Temperature-controlled dishwashing detergent dispenser

Abstract

A dishwasher and a method for operating a dishwasher are provided. The dishwasher dispenses dishwashing agent to form a dishwashing liquid including water and dishwashing agent, and controls the amount of dishwashing agent dispensed based on a sensed temperature indicative of the temperature of the dishwashing liquid. In various examples, the dishwasher dispenses the detergent during a wash period and the rinse aid during a rinse period.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to warewashing machines, and more particularly to methods and apparatus for controlling the dispensing of dishwashing agents into liquid in a washing machine, such as a dishwasher, based on the temperature of the liquid. [Background technology]

[0002] A dishwasher, also called a warewashing machine or warewashing machine, is a machine for automatically washing items such as dishes, trays, labware, crockery, and kitchen utensils. A batch of items to be washed (e.g., dishes) can be loaded into the dishwasher and washed in a wash cycle including a wash and rinse period. During the wash period, a wash mixture formed of water and dishwasher detergent is sprayed into the loaded dishwasher to spray onto the dishes. The wash mixture is then drained before the rinse period begins. During the rinse period, water or a rising mixture formed of water and rinse agent is sprayed into the loaded dishwasher to remove any residue of the wash mixture. After the rinse water is drained and the rinse period is completed, the dishes can optionally be dried using air and / or heat during a drying period. A dishwasher can have various user-selectable settings for each wash cycle. The settings can define, for example, the time, temperature, and repetitions for each of the wash, rinse, and dry periods. This setting also allows the user to select which periods to include (eg, rinse only, dry only, rinse and dry, or wash and rinse but no dry).

[0003] A typical household dishwasher is an undercounter unit intended for installation under a countertop. Other types of dishwashers include industrial or commercial dishwashers for use in restaurants, hotels, and other commercial establishments with food and beverage service. The dishwasher detergents used in these dishwashers can contain chemicals capable of cleaning, sanitizing, and / or reducing the surface tension of water (and thus water spots on dishes). Such dishwasher detergents are available in a variety of solid and liquid forms. The effectiveness and efficiency of dishwashing can depend on the concentration of the dishwasher detergent in the wash mixture as well as the temperature of the wash mixture. For example, low concentrations can incompletely remove food waste from the dishes being washed, while high concentrations can unnecessarily increase the cost of dishwashing and / or leave detergent residue on the washed dishes, with the optimal concentration or concentration range depending on the chemical properties of the dishwasher detergent, which can be a function of temperature. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The dishwasher dispenses dishwashing agent to form a dishwashing liquid including water and dishwashing agent, and controls the amount of dishwashing agent dispensed based on a sensed temperature indicative of the temperature of the dishwashing liquid. In various examples, the dishwasher may include a detergent and / or a rinse aid. In various examples, the dishwasher dispenses the detergent during a wash period and the rinse aid during a rinse period.

[0006] An example of a dishwasher is provided. The dishwasher may be configured to execute wash cycles, each including a wash period and a rinse period, to provide cleaning of objects. The dishwasher may include a tank, a temperature sensor, a chemical dispenser, and a dispenser controller. The tank may be configured to receive water and dishwashing agent to form a liquid including the received water and the received dishwashing agent. The liquid is applied to the objects. The temperature sensor may be configured to be disposed in the tank to sense the temperature of the liquid. The chemical dispenser may be configured to dispense the dishwashing agent into the liquid, receive a dispensing signal indicative of an amount of dishwashing agent to be dispensed, and control the dispensing of the dishwashing agent according to the amount. The dispenser controller may be configured to receive a sensed temperature from the temperature sensor and generate a dispensing signal based on the temperature. The dishwashing agent may include a detergent, a rinse aid, and / or any chemical or combination of chemicals dispensed during a wash cycle of the dishwasher.

[0007] An example method of operating a dishwasher is also provided. The dishwasher may be configured to perform wash cycles, each including a wash period and a rinse period, to clean objects. The method may include sensing a temperature of a liquid in a tank, the liquid including at least water; using the sensed temperature to generate a dispensing signal indicative of an amount of dishwashing agent to be dispensed; dispensing the dishwashing agent into the liquid; using the dispensing signal to control the amount of dishwashing agent dispensed into the liquid; and spraying the liquid onto the objects after the dishwashing agent has been dispensed into the liquid. The dishwashing agent may include a detergent, a rinse aid, and / or any chemical or combination of chemicals dispensed during a wash cycle of the dishwasher.

[0008] This Summary is an overview of some of the teachings of the present application and is not intended to be an exclusive or exhaustive treatment of the present subject matter. Further details regarding the present subject matter are found in the detailed description and appended claims. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] The drawings generally illustrate, by way of example, various embodiments discussed in the present document. The drawings are for illustration purposes only and may not be to scale.

[0010] [Figure 1A] 1A shows an embodiment of a dishwasher, and FIG. 1A is a front view. [Figure 1B] 1A and 1B show an embodiment of a dishwasher, with FIG. 1B being a side view of the dishwasher with the hood closed. [Figure 1C] 1A and 1B show an embodiment of a dishwasher, with FIG. 1C being a side view with the hood open. [Figure 1D] 1A and 1B show an embodiment of a dishwasher, with FIG. 1D being a top view.

[0011] [Figure 2] 1A-1D with example accessories.

[0012] [Figure 3] 1A-1D are diagrams of an embodiment of a hydraulic system for the dishwasher of FIG. 1A-1D.

[0013] [Figure 4] FIG. 1B is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a dishwashing agent dispensing system for a dishwasher, such as the dishwasher of FIGS. 1A-1D.

[0014] [Figure 5] FIG. 1B is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a dishwashing agent dispensing system for a dishwasher, such as the dishwasher of FIGS. 1A-1D.

