[0001] The present invention relates to a washing control method according to claim 1 of
the present disclosure, and to a dishwasher according to claim 2 of the present disclosure.
Background of the Invention
[0002] A dishwasher or a dishwashing machine is a mechanical device for cleaning dishware
and cutlery i.e. dishes. The dishwasher cleans by spraying wash water, i.e. cold or
hot water mixed with wash detergent, at the dishes. A mix of water and dishwasher
detergent, i.e. the wash water is pumped to one or more rotating spray arms, which
blast the dishes with the wash water. The wash water washes the contaminants i.e.
the leftover food particles adhered to the dishes being washed, off the dishes and
the wash water along with the contaminants collects in a dishwasher compartment, i.e.
a sump, generally located at the bottom of the dishwasher beneath the space where
the dishes are stacked for washing. In a complete washing operation for a given set
of dishes being washed, several such spraying sessions from the spray arms, generally
referred to as washing cycles or wash cycles are required to clean the dishes to a
desired degree. The complete washing operation generally includes, besides the multiple
washing cycles, one or more rinse cycles, and a drying cycle.
[0003] For achieving the multiple washing cycles during the complete washing operation,
generally, the wash water along with the contaminants, hereinafter referred together
to as the wash water, is either circulated back from the dishwasher compartment to
the spray arms for reuse in a subsequent washing cycle of the same dishes or is drained
out off the dishwasher and fresh water is added into the dishwasher for the subsequent
washing cycle. Whether to drain the wash water off the dishwasher or to reuse the
wash water for a subsequent washing cycle of the same dishes depends on the suitability
of the wash water for reuse. The suitability of the wash water that has been used
in a previous washing cycle for the dishes depends on the amount of the contaminants
present in the wash water from the previous washing cycle of the complete washing
operation. If the wash water from the previous one or more washing cycles during the
complete washing operation is suitably clean, then the same wash water is circulated,
by a circulation pump driven by a motor, from the dishwasher compartment to the rotating
spray arms of the dishwasher via one or more circulation hoses that fluidly connect
the dishwasher compartment to the spray arms of the dishwasher. However, if the wash
water from the previous one or more washing cycles during the complete washing operation
is not suitably clean or in other words is dirty then the wash water is drained off
the dishwasher.
[0004] The suitability of the wash water for reuse in a subsequent washing cycle after one
or more previous washing cycles is conventionally determined from turbidity of the
wash water. If the turbidity of wash water exceeds a predetermined, i.e. threshold
turbidity, the wash water is deemed to be unfit for a subsequent washing cycle and
is therefore drained off the dishwasher. Such an approach is conventionally known
and an example of such an approach is disclosed in United States Patent Application
number
20080128001 A1 titled Washing control apparatus and method of dish washing machine. The turbidity
sensors measure turbidity of the wash washer generally by measuring optical properties
of the wash water such as light scattering properties of the wash water. The amount
of light scattered is influenced by many aspects of the particles i.e. the contaminants
suspended in the wash water for example color, shape, and reflectivity. Thus, different
wash waters having same amount of contaminants present may vary in their turbidity
measurements depending on color or reflectivity of the contaminants, and thus one
of the wash water samples may be concluded to be suitable for use in subsequent washing
cycle whereas another wash water sample may be concluded to be unsuitable for use
in subsequent washing cycle, albeit both the wash water samples have same number of
contaminants. Furthermore, the turbidity may also be influenced by color of the detergent
used. Also, due to the fact that heavier contaminants may settle quickly and may not
contribute to the turbidity reading, the turbidity readings may change depending on
location from which the wash water was tested.
[0005] Hence, there exists a need for a technique for selecting or controlling washing operation
that is independent of turbidity measurements of the wash water.
[0006] Further,
PCT Patent Application No. WO2017059896 discloses a method and appliance for controlling a circulation pump. The appliance
for washing and rinsing goods comprises a circulation pump, a sensing arrangement
arranged to measure an indication of circulation pump pressure or process water flow
rate through the circulation pump, and a controller arranged to control operating
speed of the circulation pump. The controller is further arranged to detect that the
indicated circulation pump pressure or process water flow rate through the circulation
pump is insufficient and gradually reduce operating speed of the circulation pump
until the circulation pump pressure or the process water flow rate through the circulation
pump is at a sufficient operational level. Further, a pump control scheme is applied
which closely tracks falling pressure or reduced flow rate of the pump in order to
restore the pressure/flow rate at a satisfactory level.
[0007] Furthermore, US Patent Application No.
