A dishwasher and a method for controlling the dishwasher

Abstract

This application discloses a dishwasher and a control method for the dishwasher. The method includes: determining whether each dish basket contains tableware; if at least two dish baskets contain tableware, selecting the spray arm corresponding to the dish basket containing tableware as a candidate spray arm; selecting the highest-positioned candidate spray arm as the target spray arm; and controlling the target spray arm to operate during the pre-wash stage, wherein the washing water sprayed by the target spray arm first rinses the tableware in its corresponding dish basket, and then flows downwards to rinse the tableware in the lower dish basket. According to the embodiments of this application, water conservation can be achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of dishwasher technology, and more particularly to a dishwasher and a method for controlling a dishwasher. Background Technology

[0002] As a common household appliance, dishwashers typically have multiple dish baskets (such as upper, middle, and lower baskets), each equipped with a spray arm to spray water onto the surface of the dishes in that basket to remove stains.

[0003] Currently, dishwashers are controlled in a relatively fixed manner: all spray arms work in a fixed sequence or all spray arms work simultaneously, without making any adjustments based on the actual amount of tableware placed inside the dishwasher, which easily leads to water waste. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a dishwasher and a method for controlling the dishwasher, which can achieve the effect of saving water resources.

[0005] In a first aspect, a dishwasher is provided, comprising: Multiple cutlery baskets are arranged from top to bottom to hold cutlery; A spray arm that sprays washing water downwards is installed above the highest cutlery basket, and a spray arm that sprays washing water upwards is installed below each of the other cutlery baskets. The controller is configured as follows: Determine whether each cutlery basket contains cutlery; If at least two cutlery baskets contain cutlery, the spray arm corresponding to the cutlery basket containing cutlery is selected as a candidate spray arm. Among the candidate spray arms, the one located at the highest position is selected as the target spray arm; During the pre-washing stage, the target spray arm is controlled to operate. The washing water sprayed by the target spray arm first rinses the tableware in its corresponding tableware basket, and then flows downward to rinse the tableware in the tableware basket below.

[0006] Secondly, a method for controlling a dishwasher is provided, including: Determine whether each cutlery basket contains cutlery; If at least two cutlery baskets contain cutlery, the spray arm corresponding to the cutlery basket containing cutlery is selected as a candidate spray arm. Among the candidate spray arms, the one located at the highest position is selected as the target spray arm; During the pre-washing stage, the target spray arm is controlled to operate. The washing water sprayed by the target spray arm first rinses the tableware in its corresponding tableware basket, and then flows downward to rinse the tableware in the tableware basket below.

[0007] In the above embodiments, a dishwasher and its control method are disclosed. This method uses a candidate spray arm located at the highest position as the target spray arm. During the pre-wash stage, the target spray arm is controlled to operate, spraying washing water onto the dishes in its corresponding dish basket for initial rinsing. Then, the washing water flows downwards under gravity, further rinsing the dishes in the dish basket located below the dish basket corresponding to the target spray arm. This avoids ineffective spraying of dish baskets without dishes and reduces the number of spray arms operating during the pre-wash stage, allowing for the reuse of washing water from the target spray arm and thus conserving water resources. The method includes: determining whether each cutlery basket contains cutlery; if at least two cutlery baskets contain cutlery, then designating the spray arm corresponding to the cutlery basket containing cutlery as a candidate spray arm; designating the candidate spray arm located at the highest position as the target spray arm; and during the pre-washing stage, controlling the target spray arm to operate, wherein the washing water sprayed by the target spray arm first rinses the cutlery in its corresponding cutlery basket, and then flows downward to rinse the cutlery in the lower cutlery basket. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of a dishwasher provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a dishwasher provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is another internal structure diagram of the dishwasher provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is another internal structure diagram provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 5 This is another internal structure diagram provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 6 This is a structural block diagram of a controller provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a dishwasher control method provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 8 This is a flowchart of a dishwasher control method provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a dishwasher control example provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 10 This is a flowchart of a dry burning detection alarm provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0009] To make the objectives and implementation methods of this application clearer, the exemplary implementation methods of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the exemplary embodiments of this application. Obviously, the exemplary embodiments described are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments.

[0010] It should be noted that the brief descriptions of terms in this application are only for the convenience of understanding the embodiments described below, and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this application. Unless otherwise stated, these terms should be understood in their ordinary and common meaning.

[0011] The terms "first," "second," "third," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar or related objects or entities, and do not necessarily imply a specific order or sequence, unless otherwise specified. It should be understood that such terms are interchangeable where appropriate.

[0012] The terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, are intended to cover but not exclude inclusion, for example, a product or device that includes a range of components is not necessarily limited to all of the components that are clearly listed, but may include other components that are not clearly listed or that are inherent to such product or device.