[0015] [Figure 6] 1 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method for dispensing dishwashing detergent in a dishwasher. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The following detailed description of the present subject matter refers to subject matter in the accompanying drawings, which show, by way of illustration, specific aspects and embodiments in which the present subject matter may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present subject matter. References in this disclosure to "a," "one," or "various" embodiments do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, and such references contemplate multiple embodiments. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims, along with the full scope of legal equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

[0017] The present subject matter relates to methods and devices for dispensing detergent into a dishwasher and controlling dispensing using temperatures sensed from the dishwasher. As used in this disclosure, a "dishwasher" (also known as a dishwasher, warewasher, or warewasher) may include any type of washing machine capable of using detergent for cleaning and / or sanitizing purposes in a domestic or commercial environment. Items washed in a dishwasher may include dishes, plates, pots and pans, cutlery, flatware, glasses, utensils, serving pans, trays, etc. Such items may be placed in a dishwasher rack within the dishwasher. A "dishwasher rack" (also known as a warewashing rack) may include any rack used in a dishwasher to hold any items to be washed. Unless otherwise stated, "rack" in this disclosure refers to a dishwasher rack. The rack may be an internal part of the dishwasher or a removable accessory suitable for use in a dishwasher. The rack may be a peg rack or an open rack and may have any size and shape suitable for a dishwasher. Each dishwasher may include one or more built-in racks and / or may accommodate one or more removable racks.

[0018] As used in this disclosure, a "wash cycle" of a dishwasher may include various operating periods, such as one or more of a descaling period, a washing period, a rinsing period, and a drying period, depending on the availability of the respective operating modes in the dishwasher and the settings entered by the user of the dishwasher. "Washing" may include washing only, sanitizing only, washing and sanitizing, descaling and washing, or descaling, washing, and sanitizing. A "descaling period" includes a period or operating mode during which a descaling solution formed by water and a descaling agent is intended to be applied to objects to be washed. A "washing period" includes a period or operating mode during which a washing solution formed by water and a detergent is intended to be applied to objects to be washed. A "rinsing period" includes a period or operating mode during which water, or a rinse solution formed by water and a rinse aid and / or sanitizing agent, is intended to be applied to objects to be washed. Some dishwashers (e.g., commercially available dishwashers) may include a rinse period primarily for sanitizing by thermal and / or chemical means. The descaling agents, detergents, rinse aids, and sanitizers may each be a chemical or mixture of chemicals in liquid or solid form. A "drying period" includes a period or mode of operation intended to dry washed objects by airflow and / or heat without the application of additional water and / or chemicals.

[0019] The trend toward franchising food service businesses is driving the need for store downsizing while maximizing store floor space utilization and diversifying kitchen equipment. Stores (e.g., restaurants) may face the challenge of increasing their use of electrically powered equipment without increasing the capacity of their existing power systems. The power available to operate dishwashers, an electrical appliance commonly used in restaurants or other food service establishments, may be limited while ensuring that the dishwasher's cleaning effectiveness is not compromised.

[0020] In conventional dishwashers, limited power consumption means that when operated continuously, the wash water sprayed onto items cannot reach a temperature at which the dishwasher detergent can provide the expected cleaning power. This can cause food safety and customer satisfaction issues. The operation of such existing dishwashers may require manual addition of detergent to the detergent dispenser within the dishwasher before starting each wash cycle. The amount of detergent may be manually controlled, and therefore, each wash cycle is inaccurate and inconsistent across wash cycles. An excessive amount can unnecessarily increase cleaning costs and leave residue on items being washed. An insufficient amount can leave items soiled. While detergent cleaning power is known to be temperature-dependent, the amount of detergent when manually controlled is typically not easily adjusted based on the water temperature within the dishwasher. This can result in inefficient use of the detergent's cleaning power.

[0021] In such situations, practices include increasing the amount of detergent dispensed for each laundry load during each wash cycle to compensate for the detergent's reduced cleaning power at lower temperatures. This may involve manually increasing the amount of detergent dispensed into the dishwasher's dispenser before each wash cycle begins if the wash mixture temperature is expected to fall below a certain range. However, this practice has several drawbacks. First, increased detergent usage increases the dishwasher's operating costs. Second, there is a limit beyond which higher concentrations no longer improve cleaning effectiveness. In addition, increasing the detergent concentration increases the risk of detergent residue on the items being washed.

[0022] Therefore, there is a need to automatically and intelligently control detergent dispensing to provide a dishwasher with consistent cleaning results in an efficient manner, taking into account the chemical properties of the detergent, including its temperature dependency. Being efficient can include ensuring cleaning effectiveness while maintaining or reducing the power consumption of the dishwasher.

[0023] The present subject matter can provide a dishwasher with automatic, dynamic adjustment of the amount of chemicals (e.g., detergent and / or rinse aid) dispensed based on a sensed temperature from the dishwasher. The sensed temperature can represent or otherwise indicate the temperature of the chemicals during operation. This adjustment can increase the efficiency with which the cleaning power of the detergent and / or the surfactant power of the rinse aid are utilized at the instantaneous temperature. In various embodiments, an optimal concentration of the chemicals can be determined as a function of temperature, and the amount of chemicals dispensed can be controlled to maintain the chemical concentration near the optimal concentration for the instantaneous sensed temperature.

[0024] The present subject matter can be applied to dishwashers to meet or exceed cleaning requirements using appropriate amounts of detergent and / or rinse aid at various levels of water temperature. By reducing the amount of detergent and / or rinse aid used in each wash cycle while ensuring cleaning effectiveness by better utilizing temperature-dependent chemical properties, application of the present subject matter can reduce costs and other risks (e.g., chemical residue and / or power capacity overages) associated with using excessive amounts of detergent and / or elevated water temperatures.

[0025] While application in a dishwasher is discussed as an example of the present subject matter and is not limiting, the present system for temperature-controlled dispensing of detergent and / or rinse aid can be applied to any washing machine that uses chemicals with temperature-dependent properties.

