WO2022073475A1 - 洗碗设备和用于评估其中压力的方法 - Google Patents

洗碗设备和用于评估其中压力的方法 Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022073475A1
WO2022073475A1 PCT/CN2021/122612 CN2021122612W WO2022073475A1 WO 2022073475 A1 WO2022073475 A1 WO 2022073475A1 CN 2021122612 W CN2021122612 W CN 2021122612W WO 2022073475 A1 WO2022073475 A1 WO 2022073475A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
pressure
time period
circulation pump
pressure sensor
door
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PCT/CN2021/122612
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English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
罗斯克里斯托弗·布兰登
达勒姆凯尔·爱德华
Original Assignee
青岛海尔洗碗机有限公司
海尔美国电器解决方案有限公司
海尔智家股份有限公司
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Publication of WO2022073475A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022073475A1/zh

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/46—Devices for the automatic control of the different phases of cleaning ; Controlling devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/0018—Controlling processes, i.e. processes to control the operation of the machine characterised by the purpose or target of the control
    • A47L15/0049—Detection or prevention of malfunction, including accident prevention
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/02—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware with circulation and agitation of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning chamber containing a stationary basket
    • A47L15/08—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware with circulation and agitation of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning chamber containing a stationary basket by application of a pressure effect produced by pumps
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/4297—Arrangements for detecting or measuring the condition of the washing water, e.g. turbidity
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/0018—Controlling processes, i.e. processes to control the operation of the machine characterised by the purpose or target of the control
    • A47L15/0021—Regulation of operational steps within the washing processes, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending from the detergent nature or from the condition of the crockery
    • A47L15/0028—Washing phases
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/4244—Water-level measuring or regulating arrangements
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/4251—Details of the casing
    • A47L15/4257—Details of the loading door
    • A47L15/4259—Arrangements of locking or security/safety devices for doors, e.g. door latches, switch to stop operation when door is open
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L2401/00—Automatic detection in controlling methods of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, e.g. information provided by sensors entered into controlling devices
    • A47L2401/14—Water pressure or flow rate
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L2401/00—Automatic detection in controlling methods of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, e.g. information provided by sensors entered into controlling devices
    • A47L2401/26—Loading door status, e.g. door latch opened or closed state
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L2501/00—Output in controlling method of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, i.e. quantities or components controlled, or actions performed by the controlling device executing the controlling method
    • A47L2501/05—Drain or recirculation pump, e.g. regulation of the pump rotational speed or flow direction
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L2501/00—Output in controlling method of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, i.e. quantities or components controlled, or actions performed by the controlling device executing the controlling method
    • A47L2501/28—Machine starting, e.g. normal start, restart after electricity cut-off or start scheduling
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L2501/00—Output in controlling method of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, i.e. quantities or components controlled, or actions performed by the controlling device executing the controlling method
    • A47L2501/30—Regulation of machine operational steps within the washing process, e.g. performing an additional rinsing phase, shortening or stopping of the drying phase, washing at decreased noise operation conditions

Definitions

  • the present subject matter relates generally to dishwashing equipment and, more particularly, to features and methods for addressing pressure variations and potential effects on operation of the dishwashing equipment.
  • Dishwashing equipment typically includes a tub that defines a washing chamber.
  • the bracket assembly may be installed in the washing chamber of the tub for receiving items to be washed.
  • a plurality of spray assemblies may be disposed within the wash chamber for applying or directing wash fluid (eg, water, detergent, etc.) toward items disposed within the rack assembly for cleaning the items.
  • Dishwashing appliances are also typically equipped with one or more pumps, such as a circulation pump or a drain pump, for directing or propelling washing fluid from the washing chamber (eg, to a spray assembly or an area external to the dishwashing appliance).
  • Conventional dishwashing appliances typically include one or more pressure sensors to detect water pressure within the dishwashing appliance (eg, during a wash cycle).
  • a pressure sensor may be provided to detect elevated pressure conditions, which may indicate that a blockage or some other problem in the washing chamber is putting the dishwashing apparatus at risk of overflowing.
  • typical dishwashing apparatuses are configured to stop the washing operation or wash cycle once excessive pressure is detected.
  • problems can arise when the door of the dishwasher is opened during a heated wash cycle.
  • the temperature of the cold air will rise rapidly. As the air temperature increases, the air expands. If there is not enough air path for air to escape from the wash chamber, this expanded air will cause the total pressure within the unit to rise. This can have a variety of negative effects on the unit, including doors opening suddenly, water draining from the air path, inconsistent pressure readings, and more.
  • dedicated air gaps e.g., in vents, gasket gaps, etc.
  • they can also allow needed heat to escape, or otherwise cause inefficiencies in the dishwashing equipment.
  • dishwashing apparatus or method of operation that addresses one or more of the above-mentioned problems.
  • it is useful for dishwashing equipment or methods to allow doors to be opened during a heated wash cycle without inadvertently stopping the equipment or risking over-expansion of the air.
  • a method of operating a dishwashing appliance may include activating the circulation pump.
  • the method may also include detecting movement of the door from the closed position and detecting the door returning to the closed position.
  • the method may further include calculating a corrected time period for flood detection.
  • the method may further include determining that the pressure at the pressure sensor exceeds a pressure threshold after detecting that the door returns to the closed position, and initiating a corrected time period in response to determining that the pressure at the pressure sensor exceeds the pressure threshold.
  • the method may further include directing the circulation pump based on measuring the elevated pressure and expiration of the corrected time period.
  • a dishwashing apparatus may include a cabinet, a tub, a door, a spray assembly, a circulation pump, a pressure sensor, and a controller.
  • a tub may be positioned within the cabinet and define a wash compartment for receiving items to be washed. Doors can be mounted to the cabinet to selectively restrict access to the barrel.
  • the spray assembly can be positioned within the wash chamber.
  • a circulation pump may be in fluid communication with the wash chamber.
  • the pressure sensor can be upstream of the circulation pump.
  • the controller may be in operative communication with the pressure sensor and the circulation pump. The controller may be configured to initiate a washing operation.
  • the washing operation may include activating the circulation pump, detecting movement of the door from the closed position, detecting the return of the door to the closed position, calculating a corrected time period for overflow detection, determining that the pressure at the pressure sensor exceeds the A pressure threshold, a time period to initiate a correction in response to determining that the pressure at the pressure sensor exceeds the pressure threshold, and to direct the circulation pump based on measuring the elevated pressure and expiration of the corrected time period.
  • FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a dishwashing appliance of the present disclosure with a door in a partially open position.
  • FIG. 2 provides a side cross-sectional view of the exemplary dishwashing apparatus of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 3 provides a close-up cross-sectional view of the sink and pressure sensor of the dishwashing apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2 .
  • FIG. 4 provides a graph showing pressure detected over time during a dishwashing operation.
  • FIG. 5 provides a flowchart of a method of operating a dishwashing appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 6 provides a flowchart of a method of operating a dishwashing appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (ie, "A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”).
  • the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” are used interchangeably to distinguish one element from another, and are not intended to denote the location or importance of each element.
  • upstream and downstream refer to relative flow directions with respect to fluid flow in a fluid path. For example, “upstream” refers to the direction of flow from which the fluid flows, while “downstream” refers to the direction of flow from which the fluid flows.
  • template may refer to, but is not limited to, dishes, pots, pans, silverware, and other cooking utensils and objects that can be washed in a dishwasher.
  • wash cycle refers to the period or periods of time during which dishwashing equipment is operating while containing items to be washed and using a washing fluid such as water, detergent or washing additives ).
  • rinse cycle refers to the period or periods of time during which dishwashing equipment operates to remove residual soil, detergent and other undesirable residues remaining on items after the wash cycle is complete Element.
  • drain cycle refers to the period or periods of time during which the dishwashing appliance operates to drain dirty water from the dishwashing appliance.
  • wash fluid refers to a liquid used to wash or rinse items, which typically consists of water, and may include additives such as detergents or other treatments (eg, rinse aids). Also, as used herein, terms of approximation, such as “approximately,” “substantially,” or “approximately,” mean within ten percent (10%) error.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 depict an exemplary dishwasher or dishwashing appliance (eg, dishwashing appliance 100 ) that may be constructed in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
  • the dishwasher 100 defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L and a lateral direction T.
  • Each of the vertical direction V, the lateral direction L and the lateral direction T are perpendicular to each other and form an orthogonal direction system.
  • Dishwasher 100 includes a cabinet 102 having a tub 104 therein that defines a wash compartment 106 . As shown in FIG. 2, tub 104 extends between top 107 and bottom 108 in vertical direction V, between a pair of side walls 110 in lateral direction L, and front side 111 and rear side 112 in lateral direction T extend between.
  • the tub 104 includes a front opening 114 .
  • the door 116 is hinged at its bottom for movement between a normally closed vertical position (eg, FIG. 2 ) and a horizontally open position in which the wash compartment 106 is hermetically sealed Closed for washing operations, in a horizontally open position, for loading and unloading items from the dishwasher 100 .
  • a door 116 closing mechanism or assembly 118 may be provided to lock and unlock the door 116 to enter and seal the wash chamber 106 .
  • the closure assembly 118 may be configured to detect when the door 116 is in the closed position (eg, via a contact sensor, capacitive sensor, reed switch, etc.).
  • closure assembly 118 may include one or more discrete sensors (eg, accelerometers, gyroscopes, etc.) mounted on or selectively engaged with door 116 to detect the position of door 116 ( For example, in an open position, a closed position, or an intermediate position between the horizontal open and closed positions).
  • the closing assembly 118 is configured to transmit a corresponding closing signal in response to the door 116 being detected in the closed position.
  • the tub sidewall 110 accommodates a plurality of bracket assemblies.
  • the guide rails 120 may be mounted to the side walls 110 for supporting the lower bracket assembly 122 , the middle bracket assembly 124 , or the upper bracket assembly 126 .
  • upper rack assembly 126 is positioned in the top portion of wash chamber 106 above middle rack assembly 124, which is positioned above lower rack assembly 122 in vertical direction V.
  • each bracket assembly 122, 124, 126 may be adapted to move between an extended loading position (not shown) and a retracted position (shown in Figures 1 and 2), in which the brackets are substantially Positioned outside the wash chamber 106 , in the retracted position, the support is located inside the wash chamber 106 .
  • movement is facilitated, for example, by rollers 128 mounted on bracket assemblies 122, 124, 126, respectively.
  • guide rails 120 and rollers 128 are shown herein as facilitating movement of the respective bracket assemblies 122, 124, 126, it should be understood that any suitable sliding mechanism or member may be used according to alternative embodiments.
  • the stent assemblies 122, 124, 126 are fabricated in a grid structure including a plurality of wires or elongated members 130 (for clarity of illustration, the constituent stent assemblies are not shown in FIG. 122, 124, 126 all elongated members).
  • the bracket assemblies 122, 124, 126 are generally configured to support items within the wash chamber 106 while allowing the flow of wash fluid to reach and impinge on the items (eg, during a cleaning or rinse cycle).