[0013] The dishwasher provided in this application can have various implementation forms, such as countertop dishwasher, built-in dishwasher, freestanding dishwasher, sink dishwasher, etc. Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is one specific embodiment of the dishwasher of this application.

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of a dishwasher provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a dishwasher provided in an embodiment of this application. See also... Figures 1-2The dishwasher may include a dishwasher inner tub 10 and a door 11. The dishwasher inner tub 10 may have a washing chamber 12 and an opening. The door 11 may be provided at the opening of the dishwasher inner tub 10. Multiple dish baskets 13 may be provided in the washing chamber 12, and the multiple dish baskets 13 are arranged sequentially from top to bottom, that is, each dish basket 13 is arranged in a layered order from high to low in the vertical direction of the washing chamber 12 (i.e., the direction perpendicular to the bottom surface of the dishwasher), and each layer of dish basket 13 is independently used to hold tableware such as bowls, chopsticks, plates, dishes, and cups. Above the highest-positioned cutlery basket is a spray arm 14 that sprays washing water downwards, and below each of the other cutlery baskets is a spray arm 14 that sprays washing water upwards. That is, the cutlery basket 13 at the highest position has a spray arm 14 above it, and the spraying direction of the spray arm 14 is downwards; for each of the other cutlery baskets 13 (i.e., all cutlery baskets 13 except the one at the highest position), there is a spray arm 14 below each cutlery basket 13, and the spraying direction of the spray arm 14 is upwards.

[0015] Figure 3 This is another internal structure diagram of the dishwasher provided in this application embodiment, see below. Figure 3 The dishwasher also includes a controller 15, a motor 16, and a water pump 17. The inlet of the water pump 17 is connected to the washing water source, and the outlet of the water pump 17 is connected to each of the spray arms 14 via connecting pipes, for pressurizing the washing water and delivering it to the spray arms 14. The output shaft of the motor 16 is connected to the drive shaft of the water pump 17, for providing rotational power to the water pump 17. The controller 15 is electrically connected to the motor 16, for sending control commands to the motor 16 to control its start / stop, speed, or direction, thereby controlling the water pump 17 to selectively deliver washing water to one or more target spray arms, thus causing the target spray arm to spray water.

[0016] Optionally, the water pump 17 can be a washing heating pump, and the dishwasher can also include a temperature sensor located at the washing heating pump to collect the temperature of the washing heating pump. In this way, the controller 15 can determine whether a fault has occurred at the current moment based on the temperature of the washing heating pump, and then, when a fault occurs, it will issue an alarm according to a preset alarm strategy.

[0017] Figure 4 This is another internal structure diagram provided in the embodiments of this application, see [link / reference]. Figure 4 The dishwasher also includes multiple gravity sensors 18, with one gravity sensor 18 corresponding to each dish basket 13, used to detect the load weight inside the corresponding dish basket 13. Thus, for each dish basket 13, the controller 15 can determine whether the dish basket 13 is loaded with tableware based on the load weight collected by the gravity sensor 18 corresponding to that dish basket 13.

[0018] Figure 5 This is another internal structure diagram provided in the embodiments of this application, see [link / reference]. Figure 5 The dishwasher also includes an image acquisition device 19 for acquiring internal images of the dishwasher. The internal images include imaging information of the area where each dish basket 13 is located. Thus, the controller 15 can determine whether each dish basket 13 is loaded with tableware based on the internal images.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a structural block diagram of a controller provided in an embodiment of this application. See also... Figure 6The controller 15 includes a processor 151 and a memory 152 storing computer program instructions. The processor 151 may include a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits configured to implement embodiments of this application. The memory 152 may include a mass storage device for information or instructions. For example, and not limitingly, the memory 152 may include a hard disk drive (HDD), a floppy disk drive, flash memory, an optical disk drive, a magneto-optical disk drive, magnetic tape, or a Universal Serial Bus (USB) drive, or a combination of two or more of these. Where appropriate, the memory 152 may include removable or non-removable (or fixed) media. Where appropriate, the memory 152 may be internal or external to the integrated gateway device. In a particular embodiment, the memory 152 is a non-volatile solid-state memory. In a particular embodiment, the memory 152 includes read-only memory (ROM). Where appropriate, the ROM may be a mask-programmed ROM, a programmable ROM (PROM), an erasable PROM (Electrically Programmable ROM, EPROM), an electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), an electrically alterable ROM (EAROM), or flash memory, or a combination of two or more of these. The processor 151 executes the steps of the control method for the dishwasher 100 provided in this application embodiment by reading and executing computer program instructions stored in the memory 152. In one example, the controller 15 may further include a transceiver 153 and a bus 154. As shown in the figure, the processor 151, the memory 152, and the communication interface are connected via the bus 154 and communicate with each other. The communication interface can be used to communicate with other devices or communication networks (such as Ethernet, radio access network (RAN), wireless local area networks (WLAN), etc.). The communication interface can be a module, circuit, transceiver, or any device capable of communication. Bus 154 includes peripheral component interconnect (PCI) lines or extended industry standard architecture (EISA) buses, etc.Bus 154 can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc.

