EP3073885B1 - Dishwasher and method for collecting washing liquid in a dishwasher - Google Patents
Dishwasher and method for collecting washing liquid in a dishwasher Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3073885B1 EP3073885B1 EP13799027.1A EP13799027A EP3073885B1 EP 3073885 B1 EP3073885 B1 EP 3073885B1 EP 13799027 A EP13799027 A EP 13799027A EP 3073885 B1 EP3073885 B1 EP 3073885B1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- washing liquid
- flow
- storage tank
- washing
- flow rate
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 title claims description 293
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 title claims description 241
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 13
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 claims description 79
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 8
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000002706 hydrostatic effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000005507 spraying Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000013022 venting Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003599 detergent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005381 potential energy Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
- A47L15/42—Details
- A47L15/4291—Recovery arrangements, e.g. for the recovery of energy or water
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
- A47L15/42—Details
- A47L15/4214—Water supply, recirculation or discharge arrangements; Devices therefor
- A47L15/4219—Water recirculation
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
- A47L15/42—Details
- A47L15/4214—Water supply, recirculation or discharge arrangements; Devices therefor
- A47L15/4219—Water recirculation
- A47L15/4221—Arrangements for redirection of washing water, e.g. water diverters to selectively supply the spray arms
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L2401/00—Automatic detection in controlling methods of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, e.g. information provided by sensors entered into controlling devices
- A47L2401/14—Water pressure or flow rate
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L2401/00—Automatic detection in controlling methods of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, e.g. information provided by sensors entered into controlling devices
- A47L2401/20—Time, e.g. elapsed operating time
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L2501/00—Output in controlling method of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, i.e. quantities or components controlled, or actions performed by the controlling device executing the controlling method
- A47L2501/03—Water recirculation, e.g. control of distributing valves for redirection of water flow
Definitions
- Embodiments herein relate to a dishwasher. Embodiments herein further relate to a method for collecting washing liquid in a dishwasher.
- washing liquid storage tank arranged to store washing liquid for subsequent re-use can reduce the use of washing liquid and energy during a wash session while the quality of the washing process is unaffected, or even improved.
- a washing liquid storage tank can be arranged to store washing liquid for re-use in a later stage of a wash cycle or for re-use in a subsequent wash cycle. The use of a washing liquid storage tank is described in the document EP 2583614 A2 .
- a washing liquid storage tank and the arrangement needed for the purpose of filling and emptying such a tank may add a considerable amount of production cost to a dishwasher.
- the filling and emptying of such a tank require components as well as control functions.
- a dishwasher capable of collecting washing liquid and being simple and cost efficient to manufacture.
- An object of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher capable of collecting washing liquid, and where the dishwasher is simple and cost effective to manufacture.
- Embodiments herein aim to provide dishwasher eliminating or at least reducing the problems and/or drawbacks associated with prior art solutions.
- DE 102011087855 A1 discloses a dishwasher (11) with a treatment container (14) for receiving washing liquid and a reservoir (16) for storing wash liquid.
- a pump is connected with a suction side to the treatment container and the pressure side to the reservoir. The hydrostatic pressures are exerted on the pressure side and suction side by the wash liquid in the reservoir and the treatment container respectively. The delivery pressure of the pump is adjusted and set such that difference between hydrostatic pressures is equal upon reaching a desired wash liquid level.
- a dishwasher comprising; a washing chamber with a sump, a circulation circuit comprising said sump, a circulation pump with an inlet and a first outlet, arranged to pump washing liquid in said circulation circuit, a first spray arrangement arranged to spray washing liquid into the washing chamber, a flow control device arranged to selectively control washing liquid flow to said first spray arrangement, a washing liquid storage tank, a first conduit, said washing liquid storage tank being connected to said circulation circuit via said first conduit, a flow control valve arranged in the first conduit, having at least an open state and a closed state, and an actuator arranged to control the flow control valve between the open state and the closed state, wherein said flow control device is arrangable to control liquid flow to said first spray arrangement such that washing liquid is arranged to be sprayed into said washing chamber with a first flow rate, in that said circulation pump is arrangable to pump washing liquid with a second flow rate, which second flow rate exceeds said first flow rate, and in that said valve is arrangable to be controlled to the
- the circulation pump being arrangable to pump washing liquid with a second flow rate which exceeds the first flow rate
- the valve being arrangable to be controlled to the open state by the actuator
- the excess washing liquid is arranged to flow from the circulation circuit to the washing liquid storage tank via said first conduit. Since the excess washing liquid is arranged to flow to the washing liquid storage tank, the washing liquid storage tank may be at least partly filled due to the difference in flow rate between the first flow rate and the second flow rate when the flow control device is arranged to control liquid flow to said first spray arrangement.