  • a silverware basket (not shown) is removably attached to a stand assembly (eg, lower stand assembly 122 ) for holding silverware, utensils, etc. that are otherwise too small to received by the stand assembly.
  • dishwasher 100 includes one or more spray assemblies for propelling the flow of fluid (eg, wash fluid) onto items placed within wash compartment 106 .
  • fluid eg, wash fluid
  • dishwasher 100 includes lower spray arm assembly 134 disposed in lower region 136 of wash compartment 106 and above sink 138 so as to rotate relatively closely adjacent lower bracket assembly 122 .
  • the mid-height spray arm assembly 140 is located in an upper region of the wash chamber 106 (eg, below and in close proximity to the mid-rack assembly 124).
  • the mid-height spray arm assembly 140 may generally be configured to push the flow of wash fluid upwardly through the middle cradle assembly 124 and the upper cradle assembly 126 .
  • the upper spray assembly 142 is positioned above the upper bracket assembly 126 along the vertical direction V. As shown in FIG. In this manner, upper spray assembly 142 may generally be configured to push or pour the flow of wash fluid down through bracket assemblies 122 , 124 and 126 .
  • the upper bracket assembly 126 may further define an integral injection manifold 144 .
  • the integral jet manifold 144 may be directed upwardly, and is thus generally configured to propel the flow of wash fluid substantially upwardly through the upper bracket assembly 126 in the vertical direction V.
  • filter cleaning spray assembly 145 is disposed in lower region 136 of wash chamber 106 (eg, below lower spray arm assembly 134 ) and above sump 138 so as to be in relatively close proximity to filter assembly 210 rotate.
  • the filter cleaning jet assembly 145 may be directed downward to push the flow of wash fluid through a portion of the filter assembly 210 (eg, the first filter 212 ) or the sump 138 .
  • the various spray assemblies and manifolds described herein may be part of a fluid distribution system or fluid circulation assembly 150 for circulating wash fluid in tub 104 .
  • the fluid circulation assembly 150 includes a circulation pump 152 for circulating wash fluid in the tub 104 .
  • the circulation pump 152 may be located within the sump 138 or within a mechanical compartment below the sump 138 of the tub 104 .
  • the circulation pump 152 When assembled, the circulation pump 152 may be in fluid communication with an external water supply line (not shown) and the sump 138 .
  • a water inlet valve 153 may be positioned between the external water supply line and the circulation pump 152 (eg, to selectively allow water to flow from the external water supply line to the circulation pump 152). Additionally or alternatively, a water inlet valve 153 may be located between the external water supply line and the pool 138 (e.g., to selectively allow water to flow from the external water supply line to the pool 138).
  • the water inlet valve 153 can be selectively controlled to open to allow water to flow into the dishwasher 100 and the water inlet valve can be selectively controlled to stop the flow of water to the dishwasher 100 .
  • the fluid circulation assembly 150 may include one or more fluid conduits or circulation conduits for directing wash fluid from the circulation pump 152 to various jetting assemblies and manifolds.
  • the main supply conduit 154 extends from the circulation pump 152 along the vertical direction V along the rear portion 112 of the tub 104 to supply wash fluid throughout the wash chamber 106 .
  • main supply conduit 154 is used to supply wash fluid to one or more spray assemblies (eg, mid-height spray arm assembly 140 or upper spray assembly 142). It should be appreciated, however, that according to alternative embodiments, any other suitable conduit configuration may be used to supply wash fluid throughout the various jet manifolds and assemblies described herein.
  • a primary supply conduit 154 may be used to provide wash fluid to the mid-height spray arm assembly 140 and a dedicated secondary supply conduit (not shown) may be used to provide wash fluid to the upper spray assembly 142 .
  • Other piping configurations may be used to provide wash fluid to various spray devices and manifolds at any location within the dishwashing apparatus 100 .
  • Each spray arm assembly 134, 140, 142, integral spray manifold 144, filter cleaning assembly 145, or other spray device may include an arrangement of exhaust ports or orifices for directing wash fluid received from circulation pump 152 to a On dishes or other items in the wash compartment 106 .
  • the arrangement of the discharge ports (also referred to as jets, holes or orifices) can provide rotational force by means of wash fluid flowing through the discharge ports.
  • the jetting assemblies 134, 140, 142, 145 may be motor driven, or may be operated using any other suitable drive mechanism.
  • the injection manifolds and assemblies can also be stationary. The combined motion of the spray assemblies 134, 140, 142, 145 and the spray from the stationary manifold cover dishes and other dishwasher contents with the wash spray.
  • Other configurations of jetting assemblies may also be used.
  • dishwasher 100 may have additional spray assemblies for cleaning silverware, for scrubbing casserole dishes, for spraying pots and pans, for cleaning bottles, and the like.
  • a filter assembly 210 is provided. As shown, in the exemplary embodiment, filter assembly 210 is located in sump 138 (eg, to filter fluid to circulation assembly 150). Typically, filter assembly 210 removes dirty particles from fluid recirculated through wash chamber 106 during operation of dishwashing appliance 100.
  • the filter assembly 210 includes a first filter 212 (also referred to as a "coarse filter”) and a second filter 214 (also referred to as a "fine filter”).
  • the first filter 212 is configured as a grid having openings for filtering fluid received from the wash chamber 106 .
  • the sump 138 includes a recessed portion upstream of the circulation pump 152 or the drain pump 168 over which the first filter 212 is removably received.
  • first filter 212 operates as a coarse filter (eg, having media openings in the range of about 0.030 inches to about 0.060 inches).
  • the recessed portion may define a filter volume in which debris or particles have been filtered by the first filter 212 or the second filter 214 .
  • the second filter 214 is disposed upstream of the circulation pump 152 or the drain pump 168 .
  • the second filter 214 may be non-removable, or alternatively, may be provided as a removable filter cartridge positioned in the bucket receptacle 216 ( FIG. 3 ) formed in the pool 138 .
  • the second filter 214 may be removably positioned within the collection chamber 218 defined by the bucket receptacle 216 .
  • the second filter 214 may generally be shaped to complement the barrel container 216 .
  • the second filter 214 may include a filter wall 220 that is complementary to the shape of the tub container 216 .
  • filter wall 220 is formed from one or more fine filter media. Some such embodiments may include filter media (eg, a screen or mesh, having an eye or hole size in the range of about 50 microns to about 600 microns).
  • filter wall 220 When assembled, filter wall 220 may have a closed (eg, cylindrical) shape that defines interior chamber 224 .
  • the top portion of the second filter 214 located above the interior chamber 224 may define one or more openings 226 (eg, vertical flow path openings) to allow fluid flow into the interior chamber 224 , without passing through the fine filter media of the filter walls 220 of the first filter 212 or the second filter 214 .
  • the interior chamber 224 may define an unfiltered volume.
  • a discharge outlet 228 may be defined below the top portion opening 226 in fluid communication with the interior chamber 224 and the discharge pump 168 (eg, downstream of the interior chamber 224 or upstream of the discharge pump 168).
  • wash fluid within sump 138 may typically pass through second filter 214 (eg, through filter wall 220 or opening 226 ) prior to flowing through drain assembly 166 and out of dishwashing apparatus 100 . into interior chamber 224 .
  • the circulation pump 152 passes through the filter assembly 210 (eg, through the first filter 212 or the second filter) 214) Draw wash fluid from sump 138. Accordingly, the circulation pump 152 may be downstream of the filter assembly 210 .
  • circulation pump 152 pushes or pumps wash fluid (eg, from filter assembly 210 ) to diverter 156 .
  • the diverter 156 is positioned within the sink 138 of the dishwasher apparatus 100 .
  • Diverter 156 may include a diverter disc (not shown) disposed within diverter chamber 158 for selectively distributing wash fluid to spray arm assemblies 134, 140, 142 or other spray manifolds.
  • the diverter tray may have a plurality of holes configured to align with one or more outlet ports (not shown) in the top of the diverter chamber 158 . In this manner, the diverter disc can be selectively rotated to provide wash fluid to the desired spray device.
  • diverter 156 is configured to selectively distribute the flow of wash fluid from circulation pump 152 to various fluid supply conduits, only some of which are shown in FIG. 2 for clarity.
  • the diverter 156 includes four outlet ports (not shown) for supplying wash fluid to the first conduit for rotating the lower spray arm assembly 134 for supplying wash fluid to the filter cleaning
  • Drainage of dirty wash fluid within sump 138 may occur, for example, by drain assembly 166 (eg, during or as part of a drain cycle). Specifically, wash fluid may exit sump 138 through drain outlet 228 and may flow through drain conduit 167 .
  • drain pump 168 downstream of sump 138 facilitates draining of dirty wash fluid by pushing or pumping the wash fluid to a drain line external to dishwasher 100 .
  • the drain pump 168 may be downstream of the first filter 212 or the second filter 214 .
  • an unfiltered flow path may be defined through the sump 138 to the discharge conduit 167 such that unfiltered fluid flow may pass through the sump 138 to the discharge conduit 167 without first passing through the first filter 212 or the first filter.
  • Two filter 214 filter media.
  • circulation pump 152 and drain pump 168 are described herein, it should be understood that other suitable pump configurations may be provided (eg, using only a single circulation pump for both circulation and drain).
  • dishwasher 100 includes controller 160 configured to regulate operation of dishwasher 100 (eg, initiate one or more wash operations).
  • the controller 160 may include one or more memory devices and one or more microprocessors, such as general purpose or special purpose microprocessors, operable to execute programmed instructions or micro-control code associated with washing operations, which The washing operation may include a wash cycle, a rinse cycle or a drain cycle.
  • Memory may represent random access memory (such as DRAM), or read only memory (such as ROM or FLASH).
  • the processor executes programming instructions stored in the memory.
  • the memory may be a separate component from the processor, or may be included on-board within the processor.
  • controller 160 may perform control functions without the use of a microprocessor (eg, using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuits such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, etc.) depends on the software) to construct.
  • a microprocessor eg, using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuits such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, etc.
  • Controller 160 may be positioned in various locations throughout dishwasher 100 .
  • the controller 160 is located within the control panel area 162 of the door 116 (eg, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 ).
  • Input/output ("I/O") signals may be routed between the control system and the various operating components of dishwasher 100 along wiring harnesses, which may be routed through the bottom of door 116 .
  • controller 160 includes a user interface panel/controller 164 through which a user may select various operating features and modes and monitor the process of dishwasher 100 .
  • user interface 164 includes general purpose I/O ("GPIO”) devices or functional blocks.
  • GPIO general purpose I/O
  • user interface 164 includes input components, such as one or more of various electrical, mechanical, or electromechanical input devices, including rotary dials, buttons, and touchpads.
  • the user interface 164 includes a display component, such as a digital or analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to the user.
  • the user interface 164 may be in operative communication with the controller 160 via one or more signal lines or a shared communication bus. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 160 may be in operative communication (eg, during washing operations) with various other portions of the dishwashing apparatus 100 (eg, the circulation pump 152, the drain pump 168, the shut-off assembly 118, the pressure sensor 200, etc.) guide or regulate its operation).