[0026] 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D are diagrams of an embodiment of a dishwasher 100. As shown in FIGS. 1A-1D and discussed as an example for illustrative but not limiting purposes, the dishwasher 100 is a hood-type dishwasher that includes a hood 102 for covering a wash chamber (also known as a main wash chamber) 101 during each wash cycle. A hood lift handle 103 can be raised by a user to open the hood 102 to place items to be washed in the wash chamber 101 before a wash cycle, lowered by a user to close the hood 102 and cover the wash chamber 101 before starting a wash cycle, and raised by a user to open the hood 102 to remove items that have been washed after the wash cycle is complete. A hood lock 104 attached to the hood 102 automatically locks when a wash cycle begins to prevent the hood 102 from accidentally opening during the wash cycle. FIG. 1A shows a front view of the dishwasher 100 when the hood 102 is closed. Figure 1B shows a side view of the dishwasher 100 when the hood 102 is closed. Figure 1C shows a side view of the dishwasher 100 when the hood 102 is open. Figure 1D shows a top view of the dishwasher 100.

[0027] Dishwasher 100 includes dispenser 105 containing various chemicals for dispensing during different periods of the wash cycle. Each chemical may be in liquid or solid form, and dispenser 105 is configured to accommodate the liquid and / or solid forms of each chemical depending on the form of the chemical that is available and intended for use. Each chemical in dispenser 105 is refillable. In one example, dishwasher 100 can perform a wash cycle that includes a descaling period, a wash period, and a rinse period, and dispenser 105 is an all-in-one dispenser that can contain a descaling agent, a detergent, and a rinse aid and can dispense the descaling agent for use during the descaling period, the detergent for use during the wash period, and the rinse aid for use during the rinse period.

[0028] The dishwasher 100 includes a user interface 106 that visually and / or audibly indicates its operating status and allows a user to control its operation. The user interface 106 may include a display screen, such as a touchscreen, that displays the operating status of the dishwasher 100 and can receive commands and other information from the user. The user interface 106 may include a power switch that allows a user to turn the dishwasher 100 on and off. The user interface 106 allows a user to start a wash cycle, optionally after indicating that the user is ready to begin the wash cycle (e.g., after the hood 102 is closed). In one example, the user interface 106 allows a user to select which periods to include in a wash cycle. For example, if dishes are known to be clean but require sanitizing, the user may select only a rinse period. The user may select both a wash period and a rinse period only when the dishes have not indicated a need for descaling. In another example, the user interface 106 is configured (e.g., programmed) to follow sanitation procedures and / or comply with regulations to ensure food safety.

[0029] The dishwasher 100 offers high space and power efficiency to reduce operating costs and / or enable food service facilities to operate under limited space and / or power capacity. For example, the dishwasher 100 includes an internal wastewater recycle system 107 and an internal steam reduction system 111 for recovering thermal energy generated from operation during each wash cycle to heat clean water used in operation. The wastewater recycle system 107 includes a wash tank (also known as a main wash tank) 108 that recycles the hot wash solution sprayed into and returned from the wash chamber 101 during the wash period, and a wastewater tank 109 (also known as an overflow tank) that receives excess hot wash solution from the wash tank 108 as wastewater. A heat exchange module is disposed within the wastewater tank 109 to heat the clean water while cooling the wastewater before it is discharged to a drain (e.g., a drain connected to a building's sewer). The heated clean water is added to the wash tank 108 and a booster tank (also known as a rinse tank) 110 as needed. In the illustrated example, the booster tank 110 receives clean water and a descaling agent to form the descaling liquid that is sprayed into the wash chamber 101 during the descaling period, and clean water and a rinse aid to form the rinse liquid that is sprayed into the wash chamber 101 during the rinsing period. The steam reduction system 111 includes a fan 112 to draw steam from the wash chamber 101 and a condenser 113 located in the steam path to condense the steam while heating the clean water (in addition to recovering heat from the wastewater). The fan 112 blows any remaining steam out of the dishwasher 100.

[0030] The dishwasher 100 may be sized to allow easy operation and maintenance by users 150 cm or taller. The force required to open the hood 102 by lifting the hood lift handle 103 may be approximately 3.5 kg or less. In one example, the wash tank 108 has a capacity of approximately 24 L, the waste tank 108 has a capacity of approximately 12 L, and the booster tank 110 has a capacity of approximately 10 L.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a diagram of an embodiment of a dishwasher 100 with several accessories. As shown in FIG. 2 by way of example, and not by way of limitation, the accessories may include a dirty dish stand 220, a clean dish stand 223, a dishwasher rack 224, and a vent hood 225. The dirty dish stand 220 includes one or more sinks 221 and one or more faucets 222. If necessary or convenient, dishes and / or other objects to be washed can be placed in the sink 221 and pre-washed using water from the faucet 222 before being loaded into the wash chamber 101 (with the hood 102 open). The rack 224 may be placed in the wash chamber 101 when empty, and dishes and / or other objects may be placed in the rack 224 for each wash cycle. After the wash cycle is complete, the loaded rack 224 of washed dishes and / or other objects may be removed from the wash chamber 101 (with the hood 102 open) and placed on the clean dish stand 223 prior to use and / or further dispensing. The vent hood 225 may vent steam blown out of the dishwasher 100 by the fan 112 to the exterior of the building in which the dishwasher 100 is located.

[0032] Figure 3 is a diagram of an embodiment of a hydraulic system 329 of the dishwasher 100. As an illustrative but non-limiting example, as shown in Figure 2, the hydraulic system 329 can support liquid transfer functions during the descaling, washing, and rinsing periods.

[0033] The hydraulic system 329 includes a main water valve 335 (e.g., a solenoid-controlled valve) that can be opened to receive clean water from a water source (e.g., a building's water main). The clean water can be heated in the waste water tank 109 and then sent to the cleaning tank 108 and booster tank 110. Clean water can also be sent to the dispenser 105 through a dispenser valve 336 if needed (e.g., to dissolve one or more chemical agents in solid form).

[0034] During the descaling period, descaling agent is dispensed from dispenser 105 into booster tank 110 to form descaling liquid together with heated clean water in booster tank 110. The descaling liquid is pumped by rinse pump 333 to rinse arms 330. The rinse arms 330 are positioned above and below the wash chamber 101 and rotate to spray descaling liquid from above and below into the wash chamber 101. After passing through the wash chamber 101, the descaling liquid flows into the wash tank 108.

