EP4691337A1

EP4691337A1 - Heat pump dishwasher

Info

Publication number: EP4691337A1
Application number: EP23931734.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Huacheng SONG; Lin Yang; Mingyan SHAO; Ke Wang; Xiangyu DONG
Original assignee: Qingdao Haier Dishwasher Co Ltd; Haier Smart Home Co Ltd
Current assignee: Qingdao Haier Dishwasher Co Ltd; Haier Smart Home Co Ltd
Priority date: 2023-04-06
Filing date: 2023-09-18
Publication date: 2026-02-11
Also published as: WO2024207686A1; AU2023442547A1

Abstract

A heat-pump dishwasher (1) comprises an evaporator (167), a fan (166), and a sump (19). The fan (166) is provided between the evaporator (167) and the sump (19). The fan (166) has an air inlet facing the sump (19) and an air outlet facing the evaporator (167). This configuration allows hot air surrounding the sump (19) to be blown towards the evaporator (167), enhancing the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator (167). Meanwhile, by connecting the condensate pipe (168) to a drainage passage (145), condensate water can be discharged, and exposure of the condensate pipe (168) to air is avoided, thus preventing bacterial growth.

Description

This patent application claims priority to Chinese patent application CN202310360741.X filed on April 6, 2023 , entitled "Heat-Pump Dishwasher", and to Chinese patent application CN202310360749.6 filed on April 6, 2023 , entitled "Heat-Pump Dishwasher", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates to the technical field of washing apparatus and specifically provides a heat-pump dishwasher.

BACKGROUND OF THE APPLICATION

Dishwashers, as relatively common washing apparatus in daily life, are well-known to the public. A typical heat-pump dishwasher generally comprises a sump, a fan, and an evaporator. Due to the heat conduction of the washing water, causing the temperature of the sump to be relatively high, in existing heat-pump dishwashers, the fan of a dishwasher is usually provided on a side of the evaporator facing away from the sump and the inner tub. Even adjacent to the sump and the inner tub, the fan usually functions as a suction fan for the evaporator, drawing airflow from the evaporator toward the sump and the inner tub. This structure cannot utilize waste heat of the inner tub, and the thermal efficiency needs to be improved. In addition, heat-pump dishwashers generate condensed water during operation. The condensed water flows along a condensate pipe into a water collection tray and is accumulated in the water collection tray for discharge. However, in conventional designs, the condensate pipe is exposed to air. Due to the high humidity inside the dishwasher, the exposed condensate pipe is prone to bacterial growth, thereby negatively affecting user experience.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a novel heat pump dishwasher to address the foregoing issues.