  • heating element 170 is in operative communication (eg, electrically coupled) with controller 160 to selectively provide heat to wash chamber 106 or a wash fluid circulating in the wash chamber (eg, during a wash cycle) ).
  • the heating element 170 may be provided as a resistive or sheathed heating element 170 mounted on the bottom portion of the tub 104 (eg, ).
  • heating element 170 is attached to bottom wall 108 within sink 142 or wash chamber 106 . Nonetheless, as generally understood, heating element 170 may include or be provided with any suitable heater for heating wash chamber 106 or the wash fluid.
  • the controller 160 may thus transmit one or more heating signals (eg, as electrical current) to activate the heating element 170 and begin generating heat from the heating element.
  • the present invention is not limited to any particular style, model or configuration of dishwasher 100 .
  • the exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2 are for illustration purposes only.
  • different locations for the user interface 164 may be provided, different configurations may be provided for the bracket assemblies 122, 124, 126, different spray arm assemblies 134, 140, 142 and spray manifold configurations may be used, and other differences may apply, while still remaining within the scope of this disclosure.
  • FIG. 3 a close-up cross-sectional view of the pool 138 and pressure sensor 200 is provided.
  • portions of dishwasher 100 may become clogged or clogged (eg, at filter assembly 210).
  • the pressure within the dishwasher 100 may change rapidly and temporarily without any hindrance (eg, due to the door 116 (FIG. 1) being opened during the heating cycle). Therefore, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the dishwasher 100 uses the output from the pressure sensor 200 to accurately distinguish pressure changes caused by obstacles or some temporary factor (eg, expansion of rapidly heated air).
  • pressure sensor 200 is mounted to pool 138 .
  • pressure sensor 200 may be installed upstream of interior chamber 224 and second filter 214 . Additionally or alternatively, the pressure sensor 200 may be installed downstream of the first filter 212 .
  • the pressure sensor 200 is operatively configured to detect the liquid level within the sump 138 and communicate the liquid level to the controller 160 (FIG. 2) via one or more signals. Accordingly, the pressure sensor 200 and the controller 160 are generally placed in operative communication.
  • pressure sensor 200 may transmit a signal to controller 160 (eg, as a frequency, as an analog signal, or in other suitable manner or form that controller 160 can receive) to detect a pressure value (eg, as relative pressure or The value of the hydrostatic pressure, e.g. in mm H2O).
  • a pressure value e.g, as relative pressure or The value of the hydrostatic pressure, e.g. in mm H2O.
  • the pressure sensor 200 is configured to sense the height H of the washing fluid above the pressure sensor 200 along the vertical direction V (eg, by detecting the pressure on the pressure sensor 200).
  • the pressure sensor 200 includes a pressure plate, typically actuated by the pressure of the wash fluid within the sump 138 . As the liquid level rises, the pressure plate is pushed up in the vertical direction V, thereby compressing the air trapped in the housing and diaphragm of the pressure sensor 200 . Compression can cause the diaphragm to bend or change its position. Due to the pressure and subsequent movement of the diaphragm, the permanent magnet attached to the diaphragm may change its position relative to the Hall effect sensor. The transducer transmits one or more electrical signals proportional to the magnetic field of the magnet.
  • the signal from pressure sensor 200 may be linearized, digitized or amplified before being sent to controller 160 for processing.
  • the pressure sensor 200 may include a printed circuit board (PCB) to electrically connect the various electrical components of the pressure sensor 200 . Additionally, the pressure sensor 200 may be any suitable type of sensor capable of sensing the liquid level within the dishwasher 100 .
  • PCB printed circuit board
  • the signal from pressure sensor 200 may be used or configured for additional detection, such as detection of an overflow or overflow event (eg caused by out of level conditions, water inlet valve failure, or drain pump 168 failure), however these will not be detected by the pressure sensor 200 downstream (ie, on the high pressure side) of the circulation pump 152 or drain pump 168 .
  • an overflow or overflow event eg caused by out of level conditions, water inlet valve failure, or drain pump 168 failure
  • secondary fluid sensor 230 is provided in fluid communication between filter assembly 210 and drain outlet 228 .
  • the secondary fluid sensor 230 may be downstream of the second filter 214 .
  • secondary fluid sensor 230 may be mounted within a portion of interior chamber 224 and configured to detect fluid (eg, wash fluid) level or fluid pressure within interior chamber 224 .
  • the detected liquid level detected at the secondary fluid sensor 230 is independent of the pressure detected at the pressure sensor 200.
  • secondary fluid sensor 230 may be any suitable sensor configured to detect at least one predetermined fluid level within interior chamber 224 .
  • secondary fluid sensor 230 may include or be configured as a float switch, diaphragm pressure sensor 200, capacitive sensor, or optical sensor configured to detect fluid within interior chamber 224 (eg, in a vertical position of secondary fluid sensor 230) .
  • secondary fluid sensor 230 may transmit a signal to controller 160, eg, as a frequency, as an analog signal, or in other suitable manner or form that controller 160 can receive. Accordingly, the secondary fluid sensor 230 and the controller 160 are generally placed in operative communication. Based on one or more signals received from secondary fluid sensor 230 , controller 160 may be configured to determine whether or how much (eg, height or volume) fluid is present in interior chamber 224 .
  • FIG. 4 a graph is provided showing pressure values (eg, detected at upstream pressure sensor 200 ( FIG. 2 )) over time.
  • Figure 4 shows line L1 showing pressure changes that occur during an exemplary execution of a washing operation interrupted at least twice by the opening of a door (eg, 116).
  • the washing operation includes a filling cycle F1 , a washing cycle W1 and a draining cycle D1 .
  • the graphed wash cycle W1 includes a plurality of activated segments SA interrupted by two non-activated segments SN (eg, indicating that the door 116 is not closed).
  • the filter 210 and circulation assembly 150 are generally free of any blockages or blockages.
  • the dishwashing apparatus 100 (FIG. 2) are activated.
  • circulation pump 152 or heater 170 may be activated to circulate or heat the water within wash chamber 106 .
  • these sections may be inactive to terminate water circulation or heating (eg, caused by opening the door 116 or otherwise moving the door 116 away from the closed position).
  • the pressure sensor 200 may continue to detect the pressure within the wash chamber 106 in the activated and non-activated segments SA, SN (eg, at a predetermined polling or detection rate).
  • the pressure sensor 200 may detect the pressure at the activated segment SA and stop detection at the non-activated segment SN.
  • pressure peaks PK may occur immediately following closing of door 116 and continuation of wash cycle W1.
  • the pressure peak PK can be detected in the activation section SA immediately following the non-activation section SN.
  • the pressure peak PK represents a significant increase in pressure in the wash chamber 106 (eg, caused by rapid heating of cold air introduced when the door 116 is opened).
  • the pressure peak PK may represent a detected pressure value that is greater than a set pressure threshold (eg, 100 mm ⁇ H2O, although any suitable threshold may be selected according to the particular embodiment).
  • a set pressure threshold eg, 100 mm ⁇ H2O, although any suitable threshold may be selected according to the particular embodiment.
  • Method 500 or 600 may be used to operate any suitable dishwashing equipment.
  • some or all of methods 500 or 600 may be used to operate dishwashing appliance 100 (FIG. 1).
  • Controller 160 (FIG. 2) may be programmed to implement some or all of method 500 or 600 (eg, as a wash operation or as part of a wash operation, such as during a drain cycle).
  • methods in the present disclosure may include either or both of methods 500 and 600 . Both can be employed or described as being implemented in generic operations. Unless otherwise indicated, one or more steps in methods 500 and 600 below may be changed, rearranged, performed in a different order, or otherwise modified without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
  • method 500 includes activating a circulation pump.
  • 510 may occur after a fill cycle of a wash operation.
  • the circulation pump may energize or pump wash fluid from the wash chamber and direct the wash fluid back into the wash chamber through one or more injection assemblies.
  • the particular spray assembly or arm of the circulating pump energizing the wash fluid may depend on the particular wash operation (or its settings) selected, for example, by the user.
  • method 500 includes establishing an ambient temperature (Tamb) for the wash operation.
  • the ambient temperature may be established at the beginning of a washing operation, such as before a filling cycle.
  • the ambient temperature is established based on old temperature values.
  • the old temperature value may be stored in the dishwashing device according to the operation before the user selects the washing operation. For example, if the dishwashing appliance determines that a set rest period (eg, 6 hours or more) has not expired since the completion of the previous wash operation, the ambient temperature may be established to be the same as the temperature value used in the previous operation .
  • the ambient temperature is established based on the new temperature measurement.
  • the new temperature measurement can be taken at the temperature in the dishwashing equipment or in the washing room before the washing operation starts.
  • the new temperature measurement may be collected in response to the dishwashing appliance determining that a set rest period has expired since the previous washing operation was completed. Therefore, although a new temperature measurement can be taken inside the washing chamber, it can be assumed that the temperature inside the washing chamber is approximately equal to the temperature outside the dishwashing appliance.
  • method 500 may include measuring the pressure at the pressure sensor, as described above. Multiple discrete pressure measurements or values of the wash chamber can be detected on the same pressure sensor. For example, pressure may be measured during 510 at a set schedule, rate, pattern, or interval. Such pressure measurements may be evaluated or checked to determine if elevated pressure (eg, an elevated detected pressure value) occurred during 510 . In particular, if elevated pressure (ie, pressure above a pressure threshold) is detected, it may be determined whether the elevated pressure has been established for the duration of a programmed reference time period within the dishwashing appliance. The reference period may start from the moment the elevated pressure is first detected, and stop or restart once the pressure is detected below a pressure threshold.
  • elevated pressure ie, pressure above a pressure threshold
  • an elevated pressure is established for the duration of the reference time period.
  • Sustained elevated pressure for the duration of the reference time period may indicate a flooding event, prompting 500 to stop.
  • the elevated pressure that ends before the expiration of the reference time period may generally allow the wash operation (or specifically, 510 ) to continue.
  • a heater may be activated to generate heat to the wash chamber or otherwise heat the wash fluid circulated by the circulation pump.
  • the heater may be activated at at least a portion of 510 .
  • the heater may be activated sequentially (eg, simultaneously) with the circulation pump (eg, according to a set duty cycle).
  • the heater may be activated only during a portion of 510, such that 510 includes at least one heater activation segment and at least one heater non-activation segment.
  • method 500 includes detecting movement of a door of the wash chamber from a closed position.
  • the door can be detected to be open (e.g., fully or partially open) from the closed position.
  • the detection at 520 may be based on one or more received signals (eg, a signal from a door closing assembly).
  • received signals e.g, a signal from a door closing assembly.
  • transmission of the close signal may be terminated upon receipt of the close signal from the door closing assembly during 510, or discrete open signals may be received, or separate position signals corresponding to the open position may be received.
  • method 500 may terminate the circulation pump.
  • the circulation of wash fluid energized by the circulation pump may abruptly stop while 510 (or a wash cycle in general) is in progress.
  • the heater may be terminated such that the heater is no longer activated to generate heat within the wash chamber or to heat the wash fluid therein.
