Automatic scale removal system for dishwashers

Abstract

Using the systems and methods disclosed herein, the components of a dishwasher are automatically descaled. The automatic descaling logic causes the dishwasher to inject a descaling agent. When the automatic descaling process is initiated, the descaling agent is pumped into the dishwasher's water tank. Water is added to the descaling agent, and the temperature of the water / descaling agent mixture is raised to a predetermined temperature by a heater. After reaching the predetermined temperature, the mixture is maintained in the water tank for a predetermined time, allowing the descaling agent to act on the surface of the water tank. After the predetermined time has elapsed, the mixture is moved from the water tank to the wash tank. The wash cycle is started, and the mixture is applied to the surface of the wash tank.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Generally, a dishwasher implements a hydraulic system including a pump, water lines, etc. for circulating water / fluid through a spray arm or other water distribution supply of the dishwasher to clean the dishes therein in a continuous or intermittent manner. A typical dishwasher procedure may include a wash program for circulating wash water containing detergent around the dishes via a spray arm or other water distribution supply of the dishwasher. Subsequently, a rinse program for circulating clean rinse water around the dishes via the same or a different spray arm may be provided. At least a portion of the wash water and rinse water is heated to various predetermined levels (e.g., the wash water is generally heated to a temperature higher than 55°C and the rinse water is generally heated to a temperature of 82°C or higher) to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the dishwasher and, in the case of the rinse water, also to ensure proper disinfection of the dishes. A rinse aid may usually be added to the rinse water to facilitate removal of the detergent from the dishes.

[0002] However, during the use of a dishwasher, insoluble solid limestone (calcium carbonate: CaCO3) is typically formed within the hydraulic system and / or inside the dishwasher that is exposed to the wash / rinse water. The deposition of limestone is exacerbated by an increase in the temperature of the wash / rinse water. In this regard, raising the temperature of the wash / rinse water reduces the level of carbon dioxide dissolved therein. Thus, the reduction in dissolved carbon dioxide causes increased deposition of limestone, which may result in deposits of limestone on the dishes, inside the water lines, and on the inner walls of the dishwasher. Further, the precipitation of limestone on the heating element of the boiler used to heat the rinse water affects its lifespan and the overall power consumption of the dishwasher, and the deposition of limestone causes an increased rate of deterioration of the heating element due to an increase in power consumption for heating the rinse water and an increase in its surface temperature.

[0003] Furthermore, due to the thermal shocks endured by various dishwasher programs, limestone tends to flake off as scale. Such limestone scale can enter the circulation throughout the hydraulic system and clog the spray nozzles of the spray arms. In addition, limestone deposits can form a strong insulator that slows down heat exchange between the boiler heating element and the rinse water. Moreover, deposit formation can reduce the cross-section of the water line, resulting in lower water flow rates for the dishwasher's requirements. Finally, pumps with deposits on their components (e.g., circulation / drain pumps) require increased power to overcome the increased weight and friction, and are therefore at risk of failure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0004] The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and similar numbers may represent similar components in different drawings. Similar numbers with different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The drawings generally illustrate, rather than limit, the various embodiments discussed in this document. [Figure 1A] This is an illustrative diagram of an embodiment of a dishwasher. Figure 1A shows a front view, Figure 1B shows a side view with the dishwasher hood closed, Figure 1C shows a side view with the hood open, and Figure 1D shows a top view. [Figure 1B] This is an illustrative diagram of an embodiment of a dishwasher. Figure 1A shows a front view, Figure 1B shows a side view with the dishwasher hood closed, Figure 1C shows a side view with the hood open, and Figure 1D shows a top view. [Figure 1C] This is an illustrative diagram of an embodiment of a dishwasher. Figure 1A shows a front view, Figure 1B shows a side view with the dishwasher hood closed, Figure 1C shows a side view with the hood open, and Figure 1D shows a top view. [Figure 1D] This is an illustrative diagram of an embodiment of a dishwasher. Figure 1A shows a front view, Figure 1B shows a side view with the dishwasher hood closed, Figure 1C shows a side view with the hood open, and Figure 1D shows a top view. [Figure 2]Figures 1A to 1D are illustrative diagrams illustrating an embodiment of the dishwasher, along with examples of accessories. [Figure 3] Figures 1A to 1D are illustrative diagrams illustrating an embodiment of the hydraulic system of a dishwasher. [Figure 4] A schematic diagram illustrating a dishwasher's washing tank, which receives water from a water supply unit and scale remover from a scale remover supply unit, is provided as an example of several exemplary embodiments. [Figure 5] This section illustrates exemplary user interfaces for configuring automatic scale removal options using several exemplary embodiments. [Figure 6] This document illustrates exemplary methods for automatic scale removal through several exemplary embodiments. [Figure 7] This document illustrates exemplary flowcharts for automatic scale removal using several exemplary embodiments. [Figure 8] A block diagram illustrating an exemplary machine according to one embodiment of this subject will be provided as an example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0005] Manual descaling of dishwashers involves the use of strong acidic detergents, which pose a safety risk during use. To perform manual descaling, the internal components of the dishwasher are removed so they can be cleaned by hand.

[0006] Using the systems and methods disclosed herein, dishwasher components are automatically descaled. Automatic descaling logic causes the dishwasher to inject a descaling agent. Existing dishwasher components for heating water, filling tanks, and spraying water to wash items inside the dishwasher are used to distribute the descaling agent into the dishwasher and to descale the dishwasher components.

