A water distribution control method for dishwashers

Abstract

This invention discloses a water distribution control method for a dishwasher. The dishwasher includes a water distribution structure, a stepper motor, and a washing pump. The water distribution structure includes a water distribution chamber and a water distribution plate disposed within the water distribution chamber. The water distribution chamber has a water inlet and multiple water outlets. The water inlet is connected to the washing pump. The water distribution plate has water distribution holes. The stepper motor includes a drive shaft, and the water distribution plate includes a connecting shaft that rotates synchronously with the drive shaft. The connecting shaft is floatingly mounted on the drive shaft. The water distribution control method includes the following steps: S1: The controller controls the stepper motor to drive the water distribution plate to rotate, so that the water distribution plate rotates to an initial position for position correction; S2: The controller controls the stepper motor to drive the water distribution plate to rotate in the opposite direction, so that the water distribution holes are aligned with the target water outlets to achieve water path switching; In step S2, the controller controls the discharge pressure of the washing pump so that when the stepper motor drives the water distribution plate to rotate, the torque of the water distribution plate is reduced, so that the water distribution plate separates from the top wall of the water distribution chamber.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to the field of dishwasher technology, and more particularly to a water distribution control method for a dishwasher. [Background Technology]

[0002] As people's living standards improve, they are paying more and more attention to the convenience brought by kitchen appliances. Dishwashers, in particular, free up people's hands after meals and save a lot of time. As a result, the domestic dishwasher industry has developed rapidly in recent years, and the demand for dishwashers has also increased, one aspect of which is capacity. To meet the demand for large capacity, the dishwasher's inner tub is equipped with upper and lower racks. In order to achieve better washing results, the inner tub also has a lower nozzle, a middle nozzle, and an upper nozzle. The lower nozzle is located at the bottom of the inner tub, the middle nozzle is located at the bottom of the upper rack, and the upper nozzle is located at the top of the inner tub. The lower nozzle is connected to the drain line, the middle nozzle is connected to the middle water line, and the upper nozzle is connected to the upper water line. During operation, the washing pump delivers water to the drain line, the middle water line, and the upper water line. The water is sprayed out from the lower nozzle, the middle nozzle, and the upper nozzle to rinse the dishes and then returns to the water cup at the bottom of the inner tub. The simultaneous spraying of the three water lines requires a large amount of water and electricity.

[0003] To save energy, the three water circuits typically operate in shifts. In this case, a water distribution structure needs to be installed on the dishwasher. This structure diverts the water pumped by the washing pump into the corresponding water circuits, causing the appropriate nozzles to spray. The water distribution structure includes a water distribution chamber and a water distribution plate located within the chamber. The chamber has an inlet and multiple outlets. The inlet is connected to the washing pump, and the water distribution plate has water distribution holes. The controller controls a synchronous motor to drive the water distribution plate to rotate so that the water distribution holes align with the target outlets, thereby switching the water circuits. To ensure that the water distribution plate rotates to the correct position when switching water circuits, the structure also includes a sensor to detect whether the water distribution plate has rotated to the correct position. This results in a complex dishwasher structure, low space utilization, and high production costs. [Summary of the Invention]

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a water distribution control method for a dishwasher, which has the characteristics of simple structure, low cost and precise water path switching.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A water distribution control method for a dishwasher, the dishwasher including a water distribution structure, a stepper motor, and a washing pump, the water distribution structure including a water distribution chamber and a water distribution plate disposed within the water distribution chamber, the water distribution chamber having a water inlet and multiple water outlets, the water inlet being connected to the washing pump, the water distribution plate having water distribution holes, the stepper motor including a drive shaft, the water distribution plate including a connecting shaft rotating synchronously with the drive shaft, the connecting shaft being floatingly mounted on the drive shaft, the water distribution control method including the following steps:

[0007] S1: The controller controls the stepper motor to drive the water distribution plate to rotate, so that the water distribution plate rotates to the initial position for position correction;

[0008] S2: The controller controls the stepper motor to drive the water distribution plate to rotate in the opposite direction, so that the water distribution hole is aligned with the target water outlet hole to achieve water circuit switching;

[0009] In step S2, the controller controls the discharge pressure of the washing pump so that when the stepper motor drives the water distribution plate to rotate, the torque of the water distribution plate is reduced, so that the water distribution plate separates from the top wall of the water distribution chamber.