  • heating of the wash chamber or wash fluid may abruptly cease while 510 (or a wash cycle in general) is in progress.
  • method 500 may include determining that the pressure at the pressure sensor exceeds a pressure threshold (eg, a predetermined pressure threshold).
  • a pressure threshold eg, a predetermined pressure threshold.
  • elevated pressure can be detected by comparing the most recently detected pressure value to a pressure threshold. The determination can be made while the wash fluid continues to circulate.
  • a baseline period of time eg, a baseline countdown
  • the reference time period may be a predetermined time period (eg, programmed within the dishwashing appliance).
  • a drop in pressure to or below a pressure threshold prior to expiration of the reference time period may indicate that a flood event has not occurred, and thus method 500 (eg, and circulation of wash fluid) may be allowed to continue (eg, to 530 ).
  • method 500 may include determining that the pressure at the pressure sensor drops to or below a pressure threshold before the reference period expires. In contrast, the pressure remaining above the pressure threshold during the expiration of the reference time may indicate that a flooding event is occurring, and thus the method 500 and circulation of the wash fluid may be abruptly terminated.
  • method 500 includes detecting that the door returns to a closed position. In other words, it can be detected that the door is closed after 520.
  • the detection at 530 may be based on one or more received signals (eg, a signal from a door closing assembly). For example, as will be appreciated, after 520, a new or discrete closing signal from the door closing assembly may be received, or a separate position signal corresponding to the closed position may be received.
  • method 500 includes calculating a revised time period for flood detection (eg, a revised countdown).
  • the corrected time period is greater than the base time period.
  • the revised time period may be a function of the base time period. Additionally or alternatively, the corrected time period may be a function of the temperature difference.
  • the corrected time period may be based on the established ambient temperature (Tamb) and the current temperature within the flow path of the circulation pump (Tcur) (eg, temperature measurements collected at temperature sensors in the wash chamber after 510 or 530) poor.
  • Tamb the established ambient temperature
  • Tcur current temperature within the flow path of the circulation pump
  • a may be a coefficient value less than 1 (eg, 0.09).
  • ⁇ may be a coefficient value greater than 1 (eg, 2) or equal to the reference time period (ie, ⁇ may be the reference time period).
  • method 500 includes determining that the pressure at the pressure sensor exceeds a pressure threshold (eg, a predetermined pressure threshold).
  • a pressure threshold eg, a predetermined pressure threshold.
  • pressure measurements may be collected at the pressure sensor, as described above. Once collected, the pressure measurement can be compared to a pressure threshold and determined to be greater than pressure.
  • method 500 includes initiating a time period for correction. Specifically, 560 may begin in response to 550. In other words, when it is determined that the pressure exceeds the pressure threshold after the door is closed, the corrected time period or the corrected time period countdown may begin immediately. Therefore, it can be determined whether the pressure remains elevated for longer than the corrected period.
  • method 500 includes directing the circulation pump based on the elevated pressure measured at 550 and the expiration of the corrected time period from 560 .
  • 570 may include determining that the pressure at the pressure sensor continues to exceed a pressure threshold during the expiration of the corrected time period.
  • 570 may further include terminating the circulation pump or heater as a flood event (eg, abruptly).
  • 570 may include determining that the pressure at the pressure sensor has dropped to or below a pressure threshold before the corrected time period expires.
  • 570 may further include allowing the circulation pump or heater to continue to activate as a non-flooding event. Subsequently, the wash operation may be allowed to continue without interruption (eg, until the expiration of each cycle of the wash operation or the total operating run time).
  • method 600 includes establishing an ambient temperature (Tamb) for the wash operation.
  • the ambient temperature may be established at the start of the wash operation or immediately after the wash operation (such as before a filling cycle).
  • Establishing Tamb may include determining whether a set rest period (eg, 6 hours or more) has elapsed or expired since the previous wash operation was completed. If the set rest period has not expired, the Tamb is established based on the old temperature value. The old temperature values may be stored in the dishwashing device from previous wash operations (ie, operations prior to the user selecting the wash operation). Therefore, Tamb can be established to the same temperature value as used in the previous operation. If the set rest period has expired, the Tamb is established based on the new temperature measurement. As mentioned above, the new temperature measurement can be taken at the temperature in the dishwashing appliance or in the washing room before the washing operation starts.
  • method 600 includes activating the circulation pump.
  • 620 may occur after a 610 or fill cycle of a wash operation.
  • the circulation pump may energize the wash fluid from the wash chamber and direct the wash fluid back into the wash chamber through one or more injection assemblies.
  • the particular spray assembly or arm of the circulating pump energizing the wash fluid may depend on the particular wash operation (or its settings) selected, for example, by the user.
  • the heater may be activated to generate heat for the wash chamber, or to heat the wash fluid circulated by the circulation pump.
  • the heater may be activated at at least a portion of 620 .
  • the heater may be activated sequentially (eg, simultaneously) with the circulation pump (eg, according to a set duty cycle). Additionally or alternatively, the heater may be activated only during a portion of 620, such that 620 includes at least one heater activation segment and at least one heater non-activation segment.
  • method 600 includes conducting a baseline stress assessment. Specifically, the pressure at the pressure sensor can be detected, and it can be determined whether the pressure exceeds a reference pressure threshold.
  • the reference period may start from the moment the elevated pressure is first detected, and stop or restart once the pressure is detected below a pressure threshold. Thus, if the pressure is detected to remain above the pressure threshold for longer than the reference time period, an elevated pressure is established for the duration of the reference time period.
  • a sustained elevated pressure for the duration of the reference time period may indicate a flooding event, prompting 600 to stop (ie, cancel the wash operation).
  • the elevated pressure that ends before the expiration of the reference time period may allow continued activation of the circulation pump and continuation of methods 600-640.
  • method 600 includes evaluating a door open-close event.
  • 640 includes monitoring for the detection of the first opening of the door from the closed position, followed by the door returning to the closed position.
  • the door can be detected to be open (eg, fully or partially open) from the closed position.
  • the detection of a door being opened may be based on one or more received signals (eg, signals from a door closing assembly).
  • signals from a door closing assembly For example, as will be appreciated, transmission of the close signal may be terminated upon receipt of the close signal from the door closing assembly after 620 or 630, or discrete open signals may be received, or separate position signals corresponding to the open position may be received .
  • 640 includes detecting that the door is closed.
  • the detection of the door being closed may be based on one or more received signals (eg, signals from a door closing assembly). For example, as will be appreciated, the door is detected as open, a new or discrete closing signal may be received from the door closing assembly, or a separate position signal corresponding to the closed position may be received.
  • method 600 may proceed to 645 . If no open or open-close event is detected, method 600 may proceed (eg, directly) to 650 .
  • method 600 includes conducting a revised stress assessment.
  • the current temperature (Tcur) within the flow path of the circulating pump can be collected or measured.
  • Tcur may be measured at a temperature sensor in the wash chamber (eg, at the same temperature sensor used in 610).
  • a corrected time period can be calculated.
  • the PM is greater than the reference time period.
  • the revised time period may be a function of the base time period.
  • the corrected time period may be a function of the difference between Tamb and Tcur.
  • a may be a coefficient value less than 1 (eg, 0.09).
  • ⁇ may be a coefficient value greater than 1 (eg, 2) or equal to the reference time period (ie, ⁇ may be the reference time period).
  • 645 includes determining whether the pressure at the pressure sensor exceeds the reference time period and the pressure threshold for the revised time period.
  • the two time periods may start simultaneously or be performed sequentially (eg, depending on whether PM has been calculated to include the reference time period). If started sequentially, PM will start after the base time period expires. If the pressure decreases before the base time period or the modified time period expires, method 600 may return to 630 (ie, allowing the wash operation or activation of the circulation pump to continue). In contrast, if the pressure remains above the pressure threshold for the duration of the base and revised time periods (ie, during the expiry of both time periods), a flood event may be indicated to cause 600 to stop (ie, Cancel the wash operation).
  • method 600 includes evaluating the operational runtime. If the cycle time period (eg, beginning with the start of the corresponding wash cycle) has not expired, method 600 may return to 630 (ie, allowing the wash operation or activation of the circulation pump to continue). In contrast, as will be appreciated, if the cycle time period has expired, method 600 may proceed to a subsequent cycle (eg, a discharge cycle).