SUMMARY OF THE APPLICATION

The present application aims to address the foregoing technical issues, specifically, the problem in existing heat-pump dishwashers where a fan is typically arranged on a side of the evaporator facing away from the sump and the inner tub. Even when positioned adjacent to the sump and the inner tub, the fan generally operates as a suction fan for the evaporator, drawing airflow from the evaporator toward the sump and the inner tub. This structure fails to utilize waste heat from the inner tub, resulting in a need for improved thermal efficiency. Moreover, in current heat-pump dishwashers, the condenser water pipe is directly exposed, which, over time, tends to cause moisture accumulation and bacterial growth inside the dishwasher.
In a first aspect, the present application provides a heat-pump dishwasher, which comprises an evaporator, a fan, and a sump. The fan is provided between the evaporator and the sump and has an air inlet facing toward the sump and an air outlet facing toward the evaporator.
In a specific embodiment of the heat-pump dishwasher described above, the heat-pump dishwasher further comprises an inner tub and a base, wherein the sump is provided on the inner tub, and the fan and the evaporator are provided within the base.
In a specific embodiment of the heat-pump dishwasher described above, the heat-pump dishwasher further comprises a lower trim. The lower trim is provided at a lower front side of the heat-pump dishwasher and comprises a first air-guiding structure arranged vertically and a second air-guiding structure arranged horizontally. The first air-guiding structure and the second air-guiding structure are fixedly connected. The first air-guiding structure divides an air inlet of the heat-pump dishwasher into a first air vent and a second air vent. Air can be blown in from the first air vent, pass through one side of the second air-guiding structure, enter the interior of the heat-pump dishwasher, and then be blown out through the second air vent after passing through the other side of the second air-guiding structure in a direction opposite to a blowing-in direction of the air.
In a specific embodiment of the heat-pump dishwasher described above, the first air vent is provided above the second air vent, and the first air vent is adjacent to a top surface of the second air-guiding structure to allow air to be blown in along the top surface of the second air-guiding structure. The second air vent is adjacent to a bottom surface of the second air-guiding structure to allow the air to be blown out along the bottom surface of the second air-guiding structure.
In a specific embodiment of the heat-pump dishwasher described above, the heat-pump dishwasher further comprises a base and a housing. The second air-guiding structure is fixedly connected to a front sidewall of the base. A first ventilation hole is provided on the second air-guiding structure. A second ventilation hole is provided on the front sidewall of the base. Air can enter the interior of the base through the first and second ventilation holes. A first passage is formed between the base's bottom surface and the housing's bottom surface and rear side surface. A second passage is formed between the bottom surface of the housing and bottom surfaces of the first and second air-guiding structures. The second passage is in communication with the first passage, allowing the air entering the interior of the base to sequentially flow through the first and second passages and be blown out from the second air vent.
In a specific embodiment of the heat-pump dishwasher described above, the second air-guiding structure comprises a curved section and a straight section. The second air-guiding structure is connected to the front sidewall of the base at the straight section and is connected to the first air-guiding structure at the curved section. The curved section has a downwardly concave shape, and the first ventilation hole is provided on the straight section.
In a specific embodiment of the heat-pump dishwasher described above, the lower trim further comprises a support structure, which can be rested on the bottom surface of the housing. The support structure is provided with a first snap-fit protrusion and a second snap-fit protrusion. Correspondingly, the second air-guiding structure is provided with a snap-fit hole, and the first air-guiding structure is provided with a first snap-fit groove. The first snap-fit protrusion can be snapped into the first snap-fit groove, and the second snap-fit protrusion can be snapped into the snap-fit hole, thereby connecting the support structure with the first and second air-guiding structures.
In a specific embodiment of the heat-pump dishwasher described above, a guiding slot is formed on the front sidewall of the base, and correspondingly, a guiding protrusion is provided on the second air-guiding structure and can be inserted into the guiding slot.
In a specific embodiment of the heat-pump dishwasher described above, a second snap-fit groove is provided on the front sidewall of the base, and correspondingly, a reverse buckle is provided on the second air-guiding structure and can be buckled into the second snap-fit groove.
In a specific embodiment of the heat-pump dishwasher described above, a third snap-fit protrusion is provided on the support structure, and correspondingly, the second air-guiding structure is provided with a snap-fit platform. The third snap-fit protrusion can be snapped onto the snap-fit platform.
In the case of adopting the foregoing technical solution, the present application can improve the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator within a heat-pump dishwasher. Specifically, due to the heat conduction of the washing water, causing the temperature of the sump to be relatively high, the present application provides a fan between the evaporator and the sump and sets a blowing direction of the fan to blow from the sump towards the evaporator, so that the air with a higher temperature around the sump can be blown towards the evaporator for heat exchange, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator.
In a second aspect, the present application provides a heat-pump dishwasher which comprises a respirator, a base, and a heat-pump device disposed on the base. The heat-pump device comprises a condensate pipe, and a drain passage is provided on the respirator. The condensate pipe is connected to the drain passage to facilitate the discharge of condensed water.
In a specific embodiment of the heat-pump dishwasher described above, the condensate pipe comprises a condensate suction pipe and a condensate drain pipe. A connecting protrusion is formed at a water inlet of the drain passage, and the condensate drain pipe is connected to the connecting protrusion and thus communicates with the drain passage.
In a specific embodiment of the heat-pump dishwasher described above, the drain passage further comprises a water outlet, and a first drain passage, a second drain passage, and a third drain passage are sequentially connected between the water inlet and the water outlet of the drain passage.
In a specific embodiment of the heat-pump dishwasher described above, a first drain port is provided between the first drain passage and the second drain passage, and a second drain port is provided between the second drain passage and the third drain passage. A one-way valve is provided at the first drain port.
In a specific embodiment of the heat-pump dishwasher described above, the heat-pump dishwasher further comprises a water pump, and the water pump has one end connected to the condensate suction pipe and the other end connected to the condensate drain pipe, and/or a water outlet pipe is provided at the water outlet.
In a specific embodiment of the heat-pump dishwasher described above, the heat -ump dishwasher further comprises a condensate collection tray. A suction cup is provided at an end of the condensate suction pipe, and a first snap-fit structure is formed on the suction cup. The condensate collection tray is provided with a second snap-fit structure. The first snap-fit structure and the second snap-fit structure can be snapped together to achieve the connection between the condensate suction pipe and the condensate collection tray.
In a specific embodiment of the heat-pump dishwasher described above, the first snap-fit structure is the top surface of the suction cup, and the second snap-fit structure is a plurality of barbs that are distributed and snapped on the top surface of the suction cup.
In a specific embodiment of the heat-pump dishwasher described above, a suction hole is provided on the bottom surface of the suction cup.
In a specific embodiment of the heat-pump dishwasher described above, support protrusions are provided on the bottom surface of the suction cup and are configured to enable a gap to be formed between the suction hole and the condensate collection tray, and/or the suction cup can be detachably connected to the condensate suction tube.
In a specific embodiment of the heat-pump dishwasher described above, a suction hole is formed on a side of the suction cup, and/or the suction cup can be detachably connected to the condensate suction pipe.
In the case of adopting the foregoing technical solution, the present application can improve the surrounding environment of the condensate pipe of a heat-pump dishwasher, thereby preventing bacterial growth. Specifically, a heat-pump dishwasher's respirator is typically equipped with a drain passage. To prevent leakage, the drain passage is sealed inside the base and separated from the external environment, and then discharges water. The present application connects the condensate pipe to the interior of the drain passage of the heat-pump dishwasher, allowing the condensed water to be drained together with the washing water of the heat-pump dishwasher. This places the condensate pipe in a relatively closed environment, reducing oxygen content and thereby inhibiting bacterial growth, which addresses the problem in conventional heat pump dishwashers where exposed condensate pipes are prone to bacterial contamination due to the high humidity inside the dishwasher.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiments of the present application are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the base and lower trim of the heat-pump dishwasher according to the present application;
FIG. 2 is a right-side view of the base and lower trim of the heat-pump dishwasher according to the present application;
FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the structure of a second ventilation hole on the inner side of the base;
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the connection between the first air-guiding structure and the support structure, taken along the line C-C in FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing the connection between the second air-guiding structure and the base;
FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial view of the connection between the second air-guiding structure and the base, specifically showing the portion A in FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the base and the lower trim;
FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial view of the connection between the second air-guiding structure and the support structure, specifically showing the portion B in FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing the positions of the evaporator, the sump, and the fan of the heat-pump dishwasher according to the present application;
FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing the heat-pump device after being removed from the heat-pump dishwasher;
FIG. 11 is a front view showing the overall structure of the heat-pump dishwasher after removing the front cover of the base;
FIG. 12 is an enlarged partial view of the heat-pump device, specifically showing the portion D in FIG. 11;
FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing the structure of a condenser bracket;
FIG. 14 is a schematic view showing the first mounting hole and the second mounting hole on the mounting plate;
FIG. 15 is a schematic view showing the positions of the evaporator, the condenser, the fan, and the compressor;
FIG. 16 is a schematic view showing the position of the respirator;
FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing the structure of a condensate pipe and a water pump;
FIG. 18 is a view showing the connection between the condensate pipe and the water pump, specifically showing the portion F in FIG. 17;
FIG. 19 is a schematic view showing the internal structure of the respirator;
FIG. 20 is a schematic view showing the structure of the drain passage inside the respirator;
FIG. 21 is a schematic view showing the structure at the condensate suction pipe;
FIG. 22 is a schematic view showing the condensate collection tray and barbs;
FIG. 23 is an isometric view showing the overall structure of the heat-pump dishwasher according to the present application after removing the lower trim.