[0020] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to determine whether each cutlery basket contains cutlery. If at least two cutlery baskets contain cutlery, the spray arm corresponding to the cutlery basket containing cutlery is selected as a candidate spray arm. Among the candidate spray arms, the one located at the highest position is selected as the target spray arm; During the pre-washing stage, the target spray arm is controlled to operate. The washing water sprayed by the target spray arm first rinses the tableware in its corresponding tableware basket, and then flows downward to rinse the tableware in the tableware basket below.

[0021] In some embodiments, after selecting the candidate spray arm at the highest position among the candidate spray arms as the target spray arm, the controller is further configured to: Count the total number of cutlery baskets containing cutlery; If the total number of cutlery baskets containing cutlery is greater than the first preset total threshold, then at least one candidate spray arm is selected as the target spray arm from the remaining candidate spray arms, wherein the total number of target spray arms is less than the total number of candidate spray arms.

[0022] In some embodiments, when selecting at least one candidate spray arm as the target spray arm from the remaining candidate spray arms, the controller is specifically configured as follows: Identify the total number of cutlery pieces and the degree of grease in a cutlery basket. If the total number of tableware exceeds the second preset total threshold and the degree of oil contamination exceeds the preset degree threshold, at least one candidate spray arm will be selected as the target spray arm from the remaining candidate spray arms.

[0023] In some embodiments, when selecting at least one candidate spray arm as the target spray arm from the remaining candidate spray arms, the controller is specifically configured as follows: The candidate spray arms are sorted from top to bottom according to their position to obtain the first spray arm order; According to the sequence of the first spray arms, select one or more candidate spray arms adjacent to the candidate spray arm located at the highest position as the target spray arm; Alternatively, according to the sequence of the first spray arms, a candidate spray arm is selected as the target spray arm at preset intervals. Alternatively, based on the sequence of the first spray arms, select the candidate spray arm corresponding to the preset sorting number as the target spray arm.

[0024] In some embodiments, during the pre-washing phase, when controlling the target spray arm to operate, the controller is specifically configured to: During the pre-washing stage, the target spray arms are controlled to work in turn.

[0025] In some embodiments, during the pre-washing phase, when the target spray arms operate alternately, the controller is specifically configured to: The target spray arms are sorted from top to bottom according to their position to obtain the second spray arm sequence; When starting the target spray arm, control the target spray arms to start working sequentially according to the second spray arm sequence; When closing the target spray arm, the target spray arms are closed sequentially in reverse order of the second spray arm sequence.

[0026] In some embodiments, the water pressure of the target spray arm at the highest position is greater than the water pressure of the other target spray arms.

[0027] In some embodiments, the controller is also configured to control the candidate spray arms to work in turn during the rinsing phase.

[0028] In some embodiments, the dishwasher further includes a washing heat pump for heating the washing water; A temperature sensor is installed at the washing heater pump to detect the temperature of the washing heater pump; The controller is also configured to calculate the temperature rise rate of the washing heating pump based on the temperature of the washing heating pump. If the rate of temperature rise exceeds the preset rate threshold and the current time is within the preset time period, the power will be cut off immediately and an alarm will be triggered immediately. If the temperature rise rate is greater than the preset rate threshold but the current time exceeds the preset time period, the power will be cut off silently, and an alarm will be triggered again when the current time reaches the preset time.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a dishwasher control method provided in an embodiment of this application. See also... Figure 7 The control method for this dishwasher includes the following steps.

[0030] S710. Determine whether each cutlery basket contains cutlery.

[0031] In some embodiments, a gravity sensor is installed below each cutlery basket to detect the weight of the load inside the corresponding cutlery basket. Thus, the controller can determine whether each cutlery basket contains cutlery based on the load weight collected by the gravity sensor corresponding to that basket.

[0032] Specifically, for each cutlery basket, the load weight of the cutlery basket is compared with the empty weight of the cutlery basket. If the load weight is greater than the empty weight, it is determined that the cutlery basket contains cutlery. If the load weight is less than or equal to the empty weight, it is determined that the cutlery basket does not contain cutlery.

[0033] In other embodiments, the dishwasher also includes an image acquisition device for acquiring images of the dishwasher's interior. This allows the controller to determine whether each dish basket contains tableware based on the internal images.