[0010] Furthermore, in step S1, the number of pulses sent by the controller to the stepper motor is N, and in step S2, when the water path was switched last time, the number of pulses sent by the controller to the stepper motor was M, where N > M.

[0011] Furthermore, in step S2, if the dishwasher experiences a power outage, step S1 is executed after the dishwasher is powered on again.

[0012] Furthermore, the water distribution control method also includes: after washing is completed, the controller controls the stepper motor to drive the water distribution plate to rotate to the termination position, and when the water distribution plate is in the termination position, the water distribution hole and any water outlet hole are staggered.

[0013] Furthermore, one of the water distribution structure and the outer periphery of the drive shaft is provided with an arc-shaped first limiting groove, and the other is provided with a first protruding rib inserted into the first limiting groove. One end of the first limiting groove forms a first limiting surface. The stepper motor drives the water distribution plate to rotate, so that when the first protruding rib abuts against the first limiting surface, the water distribution plate is located in the initial position.

[0014] Furthermore, the first limiting groove is located on the outside of the water distribution cavity.

[0015] Furthermore, the water distribution plate includes a plate body connected to the connecting shaft. One of the cavity wall of the water distribution chamber and the outer peripheral side of the plate body is provided with an arc-shaped second limiting groove, and the other is provided with a second protruding rib inserted into the second limiting groove. One end of the second limiting groove forms a second limiting surface. The stepper motor drives the water distribution plate to rotate so that when the second protruding rib abuts against the second limiting surface, the water distribution plate is located in the initial position.

[0016] Furthermore, the water distribution hole includes a first water distribution hole, and the plurality of water outlet holes include a first water outlet hole, a second water outlet hole, and a third water outlet hole distributed on the same circumference. The radius of the circumference where the water outlet holes are located is equal to the radius of the circumference where the first water distribution hole is located. The dishwasher also includes a drain passage connected to the first water outlet hole, a middle water passage connected to the second water outlet hole, and an upper water passage connected to the third water outlet hole. When the water distribution plate is in the initial position, the first water distribution hole and the first water outlet hole are aligned and connected.

[0017] Furthermore, the water distribution hole also includes a second water distribution hole distributed on the same circumference as the first water distribution hole. The circumferential distance L between the first water distribution hole and the second water distribution hole is equal to the circumferential distance L1 between the second water outlet hole and the third water outlet hole. The circumferential distance between the first water outlet hole and the second water outlet hole is L2, and the circumferential distance between the first water outlet hole and the third water outlet hole is L3. L2≠L1, L3≠L1.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0019] This invention uses a stepper motor to drive the water distribution plate. Since the stepper motor controls its rotation angle solely through software pulse count, the rotation angle of the water distribution plate can be more precise, eliminating the need for sensors, simplifying the structure, and reducing costs. However, stepper motors are prone to step loss due to environmental conditions and repeated use, resulting in deviations that prevent the water distribution plate from rotating to the specified angle. To solve this step loss problem, the water distribution control method in this invention first controls the water distribution plate to reset to its initial position for position correction each time the water path is switched. This eliminates deviations by resetting to the initial position. Then, the water distribution plate is controlled to rotate from the initial position to the target position. During this process, in the prior art, the water distribution plate comes into contact with the top wall of the water distribution chamber. In addition, the washing pump also rotates at a relatively high speed, which can cause the stepper motor to lose steps due to the heavy load. If the washing pump is stopped to reduce the load on the stepper motor, the local water temperature of the heater will become too high, increasing the lifespan of the thermostat. If both the washing pump and the heater are stopped simultaneously, the lifespan of the related hardware of the entire machine will increase, further increasing costs. To address the stepper motor's step loss issue in step S2, the controller of this invention controls the discharge pressure of the washing pump to reduce the torque of the water distribution plate when the stepper motor drives it to rotate. This causes the water distribution plate to separate from the top wall of the water distribution chamber, thereby reducing the load on the stepper motor and preventing it from losing steps. Therefore, the water distribution control method of this invention can prevent the stepper motor from losing steps, ensuring that the stepper motor drives the water distribution plate to rotate at a specified angle, aligning and connecting the water distribution holes to the target water outlet. Compared to existing solutions, this invention has a simpler structure, lower cost, and can achieve precise water path switching.