List of reference signs:

1-Heat-pump dishwasher;
11-Lower trim;
111-First air-guiding structure; 1111-First snap-fit groove;
112-Second air-guiding structure; 1121-First ventilation hole; 1122-Curved section; 1123-Straight section; 1124-Snap-fit hole; 1125-Guiding protrusion; 1126-Reverse buckle; 1127-Snap-fit platform;
113-Support structure; 1131-First snap-fit protrusion; 1132-Second snap-fit protrusion; 1133-Support leg; 1134-Third snap-fit protrusion;
12-First air vent;
13-Housing; 131-First passage; 132-Second passage;
14-Base; 141-Second ventilation hole; 142-Guiding slot; 143-Second snap-fit groove; 144-Base front cover; 145-Drain passage; 1451-Connecting protrusion; 1452-Water inlet; 1453-Water outlet; 1454-First drain passage; 1455-Second drain passage; 1456-Third drain passage; 1457-First drain port; 1458-Second drain port; 1459-Water outlet pipe; 146-respirator;
15-Second air vent;
16-Heat-pump device; 161-Mounting plate; 1611-First mounting hole; 1612-Second mounting hole; 162-Condenser; 163-Condenser bracket; 1631-Support groove; 1632-Wire groove; 164-Apparatus connecting wire; 165-Compressor; 166-Fan; 167-Evaporator; 168-Condensate pipe; 1681-Condensate suction pipe; 16811-Suction cup; 168111-Suction hole; 168112-Support protrusion; 1682-Condensate drain pipe;
17-Water pump;
18-Condensate collection tray; 181-Barb;
19-Sump.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE APPLICATION