  • a subsequent cycle eg, a discharge cycle

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Abstract

一种洗碗设备，其可以包括机壳、桶、喷射组件、循环泵、压力传感器和控制器。循环泵可以与由桶限定的洗涤室流体连通。压力传感器可以在循环泵的上游。控制器可以被配置成开始洗涤操作，该洗涤操作包括启动循环泵，检测门从关闭位置的移动，检测门返回到关闭位置，计算用于溢流检测的修正的时间段，在检测到门返回到关闭位置之后确定压力传感器处的压力超过压力阈值，响应于确定压力传感器处的压力超过压力阈值而开始修正的时间段，以及基于测量的升高的压力和修正的时间段的期满来引导循环泵。

Description

洗碗设备和用于评估其中压力的方法 技术领域
本主题总体上涉及洗碗设备，更具体地说，涉及用于解决压力变化和对洗碗设备的操作的潜在影响的特征和方法。
背景技术
洗碗设备通常包括限定洗涤室的桶。支架组件可以安装在桶的洗涤室内，用于接收待洗涤的物品。多个喷射组件可以设置在洗涤室内，用于朝向设置在支架组件内的物品施加或引导洗涤流体(例如水、洗涤剂等)，以便清洁这些物品。洗碗设备通常还配备有一个或更多个泵，比如循环泵或排放泵，用于从洗涤室(例如，到喷射组件或洗碗设备外部的区域)引导或推动洗涤流体。
传统的洗碗设备通常包括一个或更多个压力传感器，以检测洗碗设备内的水压力(例如，在洗涤周期期间)。特别地，这种压力传感器可以被提供来检测升高的压力状态，这可以指示洗涤室内的堵塞或一些其他问题正在导致洗碗设备处于溢流的风险中。作为解决这些问题的方式，典型的洗碗设备被构造成一旦检测到过大的压力就停止洗涤操作或洗涤周期。
除了与单元溢流相关的问题，或与单元溢流相关的问题之外，当在加热洗涤周期期间打开洗碗设备的门时，可能会出现问题。特别地，如果当门打开时来自周围环境的冷空气进入相对热的洗涤室，并且循环泵在门闭合后被启动，冷空气的温度将迅速升高。随着空气温度的升高，空气会膨胀。如果没有足够的空气路径让空气从洗涤室中逸出，这种膨胀的空气将导致单元内的总压力升高。这可能会对单元产生各种负面影响，包括门突然打开、水从空气路径排出、压力读数不一致等。尽管可以提供专用的空气间隙(例如，在通风口、垫圈间隙中等)以缓解这种问题，但是它们也会允许所需的热量逸出，或者以其他方 式导致洗碗设备的低效率。
因此，提供一种解决一个或更多个上述问题的洗碗设备或操作方法将是有利的。特别地，对于洗碗设备或方法来说，允许在加热洗涤周期期间打开门而不会无意中停止设备或有空气过度膨胀的风险是有用的。
发明内容
本发明的方面和优点将在下面的描述中部分地阐述，或者可以从描述中清楚明白，或者可以通过本发明的实践来了解。
在本公开的一个示例性方面，提供了一种操作洗碗设备的方法。该方法可以包括启动循环泵。该方法还可以包括检测门从关闭位置的移动以及检测门返回到关闭位置。该方法可以进一步包括计算用于溢流检测的修正的时间段。该方法还可以进一步包括在检测到门返回到关闭位置之后确定压力传感器处的压力超过压力阈值，并且响应于确定压力传感器处的压力超过压力阈值而开始修正的时间段。该方法还可以进一步包括基于测量升高的压力和修正的时间段的期满来引导循环泵。
在本公开的另一个示例性方面，提供了一种洗碗设备。该洗碗设备可以包括机壳、桶、门、喷射组件、循环泵、压力传感器和控制器。桶可以定位在机壳内，并且限定用于接收待洗涤的物品的洗涤室。门可以安装到机壳上，以选择性地限制对桶的进入。喷射组件可以定位在洗涤室内。循环泵可以与洗涤室流体连通。压力传感器可以在循环泵的上游。控制器可以与压力传感器和循环泵操作性地连通。控制器可以被配置成开始洗涤操作。洗涤操作可以包括启动循环泵，检测门从关闭位置的移动，检测门返回到关闭位置，计算用于溢流检测的修正的时间段，在检测门返回到关闭位置之后确定压力传感器处的压力超过压力阈值，响应于确定压力传感器处的压力超过压力阈值而开始修正的时间段，以及基于测量升高的压力和修正的时间段的期满来引导循环泵。
参考以下描述和所附权利要求，本发明的这些和其他特征、方面和优点将 变得更好理解。包含在本说明书中并构成本说明书的一部分的附图示出了本发明的实施例，并与描述一起用于解释本发明的原理。
附图说明
参考附图，在说明书中阐述了针对本领域普通技术人员来说本发明的完整且能够实现的公开，包括其最佳模式。
图1提供了本公开的洗碗设备的示例性实施例的透视图，其中门处于部分打开位置。
图2提供了图1的示例性洗碗设备的侧剖面图。
图3提供了图1和图2的洗碗设备的水池和压力传感器的特写剖视图。
图4提供了示出在洗碗操作期间检测到的压力随时间变化的图表。
图5提供了根据本公开的示例性实施例的操作洗碗设备的方法的流程图。
图6提供了根据本公开的示例性实施例的操作洗碗设备的方法的流程图。
具体实施方式
现在将详细参考本发明的实施例，其一个或更多个示例在附图中示出。每个示例都是通过解释本发明的方式提供的，而不是对本发明的限制。事实上，对于本领域的技术人员来说清楚明白的是，在不脱离本发明的范围的情况下，可以对本发明进行各种修改和变化。例如，作为一个实施例的一部分示出或描述的特征可以与另一个实施例一起使用，以产生又一个实施例。因此，本发明旨在覆盖落入所附权利要求及其等同物的范围内的这些修改和变化。
如本文所使用的，术语“或”通常旨在是包含性的(即，“A或B”旨在指“A或B或两者”)。术语“第一”、“第二”和“第三”可以互换使用，以将一个部件与另一个部件区分开来，并且不旨在表明各个部件的位置或重要性。术语“上游”和“下游”是指相对于流体路径中的流体流动的相对的流动方向。例如，“上游”指流体流动来的流动方向，而“下游”指流体流动去的流动方向。 术语“物品”可以指但不限于碗碟、锅、平底锅、银器和其他可以在洗碗设备中清洗的烹饪器皿和物体。术语“洗涤周期”是指一段或更多段时间，在该一段或更多段时间期间，洗碗设备在容纳待洗涤物品的同时进行操作，并使用洗涤流体(例如水、洗涤剂或洗涤添加剂)。术语“漂洗周期”是指一段或更多段时间，在该一段或更多段时间期间，洗碗设备运行以去除洗涤循环完成后残留在物品上的残余污垢、洗涤剂和其它不希望有的成分。术语“排放周期”是指一段或更多段时间，在该一段或更多段时间期间，洗碗设备运行以将脏水从洗碗设备中排出。术语“洗涤流体”是指用于洗涤或漂洗物品的液体，其通常由水组成，并且可以包括添加剂，比如洗涤剂或其他处理剂(例如漂洗辅助剂)。此外，如本文所使用的，近似的术语，比如“近似”，“基本”，或“大约”指的是在百分之十(10％)误差范围内。
现在转向附图，图1和图2描绘了可以根据本公开的方面构造的示例性洗碗机或洗碗设备(例如，洗碗设备100)。通常，洗碗机100限定竖直方向V、侧向方向L和横向方向T。竖直方向V、侧向方向L和横向方向T中的每一个都彼此互相垂直，并形成正交的方向***。
洗碗机100包括其中具有桶104的机壳102，该桶限定了洗涤室106。如图2所示，桶104沿竖直方向V在顶部107和底部108之间延伸，沿侧向方向L在一对侧壁110之间延伸，沿横向方向T在前侧111和后侧112之间延伸。
桶104包括前开口114。在一些实施例中，门116在其底部铰接，用于在通常关闭的竖直位置(例如，图2)和水平打开位置之间移动，在通常关闭的竖直位置，洗涤室106被密封地闭合以进行洗涤操作，在水平打开位置，用于从洗碗机100装载和卸载物品。可以提供门116关闭机构或组件118来锁定和解锁门116，以进入和密封洗涤室106。可选地，关闭组件118可以被配置成检测门116何时处于关闭位置(例如，经由接触传感器、电容传感器、簧片开关等)。附加地或替代地，关闭组件118可以包括一个或更多个分立的传感器(例如，加速度计、陀螺仪等)，其安装在门116上或与门选择性接合，以检测门116的 位置(例如，处于打开位置、关闭位置或水平打开位置和关闭位置之间的中间位置)。在一些实施例中，关闭组件118被配置成响应于门116被检测到处于关闭位置而传输相应的关闭信号。
在示例性实施例中，桶侧壁110容纳多个支架组件。例如，导向轨120可以安装到侧壁110上，用于支撑下支架组件122、中间支架组件124或上支架组件126。在一些这样的实施例中，上支架组件126定位在中间支架组件124上方的洗涤室106的顶部部分，中间支架组件沿着竖直方向V定位在下支架组件122上方。
通常，每个支架组件122、124、126可以适于在延伸的装载位置(未示出)和缩回位置(图1和图2所示)之间移动，在延伸的装载位置，支架基本上定位在洗涤室106的外部，在缩回位置，支架位于洗涤室106的内部。在一些实施例中，例如，通过分别安装在支架组件122、124、126上的滚子128来促进移动。
尽管导向轨120和滚子128在本文被示出为促进相应的支架组件122、124、126的移动，但是应当理解，根据替代实施例，可以使用任何合适的滑动机构或构件。
在可选实施例中，支架组件122、124、126中的一些或全部被制造成包括多根线或细长构件130的网格结构(为了说明清楚，在图2中没有示出组成支架组件122、124、126的所有细长构件)。关于这点，支架组件122、124、126通常被构造成用于支撑洗涤室106内的物品，同时允许洗涤流体的流动到达并冲击这些物品(例如，在清洁或漂洗周期期间)。根据附加的或替代的实施例，银器篮(未示出)可移除地附接到支架组件(例如，下支架组件122)，用于放置银器、器皿等，否则它们太小而不能被支架组件容纳。
通常，洗碗机100包括一个或更多个喷射组件，用于推动流体(例如，洗涤流体)的流动到放置在洗涤室106内的物品上。
在示例性实施例中，洗碗机100包括下喷射臂组件134，该下喷射臂组件设 置在洗涤室106的下部区域136中，并且在水池138上方，以便相对紧密地靠近下支架组件122旋转。
在附加或替代实施例中，中间高度的喷射臂组件140位于洗涤室106的上部区域中(例如，在中间支架组件的下方并紧密地靠近中间支架组件124)。关于这点，中间高度的喷射臂组件140通常可以被构造成用于推动洗涤流体的流动向上流过中间支架组件124和上支架组件126。
在另外的附加或替代实施例中，上喷射组件142沿着竖直方向V位于上支架组件126上方。以这种方式，上喷射组件142通常可以被构造为将洗涤流体的流动向下推动或倾泻经过支架组件122、124和126。
在另外的附加或替代实施例中，上支架组件126可以进一步限定一体的喷射歧管144。如图所示，一体的喷射歧管144可以被向上引导，并且因此通常被构造成用于推动洗涤流体的流动沿着竖直方向V基本上向上通过上支架组件126。
在另外的附加或替代实施例中，过滤器清洁喷射组件145设置在洗涤室106的下部区域136中(例如，下喷射臂组件134下方)和水池138上方，以便相对紧密地靠近过滤器组件210旋转。例如，过滤器清洁喷射组件145可被向下引导，以推动洗涤流体的流动穿过过滤器组件210的一部分(例如，第一过滤器212)或水池138。
本文描述的各种喷射组件和歧管可以是用于在桶104中循环洗涤流体的流体分配***或流体循环组件150的一部分。在某些实施例中，流体循环组件150包括用于在桶104中循环洗涤流体的循环泵152。循环泵152可位于水池138内或位于桶104的水池138下方的机械隔室内。
