the first air channel (21), in particular the heating element (40) is disposed downstream of the semi-permeable membrane (23) in the airflow direction within the first air channel (21).

12. The household appliance according to any of the claims 5 to 11, wherein the second air channel (22) is provided with a heating element, in particular the heating element is disposed upstream of the semi-permeable membrane (23) in the airflow direction within the second air channel (22).

13. The household appliance according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the semipermeable membrane (23) has a folded portion.

14. An operating method of a household appliance, in particular according to any of the preceding claims, comprising: at or during a drying stage, sucking air within a treatment chamber (10) into a first air channel (21) communicating with the treatment chamber (10), to form air circulation between the treatment chamber (10) and the first air channel (21), wherein the air entering the first air channel from the treatment chamber flows to the treatment chamber after air exchange with the atmosphere when passing through a semi-permeable membrane (23) communicating the first air channel (21) with the atmosphere, and the semi-permeable membrane (23) allows only a gaseous substance, in particular water vapor, to pass through.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein during or at the drying stage, a first fan blade (31) located within the first air channel (21), is at least temporarily activated to accelerate a flowing speed of air within the first air channel (21).

16. The method according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein during or at the drying stage, a second fan blade (32) located within a second air channel (22) is at least temporarily activated to accelerate a flowing speed of air within the second air channel (22); and

the second air channel (22) is located on one side of the semi-permeable membrane away from the first air channel (21) and communicates with the atmosphere.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein during or at the drying stage, after the second fan blade (32) is at least temporarily activated to suck air from the atmosphere into the second air channel (22) via an inlet of the second air channel (22), and discharge the air within the second air channel (22) into the atmosphere via an outlet of the second air channel (22) after the air flows through the semipermeable membrane.

18. The method according to any of the claims 14 to 17, wherein during or at the drying stage the air within the first air channel (21) is heated.

19. The method according to any of the claims 14 to 18, wherein during or at a washing stage or a disinfection stage the first air channel (21) is closed.