Preferred embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in conjunction with a washing machine. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that these following embodiments are only used to explain the technical principle of the present application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application. These embodiments can be adjusted by those skilled in the art as needed to adapt to specific application scenes. It should be noted that in the description of the present application, terms indicating directional or positional relationships, such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", and "outer", are based on the directional or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only used for ease of description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation or must be constructed or operated in a specific orientation; therefore, they should not be considered as limitations to the present application. In addition, ordinal terms "first", "second", "third" etc., are only used for descriptive purpose, and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.
In addition, it should also be noted that in the description of the present application, unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, terms "mounting", "communicate with" and "connect" should be understood in a broad sense; for example, the connection may be a fixed connection, or a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it may be a mechanical connection; it may be a direct connection, or an indirect connection implemented through an intermediate medium. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present application can be interpreted according to specific situations.
As shown in FIG. 1-3 and 9, in the heat-pump dishwasher 1 with a lower trim 11 according to the present application, the lower trim 11 is provided at a lower portion of a front side of the heat-pump dishwasher 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the lower trim 11 comprises a first air-guiding structure 111 arranged vertically and a second air-guiding structure 112 arranged horizontally, which are fixedly connected to each other. As shown in FIG. 2, the first air-guiding structure 111 divides an air inlet of the heat-pump dishwasher 1 into a first air vent 12 above and a second air vent 15 below (the arrows indicate airflow directions). Air can be blown in through the first air vent 12 which is adjacent to a top surface of the second air-guiding structure 112, allowing the air to be blown in along the top surface of the second air-guiding structure 112. The second air-guiding structure 112 comprises a curved section 1122 and a straight section 1123. The curved section 1122 has a downwardly recessed shape. The heat-pump dishwasher 1 further comprises a base 14. The second air-guiding structure 112 is connected to a front sidewall of the base 14 at the straight section 1123 and is connected to the first air-guiding structure 111 at the curved section 1122. A first ventilation hole 1121 is provided on the second air-guiding structure 112 and located at the straight section 1123. External air passes through the first ventilation hole 1121 of the second air-guiding structure 112 to the front sidewall of the base 14, and a second ventilation hole 141 is formed on the front sidewall of the base 14 to allow the air to enter the interior of the base 14 through the second ventilation hole 141. A first passage 131 is formed between a bottom surface of the base 14 and a bottom surface of the housing 13 and a rear side surface of the housing 13. A second passage 132 is formed between the bottom surface of the housing 13 and the bottom surfaces of the first and second air-guiding structures 111 and 112. The second passage 132 is communicated with the first passage 131. Air entering the interior of the base 14 can be blown to the second air vent 15 through the first and second passages 131 and 132 in sequence and blown out of the heat-pump dishwasher 1 through the second air vent 15. The heat-pump dishwasher 1 further comprises an evaporator 167, a sump 19, a fan 166, and an inner tub (not shown in the figure). The fan 166 is provided on the base 14, and has an air inlet facing the sump 19 and an air outlet facing the evaporator 167. The sump 19 is provided on the inner tub, and the evaporator 167 is provided on the base 14, and the fan 166 is located between the sump 19 and the evaporator 167.
The advantage of the foregoing embodiment lies in that by dividing the air inlet of the heat-pump dishwasher 1 into two air vents, namely first and second air vents, and by forming the first passage 131 enclosed by the base 14 and the housing 13 of the heat-pump dishwasher 1, as well as the second passage 132 enclosed by the housing 13, the first air-guiding structure 111, and the second air-guiding structure 112, an air circulation configuration is achieved in which the air inlet side and the air outlet side are on the same side of the heat-pump dishwasher 1. This avoids locating the air outlet inside a cabinet, thereby addressing the problem that conventional air-source heat-pump dishwashers, when embedded into a cabinet having substantially the same width and height as the dishwasher, have an air outlet too close to the cabinet wall, preventing proper air circulation and reducing heat exchange efficiency. Furthermore, the fixed connection of the first air-guiding structure 111 and the second air-guiding structure 112 facilitates the overall disassembly of components, thereby facilitating the later maintenance of the heat pump dishwasher 1. In addition, by providing a fan 166 on the base 14 of the heat-pump dishwasher 1, the direction of air flow entering the interior of the heat-pump dishwasher 1 can be controlled, allowing air to be blown in from the first air vent 12 located above and blown out from the second air vent 15 located below. Since the heat pump needs to obtain heat from high-temperature air outside for heat exchange, and higher-temperature air will be located above lower-temperature air, this arrangement can maximize the intake of high-temperature air from outside into the interior of the heat-pump dishwasher 1 for heat exchange, while discharging the lower-temperature air after heat exchange from the second air vent 15 located below, allowing lower-temperature air to gather below, thereby avoiding the mixing of low-temperature air with high-temperature air above and improving the heat exchange efficiency of the heat pump. Moreover, by setting the blowing direction of the fan 166 to blow from the sump 19 toward the evaporator 167, higher-temperature air around the sump 19 can be blown toward the evaporator 167 for heat exchange, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator 167.
In addition, regarding the connection manner between the first air-guiding structure 111 and the second air-guiding structure 112, it can be understood by those skilled in the art that although it is mentioned above that the first air-guiding structure 111 and the second air-guiding structure 112 are fixedly connected, this is not the only connection manner between the first air-guiding structure 111 and the second air-guiding structure 112 in the present application. Those skilled in the art can also configure the first air-guiding structure 111 and the second air-guiding structure 112 in an integrally formed manner, which enhances the connection strength between the first air-guiding structure 111 and the second air-guiding structure 112, thereby improving the structural stability of the lower trim 11. At the same time, the integrally formed manner can also reduce the number of parts and reduce the cost of mold making.
In addition, regarding the quantity of the first ventilation hole 1121 and the second ventilation hole 141, it is understandable to those skilled in the art that the first ventilation hole 1121 and the second ventilation hole 141 can be set as one or multiple, or there is one first ventilation hole 1121 and there are multiple second ventilation holes 141. These situations can be selected by those skilled in the art according to actual requirements. However, no matter what form is adopted, as long as ventilation holes for introducing external air into the interior of the heat-pump dishwasher 1 are provided on the first air-guiding structure 111 and the second air-guiding structure 112, it does not deviate from the inventive principle of the present application, and thus will falls within the scope of protection of the present application.
Furthermore, regarding the curvature direction of the curved section 1122 of the second air-guiding structure 112, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the curved section 1122 of the second air-guiding structure 112 can either be designed to be downwardly recessed or configured as a smooth inclined surface, as long as it does not obstruct the airflow directed towards the first ventilation hole 1121. Those skilled in the art can make such configurations according to actual situations, and all these variations fall within the scope of protection of the present application.
As shown in FIG. 9, the heat-pump dishwasher 1 further comprises an evaporator 167, a sump 19, and an inner tub (not shown in the figure). The inner tub is arranged above the base 14, the sump 19 is arranged on the inner tub, the evaporator 167 is arranged on the base 14, and the fan 166 is located between the sump 19 and the evaporator 167.