- a duration of a washing cycle may be shorter than if the collecting of washing liquid and the spraying into the washing chamber were performed at different periods during the washing cycle.
- a dishwasher which is capable of collecting washing liquid, and where the dishwasher is simple and cost effective to manufacture.
- said excess liquid is arranged to flow from said circulation circuit to said washing liquid storage tank with a third flow rate, and in that said third flow rate together with said first flow rate corresponds to said second flow rate.
- the third flow rate may be controlled as a function of the first flow rate and/or the second flow rate.
- the first, second and third flow rates may be at least partly controlled e.g. by a selected geometry of the circulation circuit, the first conduit and/or the washing liquid storage tank.
- the flow rates may also be at least partly controlled by e.g. a selected circulation pump speed, and/or a geometry and opening/closing time of the flow control valve. Due to this flexibility, the flow of excess liquid from the circulation circuit to the washing liquid storage tank may be easily controlled in any desired manner.
- said circulation circuit comprises a second spray arrangement arranged in said washing chamber, and said first spray arrangement is arranged above said second spray arrangement.
- said circulation circuit comprises a first spray arrangement arranged above a second spray arrangement
- the first arrangement may be arranged to spray washing liquid in an upper part of the washing chamber
- the second arrangement may be arranged to spray washing liquid in a lower part of the washing chamber.
- said flow control device is arrangable to control washing liquid flow to said first spray arrangement only.
- the flow control device is arranged to control washing liquid flow to the first spray arrangement only, the vertical level of a water column in the circulation circuit up to the first spray arrangement and/or a flow resistance related to the spraying of washing liquid through the first spray arrangement into said washing chamber may be used to control the excess washing liquid to flow up into the washing liquid storage tank.
- said first flow rate corresponds to a dish treatment flow rate, in which dish arranged in said washing chamber is treated by said washing liquid.
- said first flow rate corresponds to a dish treatment flow rate, in which dishes arranged in said washing chamber is treated in order to become clean by said washing liquid
- the excess washing liquid is arranged to flow from the circulation circuit to the washing liquid storage tank when the washing liquid is arranged to be sprayed into said washing chamber with a dish treatment flow rate via the first spray arrangement.
- the first flow rate may be selected such that the dishes are treated by some of the washing liquid from the circulation pump, while some of the washing liquid is arranged to flow up to the washing liquid storage tank.
- washing liquid may be collected in the washing liquid storage tank during a rinse cycle without an increased washing cycle time caused by the collection of washing liquid.
- the difference in flow rate between said first flow rate and said second flow rate causes a pressure in at least a part of the circulation circuit, where said pressure exceeds gravity-related-pressure, such that said excess washing liquid is arranged to be pushed up into said washing liquid storage tank via said first conduit due to said pressure when said circulation pump is arranged to pump washing liquid in said circulation circuit.
- the difference in flow rate between said first flow rate and said second flow rate causes a pressure in at least a part of the circulation circuit, causing excess washing liquid to be pushed up into said washing liquid storage tank due to said pressure.
- the pressure in the circulation system may be used to at least partly fill the washing liquid storage tank.
- said excess washing liquid is arranged to flow from said circulation circuit to said washing liquid storage tank via said first conduit up to a vertical level in said washing liquid storage tank which is arranged above a vertical level of said first spray arrangement in said dishwasher. Since said excess washing liquid is arranged to flow from said circulation circuit to said washing liquid storage tank via said first conduit up to a vertical level in said washing liquid storage tank which is arranged above a vertical level of said first spray arrangement in said dishwasher, a potential energy of the washing liquid may be large. Hereby the washing liquid collected in the washing liquid storage tank may flow from the tank to the first and/or second spray arrangement with large force e.g. in a later rinse procedure.