[0007] When the automatic descaling process is initiated, the descaling agent is pumped into the dishwasher's water tank. Water is added to the descaling agent, and the temperature of the water / descaling agent mixture is raised to a predetermined temperature by a heater. After reaching the predetermined temperature, the mixture is maintained in the water tank for a predetermined time, allowing the descaling agent to act on the surface of the water tank.

[0008] After a predetermined time has elapsed, the mixture is moved from the water tank to the cleaning tank. The cleaning cycle is started, and the mixture is applied to the surface of the cleaning tank. Additional water may be added to the water tank, the cleaning tank, or both to further dilute the water / descaler mixture, and the dissolved CaCO3 and descaler may be rinsed out of the water tank, the cleaning tank, or both. After a second predetermined period, the water (and any remaining descaler) is drained from the cleaning tank, and the descaling process is completed.

[0009] Figures 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D are illustrative diagrams of an embodiment of dishwasher 100. As shown in Figures 1A to 1D and considered as illustrative but not limiting examples, dishwasher 100 is a hood-type dishwasher that includes a hood 102 for covering a washing chamber (also known as a main washing chamber) 101 during each washing cycle. A hood lifting handle 103 can be raised by the user to open the hood 102 to place items to be washed into the washing chamber 101 before a washing cycle, lowered by the user to close the hood 102 and cover the washing chamber 101 before starting a washing cycle, and raised by the user to open the hood 102 to remove washed items after the washing cycle is complete. A hood lock 104 attached to the hood 102 automatically locks when a washing cycle starts to prevent the hood 102 from opening accidentally during a washing cycle. Figure 1A shows a front view of dishwasher 100 with the hood 102 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.

[0010] The dishwasher 100 includes a dispenser 105 that contains various chemicals for dispensing during different periods of the washing cycle. Each chemical may be in liquid or solid form, and the dispenser 105 is configured to accommodate each chemical in liquid and / or solid form, depending on the form of the chemical that is available and intended to be used. Each chemical in the dispenser 105 is refillable. In one example, the dishwasher 100 can perform a washing cycle that includes a descaling period, a washing period, and a rinsing period, and the dispenser 105 is an integrated dispenser that can contain a descaling agent, a detergent, and a rinsing aid, and can dispense the descaling agent for use during the descaling period, the detergent for use during the washing period, and the rinsing aid for use during the rinsing period.

[0011] The dishwasher 100 includes a user interface 106 that visually and / or audibly indicates its operating status and allows the 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 for the user to turn the dishwasher 100 on and off. The user interface 106 allows the user to start a wash cycle after indicating to the user that it is ready to start a wash cycle (e.g., after the hood 102 is closed). In one example, the user interface 106 allows the user to select which periods to include in the wash cycle. For example, if the dishes are known to be clean but require disinfection, the user may select only the rinse period. The user may select both the wash and rinse periods only when there is no indication that descaling of the dishes is necessary. In another example, the user interface 106 is configured (e.g., programmed) to comply with regulations to follow hygienic procedures and / or ensure food safety.

[0012] The dishwasher 100 provides 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 recycling system 107 and an internal steam reduction system 111 for recovering thermal energy generated from operation during each wash cycle to heat the clean water used in operation. The wastewater recycling system 107 includes a wash tank (also known as a main wash tank) 108 that recycles the hot wash liquid sprayed into the wash chamber 101 during the wash period and returning therefrom, and a wastewater tank 109 (also known as an overflow tank) that receives excess hot wash liquid from the wash tank 108 as wastewater. A heat exchange module is located in the wastewater tank 109 to heat the clean water while cooling the wastewater before it is discharged into a drainpipe (e.g., a drainpipe connected to the 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 a descaling solution that is sprayed into the washing chamber 101 during the descaling period, and clean water and a rinsing aid to form a rinsing solution that is sprayed into the washing chamber 101 during the rinsing period. The steam reduction system 111 includes a fan 112 for drawing steam out of the washing 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 out the remaining steam from the dishwasher 100.

[0013] The dishwasher 100 can be sized to allow for easy operation and maintenance by users who are 150 cm or taller. The force required to open the hood 102 by lifting the hood lifting handle 103 may be approximately 3.5 kg or less. For example, the washing tank 108 has a capacity of approximately 24 L, the wastewater tank 108 has a capacity of approximately 12 L, and the booster tank 110 has a capacity of approximately 10 L.

[0014] Figure 2 is an illustrative diagram of an embodiment of a dishwasher 100 with several accessories. As shown in Figure 2 as an illustrative but not limiting example, the accessories may include a dirty dish stand 220, a clean dish stand 223, a dishwasher rack 224, and a ventilation hood 225. The dirty dish stand 220 includes one or more sinks 221 and one or more faucets 222. Where necessary or convenient, dishes and / or other items to be washed can be placed in the sink 221 and pre-washed using water from the faucets 222 before being placed in the washing chamber 101 (with the hood 102 open). The rack 224 may be placed in the washing chamber 101 when empty, and dishes and / or other items may be placed in the rack 224 for each washing cycle. After the washing cycle is complete, the rack 224 containing the washed dishes and / or other items may be removed from the washing chamber 101 (with the hood 102 open) and placed in the clean dish stand 223 before use and / or further distribution. The ventilation hood 225 can release the steam blown out of the dishwasher 100 by the fan 112 to the outside of the building where the dishwasher 100 is located.