The advantage of the foregoing embodiment lies in the following: during the operation of the heat-pump dishwasher 1, the sump 19 and the bottom of the inner tub experience a higher temperature due to heat conduction from high-temperature washing water. Meanwhile, the evaporator 167 requires heat absorption during operation. Therefore, by positioning the fan 166 between the evaporator 167 and both the sump 19 and the inner tub and controlling the airflow to blow from the sump 19 and the inner tub towards the evaporator 167, it can direct the high-temperature air inside the heat-pump dishwasher 1 towards the evaporator 167 as much as possible. This enhances the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator 167 and also prevents heat waste inside the heat-pump dishwasher 1.
As shown in FIG. 1, 2, 4, 7, and 8, in one possible embodiment, the lower trim 11 further comprises a support structure 113. The support structure 113 is provided with a first snap-fit protrusion 1131 and a second snap-fit protrusion 1132. Correspondingly, the second air-guiding structure 112 is provided with a snap-fit hole 1124, and the first air-guiding structure 111 is provided with a first snap-fit groove 1111. The first snap-fit protrusion 1131 can be snapped into the first snap-fit groove 1111, and the second snap-fit protrusion 1132 can be snapped into the snap-fit hole 1124, to achieve the connection between the support structure 113 and the first and second air-guiding structures 111 and 112. The support structure 113 is further provided with a third snap-fit protrusion 1134, and correspondingly, the second air-guiding structure 112 is provided with a snap-fit platform 1127. The third snap-fit protrusion 1134 can be snapped onto the snap-fit platform 1127. The support structure 113 also comprises support legs 1133, by which the support structure 113 is supported on the bottom surface of the housing 13.
The advantage of the above embodiment lies in that by providing the support structure 113 and achieving fixation of both the first air-guiding structure 111 and the second air-guiding structure 112 with the support structure 113 through the cooperation of the first snap-fit groove 1111 and the first snap-fit protrusion 1131, the snap-fit hole 1124 and the second snap-fit protrusion 1132, as well as the snap-fit platform 1127 and the third snap-fit protrusion 1134, so that the first air-guiding structure 111 and the second air-guiding structure 112 are made more stable, ensuring normal air circulation in the heat-pump dishwasher 1. Additionally, by providing support legs 1133 on the support structure 113, a second passage 132 with a certain space is formed between the first air-guiding structure 111, the second air-guiding structure 112, and the support structure 113 and the bottom surface of the housing 13, allowing air inside the heat-pump dishwasher 1 to be blown out of the heat-pump dishwasher 1 through the second passage 132, thus achieving exhaust of the heat-pump dishwasher 1.
As shown in FIG. 5 and 6, in one possible embodiment, the front sidewall of the base 14 is provided with a guiding slot 142, and correspondingly, the second air-guiding structure 112 is provided with a guiding protrusion 1125, the guiding protrusion 1125 being able to be inserted into the guiding slot 142. The front sidewall of the base 14 is provided with a second snap-fit groove 143, and correspondingly, the second air-guiding structure 112 is provided with a reverse buckle 1126, the reverse buckle 1126 being able to be buckled into the second snap-fit groove 143.
In the case of adopting the above embodiment, during the installation process of the second air-guiding structure 112 onto the front sidewall of the base 14, the guiding protrusion 1125 on the second air-guiding structure 112 is first inserted into the guiding slot 142 on the front sidewall of the base 14. This allows the reverse buckle 1126 on the second air-guiding structure 112 to align with the second snap-fit groove 143 on the front sidewall of the base 14. Consequently, the reverse buckle 1126 can be snapped into the second snap-fit groove 143, achieving the fixation of the second air-guiding structure 112 to the front sidewall of the base 14. An upper side of the reverse buckle 1126 is provided with an inclined edge. During a process of progressive insertion of the reverse buckle 1126 into the second snap-fit groove 143, the inclined edge on the upper side of the reverse buckle 1126 abuts against the upper side wall of the second snap-fit groove 143, so that the upper side wall of the second snap-fit groove 143 exerts a downward force on the reverse buckle 1126. Since the reverse buckle 1126 itself has a certain degree of elasticity, its head portion can undergo slight deformation and then snap into the second snap-fit groove 143. Moreover, because the reverse buckle 1126 is subjected to a downward force, the connection between the buckle and the second snap-fit groove 143 becomes tighter, thereby enhancing the snap-fit strength.
As shown in FIG. 16 to 22, the heat-pump dishwasher 1 comprises a respirator 146, a base 14, and a heat-pump device 16 provided on the base 14. The heat-pump device 16 comprises a condensate pipe 168, and a drain passage 145 is provided inside the respirator 146. The condensate pipe 168 is connected to the drain passage 145 to facilitate the discharge of condensed water. The condensate pipe 168 comprises a condensate suction pipe 1681 and a condensate drain pipe 1682. The drain passage 145 is provided with a connection protrusion 1451 at its water inlet 1452. The condensate drain pipe 1682 is connected to the connecting protrusion 1451 and thus communicates with the drain passage 145. The drain passage 145 further comprises a water outlet 1453. Between the water inlet 1452 and the water outlet 1453 of the drain passage 145, there are a first drain passage 1454, a second drain passage 1455, and a third drain passage 1456, which are sequentially connected. A first drain port 1457 is provided between the first drain passage 1454 and the second drain passage 1455, and a second drain port 1458 is provided between the second drain passage 1455 and the third drain passage 1456. A water outlet pipe 1459 is provided at the water outlet 1453. The heat-pump dishwasher 1 further comprises a water pump 17. The water pump 17 has one end connected to the condensate suction pipe 1681 and the other end connected to the condensate drain pipe 1682. The heat-pump dishwasher 1 also comprises a condensate collection tray 18. An end of the condensate suction pipe 1681 is provided with a suction cup 16811. The condensate collection tray 18 is provided with barbs 181, and the barbs 181 can be snapped onto the suction cup 16811 to facilitate the connection between the condensate suction pipe 1681 and the condensate collection tray 18. Multiple barbs 181 are provided, which are snapped onto the suction cup 16811 in a dispersed manner. The bottom surface of the suction cup 16811 is provided with a suction hole 168111, and a support protrusion 168112 is provided on the bottom surface of the suction cup 16811. The support protrusion 168112 is configured to allow a gap between the suction hole 168111 and the condensate collection tray 18. A one-way valve 1450 is further provided at the first drain port 1457.
In the case of adopting the foregoing embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, 21, and 22, the condensed water generated during the operation of the heat-pump dishwasher 1 flows into the condensate collection tray 18. The barbs 181 on the condensate collection tray 18 are connected to the condensate suction pipe 1681 by snapping onto the suction cup 16811 at the end of the condensate suction pipe 1681. The condensed water can be pumped away from the condensate collection tray 18 by the water pump 17 through the suction hole 168111 on the bottom surface of the suction cup 16811. In order to avoid the suction holes 168111 being in overly tight contact with the condensate collection tray 18, which would prevent extraction of the condensed water, in this embodiment support protrusions 168112 are further provided on the bottom surface of the suction cup 16811 so that a gap is formed between the suction holes 168111 and the condensate collection tray 18, thereby ensuring normal extraction of condensed water. Moreover, by snap-fit cooperation with the support protrusion 168112, a relatively appropriate fixed distance can be maintained between the condensate suction pipe 1681 and the condensate collection tray 18, avoiding situations where the condensate suction pipe 1681 cannot extract condensed water when the liquid level in the condensate collection tray 18 is low.
As shown in FIG. 18, 19, and 20, the condensed water is drawn and enters the condensate drain pipe 1682 through the water pump 17. The condensate drain pipe 1682 is connected to the drain passage 145 via a connecting protrusion 1451 provided at the water inlet 1452 of the drain passage 145 on the respirator 146, thereby enabling the condensed water to be drained into the drain passage 145. The condensed water entering the drain passage 145 flows in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 20, passing through the first drain passage 1454, the first drain port 1457, the second drain passage 1455, the second drain port 1458, and the third drain passage 1456 in sequence from the water inlet 1452 of the drain passage 145, and finally drains to the exterior of the heat-pump dishwasher 1 through the water outlet 1453 of the drain passage 145 and the water outlet pipe 1459.