[0035] During the wash period, detergent is dispensed from dispenser 105 into wash tank 108 to form a wash liquid together with heated clean water in wash tank 108. The wash liquid is pumped by wash pump 331 to wash arms 332. Wash arms 332 are positioned above and below wash chamber 101 and rotate to spray wash liquid from above and below into wash chamber 101. After passing through wash chamber 101, the wash liquid returns to wash tank 108.

[0036] During the rinse period, rinse aid is dispensed from dispenser 105 into booster tank 110 to form rinse liquid with heated clean water in booster tank 110. The rinse liquid is pumped by rinse pump 333 to rinse arm 330, which rotates to spray rinse liquid from above and below into wash chamber 101. After passing through wash chamber 101, the rinse liquid flows into wash tank 108.

[0037] Thus, the wash tank 108 collects all the liquid sprayed into the wash chamber 101. When the liquid level in the wash tank 108 exceeds a set threshold, the excess liquid flows into the wastewater tank 109 as wastewater. In an example, as shown in FIG. 3 , the hydraulic system 329 includes a wastewater recycling system that includes a drain valve 337 and two watertight or waterproof seals 338 and 339 for separating the wastewater from the wastewater that is ready to be discharged from the dishwasher 100 down the drain. A drain pump 334 pumps the wastewater from the wastewater recycling system down the drain. When the drain pump 334 is turned off and the drain valve 337 is closed, the wastewater flows from the wash tank 108 into the wastewater tank 109 and then out of the wastewater tank 109 towards the drain at seal 339. When the drain pump 334 is turned on and the drain valve 337 is closed, the wastewater flows into the wastewater tank 109 and then out of the wastewater tank 109 towards the drain at seal 339. When drain valve 337 is closed, wastewater flows out of the wastewater tank 109 (as it is pumped) through a path that includes the drain pump 334 and is directed to the drain at seal 339. When drain valve 337 is open, wastewater flows directly from the cleaning tank to the drain (without flowing through the wastewater tank 109 or the drain pump 334). A heat exchange coil 363 is located within the wastewater tank 109. Clean water flows through the heat exchange coil 363 and is heated by the wastewater before being sent to the cleaning tank 109 or the booster tank 110, while the wastewater is cooled by the clean water before being discharged to the drain.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a dishwasher's dishwashing agent dispensing system 450, such as dishwasher 100. System 450 includes a tank 451, a temperature sensor 452, a chemical dispenser 453, and a dispenser controller 454. Tank 451 can receive water from a clean water source and dishwashing agent from chemical dispenser 453 to form a liquid containing the received water and the received dishwashing agent. The liquid is applied to objects to be washed in the dishwasher. The temperature of the water received from the clean water source can vary within a wide range (e.g., 40-70°C). Temperature sensor 452 can be disposed in tank 451 to sense the temperature of the liquid. Chemical dispenser 453 can dispense dishwashing agent into the liquid, receive a dispense signal indicative of the amount of dishwashing agent to be dispensed, and control the dispense of the dishwashing agent according to the amount. Dispenser controller 454 can receive the sensed temperature from temperature sensor 452 and generate a dispense signal based on the sensed temperature.

[0039] In various embodiments, the dishwashing agent can include any chemical agent used during any portion of a dishwasher's wash cycle. If the chemical agent has temperature-dependent properties, system 454 can be implemented within the dishwasher to control the dispensing of that chemical agent based on the temperature of the liquid to optimize its effectiveness at various temperatures. Examples of chemical agents include descaling agents, detergents, rinse aids, or any combination thereof (e.g., "2-in-1" or "3-in-1" detergents). While detergents and rinse aids are specifically discussed as examples of chemical agents dispensed using system 450, the present subject matter can be applied to any other chemical agent or agents used in dishwashers or other cleaning machines, if such chemical agent or agents have temperature-dependent properties.

[0040] 5 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a dishwasher dishwasher dispensing system 550, such as dishwasher 100. System 550 is an example application of system 450 for dispensing detergent and rinse aid in a dishwasher capable of executing a wash cycle including at least a wash period and a rinse period. In the illustrated embodiment, system 550 includes a detergent dispensing system (wash tank 551A, wash temperature sensor 552A, detergent dispenser 553A, and dispenser controller 554), a rinse aid dispensing system (rinse tank 551B, rinse temperature sensor 552B, rinse aid dispenser 553B, and dispenser controller 554), and a user interface 560 that allows a user to control the operation of the dishwasher, including setting the detergent dispensing system and the rinse aid dispensing system for automatic dispensing operation.

[0041] The wash tank 551A can receive water from a clean water source and detergent from a detergent dispenser 553A to form a wash solution containing water and detergent. A hydraulic system (e.g., hydraulic system 329) of the dishwasher can draw wash solution from the wash tank 551A and spray the wash solution into a wash chamber (e.g., wash chamber 101) of the dishwasher during a wash session. The temperature of the water received from the clean water source can vary within a wide range (e.g., 40-70°C). A wash temperature sensor 552A is disposed in the wash tank 551A and detects a wash temperature indicative of the temperature of the wash solution. An example of the wash temperature sensor 552A is a thermocouple. The detergent dispenser 553A can dispense detergent into the wash solution. The detergent can include any chemical or combination of chemicals suitable for use in a dishwasher during a wash session. In one example, the detergent dispenser 553A can receive a detergent dispensing signal and use the detergent dispensing signal to control the dispense of detergent. The detergent dispense signal can be used to specify the amount of detergent to be dispensed. This amount can be controlled directly with the detergent dispense signal indicating the volume or weight of detergent to be dispensed (e.g., 3 drops or 3 grams), and the detergent dispenser 553A can measure the amount to dispense. Alternatively, the amount can be controlled by controlling the duration of detergent dispense (e.g., 3 seconds), and the detergent dispenser 553A can dispense the detergent while the detergent dispense signal is present.