US20110114132 discloses a ware washer, which is designed as a programmable machine or as a conveyor
ware washer, which has at least one pump, at least one line system connected to the
pump, and at least one nozzle system connected to the line system and having at least
one nozzle, a liquid being supplied at least intermittently to the at least one nozzle
via the line system. A sensor device connected to a control device is provided for
detecting a profile of the volumetric flow rate of the liquid in the line system and
for comparing the detected flow rate profile with a predetermined flow rate profile.
The control device is designed, in the event of a deviation of the detected flow rate
profile from the predetermined flow rate profile, automatically either to carry out
a regulating action on the operation of the ware washer as a function of the size
and the time gradient of a difference between the predetermined flow rate profile
and the detected flow rate profile or to issue a fault warning via an optical and/or
acoustic interface or to issue a fault warning to a remote maintenance station via
a remote control interface.
Object of the Invention
[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an efficient technique
for selecting or controlling washing operation in a dishwasher, preferably a washing
control method and a washing control apparatus for selecting washing operation for
a dishwasher.
Summary of the Invention
[0009] The aforementioned object is achieved by a washing control method according to claim
1 of the present invention, which presents a first aspect of the present technique.
The washing control method for the dishwasher, hereinafter also referred to as the
method, is used in a dishwasher having a motor to drive a circulation pump for circulating
wash water through a circulation hose from a dishwasher compartment towards spray
arms of the dishwasher. In the method according to the invention, a flow rate of the
wash water is detected by a flow meter. The flow rate is detected of the wash water
flowing in the circulation hose of the dishwasher while washing is performed using
the wash water, i.e. when the wash water is being circulated into the circulation
hose from the dishwasher compartment. Thereafter in the method, a washing operation
based on the detected flow rate of the wash water is determined by using a control
unit. The washing operation may be either to reuse the wash water for a subsequent
washing cycle or to drain off the wash water and optionally to introduce fresh water
to replace the wash water so drained off.
[0010] The flow rate measured or detected indicates a viscosity of the wash water which
in turn indicates the number of contaminants suspended or dissolved in the wash water.
When the amount of the contaminants in the wash water is high the wash water is more
viscous than when the amount of the contaminants in the wash water is low, and thus
a flow rate of the wash water through the circulation hose is lower when the wash
water has more contaminants than a flow rate of the wash water through the circulation
hose when the wash water has lesser contaminants. Thus, the control unit selects or
determines the washing operation i.e. whether to re-circulate the wash water for subsequent
washing cycle or to drain off the wash water, based on the flow rate of the wash water
through the circulation hose of the dishwasher. Thus, the method of the present technique
is independent of turbidity measurement of the wash water which might not be measured
in a correct or efficient way.
[0011] The washing control method according to the invention comprises the determining,
by the control unit, of the washing operation based on the detected flow rate of the
wash water further includes:
- determining a motor speed corresponding to the flow rate detected by the flow meter;
- comparing the detected flow rate to a predetermined threshold reference flow rate
for the wash water corresponding to the motor speed so determined, and
- selecting one of a first washing operation of the dishwasher when the detected flow
rate of the wash water does not exceed the predetermined threshold reference flow
rate and a second washing operation of the dishwasher when the detected flow rate
of the wash water exceeds the predetermined threshold reference flow rate.
[0012] The flow rate of the wash water through the circulation hose is dependent on the
viscosity of the wash water and on a speed of the motor driving the circulation pump
pumping the wash water into the circulation hose. The present embodiment of the method
factors in the motor speed at the time when the flow rate of the wash water is detected
or determined by the flow meter. The flow rate of the wash water varies proportionately
to the motor speed. For different phases of the complete washing operation, and particularly
for different phases of a given washing cycle different motor speeds are pre-set,
and thus the motor speeds are predetermined i.e. the motor speed at a given instance
of time during the washing cycle is known. The invention envisages a reference table
that may be stored in a memory unit of the dishwasher or otherwise provided to the
control unit, having different motor speeds and corresponding predetermined threshold
reference flow rates indicative of suitability of the wash water for reuse in subsequent
washing cycle. Therefore, by determining the flow meter output, i.e. the flow rate,
at a given motor speed and comparing it with the predetermined threshold reference
flow rate at the same motor speed, one of the following may be concludes and the washing
operation may be proceeded accordingly:
- (a) determined flow meter output, i.e. the determined or detected flow rate of the
wash water is greater than the predetermined threshold reference flow rate, i.e. the
wash water is flowing at high flow rate and thus the viscosity of the wash water is
low and therefore the wash water can be used further to continue washing i.e. the
wash water may be used in a subsequent washing cycle; or
- (b) determined flow meter output, i.e. the determined or detected flow rate of the
wash water is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold reference flow rate,
i.e. the wash water is flowing at lower flow rate and thus the viscosity of the wash
water is high and therefore the wash water cannot be used further to continue washing
i.e. the wash water needs to be drained off the dishwasher, and optionally replaced
by adding fresh water or more water.