[0015] Figure 3 is an illustrative diagram of an embodiment of the hydraulic system 329 of the dishwasher 100. As shown in Figure 3, the hydraulic system 329 can support liquid movement functions during the descaling, washing, and rinsing periods, although this is for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes.

[0016] The hydraulic system 329 includes a main water valve 335 (e.g., an electromagnetically controlled valve) that can be opened to receive clean water from a water source (e.g., the building's main water supply). The clean water may be heated in the wastewater tank 109 and then sent to the washing tank 108 and the booster tank 110. Alternatively, if necessary (e.g., to dissolve one or more chemicals in solid form), the clean water may also be sent to the dispenser 105 through the dispenser valve 336.

[0017] During the descaling period, the descaling agent is dispensed from the dispenser 105 into the booster tank 110, where it combines with heated clean water to form a descaling solution. The descaling solution is pumped to the rinsing arm 330 by the rinsing pump 333. The rinsing arm 330 is positioned above and below the cleaning chamber 101 and rotates to spray the descaling solution into the cleaning chamber 101 from above and below. After passing through the cleaning chamber 101, the descaling solution flows into the cleaning tank 108.

[0018] During the cleaning process, detergent is dispensed from the dispenser 105 into the cleaning tank 108, where it combines with heated clean water to form a cleaning solution. The cleaning solution is pumped to the cleaning arm 332 by the cleaning pump 331. The cleaning arm 332 is positioned above and below the cleaning chamber 101 and rotates to spray the cleaning solution into the cleaning chamber 101 from above and below. After passing through the cleaning chamber 101, the cleaning solution returns to the cleaning tank 108.

[0019] During the rinsing period, the rinsing aid is dispensed from the dispenser 105 into the booster tank 110 and combined with the heated clean water in the booster tank 110 to form the rinsing solution. The rinsing solution is pumped to the rinsing arm 330 by the rinsing pump 333. The rinsing arm 330 rotates and sprays the rinsing solution into the washing chamber 101 from above and below. After passing through the washing chamber 101, the rinsing solution flows into the washing tank 108.

[0020] Therefore, the cleaning tank 108 collects all the liquid sprayed within the cleaning chamber 101. When the liquid level in the cleaning tank 108 exceeds a set threshold value, the excess liquid flows into the waste water tank 109 as waste water. In the example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the hydraulic system 329 includes a waste water recycling system including a drain valve 337 and two watertight or waterproof seals 338 and 339 for separating the waste water from the drain water (waste water that is ready to be discharged from the dishwasher 100 to the drain pipe). The drain pump 334 pumps the drain water from the waste water recycling system to the drain pipe. When the drain pump 334 is turned off and the drain valve 337 is closed, the waste water flows from the cleaning tank 108 into the waste water tank 109, then flows out of the waste water tank 109 and towards the drain pipe at the seal 339. When the drain pump 334 is turned on and the drain valve 337 is closed, the waste water flows out of the waste water tank 109 through a path including the drain pump 334 (pumped) and towards the drain pipe at the seal 339. When the drain valve 337 is open, the waste water flows directly from the cleaning tank to the drain pipe without flowing through the waste water tank 109 or the drain pump 334. The heat exchange coil 363 is disposed within the waste water tank 109. The clean water flows through the heat exchange coil 363 and is heated by the waste water before being sent to the cleaning tank 109 or the booster tank 110, while the waste water is cooled by the clean water before being discharged to the drain pipe.

[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram 400 of a cleaning tank 410 of a dishwasher that receives water from a water supply section 430 and receives a scale remover from a scale remover supply section 440, supplied from a rinsing tank 420. Also shown in the schematic diagram 400 are valves 450, 460, and 470, and a pump 480.

[0022] To execute a cleaning cycle, water from the water supply unit 430 can enter the rinse tank 420 by opening the valve 470. A sensor within the rinse tank 420 determines the amount of water within the rinse tank 420. When a predetermined amount of water for the cleaning cycle is present within the rinse tank 420, the valve 470 is closed and the valve 460 is opened to transfer the predetermined amount of water to the cleaning tank 410. When the cleaning cycle is completed, the cleaning tank 410 is drained by opening the valve 450.

[0023] To perform an automatic scale removal operation, the scale remover is pumped from the scale remover supply unit 440 into the rinse tank 420 by the pump 480. After a predetermined amount of scale remover (e.g., 0.5 liters) has been pumped into the rinse tank 420, the pump 480 is switched off. A predetermined amount of water is added to the rinse tank 420 by opening the valve 470 for a predetermined time. Alternatively, a predetermined amount of water may be added to the rinse tank 420 by opening the valve 470 until a sensor within the rinse tank 420 determines that the volume of the liquid within the rinse tank 420 has reached a predetermined value.

[0024] In some exemplary embodiments, the liquid (mixture of scale remover and water) within the rinse tank 420 is heated to a predetermined temperature (e.g., 50°C), and the liquid is held within the rinse tank 420 for a predetermined period (e.g., 10 minutes or 20 minutes). The predetermined period can be the total time the liquid is held in the rinse tank 420 or the time the liquid is held at the predetermined temperature in the rinse tank 420.

