Water softener cover alarm device, control method and dishwasher

Abstract

The present invention provides a water softener cover alarm device, a control method, and a dishwasher, belonging to the technical field of kitchen appliances. The water softener cover alarm device includes a waterless protection joint, a waterless protection switch, and a controller. The waterless protection joint is installed at the lower end of the water storage chamber. The waterless protection switch is connected to the waterless protection joint via a water pipe. The controller is also connected to the waterless protection switch and is configured to trigger a display panel to display a water softener cover misoperation alarm when the water pressure in the water storage chamber drops to a level where the waterless protection switch is disconnected. This increases the chances of the water softener cover being untightened, screwed off, or forgotten, thereby avoiding the phenomenon of softener malfunction, residual salt powder on tableware, and corrosion of key components, thereby solving the problem of affecting the washing performance of the dishwasher and damaging the life of the machine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of kitchen appliances, and in particular to a water softener cover alarm device, a control method and a dishwasher. Background Art

[0002] With the continuous improvement of living standards, dishwashers have gradually become popular in households due to their convenient operation and superior cleaning performance. The washing water of dishwashers often needs to be softened by a water softener. The water softener is installed in the dishwasher near the bottom of the inner tank. The water softener consists of two chambers, which are connected and closed by valves. One of the chambers is a brine chamber, which is used to prepare a brine liquid of a certain concentration. A water softener cover is provided in the brine chamber, which is opened when salt is added. The other chamber is a resin chamber, which is used to place organic resin for softening washing water. Among them, the brine liquid in the brine chamber can stimulate and increase the activity of the resin in the resin chamber. The washing water flows through the organic resin in the resin chamber, which can remove the Ca in the washing water. 2+ Mg 2+ Ions are adsorbed through chemical exchange, thereby reducing the hardness of water and achieving the purpose of softening.

[0003] As a dishwasher is used more frequently, the brine concentration in the softener's brine chamber decreases. The dishwasher will prompt the user to add salt. However, in actual use, after adding salt, users often fail to tighten the softener cap, tighten it incorrectly, or even forget to replace it. When the dishwasher is operating, the wash water in the tank must submerge the softener to a certain height. When the dishwasher is restarted to wash dishes, the wash water will flow back through the softener cap or the opening into the brine chamber, causing the brine concentration in the chamber to drop rapidly. This not only fails to improve the resin activity and wastes the dishwashing salt, but also leaves a large amount of salt powder on the surface of the dishes after drying, affecting the cleaning effect. Furthermore, the high-concentration brine can cause irreparable corrosion damage to key components of the dishwasher's water system, such as the wash pump, tank assembly, and bowl basket. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a water softener cover alarm device, which provides an alarm when the water softener cover is not tightened, screwed off, or forgotten, so as to solve the problem of affecting the washing performance of the dishwasher and damaging the machine life due to the above-mentioned misoperation of the water softener cover.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide a control method for a water softener cover.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher.

[0007] To achieve the purpose of the present invention, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a water softener cover alarm device is provided, which is installed at the breather and water softener of a dishwasher. The dishwasher includes an inner tank, a controller, and a display panel. The breather includes a water storage chamber, and the water softener includes a brine chamber, a resin chamber, and a water softener cover installed above the brine chamber. The water softener is connected to the lower end of the breather. The water softener cover alarm device includes:

[0009] A waterless protection joint is installed at the lower end of the water storage chamber;

[0010] a waterless protection switch connected to the waterless protection joint via a water pipe; and

[0011] The controller is also connected to the waterless protection switch and is configured to trigger the display panel to display a water softener cover misoperation alarm when the water pressure in the water storage chamber drops to a level where the waterless protection switch is disconnected.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the display panel displays the water softener cover misoperation alarm as a symbol alarm.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the interior of the respirator is divided into an air duct area and a water flow area according to different fluid qualities passing through, each area is provided with multiple channels, and the water storage chamber is arranged in the water flow area.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the water flow area is provided with a water inlet, a first water outlet and a second water outlet, the water inlet is used for water to flow into the respirator, the first water outlet is used to be connected to the resin cavity to supply water to flow into the resin cavity, and the second water outlet is used to be connected to the brine cavity to supply water to flow into the brine cavity.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the multiple channels in the water flow area include a water flow channel and a water inlet channel, the water flow channel is connected to the water inlet, a diversion port is provided in the water flow channel to divert the water flow to the water inlet channel and the water storage chamber, the first water outlet is located at the lower end of the water inlet channel, and the second water outlet is located at the lower end of the water storage chamber.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a flow meter is provided in the water flow channel.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the various channels in the air duct area are correspondingly provided with breathing ports, air inlets, air outlets and upwind ports. The breathing ports are used to communicate with the inner tank of the dishwasher, and the air inlets, air outlets and upwind ports are all used to discharge hot steam out of the dishwasher.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the air duct area is further provided with a plurality of wind shields, which are arranged near the upwind port and in a staggered arrangement to slow down the overflow speed of the hot steam, thereby facilitating the precipitation of moisture in the hot steam.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a first water outlet connector is provided in the resin cavity for connecting to the first water outlet, and a second water outlet connector is provided in the brine cavity for connecting to the second water outlet.