当组装时，循环泵152可以与外部水供应管线(未示出)和水池138流体连通。水入口阀153可以定位在外部水供应管线和循环泵152之间(例如，选择性地允许水从外部水供应管线流动到循环泵152)。附加地或替代地，水入口阀153可以位于外部水供应管线和水池138之间(例如，选择性地允许水从外 部水供应管线流动到水池138)。在使用期间，可以选择性地控制水入口阀153打开，以允许水流动到洗碗机100中，并且可以选择性地控制水入口阀以停止水到洗碗机100的流动。此外，流体循环组件150可以包括一个或更多个流体导管或循环管道，用于将洗涤流体从循环泵152引导至各种喷射组件和歧管。在比如图2所示的示例性实施例中，主供应导管154从循环泵152沿着桶104的后部112沿着竖直方向V延伸，以在遍布洗涤室106供应洗涤流体。
在一些实施例中，主供应导管154用于向一个或更多个喷射组件(例如，中间高度的喷射臂组件140或上喷射组件142)供应洗涤流体。然而，应当理解，根据替代实施例，可以使用任何其他合适的管道构造来遍布本文所述的各种喷射歧管和组件供应洗涤流体。例如，根据另一示例性实施例，主供应导管154可以用于向中间高度的喷射臂组件140提供洗涤流体，并且专用的副供应导管(未示出)可以用于向上喷射组件142提供洗涤流体。其他管道构造可以用于向在洗碗设备100内的任何位置处的各种喷射装置和歧管提供洗涤流体。
每个喷射臂组件134、140、142、一体的喷射歧管144、过滤器清洁组件145或其他喷射装置可以包括排出端口或孔口的布置，用于将从循环泵152接收的洗涤流体引导到位于洗涤室106中的碗碟或其他物品上。排出端口(也称为喷口、孔或孔口)的布置，可以借助于流动通过排出端口的洗涤流体来提供旋转力。替代地，喷射组件134、140、142、145可以是马达驱动的，或者可以使用任何其他合适的驱动机构操作。喷射歧管和组件也可以是静止的。喷射组件134、140、142、145的合成运动和来自固定的歧管的喷射用洗涤喷射覆盖碗碟和其他洗碗机内容物。也可以使用喷射组件的其他构造。例如，洗碗机100可以具有附加的喷射组件，用于清洁银器，用于擦洗焙盘碗碟，用于喷射锅和平底锅、用于清洁瓶子等。
在可选实施例中，提供了过滤器组件210。如图所示，在示例性实施例中，过滤器组件210位于水池138中(例如，过滤到循环组件150的流体)。通常，过滤器组件210在洗碗设备100的操作期间从通过洗涤室106再循环的流体中 去除脏颗粒。在某些实施例中，过滤器组件210包括第一过滤器212(也称为“粗过滤器”)和第二过滤器214(也称为“细过滤器”)。
在一些实施例中，第一过滤器212被构造成具有开口的格栅，用于过滤从洗涤室106接收的流体。水池138包括循环泵152或排放泵168上游的凹陷部分，第一过滤器212可移除地接收在该凹陷部分上方。在示例性实施例中，第一过滤器212作为粗过滤器操作(例如，具有在大约0.030英寸到大约0.060英寸范围内的介质开口)。凹陷部分可以限定过滤体积，其中碎片或颗粒已经被第一过滤器212或第二过滤器214过滤。
在附加或替代实施例中，第二过滤器214设置在循环泵152或排放泵168的上游。第二过滤器214可以是不可拆卸的，或者替换地，可以作为可拆卸的滤筒提供，定位在水池138中形成的桶容器216(图3)中。
例如，特别转向图2和图3，第二过滤器214可以可移除地定位在由桶容器216限定的收集室218内。第二过滤器214通常可以成形为与桶容器216互补。例如，第二过滤器214可以包括与桶容器216的形状互补的过滤器壁220。在一些实施例中，过滤壁220由一种或更多种细的过滤介质形成。一些这样的实施例可以包括过滤介质(例如，筛网或网孔，具有在大约50微米到大约600微米范围内的眼或洞尺寸)。
当组装时，过滤壁220可以具有限定内部室224的封闭(例如圆柱形)形状。在可选的实施例中，位于内部室224上方的第二过滤器214的顶部部分可以限定一个或更多个开口226(例如，竖直流动路径开口)，从而允许流体流动到内部室224中，而不穿过第一过滤器212或第二过滤器214的过滤壁220的细的过滤介质。
在顶部部分开口226和排放泵168之间，内部室224可以限定未过滤的容积。排放出口228可限定在顶部部分开口226下方，与内部室224和排放泵168流体连通(例如，在内部室224的下游或排放泵168的上游)。
例如，在排放周期期间，在流动通过排放组件166和从洗碗设备100流出 之前，水池138内的至少一部分洗涤流体通常可以通过第二过滤器214(例如，通过过滤器壁220或开口226)进入到内部室224中。
在一些实施例的操作期间(例如，在洗涤周期或漂洗周期期间或作为洗涤周期或漂洗周期的一部分)，循环泵152通过过滤器组件210(例如，通过第一过滤器212或第二过滤器214)从水池138抽吸洗涤流体。因此，循环泵152可以在过滤器组件210的下游。
在可选的实施例中，循环泵152将洗涤流体(例如，从过滤器组件210)推动或泵送到分流器156。在一些这样的实施例中，分流器156定位在洗碗设备100的水池138内。分流器156可以包括设置在分流器室158内的分流器盘(未示出)，用于选择性地将洗涤流体分配到喷射臂组件134、140、142或其他喷射歧管。例如，分流器盘可以具有多个孔，这些孔被构造成与分流器室158的顶部的一个或更多个出口端口(未示出)对齐。以这种方式，分流器盘可以选择性地旋转，以向期望的喷射装置提供洗涤流体。
在示例性实施例中，分流器156被构造成用于选择性地将洗涤流体的流动从循环泵152分配到各种流体供应导管，为了清楚起见，图2中仅示出了其中的一些。在某些实施例中，分流器156包括四个出口端口(未示出)，用于将洗涤流体供应到用于旋转下喷射臂组件134的第一导管、用于将洗涤流体供应到过滤清洁组件145的第二导管、用于喷射辅助支架(例如银器支架)的第三导管、以及用于供应中间高度的喷射组件140或上喷射组件142的第四导管(例如主供应导管154)。
水池138内的脏的洗涤流体的排放可以例如通过排放组件166进行(例如，在排放周期期间或作为排放周期的一部分)。具体而言，洗涤流体可以通过排放出口228离开水池138，并且可以流动通过排放导管167。在一些实施例中，水池138下游的排放泵168通过推动或泵送洗涤流体到洗碗机100外部的排放管线来促进脏的洗涤流体的排放。排放泵168可以在第一过滤器212或第二过滤器214的下游。附加地或替代地，未过滤的流动路径可以被限定通过水池138 到达排放导管167，使得未过滤的流体流动可以穿过水池138到达排放导管167，而不首先穿过第一过滤器212或第二过滤器214的过滤介质。
尽管本文描述了单独的循环泵152和排放泵168，但是应当理解，可以提供其他合适的泵构造(例如，仅使用单个循环泵进行循环和排放两者)。
在某些实施例中，洗碗机100包括控制器160，控制器被配置成调节洗碗机100的操作(例如，开始一个或更多个洗涤操作)。控制器160可以包括一个或更多个存储装置和一个或更多个微处理器，比如通用或专用的微处理器，其可操作以执行与洗涤操作相关联的编程指令或微控制代码，该洗涤操作可以包括洗涤周期、漂洗周期或排放周期。存储器可以代表随机存取存储器(比如DRAM)，或者只读存储器(比如ROM或FLASH)。在一些实施例中，处理器执行存储在存储器中的编程指令。存储器可以是与处理器分离的部件，或者可以包含在处理器内的板载上。替代地，控制器160可以不使用微处理器(例如，使用分立模拟或数字逻辑电路(比如开关、放大器、积分器、比较器、触发器、与门等)的组合来执行控制功能，而不依赖于软件)来构造。
控制器160可以定位在遍布洗碗机100的多个位置中。在可选的实施例中，控制器160位于门116的控制面板区域162内(例如，如图1和图2所示)。输入/输出(“I/O”)信号可以沿着线束在控制***和洗碗机100的各种操作部件之间传送，所述线束可以通过门116的底部布线。典型地，控制器160包括用户界面面板/控制器164，用户可以通过该用户界面面板/控制器选择各种操作特征和模式，并监控洗碗机100的过程。在一些实施例中，用户界面164包括通用用途I/O(“GPIO”)装置或功能块。在附加或替代实施例中，用户界面164包括输入部件，比如各种电气、机械或机电输入装置(包括旋转拨盘、按钮和触摸板)中的一个或更多个。在另外的附加或替代实施例中，用户界面164包括显示部件，比如被设计为向用户提供操作反馈的数字或模拟显示装置。当组装时，用户界面164可以经由一条或更多条信号线或共享连通总线与控制器160进行操作性地连通。附加地或替代地，控制器160可以与洗碗设备100的各种其他 部分(比如循环泵152、排放泵168、关闭组件118、压力传感器200等)操作性地连通(例如，在洗涤操作期间引导或调节其操作)。
在一些实施例中，加热元件170与控制器160操作性地连通(例如，电联接)，以选择性地向洗涤室106或在洗涤室中循环的洗涤流体提供热量(例如，在洗涤周期期间)。例如，加热元件170可以被提供为安装在桶104的底部部分的电阻或护套加热元件170(例如，
Figure PCTCN2021122612-appb-000001
)。在一些这样的实施例中，加热元件170附接到水池142或洗涤室106内的底部壁108。尽管如此，如通常理解的，加热元件170可以包括或设置有任何合适的加热器，用于加热洗涤室106或洗涤流体。在使用期间，控制器160因此可以传输一个或更多个加热信号(例如，作为电流)，以便启动加热元件170并开始从加热元件产生热量。
应当理解，本发明不限于洗碗机100的任何特定的样式、型号或构造。图1和图2所示的示例性实施例仅用于说明目的。例如，可以为用户界面164提供不同的位置，可以为支架组件122、124、126提供不同的构造，可以使用不同的喷射臂组件134、140、142和喷射歧管构造，并且可以应用其他差异，同时仍在本公开的范围内。
特别转向图3，提供了水池138和压力传感器200的特写剖视图。在一些情况下，洗碗机100的部分可能变得阻塞或堵塞(例如，在过滤器组件210处)。在其他情况下，洗碗机100内的压力可以快速且暂时地变化而没有任何障碍(例如，由于门116(图1)在加热周期期间被打开)。因此，根据本公开的示例性方面，洗碗机100使用来自压力传感器200的输出来准确地区分由障碍物或一些临时因素(例如，快速加热的空气的膨胀)引起的压力变化。
在一些实施例中，压力传感器200安装到水池138。例如，压力传感器200可以安装在内部室224和第二过滤器214的上游。附加地或替代地，压力传感器200可以安装在第一过滤器212的下游。
压力传感器200在操作上被配置成检测水池138内的液体液位，并经由一个或更多个信号将液体液位传送给控制器160(图2)。因此，压力传感器200 和控制器160通常被设置成操作性地连通。
在使用期间，压力传感器200可以将信号传输到控制器160(例如作为频率、作为模拟信号，或者以控制器160能够接收的其它合适的方式或形式)以来检测压力值(例如，作为相对压力或液体静压力的值，比如以mm·H2O为单位的值)。在某些实施例中，压力传感器200被配置成感测压力传感器200上方的洗涤流体沿着竖直方向V的高度H(例如，通过检测压力传感器200上的压力)。