- Said circulation pump comprises a second outlet connected to said washing liquid storage tank via the first conduit, and in that said excess washing liquid is arranged to flow from said circulation pump to said washing liquid storage tank via said second outlet.
- a dishwasher is provided which is capable of collecting washing liquid, and which dishwasher is simple and cost efficient to manufacture. Also, due to the second outlet, a length of the first conduit may be reduced.
- washing liquid collected in the washing liquid storage tank during a first washing cycle is arranged to be used in a subsequent washing cycle.
- a dishwasher is provided where the use of clean water and energy can be reduced.
- Embodiments herein aim to provide a method for collecting and temporarily storing washing liquid in a dishwasher, eliminating or at least reducing the problems and/or drawbacks associated with prior art dishwashers.
- this is provided by a method for collecting washing liquid in a dishwasher
- the dishwasher comprises; a washing chamber with a sump, a circulation circuit comprising said sump, a circulation pump with an inlet and a first outlet, arranged to pump washing liquid in said circulation circuit, a first spray arrangement arranged to spray washing liquid into the washing chamber, a flow control device arranged to selectively control washing liquid flow to said first spray arrangement, a washing liquid storage tank, a first conduit, said washing liquid storage tank being connected to said circulation circuit via said first conduit, a flow control valve arranged in the first conduit, having at least an open state and a closed state, and an actuator arranged to control the flow control valve between the open state and the closed state.
- the method for collecting washing liquid in the dishwasher comprises; controlling liquid flow to said first spray arrangement such that washing liquid is arranged to be sprayed into said washing chamber with a first flow rate, using said flow control device, pumping washing liquid with a second flow rate, which second flow rate exceeds said first flow rate, using said circulation pump, and controlling said flow control valve to an open state such that excess washing liquid is arranged to flow from the circulation circuit to the washing liquid storage tank via said first conduit, using said actuator.
- washing liquid may be collected in the washing liquid storage tank in a cost efficient manner.
- the collected washing liquid may be used in a subsequent washing cycle.
- a dishwasher 1 is illustrated.
- the dishwasher 1 comprises a washing chamber 2 with a sump 3 and a circulation circuit 4.
- the circulation circuit 4 comprises the sump 3, a circulation pump 5 with an inlet 5a and a first outlet 5b.
- the circulation pump 5 is arrangable to pump washing liquid in the circulation circuit 4.
- the circulation circuit 4 also comprises a first spray arrangement 6a which is arranged to spray washing liquid into the washing chamber 2, and a flow control device 7 arrangable to selectively control washing liquid flow to the first spray arrangement 6a.
- the circulation circuit 4 further comprises a second spray arrangement 6b as shown in Fig. 1 . In the Fig. 1 embodiment, the first spray arrangement 6a is arranged above the second spray arrangement 6b.
- the first spray arrangement 6a may be arranged to distribute washing liquid to dish 15 arranged in an upper part and/or lower part of the washing chamber 2, and the second spray arrangement 6b may be arranged to mainly distribute washing liquid to dish 15 arranged in a lower part of the washing chamber 2.
- the one or more spray arrangements 6 may comprise spray arms provided with nozzles, and the spray arms may be arranged to rotate by a reaction force of washing liquid being sprayed out of the nozzles into the washing chamber 3.
- the circulation circuit 4 may comprise one or more conduits or tubes, arranged to allow the washing liquid to flow e.g. between the sump 3, the circulation pump 5, the flow control device 7 and the one or more spray arrangements 6.
- the circulation circuit 4 is further arranged to be connected to water mains and a drain, e.g. via connections (not shown) in the sump 3.
- the washing liquid may comprise water, a mixture of water, detergent and/or softener.
- the washing liquid is arranged to be collected in the sump 3.
- the sump 3 may be arranged in a lower part of the washing chamber 2.
- the circulation pump 5 is arranged to pump washing liquid from the sump 3 to the one or more spray arrangements 6 via the first outlet 5b of the circulation pump 5 and the flow control device 7.
- the flow control device 7 may be of any suitable type, as known in the art, such as a disc-type flow control device.
- the circulation pump 5 may be of radial flow type, such as a centrifugal pump, or axial flow type or half axial flow type.