[0020] According to one aspect of the present invention, a dishwasher is provided, comprising the water softener cover alarm device, the breather, and the water softener.

[0021] According to one aspect of the present invention, a control method for the above-mentioned water softener cover alarm device is provided, comprising the following steps:

[0022] Receive salt shortage alarm signal;

[0023] Unscrew the water softener cap and add salt;

[0024] When the water pressure in the water storage chamber of the respirator drops to the point where the waterless protection switch is disconnected, the display panel of the dishwasher is triggered to display a water softener cover misoperation alarm, and the water softener cover is tightened.

[0025] According to one aspect of the present invention, a dishwasher is provided, which adopts the above-mentioned control method.

[0026] An embodiment of the present invention has the following advantages or beneficial effects:

[0027] The water softener cap alarm device of the present invention utilizes a water-free protection connector installed at the lower end of the respirator's water storage chamber. A water-free protection switch is connected to the water-free protection connector via a water pipe. A controller is configured to trigger a display panel to indicate a water softener cap misoperation alarm when the water pressure in the water storage chamber drops to a level that disconnects the water-free protection switch. This enhances the ability to identify cases where the softener cap is not tightened properly, is screwed off-center, or is forgotten, preventing softener malfunction, salt residue on tableware, and corrosion of key components. This addresses issues that affect dishwasher performance and reduce the lifespan of the machine. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The above and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a water softener cover alarm device assembled with a breather and a water softener according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0030] Figure 2 yes Figure 1A schematic cross-sectional view of the water softener cover alarm device and the breather when assembled together;

[0031] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a water softener shown in ;

[0032] Figure 4 is a schematic structural diagram of a water softener cover alarm device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0033] Figure 5 The figure is a schematic flow chart of a control method of a water softener cover alarm device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0034] The description of the accompanying drawings is as follows:

[0035] 100 respirators,

[0036] 110 upper shell, 120 lower shell, 130 buckle,

[0037] 140 air duct area, 141 breathing port, 142 air inlet, 143 air outlet, 144 upwind port, 145 wind shield,

[0038] 150 water flow area, 151 water inlet, 152 flow meter, 153 diversion port, 154 water inlet channel, 155 water storage chamber, 156 first water outlet, 157 second water outlet,

[0039] 200 water softener,

[0040] 201 chamber, 202 upper cover, 203 water softener cover, 204 brine chamber, 205 pull-in valve, 206 salt-repelling plate, 207 soft water outlet, 208 organic resin, 209 resin chamber, 210 first water outlet connector, 211 second water outlet connector,

[0041] 300 water softener cover alarm device,

[0042] 301 anhydrous protection joint, 302 water pipe, 303 anhydrous protection switch, 304 controller, 305 display panel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, example embodiments can be embodied in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the concepts of the example embodiments to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals in the figures represent like or similar structures, and thus their detailed description will be omitted.

[0044] The terms "a", "an", "the", and "said" are used to indicate the presence of one or more elements / components / etc.; the terms "including" and "having" are used to express an open-ended inclusive meaning and mean that additional elements / components / etc. may be present in addition to the listed elements / components / etc.