[0025] By opening valve 460, liquid is transferred from rinsing tank 420 to cleaning tank 410. After the transfer is complete, valve 460 is closed. For example, a liquid level sensor in rinsing tank 420 may indicate that rinsing tank 420 is empty, in which case valve 460 is closed. The cleaning cycle may be carried out using a descaling agent mixture instead of water. During the cleaning cycle, the liquid is sprayed throughout the interior of cleaning tank 410, allowing the inner surface of cleaning tank 410 to be descaled. After a predetermined time, the liquid is drained by opening valve 450.

[0026] The scale remover mixture can be rinsed out of the cleaning tank 410 by filling the rinsing tank 420 with water from the water supply 430, supplying water from the rinsing tank to the cleaning tank 410 by opening the valve 460, and performing another cleaning cycle. Alternatively, the scale remover solution may be diluted by allowing partial draining of the liquid from the cleaning tank 410 and replacing the liquid with water. Partial draining of the liquid from the cleaning tank 410 can be achieved by opening the valve 450 for a sufficient time to allow some but not all of the liquid to escape from the cleaning tank 410. The dilution process may proceed over a predetermined number of steps.

[0027] For example, half of the liquid may be drained and replaced with water, followed by a 2-minute rinse cycle. Then, half of the diluted liquid may be drained and replaced with water, followed by another 2-minute rinse cycle. This process may be repeated until five partial drain, replacement, and rinse cycles have been performed. As a result, the final rinse will have a scale remover concentration of 1 / 32 of the original solution. After draining the washing tank 410, a final rinse with pure water may be performed.

[0028] Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary user interface 500 for setting an automatic scale removal option in several exemplary embodiments. The user interface 500 includes a title 510, options 520, 530, 540, 550, 560, and 570, and buttons 580 and 590. The user interface 500 may be presented on the dishwasher's display device, the display device of a computing device coupled to the dishwasher (e.g., a smartphone coupled to the dishwasher via a Bluetooth® connection), or any preferred combination thereof.

[0029] Title 510 indicates that the user interface 500 is for setting automatic descaling options. Options 520-570 can be filled in by the user (e.g., using text boxes, dropdown selection boxes, combo boxes, or any preferred combination thereof) to configure the main wash temperature (e.g., in °C), the rinse descaling temperature, the duration for adding the descaling agent to the rinse tank (e.g., in seconds), the resting time for allowing the descaling agent solution to stand in the rinse tank before being added to the wash tank (e.g., in minutes), the number of rinse cycles to perform after descaling, and the main wash pump operating time (e.g., in minutes). Button 580 is operable to cancel the option setting operation. Button 590 is operable to apply the settings indicated by options 520-570.

[0030] Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary method 600 for automatic descaling in several exemplary embodiments. The exemplary method 600 includes operations 610, 620, 630, and 640. Method 600 may be performed in response to a user command (e.g., pressing a dedicated physical “descaling” button on the dishwasher or a “descaling” button in the user interface on a display device) or in response to a trigger event (e.g., at a specific time of day, after a predetermined period has elapsed since the last automatic descaling operation, or any preferred combination thereof).

[0031] In operation 610, one or more processors cause a descaling agent to be added to the rinse tank. For example, referring to Figure 4, a processor may operate a pump 480 to pump the descaling agent from the descaling agent supply unit 440 to the rinse tank 420. The amount of descaling agent added can be controlled by controlling the length of time the pump 480 is operating.

[0032] One or more processors, in operation 620, cause water to be added to the rinse tank. For example, referring again to Figure 4, a processor may open valve 470 to allow water from the water supply unit 430 to enter the rinse tank 420. The amount of water added can be controlled by controlling the length of time valve 470 is open, the degree to which valve 470 is opened, or any preferred combination thereof.

[0033] After a first predetermined period, one or more processors cause a rinse pump to move the liquid from the rinse tank to the cleaning tank (operation 630). Figure 4 shows a rinse tank 420 coupled to the cleaning tank 410 by a valve 460. This may be suitable for a particular configuration of the cleaning tank 410 and rinse tank 420 where gravity is sufficient to move the liquid from the rinse tank 420 to the cleaning tank 410 when the valve 460 is opened. In other configurations of the cleaning tank 410 and rinse tank 420, a rinse pump may be used to move the liquid from one tank to the other, as in operation 630. The first predetermined period may be a period of minutes, such as 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, or 20 minutes.

[0034] In operation 640, after a second predetermined period, one or more processors drain the washing tank. The second predetermined period may be a period of minutes, such as 5, 10, 15, or 20 minutes. During the second predetermined period, additional water may be moved from the rinse tank to the washing tank to dilute the descaling agent and rinse the rinse tank and washing tank, preparing the dishwasher to resume the dishwashing task while avoiding contamination of food contact surfaces with the descaling agent.

[0035] Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary method 700 for automatic scale removal in several exemplary embodiments. Method 700 may be performed by one or more processors of a computing device (e.g., a smartphone connected to the controller of the dishwasher mechanism via Bluetooth® or a network) that is incorporated into or communicates with the dishwasher. Method 700 includes operations 705, 710, 715, 720, 725, 730, 735, 740, 745, 750, 755, and 760. As an example, but not an limitation, Method 600 is described as being performed by the computing device 800 of Figure 8, using the structure, components, and interfaces described in Figures 1 to 4. Method 700 may be performed instead of operations 625 to 655 of Method 600.