[0020] In step S1, the controller sends N pulses to the stepper motor. In the previous water circuit switching step S2, the controller sent M pulses to the stepper motor, where N > M. This design ensures that the water distribution plate rotates to its initial position.

[0021] In step S2, if the dishwasher experiences a power outage, step S1 is executed after the dishwasher is powered on again. Since it is impossible to determine the position where the stepper motor stopped the water distribution tray during the power outage, continuing to execute step S2 after the dishwasher is powered on again would prevent switching to the target water circuit. Instead, executing step S1 resets the water distribution tray to its initial position, ensuring that the water distribution hole and the target water outlet are aligned and connected when step S2 is executed again.

[0022] The water distribution control method also includes: after the wash cycle, the controller controls the stepper motor to drive the water distribution tray to the final position. When the water distribution tray is in the final position, the water distribution holes and any water outlet holes are staggered. After the dishwasher finishes washing, most people are used to using the dishwasher as a storage cabinet to store dishes. However, because the residual water at the bottom cannot be completely drained and the dishwasher is a relatively enclosed space with poor air circulation, if the storage function is not used for a long time, bacteria will grow in the residual water, causing odors to escape from the machine. Furthermore, if dishes are left inside the machine for a long time without being removed, the high humidity inside the machine will cause the dishes to become damp. When the water distribution tray is in the final position, the water distribution holes and any water outlet holes are staggered, which prevents the residual water and odors from escaping from the bottom and prevents the dishes from becoming damp.

[0023] One of the water distribution structure and the outer periphery of the drive shaft is provided with an arc-shaped first limiting groove, and the other is provided with a first protruding rib inserted into the first limiting groove. One end of the first limiting groove forms a first limiting surface. When the stepper motor drives the water distribution plate to rotate, and the first protruding rib abuts against the first limiting surface, the water distribution plate is in its initial position. This design can accurately define the initial position of the water distribution plate and is easy to process and form.

[0024] The first limiting groove is located on the outside of the water distribution cavity. This design prevents foreign objects from accumulating in the first limiting groove and affecting the contact between the first limiting surface and the first protruding rib, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the initial position of the water distribution plate.

[0025] The water distribution hole includes a first water distribution hole, and multiple water outlet holes, including a first water outlet hole, a second water outlet hole, and a third water outlet hole distributed on the same circumference. The radius of the circumference where the water outlet holes are located is equal to the radius of the circumference where the first water distribution hole is located. The dishwasher also includes a drain line connected to the first water outlet hole, a middle water line connected to the second water outlet hole, and an upper water line connected to the third water outlet hole. When the water distribution plate is in the initial position, the first water distribution hole and the first water outlet hole are aligned and connected. With this design, when it is necessary to switch to aligning and connecting the first water distribution hole and the first water outlet hole, it is only necessary to rotate the water distribution plate to the initial position. At this time, the pulse count in step S2 is 0, that is, the stepper motor does not operate, thereby reducing the number of times the stepper motor is used and extending the service life of the stepper motor.

[0026] The water distribution holes also include a second water distribution hole distributed on the same circumference as the first water distribution hole. The circumferential distance L between the first and second water distribution holes is equal to the circumferential distance L1 between the second and third water outlet holes. The circumferential distance L2 between the first and second water outlet holes is the same as the circumferential distance L3 between the first and third water outlet holes, where L2 ≠ L1 and L3 ≠ L1. This design allows for separate spraying of the upper water path, the middle water path, and the lower water path, as well as simultaneous spraying of the upper and middle water paths, thus providing the dishwasher with multiple spraying modes.