[0042] The rinse tank 551B can receive water from a clean water source and rinse aid from the rinse aid dispenser 553B to form a rinse solution containing water and rinse aid. The dishwasher's hydraulic system can draw rinse liquid from the rinse tank 551B and spray the rinse liquid into the dishwasher's wash chamber during a rinse period. The rinse temperature sensor 552B is disposed within the rinse tank 551B and detects a rinse temperature indicative of the temperature of the rinse liquid. An example of the rinse temperature sensor 552B is a thermocouple. The rinse aid dispenser 553B can dispense rinse aid into the rinse liquid. The rinse aid can include any chemical or combination of chemicals suitable for use in a dishwasher during a rinse period. In one example, the rinse aid dispenser 553B can receive a rinse aid dispensing signal and use the rinse aid dispensing signal to control the dispensing of the rinse aid. The rinse aid dispensing signal can be used to specify the amount of rinse aid to be dispensed. The amount can be controlled directly by a rinse aid dispense signal indicating the volume or weight of rinse aid to be dispensed (e.g., 3 drops or 3 grams), and rinse aid dispenser 553B can meter that amount for dispensing. Alternatively, the amount can be controlled by controlling the duration of rinse aid dispense (e.g., 3 seconds), and rinse aid dispenser 553B can dispense rinse aid while the rinse aid dispense signal is present.

[0043] Dispenser controller 554 may control the operation of detergent dispenser 553A and rinse aid dispenser 553B. In one example, dispenser controller 554 is part of the main electronic control board of the dishwasher, which may also control the operating mode of the dishwasher (e.g., wash mode during the wash period and rinse mode during the rinse period).

[0044] Dispenser controller 554 can use the wash temperature to control detergent dispenser 553A and the rinse temperature to control rinse aid dispenser 553B. In one example, dispenser controller 554 can use the wash temperature sensed in real time by wash temperature sensor 552A to control detergent dispenser 553A in real time and the rinse temperature sensed in real time by rinse temperature sensor 552B to control rinse aid dispenser 553B in real time.

[0045] The dispenser controller 554 can receive the wash temperature from the wash temperature sensor 552A and generate a detergent dispensing signal based on the wash temperature and the detergent-temperature relationship during the wash period. The detergent-temperature relationship maps a value or range of values ​​for the wash temperature to a value for the amount of detergent dispensed. An example of the detergent-temperature relationship is a lookup table that maps each value or range of values ​​for the wash temperature to a value for the amount of detergent dispensed. The dispenser controller 554 can also receive the rinse temperature from the rinse temperature sensor 552B and generate a rinse aid dispensing signal based on the rinse temperature and the rinse aid-temperature relationship during the rinse period. The rinse aid-temperature relationship maps a value or range of values ​​for the rinse temperature to a value for the amount of rinse aid dispensed. An example of the rinse aid-temperature relationship is a lookup table that maps each value or range of values ​​for the rinse temperature to a value for the amount of rinse aid dispensed. An example of a detergent-temperature or rinse aid-temperature relationship lookup table format is shown in Table 1.

[0046] [Table 1]

[0047] In various examples, the dispenser controller 554 can generate the detergent dispensing signal at the beginning of the wash period, periodically during the wash period, and / or in response to a significant change in the wash temperature during the wash period. A significant change in the wash temperature can include, for example, a decrease in the wash temperature that requires an additional amount of detergent according to the detergent-temperature relationship. The dispenser controller 554 can detect a significant change in the wash temperature and, in response to each detection of a significant change, generate a detergent dispensing signal according to the newly sensed wash temperature. The dispenser controller 554 can also generate a rinse aid dispensing signal at the beginning of the rinse period, periodically during the rinse period, and / or in response to a significant change in the rinse temperature during the rinse period. A significant change in the rinse temperature can include, for example, a decrease in the rinse temperature that requires an additional amount of rinse aid according to the rinse aid-temperature relationship. The dispenser controller 554 can detect a significant change in the rinse temperature and, in response to each detection of a significant change, generate a rinse aid dispensing signal according to the newly sensed rinse temperature.

[0048] The detergent-temperature relationship may be determined for each particular detergent that may be used in the dishwasher, for example, based on the known temperature-dependent characteristics of the particular detergent and / or experimentation. The detergent-temperature relationship may be determined to maximize the detergent's effectiveness at various temperatures that may be encountered during a wash period. The rinse aid-temperature relationship may be determined for each particular rinse aid that may be used in the dishwasher, for example, based on the known temperature-dependent characteristics of the particular rinse aid and / or experimentation. The rinse-temperature relationship may be determined to maximize the rinse aid's effectiveness at various temperatures that may be encountered during a rinse period.

[0049] Controlling the dispense of detergent and rinse aid in accordance with the present inventive subject matter can reduce the risk of incomplete cleaning of washed objects, for example, by reducing food waste residue, detergent residue, and water stains on the objects. Detergent and rinse aid costs can be reduced by precisely controlling the amount of detergent dispensed to provide a detergent concentration that ensures clean objects at the end of each wash cycle (e.g., without food stains or detergent residue), and by precisely controlling the amount of rinse aid dispensed to provide a rinse aid concentration that ensures clean objects at the end of each wash cycle (e.g., without limescale or detergent residue). The duration of the wash period and / or the duration of the rinse period can be shortened due to increased efficiency.

[0050] User interface 560 includes a presentation device 561 and a user input device 562. In one example, user interface 560 includes a touchscreen that functions as both presentation device 561 and user input device 562. Presentation device 561 can present the operational status of the dishwasher (e.g., wash cycle in progress, wash duration, rinse duration, wash cycle complete, etc.), including information specific to the operation of system 550 (e.g., wash temperature, rinse temperature, dispensed detergent, dispensed rinse aid, etc.). User input 562 can receive user commands to operate the dishwasher (e.g., to start a wash cycle) and information for programming the dishwasher. The information for programming the dishwasher can include detergent-temperature relationships and rinse aid-temperature relationships.

[0051] When system 550 is implemented in dishwasher 100, user interface 560 may be included in user interface 106, dispenser controller 554 may be included in dispenser 105 and / or user interface 106, detergent dispenser 553A and rinse aid dispenser 553B may be included in dispenser 105, wash tank 551A may be wash task 108, and rinse tank 551B may be booster tank 110. System 550 provides dishwasher 100 with intelligent control of detergent and rinse aid dispensing to reduce the risk of poor wash results while increasing accuracy and efficiency in chemical usage.

