Dish-washing machine control method and dish-washing machine

Abstract

The control method of the dish washing machine comprises the steps that the weight difference value delta gn before and after nth tableware washing is obtained, n is larger than or equal to 1, and when it is judged that delta gn exceeds a set threshold value, a filter screen is controlled to be cleaned. According to the method, when the weight difference value delta gn is judged to exceed the set threshold value, the filter screen is cleaned, the confusion of a user on when to clean residues on the filter screen is solved, more importantly, compared with an existing method for determining cleaning of the filter screen by detecting the content of oil dirt, the method for detecting the weight difference value delta gn is easier to implement, and the method is easy to popularize. And the dish washing machine is suitable for various types of dish washing machines and has high universality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of dishwasher technology, specifically, it relates to a dishwasher control method and a dishwasher. Background Technology

[0002] In existing dishwashers, food scraps need to be filtered through a filter after washing dishes. Typically, dishwashers do not use disposable filters, but rather reusable ones. This means that the filter needs to be cleaned regularly. Otherwise, the washing efficiency will decrease, and bacteria and insects will more easily accumulate. Regularly cleaning the filter is crucial in the use of a dishwasher, but deciding when to clean it is a challenge.

[0003] Chinese patent application number 202210617428.5 discloses a control method for a dishwasher and a dishwasher. The control method for the dishwasher includes calculating the total amount of oil stains from the last time the filter was cleaned to the current wash. When the total amount of oil stains is greater than or equal to a preset value, the filter is cleaned.

[0004] The above technical solution requires the detection of oil content through an oil concentration detection device. However, most dishwashers do not have an oil concentration detection device installed, so it is not suitable for most dishwashers. More importantly, installing an oil concentration detection device alone would reduce the washing space inside the dishwasher drum, which would not meet the user's washing needs.

[0005] In view of this, the present invention is hereby proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art. The primary objective is to provide a control method for a dishwasher that determines the weight difference Δg. n When the set threshold is exceeded, the filter screen is cleaned, resolving users' confusion about when to clean filter screen residue, and the weight difference Δg is detected. n The method is easier to implement, applicable to various types of dishwashers, and has strong versatility.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0008] A method for controlling a dishwasher, comprising,

[0009] Obtain the weight difference Δg before and after the nth dishwashing. n , n≥1;

[0010] Determine Δg n If the set threshold is exceeded, the system will control the cleaning of the filter.

[0011] Preferably, determine Δgn If the set threshold is not exceeded, then Δg will be... n Store the data and calculate the sum of the weight differences for each storage operation. like If the set threshold is exceeded, the system will control the cleaning of the filter.

[0012] Preferably, if the filter is cleaned before the nth wash, the weight difference from the previous n-1 washes is stored. All cleared to zero;

[0013] Alternatively, after the nth wash of the dishes, if the filter is found to be clean, then the stored weight difference from the nth wash is... Everything is reset to zero.

[0014] Preferably, determine Δg n If the weight does not exceed the set threshold, the sum of the weight differences stored each time is calculated. like If the set threshold is exceeded, the system will control the cleaning of the filter.

[0015] Preferably, if If the set threshold is not exceeded, then... storage.

[0016] Preferably, if the filter is found to be clean before the nth wash of the dishes, then the stored... Reset to zero;

[0017] Alternatively, after the nth wash of the dishes, if the filter is found to be clean, then the stored... Reset to zero.

[0018] Preferably, the method of obtaining information that the filter has been cleaned includes at least one of the following: a sensor detecting that the filter has been removed, a camera acquiring an image of the cleaned filter, or a camera acquiring a video of the cleaned filter.

[0019] Preferably, the weight difference Δg before and after the nth dishwashing is obtained. n The methods include,

[0020] Get the first weight of the tableware before the nth wash and the second weight of the tableware after the wash;

[0021] Calculate the difference between the first and second weights to obtain the weight difference Δg. n .

[0022] Preferably, controlling the cleaning of the filter includes controlling the dishwasher to automatically clean the filter or reminding the user to clean the filter.

[0023] The present invention also provides a dishwasher applied to the above-described control method, the dishwasher comprising,

[0024] The module retrieves the weight difference Δg before and after the nth dishwashing. n , n≥1;

[0025] Control module, determine Δg n If the set threshold is exceeded, the system will control the cleaning of the filter.