[0034] Specifically, the process involves identifying the image regions where each cutlery basket is located within the internal image; extracting image features from each cutlery basket region; and for each cutlery basket, matching the image features corresponding to that basket with preset cutlery features. If the match is successful, it is determined that the cutlery basket contains cutlery; if the match fails, it is determined that the cutlery basket does not contain cutlery.

[0035] S720. If at least two cutlery baskets contain cutlery, the spray arm corresponding to the cutlery basket containing cutlery shall be selected as a candidate spray arm.

[0036] Specifically, for each cutlery basket, if the cutlery basket contains cutlery, the corresponding spray arm is considered a candidate spray arm and is eligible to be selected as the target spray arm; if the cutlery basket does not contain cutlery, the corresponding spray arm is not considered a candidate spray arm and is not eligible to be selected as the target spray arm.

[0037] S730. Select the candidate spray arm located at the highest position among the candidate spray arms as the target spray arm.

[0038] Specifically, the candidate spray arm at the highest position refers to the candidate spray arm with the highest sorting number when sorting the candidate spray arms from top to bottom according to their position.

[0039] S740, During the pre-washing stage, control the operation of the target spray arm.

[0040] The washing water sprayed from the target spray arm first rinses the tableware in its corresponding tableware basket, and then flows downward to rinse the tableware in the tableware basket below.

[0041] Specifically, a dishwasher's washing process typically includes: a pre-wash stage, a main wash stage, and a rinse stage. The pre-wash stage primarily involves a preliminary rinse to remove food residue from the dishes. In the main wash stage, the water is typically heated to a preset temperature, and detergent is added to break down and remove grease and stubborn stains from the dishes. The rinse stage involves one or more rinses to remove any remaining detergent and foam from the dishes.

[0042] In some embodiments, during the main wash phase, candidate spray arms are controlled to work in turn.

[0043] Specifically, the controller divides the total duration of the main wash phase into multiple time periods, each corresponding to a candidate spray arm. Within each time period, the controller only controls the candidate spray arm corresponding to that time period to spray water. When that time period ends, the next candidate spray arm corresponding to the next time period begins spraying water, and this cycle continues until the main wash phase is complete. This not only ensures that each dish basket containing tableware receives sufficient washing time but also avoids water pressure dispersion and insufficient flow caused by multiple spray arms operating simultaneously, thereby improving washing efficiency and saving energy.

[0044] In some embodiments, during the rinsing phase, candidate spray arms are controlled to operate in turn.

[0045] Specifically, the controller divides the total rinsing time into multiple time periods, each corresponding to a candidate spray arm. Within each time period, the controller only controls the corresponding candidate spray arm to spray water. When that time period ends, the next candidate spray arm for the next time period begins spraying water, and this cycle continues until the rinsing phase is complete. This not only ensures that each dish basket containing tableware receives sufficient rinsing time but also avoids water pressure dispersion and insufficient flow caused by multiple spray arms operating simultaneously, thereby improving rinsing efficiency.

[0046] Specifically, if only one dish basket contains dishes, then during the pre-wash, main wash, and rinse stages, only the spray arm corresponding to that dish basket will be controlled. In this way, not only can the dish basket containing dishes be guaranteed sufficient rinsing, cleaning, and washing time, but water and electricity will also not be wasted.

[0047] In this embodiment, the candidate spray arm at the highest position is designated as the target spray arm. During the pre-washing stage, the target spray arm is controlled to spray washing water onto the tableware in its corresponding dish basket, thus performing a preliminary rinse. The washing water then flows downwards under gravity, further rinsing the tableware in the dish basket located below the target spray arm. This avoids ineffective spraying of dish baskets without tableware and reduces the number of spray arms operating during the pre-washing stage, allowing for the reuse of the washing water sprayed by the target spray arm and ultimately saving water resources.

[0048] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a dishwasher control method provided in an embodiment of this application. See also... Figure 8 The control method for this dishwasher includes the following steps.

[0049] S810. Determine whether each cutlery basket contains cutlery.

[0050] Specifically, the S810 and S710 are similar, so we will not go into details here.

[0051] S820. If at least two cutlery baskets contain cutlery, the spray arm corresponding to the cutlery basket containing cutlery shall be selected as a candidate spray arm.

[0052] Specifically, the S820 and S720 are similar, so I will not go into details here.

[0053] S830. Select the candidate spray arm located at the highest position among the candidate spray arms as the target spray arm.

[0054] Specifically, the S830 and S730 are similar, so I won't go into details here.

[0055] S840. Count the total number of cutlery baskets containing cutlery.

[0056] Specifically, the controller counts the number of cutlery baskets that are determined to contain cutlery, and obtains the total number of cutlery baskets containing cutlery.

[0057] S850. If the total number of tableware baskets containing tableware is greater than the first preset total threshold, then at least one candidate spray arm is selected as the target spray arm from the remaining candidate spray arms, wherein the total number of target spray arms is less than the total number of candidate spray arms.