在一些实施例中，压力传感器200包括压力板，压力板通常由水池138内的洗涤流体的压力作用。随着液体液位上升，压力板沿着竖直方向V被向上推动，从而压缩截留在压力传感器200的外壳和隔膜内的空气。压缩可能导致隔膜弯曲或改变其位置。由于隔膜的压力和随后的移动，附接到隔膜的永磁体可能改变其相对于霍尔效应传感器的位置。换能器传送一个或更多个与磁体的磁场成比例的电信号。可选地，来自压力传感器200的信号可以在被发送到控制器160进行处理之前被线性化、数字化或放大。附加地或替代地，压力传感器200可以包括印刷电路板(PCB)，以电连接压力传感器200的各种电部件。此外，压力传感器200可以是能够感测洗碗机100内的液体液位的任何合适类型的传感器。
值得注意的是，作为上游传感器(例如，循环泵152或排放泵168的上游)，来自压力传感器200的信号可以被用于或被配置成用于附加的检测，比如检测满溢或溢流事件(例如，由不水平的条件、水入口阀故障或排放泵168故障引起的)，然而这些将不会被循环泵152或排放泵168下游(即，在高压侧)的压力传感器200检测到。
在附加或替代的实施例中，副流体传感器230设置成在过滤器组件210和排放出口228之间流体连通。特别地，副流体传感器230可以在第二过滤器214的下游。例如，副流体传感器230可以安装在内部室224的一部分内，并且被配置成检测内部室224内的流体(例如，洗涤流体)液位或流体压力。在一些这样的实施例中，在副流体传感器230处检测到的检测到的液体液位独立于在 压力传感器200处检测到的压力。
通常，副流体传感器230可以是被配置成检测内部室224内的至少一个预定的流体液位的任何合适的传感器。例如，副流体传感器230可以包括或被设置为浮动开关、隔膜压力传感器200、电容传感器或光学传感器，其被配置为检测内部室224内的流体(例如，在副流体传感器230的竖直位置)。
在使用期间，副流体传感器230可以将信号传输到控制器160，例如，作为频率、作为模拟信号、或者以控制器160能够接收的其它合适的方式或形式。因此，副流体传感器230和控制器160通常被设置成操作性地连通。根据从副流体传感器230接收的一个或更多个信号，控制器160可以被配置成确定内部室224内是否有或有多少(例如，高度或体积)流体。
简要地转向图4，提供了示出一段时间内的压力值(例如，在上游压力传感器200(图2)处检测到的)的图表。具体地，图4示出了线L1，其示出了在洗涤操作的示例性执行过程中出现的压力变化，该洗涤操作被门(例如，116)的打开中断至少两次。在图4的示例性实施例中，洗涤操作包括填充周期F1、洗涤周期W1和排放周期D1。图表化洗涤周期W1包括被两个非启动段SN(例如，指示门116没有关闭)中断的多个启动段SA。此外，过滤器210和循环组件150通常没有任何阻塞或堵塞。可以理解，在洗涤周期W1的启动段SA期间，洗碗设备100的各个部分(图2)被启动。例如，如上所述，循环泵152或加热器170可以被启动以循环或加热洗涤室106内的水。相比之下，在非启动段SN期间，这些部分可以是非启动的，以终止水循环或加热(例如，通过打开门116或以其他方式移动门116远离关闭位置引起)。可选地，压力传感器200可以继续检测启动和非启动段SA、SN中洗涤室106内的压力(例如，预定的轮检或检测速率)。替代地，压力传感器200可以检测启动段SA处的压力，而停止在非启动段SN处的检测。
尽管如此，如图所示，紧接着关闭门116并继续洗涤周期W1，可能出现压力峰值PK(例如，压力快速增加或变化)。换句话说，在紧接着非启动段SN的 启动段SA中，可以检测到压力峰值PK。压力峰值PK表示洗涤室106中压力的显著增加(例如，由门116打开时引入的冷空气的快速加热引起)。具体而言，压力峰值PK可以表示大于设定的压力阈值(例如，100mm·H2O，尽管根据特定的实施例可以选择任何合适的阈值)的检测到的压力值。尽管压力峰值PK可能很大，但它也是暂时的，持续时间小于预定的基准时间段。因此，洗涤室106内的压力回落到相应的启动段SA的剩余部分的压力阈值以下(例如，直到新的周期开始或者直到门116再次从关闭位置移动并且新的非启动段SN开始)。有利地，可以防止溢流事件的不准确指示。
现在转向图5和图6，示出了用于操作洗碗设备的各种方法500或600。方法500或600可以用于操作任何合适的洗碗设备。作为示例，方法500或600中的一些或全部可以用于操作洗碗设备100(图1)。控制器160(图2)可以被编程以实现方法500或600的一些或全部(例如，作为洗涤操作或作为洗涤操作的一部分，比如在排放周期中)。
注意，方法500和600内的步骤顺序是为了说明的目的。此外，方法500和600都不是互斥的。换句话说，本公开中的方法可以包括方法500和600中的任一种或两种。两者都可以被采用或被描述为在通用的操作中实现。除非另有说明，否则在不脱离本公开的范围的情况下，以下方法500和600中的一个或更多个步骤可以被改变、重新排列、以不同的顺序执行或以其他方式修改。
特别地，转向图5，在510，方法500包括启动循环泵。例如，510可以发生在洗涤操作的填充周期之后。对于510，如上所述，循环泵可以从洗涤室激励或泵送洗涤流体，并通过一个或更多个喷射组件将洗涤流体引导回到洗涤室。如将被理解的，循环泵激励洗涤流体的特定的喷射组件或臂可以取决于例如由用户选择的特定的洗涤操作(或其设置)。
在可选的实施例中，在510之前，方法500包括为洗涤操作建立环境温度(Tamb)。例如，环境温度可以在洗涤操作开始时建立，比如在填充周期之前。在一些实施例中，环境温度是基于旧的温度值建立的。旧的温度值可以根据用 户选择洗涤操作之前的操作存储在洗碗设备中。例如，如果洗碗设备确定自从先前的洗涤操作完成后设定的休息时间段(例如，6小时或更多小时)没有期满，则环境温度可以被建立为与先前操作中使用的温度值相同。在某些实施例中，基于新的温度测量值来建立环境温度。新的温度测量可以在洗涤操作开始之前在洗碗设备或洗涤室内的温度下进行。可选地，新的温度测量值可以响应于洗碗设备确定自从先前的洗涤操作完成后的设定的休息时间段已经期满而被收集。因此，尽管可以在洗涤室内获取新的温度测量值，但是可以假设洗涤室内的温度大致等于洗碗设备外部的温度。
在510期间(例如，在510开始之后)，方法500可以包括测量压力传感器处的压力，如上所述。可以在同一压力传感器上检测洗涤室的多个离散的压力测量值或数值。例如，可以在510期间以设定的时间安排、速率、模式或间隔测量压力。可以评估或检查这种压力测量值，以确定在510期间是否出现升高的压力(例如，升高的检测的压力值)。特别地，如果检测到升高的压力(即，高于压力阈值的压力)，则可以确定升高的压力是否在洗碗设备内编程的基准时间段的持续时间内建立。基准时间段可以从第一次检测到升高的压力的时刻开始，并且一旦检测到压力低于压力阈值就停止或重新开始。因此，如果检测到压力持续高于压力阈值的时间比基准时间段更长，则在基准时间段的持续时间内建立升高的压力。在基准时间段的持续时间内持续的升高的压力可以指示溢流事件，促使500停止。相比之下，在基准时间段期满之前结束的升高的压力通常可以允许洗涤操作(或者具体地，510)继续。
附加地或替代地，在510期间，加热器可以被启动以产生对洗涤室的热量或以其他方式加热由循环泵循环的洗涤流体。特别地，加热器可以在510的至少一部分被启动。可选地，加热器可以与循环泵相继(例如，同时)启动(例如，根据设定的占空比)。可选地，加热器可以仅在510的一部分期间被启动，使得510包括至少一个加热器启动段和至少一个加热器非启动段。
在520，方法500包括检测洗涤室的门从关闭位置的移动。换句话说，可以 检测到门从关闭位置打开(例如，完全或部分地打开)。520处的检测可以基于一个或更多个接收到的信号(例如，来自门关闭组件的信号)。例如，如将被理解的，在510期间从门关闭组件接收到关闭信号之后，可以终止传输关闭信号，或者可以接收离散的打开信号，或者可以接收对应于打开位置的单独的位置信号。
响应于520，方法500可以终止循环泵。换句话说，如将被理解的，当门被检测为打开时，由循环泵激励的洗涤流体的循环可能突然停止，而510(或通常的洗涤周期)正在进行。附加地或替代地，响应于520，加热器可以被终止，使得加热器不再启动以在洗涤室内产生热量或加热其中的洗涤流体。因此，如将进一步理解的，当门被检测为打开时，洗涤室或洗涤流体的加热可能突然停止，而510(或通常的洗涤周期)正在进行。
在520之前但在510之后，方法500可以包括确定压力传感器处的压力超过压力阈值(例如，预定的压力阈值)。换句话说，可以通过将最近检测到的压力值与压力阈值进行比较来检测升高的压力。可以在洗涤流体继续循环的同时进行确定。响应于确定压力超过压力阈值，可以开始基准时间段(例如，基准倒计时)。因此，可以确定压力保持升高的时间是否长于基准时间段。
基准时间段可以是预定的时间段(例如，在洗碗设备内编程)。在基准时间段期满之前，压力降低到或低于压力阈值可以指示没有发生溢流事件，因此方法500(例如，以及洗涤流体的循环)可以被允许继续(例如，至530)。因此，方法500可以包括确定压力传感器处的压力在基准时间段期满之前降低到或低于压力阈值。相比之下，在基准时间的期满期间压力保持在压力阈值以上可以指示溢流事件正在发生，因此方法500和洗涤流体的循环可以突然终止。
在530，方法500包括检测门返回到关闭位置。换句话说，520之后门被关闭可以检测到。530处的检测可以基于一个或更多个接收到的信号(例如，来自门关闭组件的信号)。例如，如将被理解的，在520之后，可以接收来自门关闭组件的新的或离散的关闭信号，或者可以接收对应于关闭位置的单独的位置信 号。
在540，方法500包括计算用于溢流检测的修正的时间段(例如，修正的倒计时)。在一些实施例中，修正的时间段大于基准时间段。可选地，修正的时间段可以是基准时间段的函数。附加地或替代地，修正的时间段可以是温度差的函数。
作为一般示例，修正的时间段可以基于建立的环境温度(Tamb)和循环泵的流动路径内当前温度(Tcur)(例如，在510或530之后在洗涤室内的温度传感器处收集的温度测量值)的差。作为更具体的示例，PM可以被计算为PM＝α·(Tcur-Tamb)+β，其中，α和β是离散的预定的系数。可选地，α可以是小于1的系数值(例如，0.09)。附加地或替代地，β可以是大于1(例如，2)或等于基准时间段(即，β可以是基准时间段)的系数值。
在550，方法500包括确定压力传感器处的压力超过压力阈值(例如，预定的压力阈值)。特别地，在530或540之后，如上所述，可以在压力传感器处收集压力测量值。一旦被收集，压力测量值可以与压力阈值进行比较，并被确定为大于压力。
在560，方法500包括开始修正的时间段。具体地，560可以响应于550而开始。换句话说，在门关闭后当确定压力超过压力阈值时，可以立即开始修正的时间段或修正的时间段倒计时。因此，可以确定压力保持升高的时间是否长于修正的时间段。