[0026] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0027] In this invention, the weight difference Δg before and after the nth dishwashing is obtained. n If n≥1, determine Δg n When the set threshold is exceeded, the filter is automatically cleaned, resolving user confusion about when to clean the filter. Users no longer need to constantly monitor the filter's status, reducing their workload. More importantly, compared to existing methods that determine filter cleaning based on oil content, this method uses the weight difference Δg of the dishes before and after washing. n The method is easier to implement and applicable to various types of dishwashers, making it highly versatile.

[0028] In this invention, Δg is determined. n If the set threshold is not exceeded, then Δg will be... n Store the data and calculate the sum of the weight differences for each storage operation. like If the set threshold is exceeded, the filter screen will be cleaned. By setting a reasonable threshold, the filtration effect of the filter screen can be guaranteed, while reducing the frequency of filter screen cleaning, saving cleaning time, reducing user complaints, and more importantly, avoiding filter screen wear caused by frequent cleaning and extending the filter screen's lifespan.

[0029] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The accompanying drawings, as part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the invention are used to explain the invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:

[0031] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of the control method for the dishwasher of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of the dishwasher control method of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating another embodiment of the dishwasher control method of the present invention.

[0034] It should be noted that these accompanying drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0036] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0037] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0038] This invention provides a dishwasher, comprising an inner tub and a water tank. The inner tub has a washing chamber for placing tableware, and a shelf is provided inside the washing chamber for placing tableware to be washed. The water tank is located at the bottom of the inner tub and communicates with it. A rotatable sprayer is installed in the inner tub to spray washing water into the washing chamber to clean the tableware placed on the shelf. The washing water in the inner tub can be recycled back into the water tank through a return water system. The water tank can be formed by a recess in the bottom of the inner tub or it can be fixed to the bottom of the inner tub as a separate component. A heater is provided in the water tank for heating the washing water.

[0039] The dishwasher also includes a water pump and a filter screen located in the chamber formed by the water tank. When the dishwasher is working, the water pump draws water from the tank into the spray channel of the sprayer. The high-speed water jet is sprayed out from the spray holes on the sprayer, and the dishes are thoroughly cleaned through the spraying and rinsing action of the water jet. The water pump includes a motor, and the sprayer can be driven by a motor or by water pressure.

[0040] Furthermore, the bottom plate of the inner tank is recessed downwards to form a groove with openings. The water tank has an inlet and an outlet that are connected vertically. The inlet of the water tank is connected to the groove through the openings. The washing water and residue in the dishwasher's inner tank flow into the groove with the recessed bottom plate. The washing water and residue in the inner tank enter the chamber formed by the water tank through the groove and are filtered by the filter screen in the chamber. After being filtered by the filter screen, the washing water is discharged from the water tank through the outlet set on the water tank. Residue will adhere to the filter screen. If the filter screen is not cleaned regularly, it will become clogged with residue over time, seriously affecting the filtration efficiency of the filter screen.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention also provides a control method for a dishwasher, including,

[0042] Obtain the weight difference Δg before and after the nth dishwashing. n , n≥1;

[0043] Determine Δg n If the set threshold is exceeded, the system will control the cleaning of the filter.

[0044] The control method of the present invention obtains the weight difference Δg before and after the nth dishwashing. n If n≥1, determine Δg n When the set threshold is exceeded, the filter is automatically cleaned, resolving user confusion about when to clean the filter. Users no longer need to constantly monitor the filter's status, reducing their workload. More importantly, compared to existing methods that determine filter cleaning based on oil content, this method uses the weight difference Δg of the dishes before and after washing. n This method is easier to implement and applicable to various types of dishwashers, demonstrating strong versatility. It is understandable that the weight difference Δg before and after the nth wash is... n It was obtained after the washing process was completed.

[0045] like Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, Δg is determined. n The threshold value was not exceeded because Δg was obtained at this time. n The value is relatively small, therefore Δg n Store the data and calculate the sum of the weight differences for each storage operation. like If the set threshold is exceeded, the filter screen will be cleaned. By setting a reasonable threshold, the filtration effect of the filter screen can be guaranteed, while reducing the frequency of filter screen cleaning, saving cleaning time, reducing user complaints, and more importantly, avoiding filter screen wear caused by frequent cleaning and extending the filter screen's lifespan.