[0013] The method of the present invention includes draining of the wash water if the first
washing operation of the dishwasher is selected i.e. when the wash water is determined
to be unsuitable for use in the subsequent washing cycle owing to the detected flow
rate of the wash water through the circulation hose; and continuing washing using
the wash water if the second washing operation of the dishwasher is selected, i.e.
when the wash water is determined to be suitable for use in the subsequent washing
cycle owing to the detected flow rate of the wash water through the circulation hose.
[0014] The aforementioned objective is also achieved by a dish washer according to claim
2, which presents a second aspect of the present technique. As aforementioned the
washing control apparatus of the present technique is used in a dishwasher that has
a motor to drive a circulation pump for circulating wash water through a circulation
hose from a dishwasher compartment towards spray arms of the dishwasher. The washing
control apparatus includes a flow meter and a control unit. The flow meter detects
a flow rate of wash water in the circulation hose of the dishwasher while washing
is performed using the wash water i.e. when the wash water is being circulated into
the circulation hose from the dishwasher compartment. The control unit determines
a washing operation based on the detected flow rate of the wash water.
[0015] As aforementioned, the washing operation may be either to reuse the wash water for
a subsequent washing cycle or to drain off the wash water and optionally to introduce
fresh water to replace the wash water. Thus, the control unit selects or determines
the washing operation i.e. whether to re-circulate the wash water for subsequent washing
cycle or to drain off the wash water, based on the flow rate of the wash water through
the circulation hose of the dishwasher.
[0016] According to the invention, the control unit determines a motor speed corresponding
to the flow rate detected by the flow meter. The control unit thereafter compares
the detected flow rate to a predetermined threshold reference flow rate for the wash
water corresponding to the motor speed so determined. The control unit, finally, determines
the washing operation by selecting between a first washing operation of the dishwasher
when the detected flow rate of the wash water does not exceed the predetermined threshold
reference flow rate and a second washing operation of the dishwasher when the detected
flow rate of the wash exceeds the predetermined threshold reference flow rate.
[0017] As aforementioned for the first aspect of the present technique, the flow rate of
the wash water through the circulation hose is dependent on the viscosity of the wash
water and on the speed of the motor driving the circulation pump pumping the wash
water into the circulation hose. The control unit factors in the motor speed at the
time when the flow rate of the wash water is detected or determined by the flow meter.
The apparatus of the present technique envisages a reference table that may be stored
in a memory unit of the dishwasher or otherwise provided to the control unit, having
different motor speeds and corresponding predetermined threshold reference flow rates
indicative of suitability of the wash water for reuse in subsequent washing cycle.
Therefore, from the flow meter output, i.e. the flow rate, at a given motor speed,
the control unit by comparing the flow rate with the predetermined threshold reference
flow rate at the same motor speed, is able to conclude whether the wash water may
be used in a subsequent washing cycle or the wash water needs to be drained off the
dishwasher, and optionally replaced by adding fresh water or more water.
[0018] According to the invention, the control unit is configured to initiate a drainage
operation of the wash water if the first washing operation of the dishwasher is selected
or to continue washing using the wash water if the second washing operation of the
dishwasher is selected.
[0019] In the present technique, the flow meter is positioned at the circulation hose that
fluidly connects the dishwasher compartment and at least one of the spray arms of
the dishwasher, i.e. in other words the dishwasher compartment and the at least one
of the spray arms of the dishwasher are in fluid communication via the circulation
hose.
[0020] Further benefits, goals and features of the present invention will be described by
the following specification of the attached figures, in which components of the invention
are exemplarily illustrated. Components of the system and the method according to
the invention, which match at least essentially with respect to their functions, can
be marked with the same reference sign, wherein such components do not have to be
marked or described in all figures.
[0021] The invention is just exemplarily described with respect to the attached figures
in the following.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0022]
Fig. 1 schematically represents an exemplary embodiment of a washing control apparatus
of the present technique,
Fig. 2 is a flow chart depicting a washing control method of the present technique,
and
Fig. 3 schematically represents an exemplary embodiment of a dishwasher of the present
technique; in accordance with aspects of the present technique.
Detailed Description of the Drawings
[0023] It may be noted that in the present disclosure, the terms 'first', 'second', 'third',
etc are used herein only to facilitate discussion and carry no particular temporal
or chronological significance unless otherwise indicated.
[0024] Fig. 1 depicts a washing control apparatus 1 that is used in a dishwasher 10 schematically
depicted in a side sectional view in Fig. 3.