[0045] like Figure 1-Figure 5 As shown, Figure 1 The figure is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a water softener cover alarm device assembled with a breather and a water softener according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the water softener cover alarm device and the breather assembled together as shown in FIG. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a water softener is shown in FIG. Figure 4 The figure is a schematic structural diagram of a water softener cover alarm device according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 5 The figure is a schematic flow chart of a control method of a water softener cover alarm device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0046] like Figure 1 See also Figure 2-Figure 4 An embodiment of the present invention provides a water softener cover alarm device 300, which is installed at the breather 100 and water softener 200 of a dishwasher. The dishwasher includes an inner tank, a controller 304, and a display panel 305. The breather 100 includes a water storage chamber 155. The water softener 200 includes a brine chamber 204, a resin chamber 209, and a water softener cover 203. The water softener cover 203 is installed above the brine chamber 204. The water softener 200 is connected to the lower end of the breather 100. Preferably, the water softener 200 and the breather 100 are connected via a buckle 130. The water softener cover alarm device 300 generally includes: a water failure protection connector 301, a water failure protection switch 303, and a controller 304. The water failure protection connector 301 is installed at the lower end of the water storage chamber 155. The water failure protection switch 303 is connected to the water failure protection connector 301 via a water pipe 302. In this example, the water pipe 302 is a hose. The controller 304 is also connected to the water-free protection switch 303 and is configured to trigger the display panel 305 to display an alarm indicating a misoperation of the water softener cover 203 when the water pressure in the water storage chamber 155 drops to the point where the water-free protection switch 303 is disconnected. The water pressure causes the contacts of the water-free protection switch 303 to make contact, turning the water-free protection switch 303 on. When the water pressure drops to a certain level, such as zero, the contacts of the water-free protection switch 303 open, turning the water-free protection switch 303 off.

[0047] During specific implementation, the controller 304 may be implemented through a signal circuit and a chip, or may be implemented through a signal circuit.

[0048] The operating principle of the present invention is as follows: Each time salt is added to the brine chamber 204 of the water softener 200, if the water softener cover 203 is misoperated (e.g., not tightened, screwed off-center, or not closed), the respirator 100, the brine chamber 204 of the water softener 200, and the dishwasher's inner tank are interconnected. Due to the pressure differential, water in the water storage chamber 155 flows through the brine chamber 204 into the inner tank. At this point, the water pressure in the water storage chamber 155 of the respirator 100 drops rapidly, triggering the no-water protection switch 303 to open. Simultaneously, the controller 304 triggers the display panel 305 to display an alarm, indicating that the water softener cover 203 has been misoperated.