[0046] Furthermore, considering that some users may have the habit of regularly cleaning the filter, to avoid the dishwasher still storing Δg after the user cleans the filter... n This leads to the storage of Δg n An error occurred when comparing with the set threshold. Therefore, if the filter is cleaned before the nth dishwashing, the weight difference from the previous n-1 washes is stored. All cleared to zero;

[0047] Alternatively, after the nth wash of the dishes, if the filter is found to be clean, then the stored weight difference from the nth wash is... Everything is reset to zero.

[0048] like Figure 3 As shown, Δg n Regarding the storage replacement scheme, this invention provides another implementation method, determining Δg n If the weight does not exceed the set threshold, the sum of the weight differences stored each time is calculated. like If the set threshold is exceeded, the filter will be cleaned. Preferably, if... If the set threshold is not exceeded, then... Storage. That is to say, in Figure 3 The provided factual method stores the sum of weight differences obtained multiple times previously. Compared to storing the weight difference Δg each time, this implementation method uses a different approach. n And based on the weight difference Δg stored each time. n Calculate the sum of the weight differences stored. That is more accurate.

[0049] Similarly, considering that some users may have the habit of regularly cleaning the filter, to avoid the system still storing data after the user cleans the filter... Caused storage An error occurred during comparison with the set threshold. If the filter is found to be clean before the nth dishwashing cycle, then the stored value will be used. Reset to zero;

[0050] Alternatively, after the nth wash of the dishes, if the filter is found to be clean, then the stored... Reset to zero.

[0051] It should be noted that and This refers to the sum of the weight differences obtained from the first to the i-th time.

[0052] Preferably, the method of obtaining information that the filter has been cleaned includes at least one of the following: a sensor detecting that the filter has been removed, a camera acquiring an image of the cleaned filter, or a camera acquiring a video of the cleaned filter.

[0053] Specifically, a displacement sensor is installed at the dishwasher's filter, and the position of the sensor changes when the user removes the filter; alternatively, a first weight sensor is installed at the dishwasher's filter, and the overall weight of the dishwasher changes when the user removes the filter, thus sending a trigger signal; furthermore, a microswitch is installed at the dishwasher's filter, and the microswitch is triggered when the user removes the filter, thereby sending a signal; still others, a camera is installed near the filter to capture real-time images or videos of the filter, and the camera sends a signal when the state of the filter changes in the captured images or videos.

[0054] Preferably, the weight difference Δg before and after the nth dishwashing is obtained. n The methods include,

[0055] Get the first weight of the tableware before the nth wash and the second weight of the tableware after the wash;

[0056] Calculate the difference between the first and second weights to obtain the weight difference Δg. n .

[0057] Specifically, the dishwasher is equipped with an acquisition module and a control module. The acquisition module acquires the first weight of the dishes before the nth wash and the second weight of the dishes after the nth wash. The control module receives the first and second weights from the acquisition module, calculates the difference between them, and obtains the weight difference Δg. n It is understood that the second weight is the weight obtained after the dishwasher has washed and dried. Preferably, the acquisition module is a second weight sensor, and the control module is a controller.

[0058] Preferably, cleaning the filter includes controlling the dishwasher to automatically clean the filter or reminding the user to clean the filter. It is understood that controlling the dishwasher to automatically clean the filter or reminding the user to clean the filter can be done before the end of the washing cycle, preferably after the washing cycle ends.

[0059] In addition, to improve the dishwasher's intelligence, when the dishwasher prompts the user to manually clean the filter, but the user may be busy with other things and unable to clean the filter manually, the dishwasher starts timing from the time the prompt is issued and determines whether the user has cleaned the filter within a first preset time. If the dishwasher detects that the user has not cleaned the filter within the first preset time, it controls the dishwasher to execute the automatic filter cleaning mode. The automatic filter cleaning mode is existing technology and will not be described in detail here.

[0060] The first preset time includes, but is not limited to, 2 minutes. The following explanation uses 2 minutes as an example. When the dishwasher sends a cleaning signal to remind the user to clean the filter, the timer starts. Since the user may be delayed by other matters and cannot manually clean the filter within 2 minutes, and the user may forget to clean the filter after finishing other matters, if it is not cleaned in time, it will seriously affect the filtering effect of the filter when the dishwasher performs the next washing program. Therefore, after 2 minutes, the dishwasher will execute the automatic filter cleaning mode.