在570，方法500包括基于在550测量升高的压力和从560开始的修正的时间段的期满来引导循环泵。作为示例，比如当压力保持升高时，570可以包括确定在修正的时间段的期满期间压力传感器处的压力持续超过压力阈值。响应于确定压力继续超过压力阈值，570可以进一步包括作为溢流事件终止循环泵或加热器(例如，突然地)。作为另一个示例，比如当压力没有保持升高时，570可以包括确定压力传感器处的压力在修正的时间段期满之前降低到或低于压力阈值。响应于确定压力降低，570可以进一步包括允许循环泵或加热器作为非溢流 事件继续启动。随后，可以允许洗涤操作继续而不中断(例如，直到洗涤操作的每个周期或总操作运行时间期满)。
特别地，转向图6，在610，方法600包括为洗涤操作建立环境温度(Tamb)。例如，环境温度可以在洗涤操作开始时或洗涤操作开始之后(比如在填充周期之前)立即建立。建立Tamb可以包括确定自从先前的洗涤操作完成后，设定的休息时间段(例如，6小时或更多小时)是否已经过去或期满。如果设定的休息时间段没有期满，则基于旧的温度值建立Tamb。旧的温度值可以根据先前的洗涤操作(即，在用户选择洗涤操作之前的操作)存储在洗碗设备中。因此，Tamb可以被建立为与先前操作中使用的温度值相同的温度值。如果设定的休息时间段已经期满，则基于新的温度测量值建立Tamb。如上所述，新的温度测量可以在洗涤操作开始之前在洗碗设备或洗涤室内的温度下进行。
在620，方法600包括启动循环泵。例如，620可以发生在洗涤操作的610或填充周期之后。对于620，如上所述，循环泵可以从洗涤室激励洗涤流体，并通过一个或更多个喷射组件将洗涤流体引导回到洗涤室。如将被理解的，循环泵激励洗涤流体的特定的喷射组件或臂可以取决于例如由用户选择的特定的洗涤操作(或其设置)。
在620期间，加热器可以被启动以产生洗涤室的热量，或者加热由循环泵循环的洗涤流体。特别地，加热器可以在620的至少一部分被启动。可选地，加热器可以与循环泵相继(例如，同时)启动(例如，根据设定的占空比)。附加地或替代地，加热器可以仅在620的一部分期间被启动，使得620包括至少一个加热器启动段和至少一个加热器非启动段。
在630，方法600包括引导基准压力评估。具体而言，可以检测压力传感器处的压力，并且可以确定压力是否超过基准压力阈值。
基准时间段可以从第一次检测到升高的压力的时刻开始，并且一旦检测到压力低于压力阈值就停止或重新开始。因此，如果检测到压力持续高于压力阈值的时间比基准时间段更长，则在基准时间段的持续时间内建立升高的压力。 在基准时间段的持续时间内持续的升高的压力可以指示溢流事件，促使600停止(即，取消洗涤操作)。相比之下，在基准时间段期满之前结束的升高的压力可以允许循环泵的继续启动和方法600至640的继续。
在640，方法600包括对门的打开-关闭事件的评估。换句话说，640包括对门从关闭位置的第一次打开，然后门返回到关闭位置的检测的监控。
因此，可以检测到门从关闭位置打开(例如，完全或部分地打开)。门被打开的检测可以基于一个或更多个接收到的信号(例如，来自门关闭组件的信号)。例如，如将被理解的，在620或630之后从门关闭组件接收到关闭信号之后，可以终止关闭信号的传输，或者可以接收离散的打开信号，或者可以接收对应于打开位置的单独的位置信号。在检测到门被打开后，640包括检测门被关闭。门被关闭的检测可以基于一个或更多个接收到的信号(例如，来自门关闭组件的信号)。例如，如将被理解的，门被检测为打开，可以接收来自门关闭组件的新的或离散的关闭信号，或者可以接收对应于关闭位置的单独的位置信号。
如果检测到打开-关闭事件(例如，响应于打开-关闭事件)，方法600可以前进到645。如果没有检测到打开或打开-关闭事件，方法600可以前进(例如，直接地)到650。
在645，方法600包括引导修正的压力评估。特别地，可以收集或测量循环泵的流动路径内的当前温度(Tcur)。例如，可以在洗涤室内的温度传感器处测量Tcur(例如，与在610中使用的相同的温度传感器处)。
一旦测量或收集到Tcur(例如，响应于测量或收集到Tcur)，就可以计算修正的时间段(PM)。在一些实施例中，PM大于基准时间段。可选地，修正的时间段可以是基准时间段的函数。附加地或替代地，修正的时间段可以是Tamb和Tcur之间的差的函数。例如，PM可以被计算为PM＝α·(Tcur-Tamb)+β，其中，α和β是离散的预定的系数。可选地，α可以是小于1的系数值(例如，0.09)。附加地或替代地，β可以是大于1(例如，2)或等于基准时间段(即，β可以是基准时间段)的系数值。
在PM被计算之后，645包括确定压力传感器处的压力是否超过基准时间段和修正的时间段的压力阈值。两个时间段可以同时开始或顺序地执行(例如，取决于PM是否已经被计算以包括基准时间段)。如果顺序地开始，PM将在基准时间段期满后开始。如果在基准时间段或修正的时间段期满之前压力降低，方法600可以返回到630(即，允许洗涤操作或循环泵的启动继续)。相比之下，如果在基准和修正的时间段的持续时间内(即，在两个时间段的期满期间)压力保持在压力阈值以上，则可以指示溢流事件以促使600停止(即，取消洗涤操作)。
在650，方法600包括评估操作运行时间。如果周期时间段(例如，以相应洗涤周期的开始开始)还没有期满，方法600可以返回到630(即，允许洗涤操作或循环泵的启动继续)。相比之下，如将被理解的，如果周期时间段已经期满，则方法600可以前进到随后的周期(例如，排放周期)。
该书面描述使用示例来公开本发明，包括其最佳模式，并且还使本领域的任何技术人员能够实践本发明，包括制造和使用任何装置或***以及执行任何结合的方法。本发明的专利范围由权利要求限定，并且可以包括本领域技术人员想到的其他示例。如果这样的其他示例包括与权利要求的字面语言没有不同的结构要素，或者如果它们包括与权利要求的字面语言没有实质差异的等同结构要素，则这些其他示例旨在处于权利要求的范围内。

Claims (18)

  1. 一种操作洗碗设备的方法，所述洗碗设备包括桶、安装在所述桶内的压力传感器、选择性地限制对所述桶的进入的门以及在所述压力传感器下游的循环泵，所述方法包括：
    启动所述循环泵；
    检测所述门从关闭位置的移动；
    检测所述门返回到所述关闭位置；
    计算用于溢流检测的修正的时间段；
    在检测到所述门返回到所述关闭位置之后，确定所述压力传感器处的压力超过压力阈值，
    响应于确定所述压力传感器处的压力超过压力阈值，开始所述修正的时间段；以及
    基于测量到升高的压力和所述修正的时间段的期满来引导所述循环泵。
  2. 根据权利要求1所述的方法，其中，引导所述循环泵包括：
    确定在所述修正的时间段期满期间，所述压力传感器处的压力持续超过所述压力阈值，以及
    响应于确定压力传感器处的压力持续超过所述压力阈值，作为溢流事件终止所述循环泵。
  3. 根据权利要求1所述的方法，其中，引导所述循环泵包括：
    确定所述压力传感器处的压力在所述修正的时间段期满之前降低到或低于所述压力阈值，以及
    响应于确定所述压力传感器处的压力降低到或低于所述压力阈值，允许作为非溢流事件继续启动所述循环泵。
  4. 根据权利要求1所述的方法，进一步包括：
    在检测所述门的移动之前，在启动所述循环泵之后，确定所述压力传感器处的压力超过所述压力阈值；
    响应于在检测所述门的移动之前确定所述压力传感器处的压力超过所述压力阈值，开始基准时间段；以及
    确定所述压力传感器处的压力在所述基准时间段期满之前降低到或低于所述压力阈值。
  5. 根据权利要求4所述的方法，其中，所述基准时间段是预定的时间段，并且小于所述修正的时间段。
  6. 根据权利要求4所述的方法，其中，所述修正的时间段是所述基准时间段和温度差的函数。
  7. 根据权利要求1所述的方法，其中，所述修正的时间段基于环境温度和所述循环泵的流动路径内的温度的差。
  8. 根据权利要求7所述的方法，进一步包括：
    基于先前的洗涤操作的旧温度测量值建立环境温度值。
  9. 根据权利要求7所述的方法，其中，基于选择的洗涤操作来启动所述循环泵，并且所述方法进一步包括：
    在启动所述循环泵之前，基于选择的洗涤操作的温度测量建立环境温度值。
  10. 一种洗碗设备，包括：
    机壳；
    桶，其定位在所述机壳内并且限定用于接收待洗涤的物品的洗涤室；
    安装在所述机壳上的门，用于选择性地限制对所述桶的进入；
    定位在所述洗涤室内的喷射组件；
    与所述洗涤室流体连通的循环泵；
    所述循环泵上游的压力传感器；以及
    控制器，其与所述压力传感器和所述循环泵在操作上连通，所述控制器被配置成开始洗涤操作，所述洗涤操作包括：
    启动所述循环泵，
    检测所述门从关闭位置的移动，
    检测所述门返回到所述关闭位置，
    计算用于溢流检测的修正的时间段，
    在检测到所述门返回到所述关闭位置之后，确定所述压力传感器处的压力超过压力阈值，
    响应于确定所述压力传感器处的压力超过所述压力阈值，开始所述修正的时间段，以及
    基于测量到升高的压力和所述修正的时间段的期满来引导所述循环泵。
  11. 根据权利要求10所述的洗碗设备，其中，引导所述循环泵包括：
    确定在所述修正的时间段期满期间所述压力传感器处的压力持续超过所述压力阈值，以及
    响应于确定所述压力传感器处的压力持续超过所述压力阈值，作为溢流事件终止所述循环泵。
  12. 根据权利要求10所述的洗碗设备，其中，引导所述循环泵包括：
    确定压力传感器处的压力在所述修正的时间段期满之前降低到或低于所述压力阈值，以及
    响应于确定压力传感器处的压力降低到或低于所述压力阈值，允许作为非溢流事件继续启动所述循环泵。
  13. 根据权利要求10所述的洗碗设备，其中，所述洗涤操作进一步包括：
    在检测所述门的移动之前，在启动所述循环泵之后，确定所述压力传感器处的压力超过所述压力阈值，
    响应于在检测所述门的移动之前确定所述压力传感器处的压力超过所述压力阈值，开始基准时间段，以及
    确定所述压力传感器处的压力在所述基准时间段期满之前降低到或低于所述压力阈值。
  14. 根据权利要求13所述的洗碗设备，其中，所述基准时间段是预定的时间段，并且小于所述修正的时间段。
  15. 根据权利要求13所述的洗碗设备，其中，所述修正的时间段是所述基准时间段和温度差的函数。
  16. 根据权利要求10所述的洗碗设备，其中，所述修正的时间段基于环境温度和所述循环泵的流动路径内的温度的差。
  17. 根据权利要求10所述的洗碗设备，其中，所述洗涤操作进一步包括：
    基于先前的洗涤操作的旧温度测量建立环境温度值。
  18. 根据权利要求10所述的洗碗设备，其中，所述洗涤操作进一步包括： 在启动所述循环泵之前，基于选择的洗涤操作的温度测量建立环境温度值。
PCT/CN2021/122612 2020-10-07 2021-10-08 洗碗设备和用于评估其中压力的方法 WO2022073475A1 (zh)

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