[0052] 6 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method 670 for dispensing dishwashing agents in a dishwasher capable of executing wash cycles each including a wash period and a rinse period for cleaning items. An example of a dishwasher is dishwasher 100. Examples of dishwashing agents include detergents dispensed during the wash period and rinse aids dispensed during the rinse period. Dishwashing agents can be in liquid or solid form when contained in a dispenser.

[0053] At 671, the temperature of the liquid in the tank of the dishwasher. The liquid includes at least water. Examples of tanks include a wash tank (e.g., wash tank 108) if the dishwashing agent is a detergent, or a rinse tank (e.g., booster tank 110) if the dishwashing agent is a rinse aid.

[0054] At 672, a dispense signal is generated using the sensed temperature. The dispense signal indicates the amount of dishwashing agent to be dispensed. The dispense signal can be generated using the sensed temperature and a predetermined agent-temperature relationship between the amount of dishwashing agent to be dispensed and the sensed temperature. The agent-temperature relationship can be in the form of a look-up table that maps each value or range of values ​​of the sensed temperature to a value for the amount of dishwashing agent to be dispensed. The agent-temperature relationship can be determined using known properties of the dishwashing agent and / or experimentation for the dishwashing agent to have a desired effect at each temperature or temperature range or temperatures within the temperature range. The dispense signal can be generated at the start of the wash or rinse period, periodically during the wash or rinse period, or in response to each significant change detected during the wash or rinse period or between wash cycles.

[0055] At 673, the amount of dishwashing agent dispensed into the tank is controlled using a dispense signal. At 674, dishwashing agent is dispensed so that it is added to the liquid, for example, in the tank or at another point in the path of the liquid to be sprayed onto the object. At 675, the liquid is sprayed onto the object after the dishwashing agent has been added to the liquid.

[0056] Method 670 can be performed in real time, including sensing temperature in real time and using the sensed temperature to generate a dispense signal in real time, allowing for dynamic adjustment of the amount of dishwashing agent dispensed based on the instantaneous temperature of the liquid, which can vary considerably during operation of the dishwasher.

[0057] The performance of method 670 has been verified using a prototype device implementing system 550. Plates were used as objects to be cleaned. The plates were checked for cleanliness, dewetting, pinholes, and sheeting after the steps of method 670 were performed. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of the cleaning and rinsing as expected. [Example]

[0058] Some non-limiting examples (Examples 1-22) of the present subject matter are provided below.

[0059] In Example 1, a dishwasher configured to perform a wash cycle, each cycle including a wash period and a rinse period, for cleaning an object is provided. The dishwasher may include a tank, a temperature sensor, a chemical dispenser, and a dispenser controller. The tank may be configured to receive water and dishwashing agent to form a liquid including the received water and the received dishwashing agent. The liquid is applied to the object. The temperature sensor may be configured to be disposed in the tank to sense the temperature of the liquid. The chemical dispenser may be configured to dispense the dishwashing agent into the liquid, receive a dispensing signal indicating an amount of the dishwashing agent to be dispensed, and control the dispensing of the dishwashing agent according to the amount. The dispenser controller may be configured to receive a sensed temperature from the temperature sensor and generate a dispensing signal based on the temperature.

[0060] In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 may optionally be configured such that the dispenser controller is configured to receive a sensed temperature from a temperature sensor and to control the drug dispenser in real time using the received temperature.

[0061] In Example 3, the subject matter of Example 2 may optionally be configured such that the agent dispenser is configured to control the dispensing of the dishwashing agent by controlling the duration of the dispensing of the dishwashing agent.

[0062] In Example 4, the subject matter of Example 2 may optionally be configured such that the agent dispenser is configured to control the dispensing of the dishwashing agent by controlling the volume or weight of the dishwashing agent dispensed.

[0063] In Example 5, the subject matter of Example 2 may optionally be configured such that the dispenser controller is configured to generate a dispensing signal based on a sensed temperature and a predetermined agent-temperature relationship between the amount of dishwashing agent dispensed and the sensed temperature.

[0064] In Example 6, the subject matter of Example 5 may optionally be configured such that the dispenser controller is configured to generate a dispensing signal based on the sensed temperature and a lookup table that maps each value or range of values ​​of the sensed temperature to a value for the amount of dishwashing agent to be dispensed.

[0065] In Example 7, the subject matter of Example 5 may optionally be configured to further include a user interface configured to receive the medication-temperature relationship.

[0066] In Example 8, the subject matter of any one or any combination of Examples 1-7 may optionally be configured such that the dishwashing agent includes a detergent to be dispensed during a wash period, the tank includes a wash tank configured to receive water and the detergent to form a liquid wash liquid, the temperature sensor includes a wash temperature sensor disposed in the wash tank and configured to sense a wash temperature, which is the temperature of the wash liquid, and the agent dispenser includes a detergent dispenser configured to dispense the detergent into the wash liquid, receive a detergent dispensing signal indicative of an amount of detergent to be dispensed, and control the dispensing of the detergent according to the amount, whereby the dispenser controller is configured to receive the sensed wash temperature from the wash temperature sensor and generate the detergent dispensing signal based on the sensed wash temperature during the wash period.

[0067] In Example 9, the subject matter of Example 8 may optionally be configured such that the dishwashing agent further includes a rinse aid to be dispensed during a rinse period, the tank further includes a rinse tank configured to receive water and the rinse aid to form a liquid rinse liquid, the temperature sensor further includes a rinse temperature sensor configured to be disposed in the rinse tank to sense a rinse temperature, the rinse temperature being the temperature of the rinse aid, and the agent dispenser further includes a rinse aid dispenser configured to dispense the rinse aid into the rinse liquid, receive a rinse aid dispensing signal indicative of an amount of the rinse aid to be dispensed, and control the dispensing of the rinse aid according to the amount, whereby the dispenser controller is further configured to receive the sensed rinse temperature from the rinse temperature sensor and generate the rinse aid dispensing signal based on the sensed rinse temperature during the rinse period.