[0049] The water softener cover alarm device 300 of the present invention can alert the user to improper operation of the water softener cover 203. This prompts the user to check if the water softener cover 203 is not tightened, screwed off, or forgotten. This prevents the softener 203 from malfunctioning, causing salt powder residue on tableware, and corroding key components. This, in turn, addresses issues that affect the dishwasher's washing performance and shorten its lifespan.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, see Figure 4 The display panel 305 displays the misoperation alarm of the water softener cover 203 as a display symbol alarm. For example, "E8" can be used to display the alarm signal.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 As shown, respirator 100 may include an upper shell 110, a lower shell 120, and a flow meter 152. Upper shell 110 and lower shell 120 are joined together by heat-sealed welding to form a sealed space. Flow meter 152 is mounted within upper shell 110 and lower shell 120. More specifically, the interior of respirator 100 is divided into an air duct area 140 and a water flow area 150 based on the type of fluid passing through. Each of air duct area 140 and water flow area 150 is equipped with multiple channels. A water storage chamber 155 is a water flow channel located within water flow area 150.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 As shown, water flow area 150 is provided with a water inlet 151, a first water outlet 156, and a second water outlet 157. Water inlet 151 is used to allow water to flow into respirator 100 and is connected to a water inlet valve via a water pipe. First water outlet 156 is connected to resin chamber 209 to allow water to flow into resin chamber 209, thereby establishing communication between respirator 100 and the resin chamber 209 of water softener 200. Second water outlet 157 is connected to brine chamber 204 to allow water to flow into brine chamber 204, thereby establishing communication between respirator 100 and the brine chamber 204 of water softener 200.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2As shown, the various channels of water flow area 150 include a water flow channel and a water inlet channel 154. The water flow channel is connected to the water inlet 151. A diversion port 153 is provided in the water flow channel to divert water flow to the water inlet channel 154 and a water storage chamber 155. The water storage chamber 155 is used to store water. A first water outlet 156 is located at the lower end of the water inlet channel 154. A second water outlet 157 is located at the lower end of the water storage chamber 155.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 As shown, a flow meter fixing seat is provided in the water flow area 150. The flow meter fixing seat is used to assemble a flow meter 152. That is, a flow meter 152 is provided in the water flow channel.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 As shown, the various channels of the air duct area 140 are correspondingly provided with a breathing port 141, an air inlet 142, an air outlet 143, and an upwind port 144. The breathing port 141 is used to communicate with the inner tank of the dishwasher. In a specific implementation, the breathing port 141 is connected to the inner tank using a nut screw, and the breathing port 141 is used to discharge the hot and humid steam in the inner tank. More specifically, the air inlet 142 and the air outlet 143 are provided at the lower end of the respirator 100, and the upwind port 144 is provided at the upper end of the respirator 100. The air inlet 142, the air outlet 143, and the upwind port 144 are all used to discharge the hot steam out of the dishwasher.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 As shown, the air duct area 140 is further provided with a plurality of wind shields 145. The plurality of wind shields 145 are arranged near the upwind port 144 in a staggered arrangement to slow down the overflow speed of the hot steam and facilitate the precipitation of moisture in the hot steam.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 As shown, the water softener 200 includes an upper cover 202, a chamber 201, a softener cover 203, a pull-on valve 205, a salt-repelling plate 206, an organic resin 208, and a soft water outlet 207. The upper cover 202 covers a portion of the chamber 201. The upper cover 202 and the chamber 201 are connected together by heat-insulated welding to form a sealed space. The softener cover 203 and the upper cover 202 are connected by a screw lock. The pull-on valve 205 is connected to the chamber 201 via a buckle 130. The salt-repelling plate 206 is assembled into the chamber 201 via a slot and connected to the pull-on valve 205. The salt-repelling plate 206 divides the chamber 201 into a salt water chamber 204 and a resin chamber 209. The organic resin 208 is assembled in the resin chamber 209.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3As shown, a first water outlet connector 210 is provided in the resin chamber 209 for connecting to the first water outlet 156 to connect to the water inlet channel 154 of the respirator 100. An organic resin 208 is placed in the resin chamber 209. The organic resin 208 is used to replace the Ca in the washing water. 2+ Mg 2+ ions, thereby achieving the effect of softening the water quality. A second water outlet connector 211 is provided in the salt water chamber 204 for connecting to the second water outlet 157, so that the salt water chamber 204 communicates with the water storage chamber 155 of the respirator 100, and is used to prepare active salt water of a certain concentration. Figure 3 As shown, the pull-install valve 205 is connected to the salt-repelling plate 206. After the dishwasher washing program is completed and salt is added to the water softener 200, the pull-install valve 205 is energized and pulls the salt-repelling plate 206, so that the salt water chamber 204 and the resin chamber 209 are connected. The salt water contacts the resin to increase the activity of the resin and enhance the ability of the resin to replace soft water.

[0059] See also Figure 1 In an embodiment of the present invention, a dishwasher is further provided, comprising the above-mentioned water softener cover alarm device 300 , the above-mentioned breather 100 and the above-mentioned water softener 200 .

[0060] like Figure 5 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a control method for the water softener cover alarm device 300, comprising the following steps:

[0061] Receive salt shortage alarm signal;

[0062] Unscrew the water softener cap 203 and add salt;

[0063] When the water pressure in the water storage chamber 155 of the respirator 100 drops to the point where the water-free protection switch 303 is disconnected, the display panel 305 of the dishwasher is triggered to display an alarm indicating that the water softener cover 203 is misoperated, and the water softener cover 203 is tightened.

[0064] Further, if Figure 5 As shown, the logic control mechanism of the water softener cover alarm device 300 is as follows: dishwasher salt shortage alarm - unscrew the water softener cover 203 and add salt (at this time, the respirator 100, the water softener 200, and the inner tank are connected) - the water pressure in the water storage chamber 155 drops to zero, the water-free protection switch 303 is disconnected, and the E8 alarm appears on the display panel 305 - tighten the water softener cover 203 - start the program - the pull-in valve 205 is opened for s seconds and stops working (the brine chamber 204 and the resin chamber 209 are connected) - the water inlet valve is opened for t seconds and stops working (water is replenished in the water storage chamber 155 and the brine chamber 204) - water enters the water storage chamber 155 (pressure is maintained for m seconds) - the E8 alarm is eliminated - the program continues to run. If the E8 alarm on the display panel 305 is not eliminated, check the water softener cover 203, tighten it again, and repeat the above control process.