[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, the dishwasher 10 includes a machine body 11 having a washing
space defined therein and a door 12 to open and close the front part of the dishwasher
10 through which one or more dishes 5 that are to be cleaned are stacked or placed
in the washing space of the dishwasher 10. Generally, at one side of the door 12 is
mounted a drying fan 14 to dry the dishes 5 after being cleaned, usually as a last
phase or cycle of a complete washing operation of the dishes 5. The complete washing
operation generally includes multiple washing cycles of the dishes 5, one or more
rinse cycles, and a drying cycle. The dishwasher 10 includes an input panel 130 using
which a user of the dishwasher 10 may select different washing programs that are to
be performed by the dishwasher 10 during the complete washing operation.
[0026] In the dishwasher 10 is mounted a washing tub 20, in which a plurality of dish baskets
22 to receive dishes 5, racks 24 to slidably support the dish baskets 22, and an upper
spray arm 26a also referred to as the upper injection nozzle 26a, a middle spray arm
26b also referred to as the middle injection nozzle 26b, and a lower spray arm 26c
also referred to as the lower injection nozzle 26c are mounted. Specifically, the
upper spray arm 26a, the middle spray arm 26b, and the lower spray arm 26c are mounted
above and below the dish baskets 22 to inject wash water in form of jets 9. It may
be noted that the number of spray arms 26a, 26b, 26c depicted in Fig. 3 are for exemplary
purposes only and in other embodiments (not shown) of the dishwasher 10, a number
of the spray arms 26a, 26b, 26c may be more than or less than the number of the spray
arms 26a, 26b, 26c depicted in the example of Fig. 3.
[0027] The upper spray arm 26a and the middle spray arm 26b are fluidly connected with a
dishwasher compartment 42 or a sump 42 i.e. a hollow or depression or a container
in which the wash water collects after impacting and falling off the dishes 5, via
a circulation hose 28a, also referred to as a first supply pipe 28a. The lower spray
arm 26c is fluidly connected to the dishwasher compartment 42 via a circulation hose
28b, also referred to as a second supply pipe 28b. The phrase 'fluidly connected'
as used herein means is/are in fluid communication with, i.e. in other words, the
wash water can flow from the dishwasher compartment 42, also referred to as the dishwasher
chamber 42, to the spray arms 26a, 26b, 26c via the circulation hoses 28a, 28b.
[0028] At the bottom of the washing tub 20 is mounted a heater 30 to heat the wash water.
Specifically, the heater 30 is disposed in a heater receiving groove 32 formed at
the bottom of the washing tub 20.
[0029] A space 40, within the machine body 11 at the bottom of the washing tub 20, houses
the dishwasher compartment 42. Within the space 40 is present a circulation pump 46,
also referred to as a washing pump 46, to pump the wash water from the dishwasher
compartment 42 into the circulation hoses 28a, 2b. At one side of the dishwasher compartment
42 are mounted a drainage pump 48 and a drainage pipe 50 to drain off the wash water,
when desired or when so determined by the washing control apparatus 1, i.e. to release
the contaminated wash water to the outside of the dishwasher 10. The circulation pump
46 is driven by a motor 120, also referred to as a drive unit 120. The motor 120 also
optionally drives the drainage pump 48 and/or the fan 14.
[0030] As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, the dishwasher 10 includes a flow meter 105 and a
control unit 110 that together form the washing control apparatus 1 of the present
technique. The flow meter 105 is positioned at the circulation hose 28a that fluidly
connects the dishwasher compartment 42 and the spray arms 26a, 26b of the dishwasher
10. In another embodiment (not shown) the flow meter 105 is positioned at the circulation
hose 28b that fluidly connects the dishwasher compartment 42 and the spray arm 26c
of the dishwasher 10.
[0031] The flow meter 105 is a device that measures a flow rate or a rate of flow i.e. quantity
of the wash water per time unit moving through the circulation hose 28a, 28b at which
the flow meter 105 is installed. The flow meter 105 is also referred to as a flow
gauge, a flow indicator, or a liquid meter. The flow meter 105 detects a flow rate
of the wash water in the circulation hose 28a of the dishwasher 10 when the wash water
is being circulated via the circulation hose 28a from the dishwasher compartment 42
towards the spray arms 26a, 26b. The control unit 110, for example a processor, determines
a washing operation based on the detected flow rate of the wash water. Fig. 2 presents
a washing control method 500, hereinafter also referred to as the method 500, of the
present technique and hereinafter Fig. 2 in combination with Figs. 1 and 3 has been
used to further explain functioning of the flow meter 105 and the control unit 110
of the washing control apparatus 1.