[0058] Specifically, the specific value of the first preset total threshold can be set by those skilled in the art according to the actual situation, and is not limited here. For example, the first preset total threshold can be obtained by multiplying the total number of all dish baskets in the dishwasher by a preset coefficient (such as a value between 0.6 and 1).

[0059] Understandably, if the total number of dish baskets containing tableware exceeds a first preset threshold, it indicates a large number of dish baskets. If only one target spray arm is selected in this case, that single target spray arm would have to pre-wash all the dish baskets containing tableware, which would be a heavy workload and could easily lead to insufficient pre-washing of tableware in baskets far from that target spray arm, affecting the pre-washing effect. Therefore, in this application, when there are many dish baskets containing tableware, the controller can select at least two target spray arms to share the task of pre-washing all the dish baskets containing tableware, thereby improving the pre-washing effect of each dish basket containing tableware.

[0060] Further optionally, selecting at least one candidate spray arm as the target spray arm from the remaining candidate spray arms includes: identifying the total number of tableware and the degree of oil contamination in the tableware basket loaded with tableware. If the total number of tableware exceeds the second preset total threshold and the degree of oil contamination exceeds the preset degree threshold, at least one candidate spray arm will be selected as the target spray arm from the remaining candidate spray arms.

[0061] Specifically, image recognition algorithms can be used to detect the number of dishes in each dish basket in the internal image, thus obtaining the total number of dishes loaded in the dishwasher. Furthermore, the surface area covered by stains on each dish can be analyzed to determine the overall level of grease buildup on all dishes. Alternatively, the total number of dishes and the level of grease buildup can be input by the user via the control panel.

[0062] Specifically, the second preset total threshold and the specific values ​​of oil contamination level can be set by those skilled in the art according to the actual situation, and are not limited here.

[0063] Specifically, if the total number of tableware is less than or equal to the second preset total threshold or the degree of oil contamination is less than or equal to the preset degree threshold, then there is no need to select a target spray arm from the remaining candidate spray arms.

[0064] Understandably, if the total number of dishes exceeds the second preset threshold and the degree of grease is greater than the preset threshold, it indicates that the dishwasher is loaded with a large number of dishes and is heavily soiled. In this case, the controller selects at least two target spray arms to work together to share the pre-washing task, ensuring that each dish receives sufficient washing water, thereby improving the pre-washing effect. If the total number of dishes is less than or equal to the second preset threshold or the degree of grease is less than or equal to the preset threshold, it indicates that the dishwasher is loaded with a small number of dishes or is lightly soiled. In this case, selecting only one target spray arm can complete the pre-washing task for all dishes, ensuring that each dish receives sufficient washing water, thus improving the pre-washing effect and saving water resources.

[0065] Optionally, selecting at least one candidate spray arm as the target spray arm from the remaining candidate spray arms includes: sorting the candidate spray arms according to the number of times they are located from top to bottom to obtain the first spray arm order; According to the sequence of the first spray arms, select one or more candidate spray arms adjacent to the candidate spray arm located at the highest position as the target spray arm; Alternatively, according to the sequence of the first spray arms, a candidate spray arm is selected as the target spray arm at preset intervals. Alternatively, based on the sequence of the first spray arms, select the candidate spray arm corresponding to the preset sorting number as the target spray arm.

[0066] Specifically, the controller can obtain the vertical position relationship of each candidate spray arm in the washing chamber and arrange them in descending order to obtain the first spray arm sequence. Based on the first spray arm sequence, one or more candidate spray arms following the "candidate spray arm at the highest position" are identified as the target spray arms.

[0067] Understandably, the candidate spray arms adjacent to the "candidate spray arm at the highest position" are also at a high position. The washing water they spray is sprayed onto the tableware in the corresponding tableware basket and then flows downward under the action of gravity, flowing through each tableware basket below them to pre-wash the tableware in the lower tableware baskets. The reuse rate is high, which can effectively reduce the water consumption in the pre-washing stage and save water resources.

[0068] Specifically, the candidate spray arm at the highest position is the first target spray arm. Then, the controller can select one candidate spray arm as the subsequent target spray arm, starting from the first target spray arm and at preset intervals, based on the sequence of the first spray arms. For example, the sequence of the first spray arms is P1, P2, P3, ..., P n (P1 is the candidate spray arm located at the highest position, P) n If the candidate spray arm is located at the lowest position, then the positions of the candidate spray arm selected as the target spray arm in the first spray arm sequence are as follows: position 1 (P1), position 1+(K+1), position 1+2(K+1), and so on, until it exceeds the range of the first spray arm sequence.