[0027] These features and advantages of the present invention will be disclosed in detail in the following specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. [Attached Image Description]

[0028] The invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0029] Figure 1 This is a partial front view of the dishwasher in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a dishwasher in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the water cup, stepper motor, washing pump, and water distribution plate in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the drive shaft and the water cup in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 5 This is a state diagram of the separate water supply spray system in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 6 This is a state diagram of the water supply system spraying alone in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 7 This is a state diagram of the single water channel spraying in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure label:

[0037] 100. Inner liner; 110. Upper dish rack; 120. Lower dish rack; 130. Upper water channel; 140. Middle water channel; 150. Lower water channel; 160. Upper nozzle; 170. Middle nozzle; 180. Lower nozzle; 200. Stepper motor; 210. Motor body; 220. Drive shaft; 221. Output shaft; 222. Transmission shaft; 2221. First rib; 300. Washing pump; 400. Water cup; 410. Water inlet; 420. First limiting groove; 421. First limiting surface; 500. Cover plate; 510. First water outlet; 520. Second water outlet; 530. Third water outlet; 600. Water distribution plate; 610. Plate body; 611. First water distribution hole; 612. Second water distribution hole; 620. Connecting shaft.

Detailed Implementation Methods

[0038] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be explained and described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the following embodiments are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and not all of them. Other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments in the implementation methods without creative effort are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0039] Example 1

[0040] Reference Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the dishwasher in this embodiment includes an inner tub 100, a water distribution structure, a stepper motor 200, and a washing pump 300. An upper dish rack 110 and a lower dish rack 120 are slidably installed inside the inner tub 100, with the upper dish rack 110 located above the lower dish rack 120. The inner tub 100 also includes an upper water channel 130, a middle water channel 140, and a lower water channel 150. The upper end of the upper water channel 130 is connected to an upper nozzle 160 located at the top of the inner tub 100. The upper end of the middle water channel 140 is connected to a middle nozzle 170 located at the bottom of the upper dish rack 110. The upper end of the lower water channel 150 is connected to a lower nozzle 18 located below the lower dish rack 120. The water distribution structure includes a water cup 400 located at the bottom of the inner tank 100 and a cover plate 500 covering the water cup 400. The water cup 400 and the cover plate 500 cooperate to form a water distribution chamber. The water cup 400 is provided with a water inlet 410 connected to the washing pump 300. The cover plate 500 is provided with three water outlets spaced apart on the same circumference, namely the first water outlet 510, the second water outlet 520 and the third water outlet 530. The first water outlet 510 is connected to the lower end of the drain 150, the second water outlet 520 is connected to the lower end of the middle water channel 140, and the third water outlet 530 is connected to the lower end of the upper water channel 130.

[0041] A water distribution plate 600 is installed inside the water distribution chamber. The water distribution plate 600 includes a plate body 610 and a connecting shaft 620 located at the center of the plate body 610. The plate body 610 is provided with water distribution holes, including a first water distribution hole 611 and a second water distribution hole 612 that are spaced apart on the same circumference. The radius of the circumference where the first water distribution hole 611 is located is equal to the radius of the circumference where the three water outlet holes are located. The circumferential distance L between the first water distribution hole 611 and the second water distribution hole 612 is equal to the circumferential distance L1 between the second water outlet hole 520 and the third water outlet hole 530. The circumferential distance between the first water outlet hole 510 and the second water outlet hole 520 is L2, and the circumferential distance between the first water outlet hole 510 and the third water outlet hole 530 is L3. L2 ≠ L1, and L3 ≠ L1.