[0036] In operation 705, the washing tank 410 and the rinse tank 420 in Figure 4 are drained in order to prepare the dishwasher for descaling. For example, valve 450 may be opened until a sensor in the washing tank 410 indicates that draining is complete in order to drain the washing tank 410. Alternatively, valve 450 may be left open for a predetermined period of time. In another example, valve 560 may be opened or the rinse pump may be operated until a sensor in the rinse tank 420 indicates that the rinse tank 420 has been drained. After the rinse tank 420 has been drained, the washing tank 410 may be drained again.

[0037] In operation 710, one or more processors determine whether the descaling agent container is low. For example, a level sensor in the descaling agent dispenser 440 in Figure 4 may indicate whether the descaling agent dispenser 440 contains at least a predetermined amount of descaling agent (e.g., enough descaling agent to complete the descaling operation). If the descaling agent container is low, in operation 715, the descaling process is stopped and a warning is displayed on the screen (operation 720). For example, the dishwasher's display device may display a prompt asking the user to add descaling agent to the descaling agent dispenser 340 or to stop the descaling process. Operation 710 may be repeated so that method 700 can proceed to operation 725 after the descaling agent has been added to the descaling agent container.

[0038] In operation 710, if there is a shortage of descaling agent containers, in operation 725, the descaling agent is added to the rinse tank. For example, the pump 480 in Figure 4 can be engaged to transfer a predetermined amount of descaling agent (e.g., the amount of descaling agent confirmed in operation 710) from the descaling agent supply unit 440 to the rinse tank 420. The rinse tank is filled with water by adding water from the water supply unit 430 to the rinse tank 420 (for example, water is added to the descaling agent in the rinse tank 420 until the rinse tank 420 is full) (operation 730).

[0039] In operation 735, one or more processors start the rinse heater to heat the rinse tank to a predetermined temperature. The predetermined temperature may be a temperature set by the user of the user interface 500. After reaching the predetermined temperature, the scale remover mixture remains in the rinse tank for a resting time (operation 740). The resting time may be a time set by the user of the user interface 500.

[0040] In operation 745, one or more processors start the rinse pump to empty the rinse tank and fill the washing tank. The start of the rinse pump in operation 745 may occur at a predetermined time after the completion of operation 730. The predetermined time may be the time (in operation 735) to raise the temperature of the liquid in the rinse tank to a predetermined temperature plus a second predetermined time (the resting time in operation 740).

[0041] The washing tank may be at a lower temperature than the rinsing tank. To perform scale removal in the washing tank at a predetermined temperature, the washing heater is started to heat the washing tank to the predetermined temperature (operation 750).

[0042] After the washing tank has reached a predetermined temperature, one or more processors, in operation 755, start the washing pump to circulate the water and descaling agent in the washing tank for a predetermined period of time to descale the inside of the dishwasher. The predetermined period may be set by the user of the user interface 500. After the predetermined period has elapsed, the washing tank is drained (operation 760). For example, the washing tank may be drained by the operation of valve 450 in Figure 4. Nevertheless, some descaling residue may remain on the inner surface of the dishwasher. Therefore, operations 730-760 may be repeated (without repeating operation 725) to rinse the components of the dishwasher with water. This helps to prevent any harmful descaling agent from accumulating on surfaces that come into contact with food.

[0043] After completion of Method 700, the dishwasher is descaled. Descaling may be more efficient when performed with a hot solution rather than a cold solution. Therefore, heating the descaling solution in the rinse tank 420 and the wash tank 410 using operations 735 and 750 may improve the effectiveness of the descaling process compared to a method in which the rinse tank, the wash tank, or both are not heated. By allowing the descaling solution to act on the surface of the rinse tank, the rate at which scale recurs in the wash tank may be slowed. Therefore, allowing the descaling solution time to work in the rinse tank using operation 740 may improve the effectiveness of the descaling process compared to a method in which no resting time is provided. Any or a combination of these differences may make it possible to perform descaling Method 700 less frequently and with better results.

[0044] In addition, the effectiveness of descaling is improved by ensuring that the process is not forgotten or overlooked due to human error, as the dishwasher can be programmed to run the automatic descaling method 700 regularly (for example, daily, weekly, monthly, or after a predetermined number of wash cycles (e.g., 10 wash cycles or 100 wash cycles)).

[0045] Figure 8 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary machine 800, according to one embodiment of the subject matter, in which one or more of the techniques (e.g., methodologies) discussed herein may be implemented. The machine 800 may include a controller 800 (shown in Figure 8). Embodiments as described herein may include logic or several components or mechanisms within the machine 800, or may operate by them. A circuit (e.g., a processing circuit) is a set of circuits implemented in a tangible entity of the machine 800, including hardware (e.g., simple circuits, gates, logic, etc.). Circuit membership may become flexible over time. A circuit includes members that, at operation, can perform specified operations individually or in combination. In one example, the hardware of a circuit may be designed immutably to perform a particular operation (e.g., wiring connections). In one example, the hardware of a circuitry may include variably connected physical components (e.g., execution units, transistors, simple circuits, etc.) that include machine-readable media that have been physically modified (e.g., magnetically, electrically, or by a movable arrangement of immutable chunk particles) to code instructions for a particular operation. When connecting the physical components, the basic electrical properties of the hardware components are changed, for example, from an insulator to a conductor, or vice versa. The instructions enable embedded hardware (e.g., an execution unit or load mechanism) to create members of the circuitry within the hardware via the variably connected components to execute a particular part of the operation during operation. Thus, in one example, a machine-readable media element is part of the circuitry or is communicatively coupled to other components of the circuitry when the device is operating. In one example, any of the physical components may be used in more than one member of more than one circuitry. For example, during operation, an execution unit may be used in a first circuit of a first circuitry at one point in time and reused at a different time by a second circuit of the first circuitry or a third circuit of the second circuitry. Examples of adding these components to Machine 800 are shown below.