[0069] Understandably, selecting target spray arms at equal intervals ensures that the spray arms working in the pre-wash stage are kept at an appropriate distance and are distributed more evenly. This allows the spray arms to take into account the tableware in the dish baskets at different positions in the washing chamber, so that each dish basket can receive relatively balanced washing water, thereby improving the overall washing effect.

[0070] Specifically, the controller stores preset sorting numbers. When selecting a target spray arm from the remaining candidate spray arms, it directly selects the candidate spray arm corresponding to the preset sorting number from the first spray arm sequence. For example, the first spray arm sequence is P1, P2, P3, ..., P n (P1 is the candidate spray arm located at the highest position, P) n (The candidate spray arm is located at the lowest position). If the preset sorting number is the 3rd position, the controller selects P3 as the target spray arm.

[0071] The preset sorting number can be fixed (e.g., set at the factory), or it can be dynamically determined according to the washing mode selected by the user (e.g., when the user selects the "top wash" mode, the preset sorting number is the 2nd position; when the user selects the "bottom wash" mode, the preset sorting number is the nth position), or it can be manually or voice-input by the user according to the loading status of the tableware in the washing chamber.

[0072] Understandably, by selecting the candidate spray arm corresponding to the preset sorting number as the target spray arm, the controller can quickly and accurately determine the target spray arm with low computational cost.

[0073] Further optionally, the specific number of target spray arms selected from the remaining candidate spray arms can be positively correlated with the total number of tableware and / or the degree of oil contamination.

[0074] S860. During the pre-washing stage, the target spray arm is controlled to operate, wherein the washing water sprayed by the target spray arm is used to rinse the tableware in each tableware basket located below the target spray arm under the action of gravity.

[0075] In some embodiments, controlling the operation of the target spray arms during the pre-wash stage includes: controlling the target spray arms to operate alternately during the pre-wash stage.

[0076] Specifically, the controller divides the total duration of the pre-wash phase into multiple time periods, each corresponding to a specific spray arm. Within each time period, the controller only controls the corresponding spray arm to spray water. When that time period ends, the next spray arm corresponding to the next time period begins spraying water, and this cycle continues until the main wash phase ends. This avoids the problems of water pressure dispersion and insufficient flow caused by multiple spray arms operating simultaneously, thereby improving pre-wash efficiency and saving energy.

[0077] Optionally, during the pre-washing stage, controlling the target spray arms to work in turn includes: sorting the target spray arms from top to bottom according to their position to obtain the second spray arm sequence; When starting the target spray arm, control the target spray arms to start working sequentially according to the second spray arm sequence; When closing the target spray arm, the target spray arms are closed sequentially in reverse order of the second spray arm sequence.

[0078] Specifically, the controller can acquire the vertical positional relationship of each target spray arm in the washing chamber and arrange them in descending order to obtain the second spray arm sequence. Let the second spray arm sequence be T1, T2, T3, ..., T m Where T1 is the target spray arm at the highest position, T mThe target spray arm is positioned at its lowest point. When the target spray arm is activated, the controller follows the sequence from T1 to T... m The controller sequentially starts and operates each target spray arm for a period of time (e.g., 10 to 30 seconds). Once the previous target spray arm has finished its cycle, the next target spray arm is started and operated for the same period, and so on, until all target spray arms have completed one cycle. This process can be repeated multiple times based on the total washing duration. When shutting down a target spray arm, the controller first controls T... m (Bit off, after a preset off delay time (e.g., 2 to 5 seconds), control T) m-1 After closing, and then after a preset closing delay time, control T. m-2 Close, and so on, until T1 is closed.

[0079] Understandably, by starting the target spray arms from top to bottom and stopping them from bottom to top, the target spray arms located at higher positions start first and then stop. The washing water they spray flows fully to the lower dish basket under the action of gravity, which improves the utilization rate of washing water and saves water consumption.

[0080] In some embodiments, the water pressure of the target spray arm at the highest position is greater than the water pressure of the other target spray arms.

[0081] Alternatively, the water pressure of the target spray arm can be reduced sequentially according to the second spray arm sequence.

[0082] Understandably, the washing water sprayed by the highest-positioned spray arm can flow downwards through more dish baskets under gravity, pre-washing the dishes in each layer. By setting the water pressure of this highest-positioned spray arm to its maximum, it can be ensured that the sprayed washing water has a sufficient flow downwards, forming a continuous and effective pre-wash for the dish baskets below, thereby improving the pre-washing effect.

[0083] In another embodiment of this application, the dishwasher further includes: a washing heating pump for heating the washing water; a temperature sensor disposed at the washing heating pump for detecting the temperature of the washing heating pump; the method further includes: calculating the temperature rise rate of the washing heating pump based on the temperature of the washing heating pump; If the rate of temperature rise exceeds the preset rate threshold and the current time is within the preset time period, the power will be cut off immediately and an alarm will be triggered immediately. If the temperature rise rate is greater than the preset rate threshold but the current time exceeds the preset time period, the power will be cut off silently, and an alarm will be triggered again when the current time reaches the preset time.