[0042] The stepper motor 200 includes a motor body 210 and a drive shaft 220. The drive shaft 220 includes an output shaft 221 and a transmission shaft 222. The output shaft 221 is a D-shaped shaft, and the transmission shaft 222 has a D-shaped transmission groove. The output shaft 221 is inserted into the D-shaped transmission groove so that the transmission shaft 222 and the output shaft 221 rotate synchronously. The upper end of the transmission shaft 222 passes through the bottom wall of the water cup 400 and extends into the water distribution chamber. The cross-section of the transmission shaft 222 is T-shaped, D-shaped, or other non-T-shaped. The drive shaft 620 is circular, and the connecting shaft 620 has a slot that matches the cross-section of the drive shaft 222. The connecting shaft 620 is fitted onto the drive shaft 222 to enable the drive shaft 220 and the water distribution plate 600 to rotate synchronously. The connecting shaft 620 can float relative to the drive shaft 222. In this way, the stepper motor 200 can drive the water distribution plate 600 to rotate by driving the drive shaft 220. The rotation of the water distribution plate 600 can align the water distribution hole with the target water outlet hole and achieve water circuit switching. When the water distribution plate 600 rotates to align and connect the first water distribution hole 611 with the first water outlet hole 510, the drain passage 150 is connected to the water distribution chamber alone. When the water distribution plate 600 rotates to align and connect the second water distribution hole 612 with the second water outlet hole 520, the first water distribution hole 611 is also aligned and connected to the third water outlet hole 530, and the middle water passage 140 and the upper water passage 130 are connected to the water distribution chamber. When the water distribution plate 600 rotates to align and connect the second water distribution hole 612 with the third water outlet hole 530, the upper water passage 130 is connected to the water distribution chamber alone. When the water holes 520 are aligned and connected, the middle water path 140 is connected to the water distribution chamber alone. Therefore, the water distribution structure in this embodiment can realize the spraying of the upper water path 130, the middle water path 140, and the lower water path 150, as well as the simultaneous spraying of the upper water path 130 and the middle water path 140, thus giving the dishwasher multiple spraying modes. In addition, the water distribution plate 600 is driven to rotate by a stepper motor 200. Since the stepper motor 200 only controls its rotation angle through the number of software pulses, the rotation angle of the water distribution plate 600 can be made more precise, eliminating the need for sensors, simplifying the structure and reducing costs.

[0043] However, the stepper motor 200 is prone to step loss due to the usage environment and repeated use, which in turn causes deviation and prevents the water distribution plate 600 from rotating to the specified angle. In order to solve the above-mentioned step loss problem, the water distribution control method of the dishwasher in this embodiment includes the following steps when switching water circuits:

[0044] S1: The controller controls the stepper motor 200 to drive the water distribution plate 600 to rotate, so that the water distribution plate 600 rotates to the initial position for position correction;

[0045] S2: The controller controls the stepper motor 200 to drive the water distribution plate 600 to rotate in the opposite direction, so that the water distribution hole is aligned with the target water outlet hole to achieve water circuit switching;

[0046] In step S2, the controller controls the discharge pressure of the washing pump 300 so that when the stepper motor 200 drives the water distribution plate 600 to rotate, the torque of the water distribution plate 600 is reduced, so that the water distribution plate 600 separates from the top wall of the water distribution chamber.

[0047] In other words, each time the water circuit is switched, the water distribution plate 600 is first controlled to reset to the initial position for position correction. In this way, the deviation can be eliminated by resetting to the initial position. Then, the water distribution plate 600 is controlled to rotate from the initial position to the target position. During this process, in the prior art, the water distribution plate 600 will come into contact with the top wall of the water distribution chamber. In addition, the washing pump 300 has a large speed, which will cause the stepper motor 200 to lose steps due to the large load. If the washing pump 300 is stopped to reduce the load on the stepper motor 200, the local water temperature of the heater will be too high, which will increase the durability of the thermostat. If the washing pump 300 and the heater are stopped at the same time, the durability of the related hardware of the whole machine will be increased, further increasing the cost. To address the stepper motor 200's step loss issue in step S2, the controller in this embodiment controls the discharge pressure of the washing pump 300 to reduce the torque of the water distribution plate 600 when the stepper motor 200 drives it to rotate. Since the water distribution plate 600 is floatingly mounted on the drive shaft 220, this separates the water distribution plate 600 from the top wall of the water distribution chamber, preventing it from contacting the cover plate. This reduces the load on the stepper motor 200 and prevents it from losing its step. Therefore, the water distribution control method in this embodiment can prevent the stepper motor 200 from losing its step, ensuring that the stepper motor 200 drives the water distribution plate 600 to rotate at a specified angle, aligning the water distribution holes with the target water outlet. Compared to existing solutions, this embodiment has a simpler structure, lower cost, and can achieve precise water path switching.