[0046] In alternative embodiments, machine 800 may operate as a standalone device or be connected to other machines (e.g., networked). In a networked deployment, machine 800 may operate within the capabilities of a server machine, a client machine, or both in a server-client network environment. For example, machine 800 may function as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (P2P) (or other distributed) network environment. Machine 800 may be a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, a web appliance, a network router, a switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify the actions to be taken by the machine. Furthermore, although only a single machine is illustrated in this document, the term “machine” shall also be interpreted to include any set of machines that individually or collectively execute a set (or set) of instructions for performing one or more of the methodologies discussed herein, such as cloud computing, software as a service (SaaS), and other computer cluster configurations.

[0047] The machine (e.g., a computer system) 800 may include a hardware processor 802 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a hardware processor core, or any combination thereof), main memory 804, static memory (e.g., memory or storage device for firmware, microcode, basic-input-output (BIOS), unified extensible firmware interface (UEFI), etc.) 806, and mass storage device 808 (e.g., a hard drive, tape drive, flash storage, or other block device), some or all of which may communicate with each other via an interlink (e.g., a bus) 830. The machine 800 may further include a display unit 810, an alphanumeric input device 812 (e.g., a keyboard), and a user interface (UI) navigation device 814 (e.g., a mouse). In one example, the display unit 810, the input device 812, and the UI navigation device 814 may be touchscreen displays. Machine 800 may additionally include a mass storage device (e.g., a drive unit) 808, a signal generating device 818 (e.g., a speaker), a network interface device 820, and one or more sensors 816 such as a global positioning system (GPS) sensor, compass, accelerometer, or other sensor. Machine 800 may include an output controller 828 such as a serial (e.g., universal serial bus, USB), parallel, or other wired or wireless (e.g., infrared, near field communication, NFC) connection, and may communicate with or control one or more peripheral devices (e.g., a printer, a card reader, etc.).

[0048] The registers of processor 802, main memory 804, static memory 806, or mass storage device 808 may be, or include, a machine-readable medium 822 that stores one or more sets of data structures or instructions 824 (e.g., software) that embody or utilize one or more of the techniques or functions described herein. The instructions 824 may also reside, all or at least partially, in any of the registers of processor 802, main memory 804, static memory 806, or mass storage device 808 during their execution by machine 800. In one embodiment, one or any combination of the hardware processor 802, main memory 804, static memory 806, or mass storage device 808 may constitute the machine-readable medium 822. Although machine-readable medium 822 is shown as a single medium, the term “machine-readable medium” may include a single or multiple mediums (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and / or associated caches and servers) configured to store one or more instructions 824.

[0049] The term “machine-readable medium” may include any medium capable of storing, encoding, or carrying instructions for execution by machine 800, causing machine 800 to perform any one or more of the techniques of the Disclosure, or storing, encoding, or carrying data structures used by or associated with such instructions. Examples of non-limiting machine-readable mediums may include solid memory, optical mediums, magnetic mediums, and signals (e.g., radio frequency signals, other photon-based signals, audio signals, etc.). In one example, a non-transient machine-readable medium includes a machine-readable medium having a plurality of particles having invariant (e.g., stationary) mass, and is therefore a composition of a material. Thus, a non-transient machine-readable medium is a machine-readable medium that does not contain transient propagating signals. Specific examples of non-temporary machine-readable media include non-volatile memory such as semiconductor memory devices (e.g., electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM)), and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks.

[0050] Instruction 824 may be further transmitted or received over a communication network 826 using a transmission medium via a network interface device 820 that utilizes one of several transmission protocols (e.g., Frame Relay, Internet Protocol (IP), Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)). Illustrative communication networks may include, among others, local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), packet data networks (e.g., the Internet), mobile phone networks (e.g., cellular networks), Plain Old Telephone (POTS) networks, and wireless data networks (e.g., the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard system known as Wi-Fi®, the IEEE 802.16 standard system known as WiMAX®), the IEEE 802.15.4 standard system, and peer-to-peer (P2P) networks. In one embodiment, the network interface device 820 may include one or more physical jacks (e.g., Ethernet, coaxial, or telephone jacks) or one or more antennas for connecting to the communication network 826. In one embodiment, the network interface device 820 may include multiple antennas for wireless communication using at least one of the techniques of single-input multiple-output (SIMO), multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), or multiple-input single-output (MISO).The term "transmission medium" shall be interpreted as including any intangible medium, including digital or analog communication signals, that can store, encode, or transmit instructions for execution by Machine 800, or any other intangible medium that facilitates the communication of such software. The transmission medium is a machine-readable medium. [Examples]

[0051] Embodiment 1 is a system comprising a rinsing tank, a rinsing pump, a washing tank, a memory for storing instructions, and one or more processors configured to perform operations according to the instructions, wherein the operation includes adding a scale remover to the rinsing tank, adding water to the rinsing tank after the scale remover has been added to the rinsing tank, having the rinsing pump move the water from the rinsing tank to the washing tank for a first predetermined period after the water has been added to the rinsing tank, and draining the washing tank for a second predetermined period after the water has been moved from the rinsing tank to the washing tank.