[0084] Specifically, the specific value of the preset rate threshold can be set by those skilled in the art according to the actual situation, and is not limited here. For example, the preset rate threshold is 15℃ / second, but it is not limited to this.

[0085] Specifically, the preset time period can be a time period preset by the user, which can be the daytime and the first half of the evening, such as from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm.

[0086] Specifically, if the temperature rise rate exceeds the preset threshold and the current time falls within the preset time period, it indicates a dry-burning problem has occurred. Furthermore, the user is likely present and conscious at this time. In this case, the power can be immediately cut off, and an alarm will sound. "Immediately cutting off the power" means immediately shutting off all power to the dishwasher, causing all components to stop working instantly, prioritizing safety, and ensuring a rapid response.

[0087] Specifically, if the temperature rise rate exceeds a preset rate threshold and the current time exceeds a preset time period, If the temperature rise rate exceeds the preset threshold and the current time falls within the preset time period, it indicates a dry-burning problem has occurred. Furthermore, the user is likely not present or is in sleep mode at this time. In this case, a silent power cut can be performed without triggering an alarm, which will only sound after the preset time has elapsed. Silent power cut means that the controller performs a silent power cut when the washing program ends normally or a normal shutdown command is received. The preset time period must fall within the preset time frame. Understandably, by taking into full account the user's daily routine, the alarm is set during a preset time period when the user is most likely to be present and awake, thus avoiding the problem of alarms being ignored or delayed during nighttime or when the user is away, and improving the safety of using the dishwasher.

[0088] To illustrate the dishwasher control method provided in the embodiments of this application in detail, a specific example will be used for explanation below. Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a dishwasher control example provided in an embodiment of this application. See also... Figure 9The dishwasher features three dish racks (from top to bottom: the third, second, and first dish racks) and three spray arms (from top to bottom: the third, second, and first spray arms). Before filling with water, the dishwasher checks the dishes in each of the three racks to determine if any dishes are in place, and then intelligently selects the appropriate water intake and spray arm rotation method during the washing process. Specifically, it first checks if only one rack contains dishes. If only one rack contains dishes, the corresponding spray arm is activated separately during both the pre-wash and main wash stages, thereby improving water utilization and cleaning effectiveness. If there are not only a single dish basket containing dishes, determine if there are only two dish baskets containing dishes. If there are only two dish baskets containing dishes, then further determine the specific dish basket containing dishes: If there are dishes in the third dish basket: During the pre-wash stage, water is introduced into the third spray arm. Through the spray action of the third spray arm and gravity, all dishes are rinsed, saving water resources. At the same time, it is determined which of the first and second dish baskets contains dishes. During the main wash stage, the two spray arms corresponding to the two dish baskets containing dishes operate alternately to wash the dishes, saving electricity resources. If there are no dishes in the third dish basket: During the pre-wash stage, water is introduced into the second spray arm. Through the spray action of the second spray arm and gravity, all dishes are rinsed, saving water resources. During the main wash stage, the first and second spray arms operate alternately to wash the dishes, saving electricity resources. If there are not only two dish baskets containing dishes, it is determined that there are dishes in all three dish baskets. If there are dishes in all three dish baskets, during the pre-wash stage, water enters the third spray arm, and all dishes are rinsed through the spraying action of the third spray arm and gravity, saving water resources. During the main wash stage, the first, second, and third spray arms operate alternately to wash the dishes. This embodiment of the application intelligently detects whether there are dishes in the first, second, and third dish baskets and then intelligently adjusts the rotation sequence of the first, second, and third spray arms during the washing process to improve the spraying effect, enhance the washing and / or rinsing effect, and save water and electricity resources.

[0089] Figure 10This is a flowchart illustrating a dry-burn detection alarm provided in this application embodiment. A temperature sensor is added to the dishwasher's washing heating pump and connected to the controller via a high-temperature resistant wiring harness. When the temperature sensor detects a temperature rise rate ≥15℃ / second within 10 seconds, it is determined to be dry-burning. Upon determining dry-burning, the dishwasher automatically selects a fault handling method based on the current time. Specifically, if the current time falls within a preset time period (e.g., 6:00-22:00), it immediately cuts off the power and triggers an alarm; if the current time exceeds the preset time period, it silently cuts off the power and triggers an alarm again when the current time reaches a preset time (e.g., 7:00). This application embodiment solves the problem of high false alarm rates in traditional solutions through dual innovation in spatial dimensions (near-field monitoring of the washing heating pump) and temporal dimensions (time-segmented response), and achieves the effects of avoiding disturbing sleep at night and ensuring no fault is missed with morning reminders.