[0048] In order to define the initial position of the water distribution plate 600, in this embodiment, the outer periphery of the drive shaft 222 is provided with a first protruding rib 2221, and the bottom surface of the water cup 400 is provided with a first limiting groove 420 surrounding the drive shaft 220. The first limiting groove 420 is arc-shaped, and the first protruding rib 2221 is inserted into the first limiting groove 420. One end of the first limiting groove 420 forms a first limiting surface 421. When the stepper motor 200 drives the drive shaft 220 to rotate, so that the first protruding rib 2221 abuts against the first limiting surface 421, the water distribution plate 600 is in the initial position. This can achieve accurate definition of the initial position of the water distribution plate 600, and this structure is also easy to process and form.

[0049] Preferably, the first limiting groove 420 is located on the outside of the water distribution cavity, and the corresponding first protrusion 2221 is also located on the outside of the water distribution cavity. In this way, foreign objects can be prevented from accumulating in the first limiting groove 420 and affecting the first limiting surface 421 and the first protrusion 2221, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the initial position of the water distribution plate 600.

[0050] It is understood that in other embodiments of the present invention, the outer periphery of the drive shaft is provided with an arc-shaped first limiting groove, and the bottom of the water cup is provided with a first protruding rib inserted into the first limiting groove. One end of the first limiting groove forms a first limiting surface. When the stepper motor drives the water distribution plate to rotate, the water distribution plate is located in the initial position when the first limiting surface abuts against the first protruding rib.

[0051] It is understood that in other embodiments of the present invention, other structures may be used to define the initial position of the water distribution plate, namely, one of the inner sidewall of the water cup and the outer peripheral side of the plate body is provided with an arc-shaped second limiting groove, and the other is provided with a second protruding rib inserted into the second limiting groove. One end of the second limiting groove forms a second limiting surface. When the stepper motor drives the water distribution plate to rotate, the water distribution plate is located in the initial position when the second protruding rib abuts against the second limiting surface.

[0052] Preferably, when the water distribution plate 600 is in the initial position, the first water distribution hole 611 and the first water outlet hole 510 are aligned and connected. With this design, when it is necessary to switch to align the first water distribution hole 611 and the first water outlet hole 510, it is only necessary to rotate the water distribution plate 600 to the initial position. At this time, the pulse count in step S2 is 0, that is, the stepper motor 200 does not operate, thereby reducing the number of times the stepper motor 200 is used and extending the service life of the stepper motor 200.

[0053] To ensure that the water distribution plate 600 rotates to its initial position in step S1, the controller sends N pulses to the stepper motor 200 in step S1. In the previous water circuit switching in step S2, the controller sent M pulses to the stepper motor 200. N > M, which means that the rotation angle of the water distribution plate 600 in step S1 is greater than the rotation angle of the water distribution plate 600 in step S2 when the water circuit was switched last time. This ensures that the water distribution plate 600 rotates to its initial position in step S1.

[0054] Additionally, if the dishwasher experiences a power outage during step S2, step S1 will be executed after the dishwasher is powered back on. Since it is impossible to determine the position where the stepper motor 200 stopped driving the water distribution tray 600 during the power outage, continuing to execute step S2 after the dishwasher is powered back on would prevent switching to the target water path. Instead, executing step S1 resets the water distribution tray 600 to its initial position, ensuring that the water distribution holes are aligned and connected with the target water outlet when step S2 is executed again.

[0055] In addition, after the dishwasher finishes washing, most people are used to using it as a storage cabinet to store dishes. However, because the residual water at the bottom cannot be completely drained and the dishwasher is a relatively enclosed space with poor air circulation, if the storage function is not used for a long time, bacteria will grow in the residual water, causing odors to escape from the machine. Furthermore, if dishes are left in the machine for a long time without being removed, the humidity inside the machine will be high, and the dishes will become damp. To prevent the above phenomena, the water distribution control method in this embodiment also includes: after the washing is completed, the controller controls the stepper motor 200 to drive the water distribution plate 600 to rotate to the termination position. When the water distribution plate 600 is in the termination position, the water distribution holes are staggered from any of the water outlet holes. That is, the first water distribution hole 611 is staggered from the three water outlet holes, and the second water distribution hole 612 is staggered from the three water outlet holes. This can prevent the residual water and odors from escaping from the bottom and the dishes from becoming damp.