- the circulation pump 5 is driven by an electric motor (not shown).
- the dishwasher 1 further comprises a washing liquid storage tank 8 arranged at a side of and/or above of the washing chamber 2 and a first conduit 9.
- the washing liquid storage tank 8 is connected to the circulation circuit 4 via the first conduit 9.
- the first conduit 9 may be connected to any suitable part or portion of the circulation circuit 4, and may be connected to any portion of the washing liquid storage tank 8.
- the first conduit 9 is connected to a conduit of the circulation circuit 4 e.g. via a T-coupling.
- the first conduit 9 is connected to the flow control device 7.
- the circulation pump 5 comprises a second outlet 5c coupled to the first conduit 9.
- the first conduit 9 is connected to a lower portion of the washing liquid storage tank 8.
- the first conduit 9 and/or conduits arranged in the circulation circuit 4 may comprise one or more flexible hoses.
- the washing liquid storage tank 8 may comprise a venting passage or a venting valve (not shown) in an upper region of the washing liquid storage tank 8 in order to admit passage of air while filling or emptying the washing liquid storage tank 8.
- a flow control valve 10 is arranged in the first conduit 9.
- the flow control valve 10 has at least an open state and a closed state. In the open state, washing liquid may flow in the conduit 9 between the circulation circuit 4 and the washing liquid storage tank 8. In the closed state, washing liquid is prevented from flowing between the washing liquid storage tank 8 and the circulation circuit 4. In the closed state, washing liquid collected in the washing liquid storage tank 8 may be retained in the washing liquid storage tank 8.
- the flow control valve 10 may be of any suitable type, as known in the art, such as a ball-type, globe-type or butterfly-type valve.
- An actuator 11 is connected to the flow control valve 10, and the actuator 11 is arranged to control the flow control valve 10 between the open state and the closed state.
- the actuator 11 may be e.g. a bi-metal actuator, a solenoid, an electric motor or an electrothermic actuator such as a wax motor.
- An electrothermic actuator may be relatively cost efficient, and may allow a flow area in the flow control valve 10 to be relatively large.
- the dishwasher 1 may further comprise a control unit, which control unit is arranged to control the actuator 11 and/or an electric motor which is driving the circulation pump 5.
- the flow control device 7 may be arranged to the control washing liquid flow to the first spray arrangement 6a such that washing liquid is arranged to be sprayed into said washing chamber 2.
- a speed and/or effect of the circulation pump 5 may affect the flow rate.
- the flow rate may also be affected by a geometry of conduits in the circulation circuit and/or a geometry of the spray arrangements 6 or parts thereof, such as spray arms and nozzles.
- Washing liquid in the circulation circuit 4 may be controlled to flow from the circulation circuit 4 to the washing liquid storage tank 8 during one or more periods of a washing cycle, such that the in the washing liquid storage tank 8 collected washing liquid may be used later. Washing liquid in the circulation circuit 4 may be controlled to flow from the circulation circuit 4 to the washing liquid storage tank 8 e.g. under two different time periods during a washing cycle, a first period and a second period. The first and second periods may be selected to occur e.g. during one or more rinse periods during the washing cycle.
- the circulation pump 5 may be arranged to pump washing liquid in the circulation circuit 4, and the flow control device 7 may be arranged to the control washing liquid flow to the first spray arrangement 6a.
- the actuator 11 may be arranged to control the flow control valve 10 to be in an open state.
- the circulation pump 5 may be arranged to pump washing liquid in the circulation circuit 4 with a selected flow rate.
- the flow control device 7 may control washing liquid flow only to the first spray arrangement 6a while the circulation pump 5 is running, washing liquid may be pumped from the sump 3 both towards the first spray arrangement 6a and the washing liquid storage tank 8.
- the flow control device 7 may thus be arranged to close a connection between the first circulation pump 5 and the lower spray arrangement 6b in embodiments comprising such a lower spray arrangement 6b.
- a flow resistance in the conduit arranged between the first outlet 5b of the circulation pump 5 and the spray arrangements 6a can be increased as compared to when running the circulation pump 5 with an open connection between the first outlet 5b of the circulation pump 5 and the lower spray arrangement 6b.