The advantage of the above embodiment lies in that, since the drain passage 145 is arranged inside the respirator 146, the condensate drain pipe 1682 remains continuously connected to the interior of the respirator 146 during and after the extraction of condensed water from the condensate collection tray 18. This keeps the condensate water pipe 168 in a relatively enclosed environment, reducing the oxygen content in the environment and thus inhibiting bacterial growth. This solves the problem of existing condensate pipes 168 being exposed to the air, which, due to the relatively humid air inside the dishwasher, is prone to bacterial growth. Additionally, by providing a one-way valve 1450 at the first drain port 1457, it is possible to prevent the drain from the heat-pump dishwasher 1 from flowing into the condensate drain pipe.
It should be noted that the foregoing embodiments are merely used to illustrate the principles of the present application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application. Without departing from the principles of the present application, those skilled in the art can make adjustments to the foregoing structure, so that the present application can be applied to more specific application scenarios.
As shown in FIG. 11 and 23, in one possible embodiment, the heat-pump dishwasher 1 according to the present application is provided with a base front cover 144 on the front of the base 14. Corresponding mounting holes are provided on the front of the base front cover 144 and the base 14, and threads are provided inside the mounting holes. The base front cover 144 and the base 14 can be detachably connected through screws and the mounting holes.
As shown in FIG. 23, 10-14, after dismantling the base front cover 144, it can be seen that a heat-pump device 16 is arranged inside the base 14. The heat-pump device 16 comprises a mounting plate 161 provided with a first mounting hole 1611 for mounting on the heat-pump dishwasher 1 and a second mounting hole 1612 for mounting functional components inside the heat-pump dishwasher 1 on the mounting plate 161. Correspondingly, mounting holes (not shown in the figure) for installation are provided on the base 14 of the heat-pump dishwasher 1 and on the functional components inside the heat-pump dishwasher 1. The mounting plate 161 is provided with a condenser 162 and a condenser bracket 163. The condenser 162 is detachably mounted on the condenser bracket 163, and the condenser bracket 163 is detachably mounted on the mounting plate 161. Apparatus connecting wires 164, such as power lines and control lines, are provided between the functional components and the body of the heat-pump dishwasher 1. The length of the power lines and control lines is set to meet the requirement of removing the mounting plate 161 together with the functional components from the heat-pump dishwasher 1.
In the case of adopting the foregoing embodiment, when it is necessary to install the functional components (such as the condenser 162 and the condenser bracket 163) of the heat-pump device 16 of the heat-pump dishwasher 1 into the heat-pump dishwasher 1, one can first remove the screws that fixedly connect the base front cover 144 to the base 14, detach the base front cover 144 from the base 14, then detach the mounting plate 161 from the base 14 and move it to the exterior of the heat-pump dishwasher 1, install the condenser 162 onto the condenser bracket 163, and subsequently install both the condenser bracket 163 and the condenser 162 together onto the mounting plate 161 through the second mounting hole 1612. After the installation is completed, move the mounting plate 161 to the interior of the heat-pump dishwasher 1, and then fix the mounting plate 161 to the base 14 of the heat-pump dishwasher 1 through the first mounting hole 1611, thereby achieving the installation of the functional components. Finally, reinstall the base front cover 144 onto the front of the base 14. When there are issues with the functional components inside the heat-pump dishwasher 1 that require repair or replacement, simply repeat the foregoing steps, which will not be elaborated further here.
The advantage of the above embodiment lies in that, by integrating the functional components of the heat-pump device 16 onto a single mounting plate 161, which can be moved to the exterior of the heat-pump dishwasher 1, operators can install and remove functional components from the exterior of the heat-pump dishwasher 1. This solves the problem in existing heat-pump dishwashers 1 where various components of the heat-pump device 16 are independently arranged, requiring individual operations during installation and removal. When it is necessary to install or repair functional components inside the heat-pump dishwasher 1, all components that interfere with maintenance need to be removed one by one, which is inconvenient for operation. Additionally, regarding the placement of the first mounting hole 1611 and the second mounting hole 1612 on the mounting plate 161, as shown in FIG. 14, the first mounting hole 1611 for fixing to the heat-pump dishwasher 1 is arranged at the periphery away from the second mounting hole 1612 for installing functional components. This allows sufficient operating space for operators when they are removing the mounting plate 161 from the interior of the heat-pump dishwasher 1, preventing interference from functional components on the mounting plate 161. Furthermore, by setting the length of the apparatus connecting wires 164 of the heat-pump device 16 to meet the need to remove the functional components on the mounting plate 161 from the heat-pump dishwasher 1, when it is necessary to repair the heat-pump device 16, the mounting plate 161 can be removed from the heat-pump dishwasher 1 and the heat-pump device 16 can be moved to the exterior of the heat-pump dishwasher 1 without removing the apparatus connecting wires 164, further reducing the workload of operators.
As shown in FIG. 1 to 3, in one possible embodiment, the lower trim 11 of the heat-pump dishwasher 1 is provided at the lower front side of the heat-pump dishwasher 1. The lower trim 11 comprises a first air-guiding structure 111 arranged vertically and a second air-guiding structure 112 arranged horizontally, which are fixedly connected. As shown in FIG. 2, the first air-guiding structure 111 divides the air inlet of the heat-pump dishwasher 1 into a first air vent 12 above and a second air vent 15 below (the direction of the arrow indicates the direction of air flow). Air can be blown in from the first air vent 12, which is adjacent to the top surface of the second air-guiding structure 112, so that air can be blown in along the top surface of the second air-guiding structure 112. The second air-guiding structure 112 comprises a curved section 1122 and a straight section 1123. The curved section 1122 has a downwardly concave shape. The heat-pump dishwasher 1 further comprises a base 14. The second air-guiding structure 112 is connected to the front sidewall of the base 14 at the straight section 1123 and to the first air-guiding structure 111 at the curved section 1122. The second air-guiding structure 112 is provided with a first ventilation hole 1121, which is arranged on the straight section 1123. External air flows through the first ventilation hole 1121 of the second air-guiding structure 112 to the front sidewall of the base 14. The front sidewall of the base 14 is provided with a second ventilation hole 141, through which air can enter the interior of the base 14. A first passage 131 is formed between the bottom surface of the base 14, the bottom surface of the housing 13, and the rear side surface of the housing 13, and a second passage 132 is formed between the bottom surface of the housing 13 and the bottom surfaces of the first air-guiding structure 111 and the second air-guiding structure 112. The second passage 132 is connected to the first passage 131. Air entering the interior of the base 14 can be blown to the second air vent 15 through the first passage 131 and the second passage 132 in sequence and then blown out of the heat-pump dishwasher 1 through the second air vent 15.
The advantage of the foregoing embodiment lies in the following: by dividing the air inlet of the heat-pump dishwasher 1 into a first air vent and a second air vent, and by forming a first passage 131 enclosed by the base 14 and the housing 13 of the heat-pump dishwasher 1, as well as a second passage 132 enclosed by the housing 13 together with the first air-guiding structure 111 and the second air-guiding structure 112, an air circulation mode is achieved in which the air inlet side and the air outlet side are both arranged on the same side of the heat-pump dishwasher 1. This avoids the need to arrange the air outlet of the heat-pump dishwasher 1 inside a kitchen cabinet, thereby solving the problem in existing heat-pump dishwashers using air energy, which typically needs to be embedded into kitchen cabinets. Because the width and height of the kitchen cabinet are substantially the same as those of the heat-pump dishwasher, the exhaust vent of a heat-pump dishwasher embedded in the cabinet is located close to the cabinet, resulting in poor air circulation around the heat-pump dishwasher and consequently affecting the heat exchange efficiency of the heat pump. In addition, configuring the first air-guiding structure 111 and the second air-guiding structure 112 as fixedly connected components facilitates the overall disassembly of the parts, thereby making subsequent maintenance of the heat-pump dishwasher 1 more convenient.