[0056] To better understand this embodiment, the water distribution control method of this embodiment will be illustrated below using a certain sequence of water path switching during washing as an example:

[0057] In this embodiment, the sequence of switching waterways is as follows: 1. Lower waterway 150 → 2. Upper waterway 130 → 3. Upper waterway 130 and middle waterway 140 → 4. Middle waterway 140.

[0058] 1. When the water supply channel 150 is sprayed separately, in step S1, the controller controls the water distribution plate 600 to rotate forward and rotate from the end position to the initial position for position correction. Since the first water distribution hole 611 and the first water outlet hole 510 are aligned and connected in the initial position, that is, the water supply channel 150 is connected to the water distribution chamber, at this time, in step S2, the controller controls the water distribution plate 600 to rotate in the opposite direction by 0 degrees, that is, to send 0 pulse signals to the stepper motor 200, and the stepper motor 200 does not move. 2. Then switch to the separate water supply line 130 for spraying. In step S1, the controller sends more than 0 pulses to the stepper motor 200 to make the water distribution plate 600 rotate forward to the initial position for position correction. Since the water distribution plate 600 needs to rotate in the opposite direction by β degrees to align and connect the second water distribution hole 612 and the third water outlet hole 530, and the pulse count and angle technical parameters of the stepper motor 200 are α pulses per degree, the controller then needs to send α*β pulses to the stepper motor 200 and drive the water distribution plate 600 to rotate in the opposite direction to align and connect the second water distribution hole 612 and the third water outlet hole 530. During the process of driving the water distribution plate 600 to rotate in the opposite direction, it is also necessary to control the discharge pressure of the washing pump 300 to separate the water distribution plate 600 from the cover plate to prevent the motor from losing steps. 3. Then, switch to simultaneous spraying of the upper water line 130 and the middle water line 140. The controller sends more than α*β pulses to the stepper motor 200 and controls the water distribution plate 600 to rotate forward to its initial position for position correction. Since the water distribution plate 600 needs to rotate γ degrees to align and connect the second water distribution hole 612 with the second water outlet hole 520 and the first water distribution hole 611 with the third water outlet hole 530, γ>β, the controller then needs to send α*γ pulses to the stepper motor 200 and drive the water distribution plate 600 to rotate in the reverse direction to align and connect the second water distribution hole 612 with the second water outlet hole 520 and the first water distribution hole 611 with the third water outlet hole 530. During the reverse rotation of the water distribution plate 600, the washing pump 300 also needs to be controlled. The discharge pressure separates the water distribution plate 600 from the cover plate to prevent the motor from losing its step. 4. Finally, switch to the separate middle water circuit 140 for spraying. The controller sends more than α*γ pulses to the stepper motor 200 and controls the water distribution plate 600 to rotate forward to its initial position for position correction. Since the water distribution plate 600 needs to rotate δ degrees to align and connect the first water distribution hole 611 and the second water outlet hole 520, δ>γ, the controller then needs to send α*δ pulses to the stepper motor 200 and drive the water distribution plate 600 to rotate in the reverse direction to align and connect the first water distribution hole 611 and the second water outlet hole 520. During the reverse rotation of the water distribution plate 600, the discharge pressure of the washing pump 300 also needs to be controlled to separate the water distribution plate 600 from the cover plate to prevent the motor from losing its step.

[0059] It is understood that in other embodiments of the present invention, the drive shaft and the output shaft are integrally machined.

[0060] It is understood that in other embodiments of the present invention, there may be only one water distribution hole, in which case the spraying mode includes three modes: single upper spray, single lower spray, and single middle spray.

[0061] It is understood that in other embodiments of the present invention, the number of water outlets may be two, and the corresponding number of water distribution holes may be one. In this case, the middle water path and the second water outlet are omitted, and the water path is switched using the above-mentioned water distribution control method.