[0032] Within the method 500 according to the invention, in a step 510 a flow rate of the
wash water is detected by the flow meter 105. As aforementioned the flow rate is detected
of the wash water flowing in the circulation hose 28a of the dishwasher 10 from the
dishwasher compartment 42 towards the spray arms 28a, 28b. Thereafter in the method
500, in a step 520 a washing operation based on the detected flow rate of the wash
water is determined by the control unit 110.
[0033] The washing operation may be either to reuse the wash water for a subsequent washing
cycle or to drain off the wash water and optionally to introduce fresh water to replace
the wash water. The flow rate measured or detected by the flow meter 105 indicates
a viscosity of the wash water, which in turn indicates the amount of contaminants
suspended or dissolved in the wash water from the dishes 5. As aforementioned, a flow
rate of the wash water through the circulation hose 28a is lower when the wash water
has more contaminants than a flow rate of the wash water through the circulation hose
28a when the wash water has lesser contaminants. Thus, the control unit 110 selects
or determines the washing operation i.e. whether to re-circulate the wash water for
subsequent washing cycle or to drain off the wash water, based on the flow rate of
the wash water through the circulation hose 28a of the dishwasher 10.
[0034] In an embodiment of the method 500, the step 520 further includes:
- a step 522 of determining a motor speed, a speed of the motor 120, corresponding to
the flow rate detected by the flow meter 105;
- a step 524 of comparing the detected flow rate to a predetermined threshold reference
flow rate for the wash water corresponding to the motor speed so determined, and
- a step 526 of selecting one of a first washing operation of the dishwasher 10 when
the detected flow rate of the wash water does not exceed the predetermined threshold
reference flow rate and a second washing operation of the dishwasher 10 when the detected
flow rate of the wash water exceeds the predetermined threshold reference flow rate.
[0035] The flow rate of the wash water through the circulation hose 28a is dependent on
the viscosity of the wash water and on a speed, i.e. rotations per minute, of the
motor 120 driving the circulation pump 46 pumping the wash water into the circulation
hose 28a. The flow rate of the wash water varies proportionately to the motor speed
of the motor 120. A reference table or list is provided to or stored in the control
unit 110 that has stored therein different motor speeds of the motor 120 and corresponding
predetermined threshold reference flow rates indicative of suitability of the wash
water for reuse in subsequent washing cycle. The control unit 110 receives the flow
meter 105 output, i.e. the flow rate of the wash water through the circulation hose
28a, at a given motor speed and compares the flow rate with the predetermined threshold
reference flow rate for the same motor speed.
[0036] In another embodiment of the washing control apparatus 1, the control unit 110 determines
a motor speed corresponding to the flow rate detected by the flow meter 105. The control
unit 105 checks for the motor speed at a time when the flow meter signal is received
by the control unit 110 from the pre-set motor speeds available to the control unit
110. The control unit 110 thereafter compares the detected flow rate to the predetermined
threshold reference flow rate for the wash water corresponding to the motor speed
so determined. The control unit 110, finally, determines the washing operation by
selecting between a first washing operation of the dishwasher 10 when the detected
flow rate of the wash water does not exceed the predetermined threshold reference
flow rate and a second washing operation of the dishwasher 10 when the detected flow
rate of the wash exceeds the predetermined threshold reference flow rate.
[0037] The first washing operation, i.e. when the when the detected flow rate of the wash
water does not exceed the predetermined threshold reference flow rate, indicates a
washing operation wherein the wash water is not to be used in the subsequent washing
cycle. The control unit 110 thus initiates a drainage operation of the wash water
i.e. when the first washing operation of the dishwasher is selected, for example by
driving the drainage pump 48 to exit the water through the drainage pipe or hose 50.
[0038] The second washing operation, i.e. when the when the detected flow rate of the wash
water exceeds the predetermined threshold reference flow rate, indicates a washing
operation wherein the wash water is to be used in the subsequent washing cycle. The
control unit 110 thus initiates a subsequent washing cycle with the wash water i.e.
when the second washing operation of the dishwasher is selected, for example by driving
the circulation pump 46 to pump the wash water through the circulation hoses 28a,
28b and subsequent ejection of the wash water in form of the jets 9 from the spray
arms 26a, 26b, 26c 50.
[0039] Thus, as shown in Fig. 2 the method 500 after the step 520 either proceeds to a step
530 in which the wash water is drained off the dishwasher 10 if the first washing
operation of the dishwasher 10 is selected by the control unit 110 or proceeds to
a step 540 in which the washing of the dishes 5 Is continued using the wash water
if the second washing operation of the dishwasher 10 is selected by the control unit
110.