In addition, regarding the connection manner between the first air-guiding structure 111 and the second air-guiding structure 112, it can be understood by those skilled in the art that although it is mentioned above that the first air-guiding structure 111 and the second air-guiding structure 112 are fixedly connected, this is not the only connection manner for the first air-guiding structure 111 and the second air-guiding structure 112 in the present application. Those skilled in the art may also configure the first air-guiding structure 111 and the second air-guiding structure 112 to be integrally formed. The integrally formed structure provides a higher connection strength between the first air-guiding structure 111 and the second air-guiding structure 112, thereby improving the structural stability of the lower trim 11. At the same time, the integrally formed structure can also reduce the number of components and lower the cost of mold fabrication.
Furthermore, regarding the number of the first ventilation hole 1121 and the second ventilation hole 141, it is understandable to those skilled in the art that the first ventilation hole 1121 and the second ventilation hole 141 can be set to be one or multiple, or one first ventilation hole 1121 and multiple second ventilation holes 141 can be set. These configurations can be selected by those skilled in the art according to actual requirements. However, regardless of the form adopted, as long as ventilation holes are provided on the first air-guiding structure 111 and the second air-guiding structure 112 for introducing external air into the interior of the heat-pump dishwasher 1, such configurations do not depart from the inventive concept of the present application and therefore all fall within the protection scope of the present application.
In addition, with regard to the bending direction of the curved section 1122 of the second air-guiding structure 112, it can be understood by those skilled in the art that the curved section 1122 of the second air-guiding structure 112 may be configured to be concave downward or may alternatively be configured as a smooth inclined surface, as long as it does not obstruct the airflow directed toward the first ventilation hole 1121. Those skilled in the art may determine the configuration according to actual conditions, and such modifications are all within the protection scope of the present application.
As shown in FIG. 2 and 15, in one possible embodiment, the functional components include a compressor 165, a condenser 162, a fan 166, and an evaporator 167. The condenser 162, the fan 166, and the evaporator 167 are arranged sequentially in the front-to-rear direction on a mounting plate 161. The compressor 165 is positioned laterally to the fan 166 and the evaporator 167, and the fan 166 is configured to allow air to enter from the first air vent 12 and exit through the second air vent 15.
The advantage of the foregoing embodiment lies in that by providing a fan 166 on the base 14 of the heat-pump dishwasher 1, the flow direction of air entering the interior of the heat-pump dishwasher 1 can be controlled. This allows air to be blown in from the first air vent 12 located above and blown out from the second air vent 15 located below. Since the heat pump needs to obtain heat from the high-temperature air outside for heat exchange, and the higher-temperature air tends to be located above the lower-temperature air, this configuration allows the high-temperature air from outside to be drawn as much as possible into the interior of the heat-pump dishwasher 1 for heat exchange, while the lower-temperature air after heat exchange is discharged from the second air vent 15 at the lower side, so that the lower-temperature air accumulates at the bottom. In this way, mixing the low-temperature air with the high-temperature air above is avoided, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the heat pump.
As shown in FIG. 1, 2, 4, 7, and 8, in one possible embodiment, the lower trim 11 further comprises a support structure 113. The support structure 113 is provided with a first snap-fit protrusion 1131 and a second snap-fit protrusion 1132. Correspondingly, the second air-guiding structure 112 is provided with a snap-fit hole 1124, and the first air-guiding structure 111 is provided with a first snap-fit groove 1111. The first snap-fit protrusion 1131 can be snapped into the first snap-fit groove 1111, and the second snap-fit protrusion 1132 can be snapped into the snap-fit hole 1124, to achieve the connection between the support structure 113 and the first and second air-guiding structures 111 and 112. The support structure 113 is further provided with a third snap-fit protrusion 1134, and correspondingly, the second air-guiding structure 112 is provided with a snap-fit platform 1127. The third snap-fit protrusion 1134 can be snapped onto the snap-fit platform 1127. The support structure 113 also comprises support legs 1133, and the support structure 113 is supported on the bottom surface of the housing 13 by the support legs 1133.
The advantage of the foregoing embodiment lies in that by providing the support structure 113 and achieving fixation of the first air-guiding structure 111 and the second air-guiding structure 112 with the support structure 113 through the cooperation of the first snap-fit groove 1111 and the first snap-fit protrusion 1131, the snap-fit hole 1124 and the second snap-fit protrusion 1132, as well as the snap-fit platform 1127 and the third snap-fit protrusion 1134, the first air-guiding structure 111 and the second air-guiding structure 112 are made more stable, ensuring normal air circulation in the heat-pump dishwasher 1. Additionally, by providing support legs 1133 on the support structure 113, a second passage 132 with a certain space is formed between the first air-guiding structure 111, the second air-guiding structure 112, and the support structure 113 and the bottom surface of the housing 13, allowing air inside the heat-pump dishwasher 1 to be blown out through the second passage 132, thus achieving exhaust of the heat-pump dishwasher 1.
As shown in FIG. 5 and 6, in one possible embodiment, the front sidewall of the base 14 is provided with a guiding slot 142, and correspondingly, the second air-guiding structure 112 is provided with a guiding protrusion 1125, and the guiding protrusion 1125 can be inserted into the guiding slot 142. The front sidewall of the base 14 is provided with a second snap-fit groove 143, and correspondingly, the second air-guiding structure 112 is provided with a reverse buckle 1126, and the reverse buckle 1126 can be buckled into the second snap-fit groove 143.
In the case of adopting the foregoing embodiment, during the installation process of the second air-guiding structure 112 onto the front sidewall of the base 14, the guiding protrusion 1125 on the second air-guiding structure 112 is first inserted into the guiding slot 142 on the front sidewall of the base 14. This allows the reverse buckle 1126 on the second air-guiding structure 112 to align with the second snap-fit groove 143 on the front sidewall of the base 14. Consequently, the reverse buckle 1126 can be buckled into the second snap-fit groove 143, achieving the fixation of the second air-guiding structure 112 to the front sidewall of the base 14. The upper side of the reverse buckle 1126 is provided with an inclined edge. As the reverse buckle 1126 is gradually inserted into the second snap-fit groove 143, the inclined edge on the upper side of the reverse buckle 1126 abuts against the upper wall of the second snap-fit groove 143. Therefore, the upper wall of the second snap-fit groove 143 exerts a downward pressure on the reverse buckle 1126. Due to the inherent elasticity of the reverse buckle 1126, its head can undergo slight deformation to be snapped onto the second snap-fit groove 143. Furthermore, as the reverse buckle 1126 is subjected to a downward pressure, the connection between the buckle and the second snap-fit groove 143 becomes tighter, enhancing the snap-fit strength.
Referring to FIG. 13, in one possible embodiment, the condenser bracket 163 is provided with a support groove 1631 for placing the condenser 162 and a wire groove 1632 for accommodating the apparatus connection wires 164 of the heat-pump device 16. The support groove 1631 is arranged in the upper half of the condenser bracket 163, and the wire groove 1632 is arranged in the lower half of the condenser bracket 163.
In the case of adopting the foregoing embodiment, the condenser 162 can be placed in the support groove 1631 of the condenser bracket 163 for fixation. Since the heat-pump device 16 comprises the apparatus connection wires 164, such as power lines and control lines, in order to avoid entanglement of the apparatus connection wires 164 within the heat-pump dishwasher 1, the wire groove 1632 is provided in the lower half of the condenser bracket 163 in this embodiment. The power lines and control lines can be stored in the wire groove 1632, thereby achieving fixation of the condenser 162 while ensuring tidiness of the apparatus connection wires 164 of the heat-pump device 16.
So far, the technical solution of the present application has been described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it is easy for those skilled in the art to understand that the scope of protection of the present application is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without deviating from the principles of the present application, those skilled in the art can make equivalent modifications or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after these modifications or substitutions will all fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