[0062] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention includes, but is not limited to, the contents described in the accompanying drawings and the specific embodiments above. Any modifications that do not depart from the functional and structural principles of the present invention will be included within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A water distribution control method for a dishwasher, characterized in that, The dishwasher includes a water distribution structure, a stepper motor, and a washing pump. The water distribution structure includes a water distribution chamber and a water distribution plate disposed within the water distribution chamber. The water distribution chamber has a water inlet and multiple water outlets. The water inlet is connected to the washing pump. The water distribution plate has water distribution holes. The stepper motor includes a drive shaft. The water distribution plate includes a connecting shaft that rotates synchronously with the drive shaft. The connecting shaft is floatingly mounted on the drive shaft, so that the water distribution plate is floatingly mounted on the drive shaft. The water distribution control method includes the following steps: S1: The controller controls the stepper motor to drive the water distribution plate to rotate, so that the water distribution plate rotates to the initial position for position correction; S2: The controller controls the stepper motor to drive the water distribution plate to rotate in the opposite direction, so that the water distribution hole is aligned with the target water outlet hole to achieve water circuit switching; In step S2, the controller controls the discharge pressure of the washing pump so that when the stepper motor drives the water distribution plate to rotate, the torque of the water distribution plate is reduced, so that the water distribution plate separates from the top wall of the water distribution chamber.

2. The water distribution control method for a dishwasher as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In step S1, the number of pulses sent by the controller to the stepper motor is N. In the last water circuit switching step S2, the number of pulses sent by the controller to the stepper motor was M, where N > M.

3. The water distribution control method for a dishwasher as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In step S2, if the dishwasher experiences a power outage, step S1 will be executed after the dishwasher is powered on again.

4. The water distribution control method for a dishwasher as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The water distribution control method further includes: after washing is completed, the controller controls the stepper motor to drive the water distribution plate to rotate to the termination position, and when the water distribution plate is in the termination position, the water distribution hole and any water outlet hole are staggered.

5. A water distribution control method for a dishwasher as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, One of the water distribution structure and the outer periphery of the drive shaft is provided with an arc-shaped first limiting groove, and the other is provided with a first protruding rib inserted into the first limiting groove. One end of the first limiting groove forms a first limiting surface. The stepper motor drives the water distribution plate to rotate, so that when the first protruding rib abuts against the first limiting surface, the water distribution plate is located in the initial position.

6. The water distribution control method for a dishwasher as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The first limiting groove is located on the outside of the water distribution cavity.

7. A water distribution control method for a dishwasher as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The water distribution plate includes a plate body connected to the connecting shaft. One of the walls of the water distribution cavity and the outer periphery of the plate body is provided with an arc-shaped second limiting groove, and the other is provided with a second protruding rib inserted into the second limiting groove. One end of the second limiting groove forms a second limiting surface. The stepper motor drives the water distribution plate to rotate, so that when the second protruding rib abuts against the second limiting surface, the water distribution plate is located in the initial position.

8. A water distribution control method for a dishwasher as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The water distribution hole includes a first water distribution hole, and the plurality of water outlet holes include a first water outlet hole, a second water outlet hole, and a third water outlet hole distributed on the same circumference. The radius of the circumference where the water outlet holes are located is equal to the radius of the circumference where the first water distribution hole is located. The dishwasher also includes a drain line communicating with the first water outlet hole, a middle water line communicating with the second water outlet hole, and an upper water line communicating with the third water outlet hole. When the water distribution plate is in the initial position, the first water distribution hole and the first water outlet hole are aligned and connected.

9. A water distribution control method for a dishwasher as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The water distribution hole also includes a second water distribution hole distributed on the same circumference as the first water distribution hole. The circumferential distance L between the first water distribution hole and the second water distribution hole is equal to the circumferential distance L1 between the second water outlet hole and the third water outlet hole. The circumferential distance between the first water outlet hole and the second water outlet hole is L2, and the circumferential distance between the first water outlet hole and the third water outlet hole is L3. L2≠L1, L3≠L1.

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