[0040] Thus, a washing control technique for a dish washer 10 is presented according to
the invention. The dishwasher 10 includes a motor 120 driving a circulation pump 46
for circulating wash water through a circulation hose 28a, 28b from a dishwasher compartment
42 towards spray arms 26a, 26b, 26c, a control unit 110, and a flow meter 105 for
detecting a flow rate of the wash water in the circulation hose 28a while washing
is performed using the wash water. A washing operation based on the detected flow
rate of the wash water is determined by the control unit 110. The flow rate indicates
a viscosity of the wash water, which in turn indicates amount of contaminants in the
wash water. Thus, from the flow rate the control unit 110 determines whether to re-circulate
the wash water for subsequent washing cycle or to drain the wash water off the dishwasher
10.
List of reference signs
[0041]
- 1
- washing control apparatus
- 5
- dishes
- 9
- jets
- 10
- dishwasher
- 11
- machine body
- 12
- door
- 14
- drying fan
- 20
- washing tub
- 22
- dish baskets
- 24
- racks
- 26a
- upper spray arm
- 26b
- middle spray arm
- 26c
- lower spray arm
- 28a
- circulation hose
- 28b
- circulation hose
- 30
- heater
- 32
- heater receiving groove
- 40
- space
- 42
- dishwasher compartment
- 46
- circulation pump
- 48
- drainage pump
- 50
- drainage pipe
- 105
- flow meter
- 110
- control unit
- 120
- motor
- 130
- input panel
- 500
- washing control method
- 510
- detecting a flow rate of the wash water by the flow meter
- 520
- determining a washing operation by the control unit
- 522
- determining a motor speed
- 524
- comparing the detected flow rate to a predetermined threshold reference flow rate
- 526
- selecting one of a first washing operation and a second washing operation
- 530
- draining the wash water off the dishwasher
- 540
- continued washing of the dishes using the wash water
1. A washing control method (500) for a dishwasher (10), the dishwasher (10) having a
motor (120) to drive a circulation pump (46) for circulating wash water through a
circulation hose (28a, 28b) from a dishwasher compartment (42) towards one or more
spray arms (26a, 26b, 26c) of the dishwasher (10), the washing control method (500)
comprising:
- detecting (510), by a flow meter (105), a flow rate of the wash water in the circulation
hose (28a) of the dishwasher (10) while washing is performed using the wash water;
and
- determining (520), by a control unit (110), a washing operation based on the detected
flow rate of the wash water,
wherein determining (520), by the control unit (110), the washing operation based
on the detected flow rate of the wash water comprises:
- determining (522) a motor speed corresponding to the flow rate detected by the flow
meter (105);
- comparing (524) the detected flow rate to a predetermined threshold reference flow
rate for the wash water corresponding to the motor speed so determined, and
- selecting (526) one of a first washing operation of the dishwasher (10) if the detected
flow rate of the wash water does not exceed the predetermined threshold reference
flow rate and a second washing operation of the dishwasher (10) if the detected flow
rate of the wash water exceeds the predetermined threshold reference flow rate,
characterized by
- draining (530) of the wash water if the first washing operation of the dishwasher
(10) is selected, and
- continuing (540) washing using the wash water if the second washing operation of
the dishwasher (10) is selected.
2. A dishwasher (10) comprising a washing control apparatus (1), the dishwasher (10)
having a motor (120) to drive a circulation pump (46) for circulating wash water through
a circulation hose (28a, 28b) from a dishwasher compartment (42) towards one or more
spray arms (26a, 26b, 26c) of the dishwasher (10), the washing control apparatus (1)
comprising:
- a flow meter (105) configured to detect a flow rate of the wash water in the circulation
hose (28a) of the dishwasher (10) while washing is performed using the wash water;
and
- a control unit (110) configured to determine a washing operation based on the detected
flow rate of the wash water,
wherein the control unit (110) is configured:
- to determine a motor speed corresponding to the flow rate detected by the flow meter
(105);
- to compare the detected flow rate to a predetermined threshold reference flow rate
for the wash water corresponding to the motor speed so determined, and
- to determine the washing operation by selecting one of a first washing operation
of the dishwasher (10) if the detected flow rate of the wash water does not exceed
the predetermined threshold reference flow rate and a second washing operation of
the dishwasher (10) if the detected flow rate of the wash water exceeds the predetermined
threshold reference flow rate,
characterized in that
the control unit (110) is further configured:
- to initiate a drainage operation of the wash water if the first washing operation
of the dishwasher (10) is selected; and
- to continue washing using the wash water if the second washing operation of the
dishwasher (10) is selected.