[0068] In Example 10, the subject matter of any one or any combination of Examples 1-7 may optionally be configured such that the dishwashing agent includes a rinse aid that is dispensed during a rinse period; the tank includes a rinse tank configured to receive water and the rinse aid to form a liquid rinse liquid; the temperature sensor includes a rinse temperature sensor configured to be disposed in the rinse tank to sense a rinse temperature, which is a temperature of the rinse aid; and the agent dispenser includes a rinse aid dispenser configured to dispense the rinse aid into the rinse liquid, receive a rinse aid dispensing signal indicative of an amount of the rinse aid to be dispensed, and control the dispensing of the rinse aid according to the amount, whereby the dispenser controller is configured to receive the sensed rinse temperature from the rinse temperature sensor and generate the rinse aid dispensing signal based on the sensed rinse temperature during the rinse period.

[0069] In Example 11, a method of operating a dishwasher is also provided. The dishwasher is configured to perform wash cycles, each including a wash period and a rinse period, to clean objects. The method may include sensing a temperature of a liquid in a tank, the liquid including at least water; using the sensed temperature to generate a dispensing signal indicative of an amount of dishwashing agent to be dispensed; dispensing the dishwashing agent into the liquid; controlling the amount of dishwashing agent dispensed into the liquid using the dispensing signal; and spraying the liquid onto the objects after the dishwashing agent has been dispensed into the liquid.

[0070] In Example 12, subject matter that senses temperature as in Example 11 may optionally include sensing the temperature in real time. Subject matter that generates a dispensing signal using the sensed temperature as in Example 11 may optionally include generating a dispensing signal in real time using the sensed temperature.

[0071] In Example 13, the subject matter of generating a dispensing signal as in Example 11 may optionally include generating the dispensing signal using a sensed temperature and a predetermined agent-temperature relationship between the amount of dishwashing agent dispensed and the sensed temperature.

[0072] In Example 14, the agent-temperature relationship as found in Example 13 may optionally include a lookup table that maps each value or range of values ​​of the sensed temperature to a value for the amount of dishwashing agent to be dispensed.

[0073] In Example 15, the subject matter of Example 14 may optionally further include, for each temperature or temperature range of the plurality of temperatures or temperature ranges, determining an agent-temperature relationship for the dishwashing agent to achieve a desired effect at that temperature or temperature range.

[0074] In Example 16, the subject matter of generating a dispensing signal as in Example 11 may optionally include detecting significant changes in the sensed temperature and generating a dispensing signal in response to each detection of a significant change.

[0075] In Example 17, the dishwashing agent dispensing theme as in Example 11 may optionally include dispensing a solid dishwashing agent.

[0076] In Example 18, the dishwashing agent dispensing theme as in Example 11 may optionally include dispensing liquid dishwashing agent.

[0077] In Example 19, the dishwashing formulation as in any one or any combination of Examples 11-18 may optionally include a detergent.

[0078] In Example 20, a dishwashing agent as in Example 19 may optionally include a rinse aid.

[0079] In Example 21, the temperature sensing subject matter as in Example 19 may optionally include sensing a wash temperature of the wash liquid in the wash tank. The dispensing signal generating subject matter as in Example 19 may optionally include using the sensed wash temperature during a wash period to generate a detergent dispensing signal, the detergent dispensing signal indicating an amount of detergent to be dispensed. The dishwashing detergent dispensing subject matter as in Example 19 may optionally include dispensing the detergent into the wash liquid. The dishwashing detergent controlling subject matter as in Example 19 may optionally include using the detergent dispensing signal to control an amount of detergent dispensed into the wash liquid. The liquid spraying subject matter as in Example 19 may optionally include spraying the wash liquid onto an object during a wash period after the detergent has been dispensed into the wash liquid.

[0080] In Example 22, the dishwashing agent as found in any one or any combination of Examples 11-18 may optionally include a rinse aid. The temperature sensing subject matter as found in any one or any combination of Examples 11-18 may optionally include sensing a rinse temperature of the rinse liquid in the rinse tank. The dispensing signal generating subject matter as found in any one or any combination of Examples 11-18 may optionally include generating a rinse aid dispensing signal using the sensed rinse temperature during the rinse period, the rinse aid dispensing signal indicating an amount of rinse aid dispensed. The dishwashing agent dispensing subject matter as found in any one or any combination of Examples 11-18 may optionally include dispensing the rinse aid into the rinse liquid. The dishwashing agent controlling the amount of dishwashing agent dispensed into the tank as found in any one or any combination of Examples 11-18 may optionally include controlling the amount of rinse aid dispensed into the rinse liquid using the rinse aid dispensing signal. The liquid spraying subject matter as found in any one or any combination of Examples 11-18 may optionally include spraying the rinse liquid onto the object during the rinse period after the rinse aid has been dispensed into the rinse liquid.

[0081] This application is intended to cover adaptations or variations of the present subject matter. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not limiting. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of legal equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

1. 1. A dishwasher configured to perform wash cycles, each wash cycle including a wash period and a rinse period for cleaning objects, the dishwasher comprising: a tank configured to receive water and dishwashing agent to form a liquid comprising the received water and the received dishwashing agent, the liquid being applied to the object; a temperature sensor configured to be disposed within the tank to sense a temperature of the liquid; a chemical dispenser configured to dispense the dishwashing agent into the liquid, receive a dispensing signal indicative of an amount of the dishwashing agent to be dispensed, and control the dispensing of the dishwashing agent in accordance with the amount; a dispenser controller configured to receive the sensed temperature from the temperature sensor and generate the dispensing signal based on the temperature.

2. 10. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein the dispenser controller is configured to receive the sensed temperature from the temperature sensor and to control the agent dispenser in real time using the received temperature.

3. 3. The dishwasher of claim 2, wherein the chemical dispenser is configured to control the dispensing of the dishwashing agent by controlling the duration of the dispensing of the dishwashing agent.