[0065] See also Figure 5 , an embodiment of the present invention further provides a dishwasher, which adopts the above-mentioned control method.

[0066] In the embodiments of the present invention, the term "plurality" refers to two or more, unless otherwise specified. Terms such as "installed," "connected," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connected" can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in the embodiments of the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0067] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper" and "lower" and the like indicate directions or positional relationships based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or unit referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction. Therefore, they cannot be understood as limitations on the embodiments of the present invention.

[0068] Throughout this specification, terms such as "one embodiment" and "a preferred embodiment" mean that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with that embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, schematic representations of these terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0069] The above is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and variations are possible in the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention are intended to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A water softener cover alarm device, installed at the breather and water softener of a dishwasher, wherein the dishwasher comprises an inner tank, a controller, and a display panel, the breather comprises a water storage chamber, the water softener comprises a brine chamber, a resin chamber, and a water softener cover installed above the brine chamber, characterized in that: The water softener (200) is connected to the lower end of the respirator (100), and the water softener cover alarm device (300) includes: A waterless protection joint (301) is installed at the lower end of the water storage chamber (155); a waterless protection switch (303), connected to the waterless protection joint (301) via a water pipe (302); and The controller (304) is also connected to the waterless protection switch (303) and is configured to trigger the display panel (305) to display an alarm indicating misoperation of the water softener cover (203) when the water pressure in the water storage chamber (155) drops to a level where the waterless protection switch (303) is disconnected.

2. The water softener cover alarm device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The display panel (305) displays the water softener cover (203) misoperation alarm as a display symbol alarm.

3. The water softener cover alarm device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The interior of the respirator (100) is divided into an air duct area (140) and a water flow area (150) according to different fluid qualities passing through. Each area is provided with multiple channels, and the water storage chamber (155) is arranged in the water flow area (150).

4. The water softener cover alarm device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The water flow area (150) is provided with a water inlet (151), a first water outlet (156) and a second water outlet (157). The water inlet (151) is used for water to flow into the respirator (100). The first water outlet (156) is used to be connected to the resin cavity (209) to supply water to flow into the resin cavity (209). The second water outlet (157) is used to be connected to the salt water cavity (204) to supply water to flow into the salt water cavity (204).

5. The water softener cover alarm device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The multiple channels of the water flow area (150) include a water flow channel and a water inlet channel (154). The water flow channel is connected to the water inlet (151). A diversion port (153) is provided in the water flow channel to divert water flow to the water inlet channel (154) and the water storage chamber (155). The first water outlet (156) is located at the lower end of the water inlet channel (154), and the second water outlet (157) is located at the lower end of the water storage chamber (155).

6. The water softener cover alarm device according to claim 5, characterized in that: A flow meter (152) is provided in the water flow channel.

7. The water softener cover alarm device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The various channels of the air duct area (140) are correspondingly provided with a breathing port (141), an air inlet (142), an air outlet (143) and an upwind port (144); the breathing port (141) is used to communicate with the inner container of the dishwasher; the air inlet (142), the air outlet (143) and the upwind port (144) are all used to discharge hot steam out of the dishwasher.

8. The water softener cover alarm device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The air duct area (140) is further provided with a plurality of wind shields (145), which are arranged near the upwind port (144) and in a staggered arrangement, and are used to slow down the overflow speed of the hot steam, thereby facilitating the precipitation of moisture in the hot steam.

9. The water softener cover alarm device according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that: The resin chamber (209) is provided with a first water outlet connector (210) for connecting to the first water outlet (156), and the salt water chamber (204) is provided with a second water outlet connector (211) for connecting to the second water outlet (157).

10. A dishwasher, characterized in that: The invention comprises the water softener cover alarm device (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the respirator (100) and the water softener (200).

11. A control method for a water softener cover alarm device, characterized in that: The water softener cover alarm device is the water softener cover alarm device (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and the control method comprises the following steps: Receive salt shortage alarm signal; Unscrew the water softener cap (203) and add salt; When the water pressure in the water storage chamber (155) of the respirator (100) drops to the point where the waterless protection switch (303) is disconnected, the display panel (305) of the dishwasher is triggered to display an alarm indicating a misoperation of the water softener cover (203), and the water softener cover (203) is tightened.

12. A dishwasher, characterized in that: The control method according to claim 11 is adopted.

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