[0052] The subject of Example 1, wherein in Example 2, adding a scale remover to the rinse tank includes using a sensor to determine that the scale remover container contains at least a predetermined amount of scale remover, and causing a scale remover pump to add a predetermined amount of scale remover to the rinse tank.

[0053] In Example 3, the operation further includes draining water from the washing tank before adding the scale remover to the rinse tank, relating to the themes of Examples 1 and 2.

[0054] In Example 4, the operation further includes draining water from the rinse tank before adding the scale remover to the rinse tank, relating to the themes of Examples 1-3.

[0055] The subject matter of Examples 1 to 4, wherein in Example 5, adding a scale remover to the rinse tank includes using a sensor to determine that the scale remover container does not contain at least a predetermined amount of scale remover, prompting the user interface to request additional scale remover, using a sensor to determine that the scale remover has been added to the scale remover container, and causing the scale remover pump to add a predetermined amount of scale remover to the rinse tank.

[0056] The subject matter of Examples 1 to 5, wherein in Example 6, the operation further includes, with the presence of a scale remover and water in the rinse tank, causing the rinse heater to raise the temperature of the liquid in the rinse tank to a predetermined temperature.

[0057] The subject of Example 6, in Example 7, the first predetermined period is the amount obtained by adding a third predetermined period to the time required to raise the temperature of the liquid in the rinse tank to a predetermined temperature.

[0058] Example 8 is a method comprising: adding a scale remover to a rinse tank using one or more processors; adding water to the rinse tank after adding the scale remover to the rinse tank; moving the water from the rinse tank to a washing tank using a rinse pump for a first predetermined period after the water has been added to the rinse tank; and draining the washing tank for a second predetermined period after the water has been moved from the rinse tank to the washing tank.

[0059] The subject of Example 8, in Example 9, adding the scale remover to the rinse tank includes using a sensor to determine that the scale remover container contains at least a predetermined amount of scale remover, and causing the scale remover pump to add a predetermined amount of scale remover to the rinse tank.

[0060] In Example 10, the subject matter of Examples 8-9 includes draining water from the washing tank before adding the scale remover to the rinse tank.

[0061] In Example 11, the subject matter of Examples 8-10 includes draining the water from the rinse tank before adding the scale remover to the rinse tank.

[0062] In Example 12, the subject matter of Examples 8-11 includes adding a scale remover to a rinse tank by using a sensor to determine that the scale remover container does not contain at least a predetermined amount of scale remover, prompting the user interface to request additional scale remover, using a sensor to determine that the scale remover has been added to the scale remover container, and causing the scale remover pump to add a predetermined amount of scale remover to the rinse tank.

[0063] In Example 13, the subject matter of Examples 8 to 12 includes raising the temperature of the liquid in the rinse tank to a predetermined temperature using a rinse heater, while the rinse tank contains a scale remover and water.

[0064] The subject of Example 13, in Example 14, the first predetermined period is the amount obtained by adding a third predetermined period to the time required to raise the temperature of the liquid in the rinse tank to a predetermined temperature.

[0065] Example 15 is a non-temporary machine-readable medium that, when executed by one or more processors, stores instructions for one or more processors to perform an operation, the operation including adding a descaling agent to a rinse tank; adding water to the rinse tank after the descaling agent has been added to the rinse tank; causing a rinse pump to move water from the rinse tank to a washing tank for a first predetermined period after the water has been added to the rinse tank; and draining the washing tank for a second predetermined period after the water has been moved from the rinse tank to the washing tank.

[0066] The subject of Example 15, wherein in Example 16, adding a scale remover to the rinse tank includes using a sensor to determine that the scale remover container contains at least a predetermined amount of scale remover, and causing a scale remover pump to add a predetermined amount of scale remover to the rinse tank.

[0067] In Example 17, the operation further includes draining water from the washing tank before adding the scale remover to the rinse tank, as described in Examples 15-16.

[0068] Example 18 further includes the operation of draining water from the rinse tank before adding the scale remover to the rinse tank, as described in Examples 15-17.

[0069] The subject matter of Examples 15-18, in Example 19, involves adding a scale remover to the rinse tank, which includes using a sensor to determine if the scale remover container does not contain at least a predetermined amount of scale remover, prompting the user interface to request additional scale remover, using a sensor to determine if scale remover has been added to the scale remover container, and causing the scale remover pump to add a predetermined amount of scale remover to the rinse tank.

[0070] The subject matter of Examples 15-19, further comprising, in Example 20, the operation of a rinse heater raising the temperature of the liquid in the rinse tank to a predetermined temperature while the rinse tank contains a scale remover and water.

[0071] The subject of Example 20, wherein in Example 21, the first predetermined period is the sum of the time required to raise the temperature of the liquid in the rinse tank to a predetermined temperature and a third predetermined period.

[0072] Example 22 is at least one machine-readable medium containing instructions that, when executed by a processing circuit, cause an operation to be performed to implement any of Examples 1 to 21.

[0073] Example 23 is an apparatus that includes means for implementing any of Examples 1 to 21.

[0074] Example 24 is a system that implements any of Examples 1 to 21.

[0075] Example 25 is a method that implements any of Examples 1 to 21.

[0076] This detailed description includes references to accompanying drawings that form part of the detailed description. The drawings illustrate specific embodiments in which the invention may be carried out. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “Examples.” Such embodiments may include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the inventors also intend embodiments in which only the shown or described elements are provided.