4. 3. The dishwasher of claim 2, wherein the chemical dispenser is configured to control the dispensing of the dishwashing agent by controlling the volume or weight of the dishwashing agent dispensed.

5. 3. The dishwasher of claim 2, wherein the dispenser controller is configured to generate the dispensing signal based on the sensed temperature and a predetermined agent-temperature relationship between the amount of the dishwashing agent dispensed and the sensed temperature.

6. 6. The dishwasher of claim 5, wherein the dispenser controller is configured to generate the dispensing signal based on the sensed temperature and a look-up table that maps each value or range of values ​​of the sensed temperature to a value for the amount of dishwashing agent to be dispensed.

7. The dishwasher of claim 5, further comprising a user interface configured to receive the agent-temperature relationship.

8. the dishwashing formula includes a detergent that is dispensed during the wash period; the tank includes a cleaning tank configured to receive the water and the detergent to form the liquid cleaning solution; the temperature sensor includes a wash temperature sensor configured to be disposed in the washing tank to detect a wash temperature, which is the temperature of the washing liquid; the agent dispenser includes a detergent dispenser configured to dispense the cleaning agent into the cleaning liquor, receive a detergent dispensing signal indicative of an amount of the detergent to be dispensed, and control the dispensing of the detergent in accordance with the amount; 8. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein the dispenser controller is configured to receive the sensed wash temperature from the wash temperature sensor and generate the detergent dispensing signal based on the sensed wash temperature during the wash period.

9. the dishwashing formula further comprises a rinse aid dispensed during the rinse period; the tank further includes a rinse tank configured to receive the water and the rinse aid to form the liquid rinse; the temperature sensor further includes a rinse temperature sensor configured to be disposed in the rinse tank to sense a rinse temperature, the temperature of the rinse aid; the agent dispenser further includes a rinse aid dispenser configured to dispense the rinse aid into the rinse liquid, receive a rinse aid dispensing signal indicative of an amount of the rinse aid to be dispensed, and control the dispensing of the rinse aid in accordance with the amount; 9. The dishwasher of claim 8, wherein the dispenser controller is further configured to receive the sensed rinse temperature from the rinse temperature sensor and generate the rinse aid dispensing signal based on the sensed rinse temperature during the rinse period.

10. the dishwashing formula includes a rinse aid that is dispensed during the rinse period; the tank includes a rinse tank configured to receive the water and the rinse aid to form the liquid rinse; the temperature sensor includes a rinse temperature sensor configured to be disposed in the rinse tank to sense a rinse temperature, which is the temperature of the rinse aid; the agent dispenser includes a rinse aid dispenser configured to dispense the rinse aid into the rinse liquid, receive a rinse aid dispensing signal indicative of an amount of the rinse aid to be dispensed, and control the dispensing of the rinse aid in accordance with the amount; 8. The dishwasher of claim 1, wherein the dispenser controller is configured to receive the sensed rinse temperature from the rinse temperature sensor and generate the rinse aid dispensing signal based on the sensed rinse temperature during the rinse period.

11. 1. A method of operating a dishwasher configured to perform wash cycles, each wash cycle including a wash period and a rinse period for cleaning objects, comprising: The method comprises: sensing a temperature of a liquid in a tank, said liquid comprising at least water; generating a dispensing signal using the sensed temperature, the dispensing signal indicative of an amount of dishwashing agent to be dispensed; dispensing said dishwashing agent into said liquid; using the dispensing signal to control the amount of dishwashing agent dispensed into the liquid; and After the dishwashing agent is dispensed into the liquid, spraying the liquid onto the object.

12. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein sensing the temperature comprises sensing the temperature in real time, and generating the dispense signal using the sensed temperature comprises generating the dispense signal using the sensed temperature in real time.

13. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein generating the dispensing signal includes generating the dispensing signal using the sensed temperature and a predetermined agent-temperature relationship between the amount of the dishwashing agent dispensed and the sensed temperature.

14. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the agent-temperature relationship comprises a look-up table that maps each value or range of values ​​of the sensed temperature to a value for the amount of the dishwashing agent to be dispensed.

15. 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising determining, for each temperature or temperature range of a plurality of temperatures or temperature ranges, the agent-temperature relationship for the dishwashing agent to achieve a desired effect at that temperature or temperature range.

16. generating the distribution signals detecting a significant change in the sensed temperature; and The method of claim 11 , comprising generating the distribution signal in response to each detection of the significant change.

17. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein dispensing the dishwashing product comprises dispensing a solid dishwashing product.

18. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein dispensing the dishwashing product comprises dispensing a liquid dishwashing product.

19. The method of any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein the dishwashing agent comprises a detergent.

20. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the dishwashing formulation further comprises a rinse aid.

21. sensing the temperature includes sensing a wash temperature of a wash fluid in a wash tank; generating the dispensing signal includes generating a detergent dispensing signal using the sensed wash temperature during the wash period, the detergent dispensing signal indicative of an amount of detergent dispensed; dispensing the dishwashing product includes dispensing the detergent into the wash liquor; controlling the amount of dishwashing detergent dispensed into the tank includes controlling the amount of detergent dispensed into the wash liquor using the detergent dispense signal; and 20. The method of claim 19, wherein spraying the liquid comprises spraying the cleaning liquid onto the object during the cleaning period after the detergent has been dispensed into the cleaning liquid.

22. the dishwashing formulation comprises a rinse aid; sensing the temperature includes sensing a rinse temperature of a rinse liquid in a rinse tank; generating the dispensing signal includes generating a rinse aid dispensing signal using the sensed rinse temperature during the rinse period, the rinse aid dispensing signal indicative of an amount of rinse aid dispensed; dispensing the dishwashing agent includes dispensing the rinse aid into the rinse liquor; controlling the amount of dishwashing agent dispensed into the tank includes using the rinse aid dispense signal to control the amount of rinse aid dispensed into the rinse liquid; 19. The method of any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein spraying the liquid comprises spraying the rinse liquid onto the object during the rinsing period after the rinse aid has been dispensed into the rinse liquid.

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