3. The dishwasher (10) according to claim 2, wherein the flow meter (105) is positioned
at the circulation hose (28a, 28b) fluidly connecting the dishwasher compartment (42)
and at least one of the spray arms (26a, 26b, 26c) of the dishwasher (10).
1. Ein Waschsteuerungsverfahren (500) für eine Geschirrspülmaschine (10), wobei die Geschirrspülmaschine
(10) einen Motor (120) aufweist, um eine Zirkulationspumpe (46) zum Zirkulieren von
Waschwasser durch einen Zirkulationsschlauch (28a, 28b) von einem Geschirrspülmaschinenabteil
(42) zu einem oder mehreren Sprüharmen (26a, 26b, 26c) der Geschirrspülmaschine (10)
anzutreiben, wobei das Waschsteuerungsverfahren (500) umfasst:
- Erfassen (510), durch einen Durchflussmesser (105), einer Durchflussrate des Waschwassers
in dem Zirkulationsschlauch (28a) des Geschirrspülers (10), während das Waschen unter
Verwendung des Waschwassers durchgeführt wird; und
- Bestimmen (520) eines Waschvorgangs durch eine Steuereinheit (110) auf der Grundlage
der erfassten Durchflussmenge des Waschwassers,
wobei das Bestimmen (520), durch die Steuereinheit (110), des Waschvorgangs auf der
Grundlage der erfassten Durchflussrate des Waschwassers umfasst:
- Bestimmen (522) einer Motordrehzahl, die der von dem Durchflussmesser (105) erfassten
Durchflussrate entspricht;
- Vergleichen (524) der erfassten Durchflussmenge mit einer vorbestimmten Schwellen-Referenz-durchflussmenge
für das Waschwasser, die der so bestimmten Motordrehzahl entspricht, und
- Auswählen (526) eines ersten Waschvorgangs des Geschirrspülers (10), wenn die ermittelte
Durchflussmenge des Waschwassers die vorbestimmte Schwellen-Referenz-Durchflussmenge
nicht überschreitet, und eines zweiten Waschvorgangs des Geschirrspülers (10), wenn
die ermittelte Durchflussmenge des Waschwassers die vorbestimmte Schwellen-Referenz-Durchflussmenge
überschreitet,
gekennzeichnet durch
- Ablassen (530) des Waschwassers, wenn der erste Waschvorgang des Geschirrspülers
(10) gewählt wird, und
- Fortsetzung (540) des Waschens unter Verwendung des Waschwassers, wenn der zweite
Waschvorgang des Geschirrspülers (10) gewählt wird.
2. Geschirrspülmaschine (10), umfassend eine Waschsteuervorrichtung (1), wobei die Geschirrspülmaschine
(10) einen Motor (120) aufweist, um eine Zirkulationspumpe (46) zum Zirkulieren von
Waschwasser durch einen Zirkulationsschlauch (28a, 28b) von einem Geschirrspülmaschinenabteil
(42) zu einem oder mehreren Sprüharmen (26a, 26b, 26c) der Geschirrspülmaschine (10)
anzutreiben, wobei die Waschsteuervorrichtung (1) umfasst:
- einen Durchflussmesser (105), der so konfiguriert ist, dass er eine Durchflussrate
des Waschwassers in dem Zirkulationsschlauch (28a) des Geschirrspülers (10) erfasst,
während das Waschen unter Verwendung des Waschwassers durchgeführt wird; und
- eine Steuereinheit (110), die so konfiguriert ist, dass sie einen Waschvorgang auf
der Grundlage der erfassten Durchflussmenge des Waschwassers bestimmt,
wobei die Steuereinheit (110) konfiguriert ist:
- um eine Motordrehzahl zu bestimmen, die der von dem Durchflussmesser (105) erfassten
Durchflussrate entspricht;
- die erfasste Durchflussrate mit einer vorbestimmten Schwellen-Referenz-Durchflussrate
für das Waschwasser zu vergleichen, die der so bestimmten Motordrehzahl entspricht,
und
- den Waschvorgang durch Auswahl eines ersten Waschvorgangs des Geschirrspülers (10),
wenn die ermittelte Durchflussmenge des Waschwassers die vorbestimmte Schwellen-Referenz-Durchflussmenge
nicht überschreitet, und eines zweiten Waschvorgangs des Geschirrspülers (10), wenn
die ermittelte Durchflussmenge des Waschwassers die vorbestimmte Schwellen-Referenz-Durchflussmenge
überschreitet, zu bestimmen,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
die Steuereinheit (110) weiter konfiguriert wird:
- einen Ablaufvorgang des Waschwassers einzuleiten, wenn der erste Waschvorgang des
Geschirrspülers (10) gewählt wird; und
- das Waschen mit dem Waschwasser fortzusetzen, wenn der zweite Waschgang der Spülmaschine
(10) gewählt wird.