- Closing the connection between the first outlet 5b and the lower spray arrangement 6b may also serve to speed up the process of filling the washing liquid storage tank 8. As a result, filling of the washing liquid storage tank 8 with washing liquid can be performed with a reduced rotational speed of the circulation pump 9.
- washing liquid may be pumped up to a first vertical level 18 in both the washing liquid storage tank 8 and the circulation circuit 4.
- the first vertical level 18 may be an equilibrium vertical level which depends e.g. on the circulation pump speed and the dimensions and geometry of the circulation circuit 4, the washing liquid storage tank 8 and the first conduit 9.
- the first vertical level 18 may be arranged at substantially the same vertical level as the first spray arrangement 6a, or below the vertical level of the first spray arrangement 6a. When the equilibrium vertical level is reached, no flow at all, or only a small amount of flow, occurs in the circulation circuit 4.
- the first vertical level 18 may be substantially the same in both the circulation circuit 4 and the washing liquid storage tank 8.
- the washing liquid may reach the first vertical level 18 in e.g. a conduit of the circulation circuit 4 which is arranged between the flow control device 7 and the first spray arrangement 6a.
- the actuator 11 may then be arranged to close the flow control valve 10.
- the actuator 11 may be arranged to close the flow control valve 10 based on time, i.e. an amount of time after the opening of the flow control valve 10.
- the actuator 11 may be arranged to close the flow control valve 10 based on sensor data, e.g. relating to a detected pressure, weight and/or volume.
- washing liquid storage tank 8 When the flow control valve 10 is in the closed state again, the washing liquid storage tank 8 is partly filled with washing liquid. If the first period occurs under a rinse period during a washing cycle, the washing liquid collected in the washing liquid storage tank 8 is relatively clean and free from dirt and debris. According to an exemplifying embodiment, one or a few litres of washing liquid may be collected in the washing liquid storage tank 8 during this first period.
- An additional amount of washing liquid may be collected in the washing liquid storage tank 8 during a second period of the washing cycle.
- Such a second period may be selected to occur during a rinse period of the washing cycle, such as during a hot rinse period.
- the circulation pump 5 may be arranged to pump washing liquid in the circulation circuit 4, and the flow control device 7 may be arranged to control washing liquid flow to the first spray arrangement 6a only.
- the circulation pump 5 may be arranged to pump washing liquid in the circulation circuit 4 with a second flow rate 13.
- the second flow rate 13 may be higher than the flow rate selected during the first period and may be lower than a flow rate from the circulation pump 5 during other periods of the washing cycle.
- the actuator 11 may be arranged to control the flow control valve 10 to be in an open state.
- washing liquid may be arranged to be sprayed into the washing chamber 2 with a first flow rate 12 via the first spray arrangement 6a.
- the first sprayed flow rate 12 may depend e.g. on the flow rate from the circulation pump 5 and the geometry and/or dimension of the spray arrangement 6a, such as the number of spray nozzles and the size of the nozzles.
- a flow resistance of nozzles of the upper spray arrangement 6a may be used to be able to fill the washing liquid storage tank 8 with washing liquid to a level which may exceed the vertical level of the upper spray arrangement 6a.
- the second flow rate 13 exceeds the first flow rate 12. Since the second flow rate 13 from the circulation pump 5 exceeds the first flow rate 12 sprayed through the first spray arrangement 6a into the washing chamber 2, excess washing liquid is arranged to flow from the circulation circuit 4 to the washing liquid storage tank 8 via said first conduit 9. In other words, since only some of the washing liquid, which is pumped from the sump 3 via the circulation pump 5, may flow through the first spray arrangement 6a, the remaining water from the circulation pump 5 is instead pressed up into the washing liquid storage tank 8 via the first conduit 9 and the open flow control valve 10. Hereby the amount of washing liquid collected in the washing liquid storage tank 8 may reach a second vertical level 19, which second vertical level 19 is arranged above the first vertical level 18.
- the second vertical level 19 may be arranged above a vertical level of the spray arrangement 6a.
- the second vertical level 19 may be arranged at a substantial distance above the vertical level of the spray arrangement 6a, e.g. near an upper part of the washing liquid storage tank 8. When the second vertical level 19 is reached, a major part of, or the entire, washing liquid storage tank 8 may be filled.