[0077] In this document, the terms "a" or "an" include one or more, regardless of any other instances or uses of "at least one" or "one or more," as is common in patent literature. In the following claims, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose any numerical requirements on their subject matter.

[0078] The above description is intended to be illustrative and not limiting. For example, the above embodiments (or one or more embodiments thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Considering the above description, other embodiments may be used by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. It is a system, Rinse tank and Rinse pump and Washing tank and Memory for storing instructions, The system comprises one or more processors configured to perform an operation by the aforementioned instruction, wherein the operation is Adding a scale remover to the aforementioned rinsing tank, After adding the scale remover to the rinse tank, water is added to the rinse tank. For a first predetermined period after the water has been added to the rinse tank, the rinse pump is to move the water from the rinse tank to the washing tank. A system comprising draining the washing tank for a second predetermined period after the water has been moved from the rinsing tank to the washing tank.

2. Adding the aforementioned scale remover to the rinse tank is Using a sensor, determine that the descaling agent container holds at least a predetermined amount of descaling agent, The system according to claim 1, comprising adding a predetermined amount of scale remover to the rinse tank using a scale remover pump.

3. The aforementioned operation, The system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising draining water from the washing tank before adding the scale remover to the rinsing tank.

4. The aforementioned operation, The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising draining water from the rinse tank before adding the scale remover to the rinse tank.

5. Adding the aforementioned scale remover to the rinse tank is Using a sensor, determine that the descaling agent container does not contain at least a predetermined amount of descaling agent, The user interface will prompt for additional descaling agents, The sensor is used to determine that scale remover has been added to the scale remover container, The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising adding a predetermined amount of scale remover to the rinse tank using a scale remover pump.

6. The aforementioned operation, The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising, with the scale remover and water present in the rinse tank, providing a rinse heater to raise the temperature of the liquid in the rinse tank to a predetermined temperature.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the first predetermined period is the amount obtained by adding a third predetermined period to the time required to raise the temperature of the liquid in the rinsing tank to the predetermined temperature.

8. It is a method, Adding a scale remover to the rinse tank using one or more processors, After adding the scale remover to the rinse tank, water is added to the rinse tank. For a first predetermined period after the water has been added to the rinse tank, the rinse pump is to move the water from the rinse tank to the washing tank. A method comprising draining the washing tank for a second predetermined period after the water has been moved from the rinsing tank to the washing tank.

9. Adding the aforementioned scale remover to the rinse tank is Using a sensor, determine that the descaling agent container holds at least a predetermined amount of descaling agent, The method according to claim 8, comprising adding a predetermined amount of scale remover to the rinse tank using a scale remover pump.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising draining water from the washing tank before adding the scale remover to the rinsing tank.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, further comprising draining water from the rinse tank before adding the scale remover to the rinse tank.

12. Adding the aforementioned scale remover to the rinse tank is Using a sensor, determine that the descaling agent container does not contain at least a predetermined amount of descaling agent, The user interface will prompt for additional descaling agents, The sensor is used to determine that scale remover has been added to the scale remover container, The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, comprising adding a predetermined amount of scale remover to the rinse tank using a scale remover pump.

13. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, further comprising, with the scale remover and water present in the rinse tank, providing a rinse heater to raise the temperature of the liquid in the rinse tank to a predetermined temperature.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the first predetermined period is the amount obtained by adding a third predetermined period to the time required to raise the temperature of the liquid in the rinsing tank to the predetermined temperature.

15. A non-temporary machine-readable medium, which, when executed by one or more processors, stores instructions for the one or more processors to perform an action, and the action is Add a scale remover to the rinse tank, After adding the scale remover to the rinse tank, water is added to the rinse tank. For a first predetermined period after the water has been added to the rinse tank, the rinse pump is to move the water from the rinse tank to the washing tank. A non-temporary machine-readable medium, comprising draining the washing tank for a second predetermined period after the water has been moved from the rinsing tank to the washing tank.

16. Adding the aforementioned scale remover to the rinse tank is Using a sensor, determine that the descaling agent container holds at least a predetermined amount of descaling agent, A non-temporary machine-readable medium according to claim 15, comprising adding a predetermined amount of scale remover to the rinsing tank using a scale remover pump.

17. The aforementioned operation, The non-temporary machine-readable medium according to claim 15 or 16, further comprising draining water from the washing tank before adding the scale remover to the rinsing tank.

18. The aforementioned operation, A non-temporary machine-readable medium according to any one of claims 15 to 17, further comprising draining water from the rinse tank before adding the scale remover to the rinse tank.

19. Adding the aforementioned scale remover to the rinse tank is Using a sensor, determine that the descaling agent container does not contain at least a predetermined amount of descaling agent, The user interface will prompt for additional descaling agents, The sensor is used to determine that scale remover has been added to the scale remover container, A non-temporary machine-readable medium according to any one of claims 15 to 18, comprising: causing a scale remover pump to add a predetermined amount of scale remover to the rinse tank.

20. The aforementioned operation, A non-temporary machine-readable medium according to any one of claims 15 to 19, further comprising raising the temperature of the liquid in the rinse tank to a predetermined temperature using a rinse heater while the scale remover and water are present in the rinse tank.

21. The non-temporary machine-readable medium according to claim 20, wherein the first predetermined period is the amount obtained by adding a third predetermined period to the time required to raise the temperature of the liquid in the rinsing tank to the predetermined temperature.

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