3. Geschirrspülmaschine (10) nach Anspruch 2, wobei der Durchflussmesser (105) an dem
Zirkulationsschlauch (28a, 28b) positioniert ist, der das Fach (42) der Geschirrspülmaschine
und mindestens einen der Sprüharme (26a, 26b, 26c) der Geschirrspülmaschine (10) fluidmäßig
verbindet.
1. Procédé de commande de lavage (500) pour un lave-vaisselle (10), le lave-vaisselle
(10) ayant un moteur (120) pour entra ner une pompe de circulation (46) pour faire
circuler l'eau de lavage à travers un tuyau de circulation (28a, 28b) depuis un compartiment
de lave-vaisselle (42) vers un ou plusieurs bras de pulvérisation (26a, 26b, 26c)
du lave-vaisselle (10), le procédé de commande de lavage (500) comprenant :
- la détection (510), par un débitmètre (105), d'un débit de l'eau de lavage dans
le tuyau de circulation (28a) du lave-vaisselle (10) pendant que le lavage est effectué
en utilisant l'eau de lavage ; et
- déterminer (520), par une unité de contrôle (110), une opération de lavage sur la
base du débit détecté de l'eau de lavage,
dans laquelle la détermination (520), par l'unité de commande (110), de l'opération
de lavage basée sur le débit détecté de l'eau de lavage comprend :
- la détermination (522) d'une vitesse de moteur correspondant au débit détecté par
le débitmètre (105) ;
- comparer (524) le débit détecté à un débit de référence seuil prédéterminé pour
l'eau de lavage correspondant à la vitesse du moteur ainsi déterminée, et
- sélection (526) d'une première opération de lavage du lave-vaisselle (10) si le
débit détecté de l'eau de lavage ne dépasse pas le débit de référence seuil prédéterminé
et d'une seconde opération de lavage du lave-vaisselle (10) si le débit détecté de
l'eau de lavage dépasse le débit de référence seuil prédéterminé,
caractérisé par
- la vidange (530) de l'eau de lavage si la première opération de lavage du lave-vaisselle
(10) est sélectionnée, et
- continuer (540) le lavage avec l'eau de lavage si la deuxième opération de lavage
du lave-vaisselle (10) est sélectionnée.
2. Un lave-vaisselle (10) comprenant un appareil de commande de lavage (1), le lave-vaisselle
(10) ayant un moteur (120) pour entra ner une pompe de circulation (46) pour faire
circuler l'eau de lavage à travers un tuyau de circulation (28a, 28b) depuis un compartiment
de lave-vaisselle (42) vers un ou plusieurs bras de pulvérisation (26a, 26b, 26c)
du lave-vaisselle (10), l'appareil de commande de lavage (1) comprenant :
- un débitmètre (105) configuré pour détecter un débit de l'eau de lavage dans le
tuyau de circulation (28a) du lave-vaisselle (10) pendant que le lavage est effectué
en utilisant l'eau de lavage ; et
- une unité de contrôle (110) configurée pour déterminer une opération de lavage sur
la base du débit détecté de l'eau de lavage,
dans lequel l'unité de commande (110) est configurée :
- pour déterminer une vitesse de moteur correspondant au débit détecté par le débitmètre
(105) ;
- pour comparer le débit détecté à un débit de référence seuil prédéterminé pour l'eau
de lavage correspondant à la vitesse du moteur ainsi déterminée, et
- pour déterminer l'opération de lavage en sélectionnant l'une des deux opérations
suivantes : une première opération de lavage du lave-vaisselle (10) si le débit détecté
de l'eau de lavage ne dépasse pas le débit de référence seuil prédéterminé et une
deuxième opération de lavage du lave-vaisselle (10) si le débit détecté de l'eau de
lavage dépasse le débit de référence seuil prédéterminé,
caractérisé en ce que
l'unité de commande (110) est configurée plus avant :
- pour lancer une opération de vidange de l'eau de lavage si la première opération
de lavage du lave-vaisselle (10) est sélectionnée
- de continuer à laver avec l'eau de lavage si la deuxième opération de lavage du
lave-vaisselle (10) est sélectionnée.
3. Le lave-vaisselle (10) selon la revendication 2, dans lequel le débitmètre (105) est
positionné au niveau du tuyau de circulation (28a, 28b) reliant de manière fluide
le compartiment du lave-vaisselle (42) et au moins un des bras de pulvérisation (26a,
26b, 26c) du lave-vaisselle (10).