- the actuator 11 may then be arranged to close the flow control valve 10.
- the actuator 11 may be arranged to close the flow control valve 10 based on time, i.e. an amount of time after the opening of the flow control valve.
- the actuator 11 may be arranged to close the flow control valve 10 based on sensor data, e.g. relating to a detected pressure, weight and/or volume.
- washing liquid may be arranged to flow up to the first vertical level 18 during the first period of a washing cycle, and then to the second vertical level 19 during the second period of a washing cycle.
- washing liquid is collected in the washing liquid storage tank 8 during the second period described above only.
- the second period may then occur e.g. during a rinse period of the washing cycle.
- the washing liquid collected in the washing liquid storage tank 8 during a first washing cycle may be arranged to be used in a subsequent washing cycle.
- the first 12 and second 13 flow rate may be substantially the same.
- washing liquid in the washing liquid storage tank 8 is arranged to be evacuated from the washing liquid storage tank 8 to the spray arrangement 6 and/or the sump 3 via the circulation pump 5 when the flow control valve 10 is in the open state.
- washing liquid in the washing liquid storage tank 8 is arranged to be evacuated from the washing liquid storage tank 8 by a force of gravity, and according to some embodiments the circulation pump 5 may be used.
- the washing liquid in the washing liquid storage tank 8 can hereby be re-used in an easy manner.
- the washing liquid in the washing liquid storage tank 8 can be re-used in a later stage of a wash cycle or re-used in a subsequent wash cycle. For example, relatively clean washing liquid collected during a washing cycle may be used e.g. for a pre-rinse of dish in a subsequent washing cycle.
- the dishwasher may comprise; a washing chamber with a sump, a circulation circuit comprising said sump, a circulation pump with an inlet and a first outlet, arranged to pump washing liquid in said circulation circuit, a first spray arrangement arranged to spray washing liquid into the washing chamber, a flow control device arranged to selectively control washing liquid flow to said first spray arrangement, a washing liquid storage tank, a first conduit, said washing liquid storage tank being connected to said circulation circuit via said first conduit, a flow control valve arranged in the first conduit, having at least an open state and a closed state, and an actuator arranged to control the flow control valve between the open state and the closed state
- the method 100 comprises;
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Description
- Embodiments herein relate to a dishwasher. Embodiments herein further relate to a method for collecting washing liquid in a dishwasher.
- Today's dishwashers are expected to perform high quality wash of dishes. Also, environmental concerns require an efficient use of water and energy during a wash session. The requirement of performing high quality wash of dishes and the requirement of efficient use of water and energy during a wash session can be seen as two conflicting requirements. However, the use of a washing liquid storage tank arranged to store washing liquid for subsequent re-use can reduce the use of washing liquid and energy during a wash session while the quality of the washing process is unaffected, or even improved. A washing liquid storage tank can be arranged to store washing liquid for re-use in a later stage of a wash cycle or for re-use in a subsequent wash cycle. The use of a washing liquid storage tank is described in the document
EP 2583614 A2 . However, a washing liquid storage tank, and the arrangement needed for the purpose of filling and emptying such a tank may add a considerable amount of production cost to a dishwasher. The filling and emptying of such a tank require components as well as control functions. In the light of the above, there is a need for a dishwasher capable of collecting washing liquid and being simple and cost efficient to manufacture. - An object of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher capable of collecting washing liquid, and where the dishwasher is simple and cost effective to manufacture.
- Embodiments herein aim to provide dishwasher eliminating or at least reducing the problems and/or drawbacks associated with prior art solutions.