[0061] Preferably, determining whether the filter screen is cleaned within a first preset time period includes detecting whether the filter screen is cleaned at intervals of a second preset time period within the first preset time period.

[0062] Specifically, the second preset time is shorter than the first preset time. Taking 30 seconds as an example, the dishwasher will detect whether the user has cleaned the filter every 30 seconds.

[0063] In addition, to ensure the filter is thoroughly cleaned and to improve its cleaning effectiveness, the following steps are also taken after cleaning the filter:

[0064] Get the dirt level of the filter;

[0065] If the dirt value is greater than the preset dirt value, repeat the cleaning process until the dirt value is less than or equal to the preset dirt value.

[0066] Specifically, the image sensor inside the dishwasher can measure the dirt level of the filter.

[0067] Furthermore, the image sensor can acquire images of the filter. If the controller determines that the dirt value in the image acquired by the image sensor is greater than the preset dirt value, it means that the filter has not been cleaned. In this case, the controller will control the dishwasher to clean the filter again. Conversely, if the controller determines that the dirt value in the image acquired by the image sensor is less than or equal to the preset dirt value, it means that the filter has been cleaned.

[0068] Preferably, the filter cleaning process ends after a preset number of cleaning cycles has been completed. More preferably, the preset number of cleaning cycles does not exceed three.

[0069] Furthermore, the maximum number of preset cleaning cycles is generally three. This means that after the filter is cleaned three times, the dirt level of the filter is less than the preset dirt level. If the dishwasher detects that the dirt level of the filter is still greater than the preset dirt level after three cleaning cycles, then the sensor itself may be malfunctioning. By setting the preset number of cycles to three, the rinsing program can be ended, and the specific problem may be identified and addressed accordingly.

[0070] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-described technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. The implementation schemes in the above embodiments can also be further combined or replaced. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a dishwasher, characterized in that, include, Obtain the weight difference Δg before and after the nth dishwashing. n , n≥1; Determine Δg n If the set threshold is exceeded, the system will control the cleaning of the filter.

2. The control method for a dishwasher according to claim 1, characterized in that, Determine Δg n If the set threshold is not exceeded, then Δg will be... n Store the data and calculate the sum of the weight differences for each storage operation. like If the set threshold is exceeded, the system will control the cleaning of the filter.

3. The control method for a dishwasher according to claim 2, characterized in that, Before the nth wash, if the filter is found to be clean, then the stored weight difference from the previous n-1 washes is... All cleared to zero; Alternatively, after the nth wash of the dishes, if the filter is found to be clean, then the stored weight difference from the nth wash is... Everything is reset to zero.

4. The control method for a dishwasher according to claim 1, characterized in that, Determine Δg n If the weight does not exceed the set threshold, the sum of the weight differences stored each time is calculated. like If the set threshold is exceeded, the system will control the cleaning of the filter.

5. The dishwasher control method according to claim 4, characterized in that, like If the set threshold is not exceeded, then... storage.

6. The control method for a dishwasher according to claim 5, characterized in that, Before the nth wash of dishes, if it is determined that the filter has been cleaned, then the stored... Reset to zero; Alternatively, after the nth wash of the dishes, if the filter is found to be clean, then the stored... Reset to zero.

7. The control method for a dishwasher according to claim 3 or 6, characterized in that, The methods for obtaining information that the filter has been cleaned include at least one of the following: a sensor detecting that the filter has been removed, a camera acquiring an image of the cleaned filter, or a camera acquiring a video of the cleaned filter.

8. The control method for a dishwasher according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, Obtain the weight difference Δg before and after the nth dishwashing. n The methods include, Get the first weight of the tableware before the nth wash and the second weight of the tableware after the wash; Calculate the difference between the first and second weights to obtain the weight difference Δg. n .

9. The control method for a dishwasher according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, Controlling the cleaning of the filter includes controlling the dishwasher to automatically clean the filter or reminding the user to clean the filter.

10. A dishwasher, employing the control method for a dishwasher as described in any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that... ,include, The module retrieves the weight difference Δg before and after the nth dishwashing. n , n≥1; Control module, determine Δg n If the set threshold is exceeded, the system will control the cleaning of the filter.

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