[0090] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

[0091] For ease of explanation, the above description has been provided in conjunction with specific embodiments. However, the above exemplary discussion is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the specific forms disclosed above. Various modifications and variations can be obtained based on the above teachings. The selection and description of the above embodiments are for the purpose of better explaining the principles and practical applications, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to better utilize the described embodiments and various different variations of embodiments suitable for specific use considerations.

Claims

1. A dishwasher, characterized in that, include: Multiple cutlery baskets are arranged from top to bottom to hold cutlery; A spray arm that sprays washing water downwards is provided above the highest-positioned cutlery basket, and a spray arm that sprays washing water upwards is provided below each of the other cutlery baskets. The controller is configured as follows: Determine whether each of the aforementioned cutlery baskets contains cutlery; If at least two of the cutlery baskets contain cutlery, then the spray arm corresponding to the cutlery basket containing cutlery is selected as a candidate spray arm. The candidate spray arm located at the highest position among the candidate spray arms is selected as the target spray arm; During the pre-washing stage, the target spray arm is controlled to operate, wherein the washing water sprayed by the target spray arm first rinses the tableware in the corresponding tableware basket, and then flows downward to rinse the tableware in the tableware basket below.

2. The dishwasher according to claim 1, characterized in that, After selecting the candidate spray arm located at the highest position as the target spray arm, the controller is further configured to: Count the total number of the cutlery baskets containing cutlery; If the total number of the cutlery baskets containing cutlery is greater than a first preset total threshold, then at least one of the candidate spray arms is selected as the target spray arm from the remaining candidate spray arms, wherein the total number of the target spray arms is less than the total number of the candidate spray arms.

3. The dishwasher according to claim 2, characterized in that, When selecting at least one of the candidate spray arms as the target spray arm from the remaining candidate spray arms, the controller is specifically configured as follows: Identify the total number of cutlery pieces and the degree of grease contamination in the cutlery basket containing the cutlery. If the total number of tableware is greater than the second preset total threshold and the degree of oil stains is greater than the preset degree threshold, at least one of the candidate spray arms is selected as the target spray arm from the remaining candidate spray arms.

4. The dishwasher according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, When selecting at least one of the candidate spray arms as the target spray arm from the remaining candidate spray arms, the controller is specifically configured as follows: The candidate spray arms are sorted from top to bottom according to their position to obtain the first spray arm sequence; According to the first spray arm sequence, one or more of the candidate spray arms adjacent to the candidate spray arm located at the highest position are selected as the target spray arm; Alternatively, according to the sequence of the first spray arms, one of the candidate spray arms is selected as the target spray arm at preset intervals; Alternatively, based on the sequence of the first spray arms, the candidate spray arm corresponding to the preset sorting number can be selected as the target spray arm.

5. The dishwasher according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, During the pre-washing stage, when controlling the target spray arm to operate, the controller is specifically configured as follows: During the pre-washing stage, the target spray arms are controlled to work in turn.

6. The dishwasher according to claim 5, characterized in that, During the pre-washing phase, when the target spray arms are controlled to work in turn, the controller is specifically configured as follows: The target spray arms are sorted from top to bottom according to their position to obtain the second spray arm sequence; When the target spray arm is started, the target spray arm is started in sequence according to the second spray arm sequence; When closing the target spray arm, the target spray arms are closed sequentially in reverse order of the second spray arm sequence.

7. The dishwasher according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The water pressure of the target spray arm located at the highest position is greater than the water pressure of the other target spray arms.

8. The dishwasher according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller is also configured to: During the rinsing stage, the candidate spray arms are controlled to work in turn.

9. The dishwasher according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dishwasher also includes: Washing water heater pump, used to heat the washing water; A temperature sensor is installed at the washing heating pump to detect the temperature of the washing heating pump; The controller is also configured to: Calculate the temperature rise rate of the washing heating pump based on its temperature. If the temperature rise rate is greater than the preset rate threshold and the current time is within the preset time period, the power will be cut off immediately and an alarm will be triggered immediately. If the temperature rise rate is greater than the preset rate threshold but the current time exceeds the preset time period, then the power is cut off silently, and an alarm is triggered again when the current time reaches the preset time.

10. A method for controlling a dishwasher, characterized in that, include: Determine whether each cutlery basket contains cutlery; If at least two of the cutlery baskets contain cutlery, then the spray arm corresponding to the cutlery basket containing cutlery is selected as a candidate spray arm. The candidate spray arm located at the highest position among the candidate spray arms is selected as the target spray arm; During the pre-washing stage, the target spray arm is controlled to operate, wherein the washing water sprayed by the target spray arm first rinses the tableware in the corresponding tableware basket, and then flows downward to rinse the tableware in the tableware basket below.

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