-
DE 102011087855 A1 discloses a dishwasher (11) with a treatment container (14) for receiving washing liquid and a reservoir (16) for storing wash liquid. A pump is connected with a suction side to the treatment container and the pressure side to the reservoir. The hydrostatic pressures are exerted on the pressure side and suction side by the wash liquid in the reservoir and the treatment container respectively. The delivery pressure of the pump is adjusted and set such that difference between hydrostatic pressures is equal upon reaching a desired wash liquid level. - According to an embodiment, this is provided by a dishwasher comprising; a washing chamber with a sump, a circulation circuit comprising said sump, a circulation pump with an inlet and a first outlet, arranged to pump washing liquid in said circulation circuit, a first spray arrangement arranged to spray washing liquid into the washing chamber, a flow control device arranged to selectively control washing liquid flow to said first spray arrangement, a washing liquid storage tank, a first conduit, said washing liquid storage tank being connected to said circulation circuit via said first conduit, a flow control valve arranged in the first conduit, having at least an open state and a closed state, and an actuator arranged to control the flow control valve between the open state and the closed state, wherein said flow control device is arrangable to control liquid flow to said first spray arrangement such that washing liquid is arranged to be sprayed into said washing chamber with a first flow rate, in that said circulation pump is arrangable to pump washing liquid with a second flow rate, which second flow rate exceeds said first flow rate, and in that said valve is arrangable to be controlled to the open state by said actuator such that excess washing liquid is arranged to flow from the circulation circuit to the washing liquid storage tank via said first conduit.
- By the circulation pump being arrangable to pump washing liquid with a second flow rate which exceeds the first flow rate, and by the valve being arrangable to be controlled to the open state by the actuator, the excess washing liquid is arranged to flow from the circulation circuit to the washing liquid storage tank via said first conduit. Since the excess washing liquid is arranged to flow to the washing liquid storage tank, the washing liquid storage tank may be at least partly filled due to the difference in flow rate between the first flow rate and the second flow rate when the flow control device is arranged to control liquid flow to said first spray arrangement. Further, since the excess washing liquid is arranged to flow to the washing liquid storage tank while washing liquid is arranged to be sprayed into said washing chamber with a first flow rate, a duration of a washing cycle may be shorter than if the collecting of washing liquid and the spraying into the washing chamber were performed at different periods during the washing cycle.
- Hereby a dishwasher is provided which is capable of collecting washing liquid, and where the dishwasher is simple and cost effective to manufacture.
- As a result, the above mentioned object is achieved.
- According to some embodiments said excess liquid is arranged to flow from said circulation circuit to said washing liquid storage tank with a third flow rate, and in that said third flow rate together with said first flow rate corresponds to said second flow rate.
- When excess liquid is arranged to flow from said circulation circuit to said washing liquid storage tank with a third flow rate, and said third flow rate together with said first flow rate corresponds to said second flow rate, the third flow rate may be controlled as a function of the first flow rate and/or the second flow rate. The first, second and third flow rates may be at least partly controlled e.g. by a selected geometry of the circulation circuit, the first conduit and/or the washing liquid storage tank. The flow rates may also be at least partly controlled by e.g. a selected circulation pump speed, and/or a geometry and opening/closing time of the flow control valve. Due to this flexibility, the flow of excess liquid from the circulation circuit to the washing liquid storage tank may be easily controlled in any desired manner.
- According to some embodiments said circulation circuit comprises a second spray arrangement arranged in said washing chamber, and said first spray arrangement is arranged above said second spray arrangement. When said circulation circuit comprises a first spray arrangement arranged above a second spray arrangement, the first arrangement may be arranged to spray washing liquid in an upper part of the washing chamber, and the second arrangement may be arranged to spray washing liquid in a lower part of the washing chamber.
- According to some embodiments said flow control device is arrangable to control washing liquid flow to said first spray arrangement only. When the flow control device is arranged to control washing liquid flow to the first spray arrangement only, the vertical level of a water column in the circulation circuit up to the first spray arrangement and/or a flow resistance related to the spraying of washing liquid through the first spray arrangement into said washing chamber may be used to control the excess washing liquid to flow up into the washing liquid storage tank.
- According to some embodiments said first flow rate corresponds to a dish treatment flow rate, in which dish arranged in said washing chamber is treated by said washing liquid.
- When said first flow rate corresponds to a dish treatment flow rate, in which dishes arranged in said washing chamber is treated in order to become clean by said washing liquid, the excess washing liquid is arranged to flow from the circulation circuit to the washing liquid storage tank when the washing liquid is arranged to be sprayed into said washing chamber with a dish treatment flow rate via the first spray arrangement. The first flow rate may be selected such that the dishes are treated by some of the washing liquid from the circulation pump, while some of the washing liquid is arranged to flow up to the washing liquid storage tank. Hereby washing liquid may be collected in the washing liquid storage tank during a rinse cycle without an increased washing cycle time caused by the collection of washing liquid.