A heat-pump dishwasher comprising an evaporator, a fan, and a sump, wherein the fan is provided between the evaporator and the sump, an air inlet of the fan facing the sump and an air outlet of the fan facing the evaporator.
The heat-pump dishwasher according to claim 1, further comprising an inner tub and a base, wherein the sump is provided on the inner tub, and both the fan and the evaporator are provided within the base.
The heat-pump dishwasher according to claim 2, further comprising a lower trim, wherein the lower trim is provided at a lower front side of the heat-pump dishwasher and comprises a first air-guiding structure arranged vertically and a second air-guiding structure arranged horizontally, wherein the first air-guiding structure and the second air-guiding structure are fixedly connected, wherein the first air-guiding structure divides an air inlet of the heat-pump dishwasher into a first air vent and a second air vent, and wherein air is able to be blown in from the first air vent, pass through one side of the second air-guiding structure, and then enter the interior of the heat-pump dishwasher, and wherein the air then passes through the other side of the second air-guiding structure and is blown out from the second air vent in a direction opposite to a blowing-in direction of the air.
The heat-pump dishwasher according to claim 3, wherein the first air vent is provided above the second air vent, wherein the first air vent is adjacent to a top surface of the second air-guiding structure so that the air is able to be blown in along the top surface of the second air-guiding structure, and wherein the second air vent is adjacent to a bottom surface of the second air-guiding structure so that the air is able to be blown out along the bottom surface of the second air-guiding structure.
The heat-pump dishwasher according to claim 4, further comprising a base and a housing, wherein the second air-guiding structure is fixedly connected to a front sidewall of the base, a first ventilation hole is provided on the second air-guiding structure, a second ventilation hole is provided on the front sidewall of the base, and the air is able to enter the interior of the base through the first and second ventilation holes, wherein a first passage is formed between a bottom surface of the base and a bottom surface of the housing, as well as a rear side surface of the housing, a second passage is formed between the bottom surface of the housing and bottom surfaces of the first and second air-guiding structures, and the second passage communicates with the first passage, so that the air entering the interior of the base is able to sequentially pass through the first and second passages and be blown out from the second air vent.
The heat-pump dishwasher according to claim 5, wherein the second air-guiding structure comprises an curved section and a straight section, wherein the second air-guiding structure is connected to the front sidewall of the base at the straight section and is connected to the first air-guiding structure at the curved section, the curved section has a downwardly concave shape, and the first ventilation hole is provided on the straight section.
The heat-pump dishwasher according to claim 5, wherein the lower trim further comprises a support structure, which is able to be supported on the bottom surface of the housing, wherein the support structure is provided with a first snap-fit protrusion and a second snap-fit protrusion, and correspondingly, the second air-guiding structure is provided with a snap-fit hole, and the first air-guiding structure is provided with a first snap-fit groove, wherein the first snap-fit protrusion is able to be snapped in the first snap-fit groove, and the second snap-fit protrusion is able to be snapped in the snap-fit hole, to achieve the connection between the support structure and the first and second air-guiding structures.
The heat-pump dishwasher according to claim 5, wherein a guiding slot is formed on the front sidewall of the base, and correspondingly, a guiding protrusion is formed on the second air-guiding structure, the guiding protrusion being able to be inserted into the guiding slot.
The heat-pump dishwasher according to claim 5, wherein a second snap-fit groove is provided on the front sidewall of the base, and correspondingly, a reverse buckle is provided on the second air-guiding structure, the reverse buckle being able to be buckled into the second snap-fit groove.
The heat-pump dishwasher according to claim 7, wherein a third snap-fit protrusion is provided on the support structure, and correspondingly, a snap-fit platform is provided on the second air-guiding structure, and the third snap-fit protrusion is able to be snapped on the snap-fit platform.
A heat-pump dishwasher, comprising a respirator, a base, and a heat-pump device provided on the base, wherein the heat-pump device comprises a condensate pipe, the respirator is provided with a drain passage, and the condensate pipe is connected to the drain passage to facilitate the discharge of condensate water.
The heat-pump dishwasher according to claim 11, wherein the condensate pipe comprises a condensate suction pipe and a condensate drain pipe, wherein a connecting protrusion is provided at a water inlet of the drain passage, and wherein the condensate drain pipe is connected to the connection protrusion and thus communicates with the drain passage.
The heat-pump dishwasher according to claim 12, wherein the drain passage further comprises a water outlet, and wherein the drain passage comprises a first drain passage, a second drain passage, and a third drain passage that are sequentially connected between the water inlet and the water outlet.
The heat-pump dishwasher according to claim 13, wherein a first drain port is provided between the first drain passage and the second drain passage, wherein a second drain port is provided between the second drain passage and the third drain passage, and wherein a one-way valve is provided at the first drain port.
The heat-pump dishwasher according to claim 13, further comprising a water pump, wherein one end of the water pump is connected to the condensate suction pipe and the other end of the water pump is connected to the condensate drain pipe, and/or,
wherein the water outlet is equipped with a water outlet pipe.
The heat-pump dishwasher according to claim 15, further comprising a condensate collection tray, wherein an end of the condensate suction pipe is provided with a suction cup, a first snap-fit structure is formed on the suction cup, a second snap-fit structure is provided on the condensate collection tray, and the first snap-fit structure and the second snap-fit structure are able to be snapped together to achieve the connection between the condensate suction pipe and the condensate collection tray.
The heat-pump dishwasher according to claim 16, wherein the first snap-fit structure is a top surface of the suction cup, and wherein the second snap-fit structure is a plurality of barbs, wherein the plurality of barbs are distributed and snapped on the top surface of the suction cup.
The heat-pump dishwasher according to claim 17, wherein a suction hole is provided on a bottom surface of the suction cup.
The heat-pump dishwasher according to claim 18, wherein a support protrusion is provided on the bottom surface of the suction cup, and wherein the support protrusion is configured to enable a gap to be formed between the suction hole and the condensate collection tray, and/or
wherein the suction cup is detachably connected to the condensate suction pipe.
The heat-pump dishwasher according to claim 17, wherein a suction hole is formed on a side of the suction cup, and/or
wherein the suction cup is detachably connected to the condensate suction pipe.