- According to some embodiments the difference in flow rate between said first flow rate and said second flow rate causes a pressure in at least a part of the circulation circuit, where said pressure exceeds gravity-related-pressure, such that said excess washing liquid is arranged to be pushed up into said washing liquid storage tank via said first conduit due to said pressure when said circulation pump is arranged to pump washing liquid in said circulation circuit. The difference in flow rate between said first flow rate and said second flow rate causes a pressure in at least a part of the circulation circuit, causing excess washing liquid to be pushed up into said washing liquid storage tank due to said pressure. Hereby the pressure in the circulation system may be used to at least partly fill the washing liquid storage tank.
- According to some embodiments said excess washing liquid is arranged to flow from said circulation circuit to said washing liquid storage tank via said first conduit up to a vertical level in said washing liquid storage tank which is arranged above a vertical level of said first spray arrangement in said dishwasher. Since said excess washing liquid is arranged to flow from said circulation circuit to said washing liquid storage tank via said first conduit up to a vertical level in said washing liquid storage tank which is arranged above a vertical level of said first spray arrangement in said dishwasher, a potential energy of the washing liquid may be large. Hereby the washing liquid collected in the washing liquid storage tank may flow from the tank to the first and/or second spray arrangement with large force e.g. in a later rinse procedure.
- Said circulation pump comprises a second outlet connected to said washing liquid storage tank via the first conduit, and in that said excess washing liquid is arranged to flow from said circulation pump to said washing liquid storage tank via said second outlet. As excess washing liquid is arranged to flow from the circulation pump to the washing liquid storage tank via said second outlet, a dishwasher is provided which is capable of collecting washing liquid, and which dishwasher is simple and cost efficient to manufacture. Also, due to the second outlet, a length of the first conduit may be reduced.
- According to some embodiments washing liquid collected in the washing liquid storage tank during a first washing cycle is arranged to be used in a subsequent washing cycle. When washing liquid collected in the washing liquid storage tank during a first washing cycle is arranged to be used in a subsequent washing cycle, a dishwasher is provided where the use of clean water and energy can be reduced.
- Embodiments herein aim to provide a method for collecting and temporarily storing washing liquid in a dishwasher, eliminating or at least reducing the problems and/or drawbacks associated with prior art dishwashers.
- According to an embodiment, this is provided by a method for collecting washing liquid in a dishwasher where the dishwasher comprises; a washing chamber with a sump, a circulation circuit comprising said sump, a circulation pump with an inlet and a first outlet, arranged to pump washing liquid in said circulation circuit, a first spray arrangement arranged to spray washing liquid into the washing chamber, a flow control device arranged to selectively control washing liquid flow to said first spray arrangement, a washing liquid storage tank, a first conduit, said washing liquid storage tank being connected to said circulation circuit via said first conduit, a flow control valve arranged in the first conduit, having at least an open state and a closed state, and an actuator arranged to control the flow control valve between the open state and the closed state.
- The method for collecting washing liquid in the dishwasher comprises; controlling liquid flow to said first spray arrangement such that washing liquid is arranged to be sprayed into said washing chamber with a first flow rate, using said flow control device, pumping washing liquid with a second flow rate, which second flow rate exceeds said first flow rate, using said circulation pump, and controlling said flow control valve to an open state such that excess washing liquid is arranged to flow from the circulation circuit to the washing liquid storage tank via said first conduit, using said actuator. Hereby washing liquid may be collected in the washing liquid storage tank in a cost efficient manner. The collected washing liquid may be used in a subsequent washing cycle.
- Thus, hereby is provided a method for collecting washing liquid in a dishwasher, eliminating or at least reducing the problems and/or drawbacks associated with prior art solutions.
- Further features of, and advantages with, the embodiments herein will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following detailed description. Those skilled in the art will realize that different features of the embodiments herein may be combined to create embodiments other than those described in the following, without departing from the scope of the appended claims.
- The various aspects of embodiments herein, including its particular features and advantages, will be readily understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:
- Fig. 1
- illustrates dishwasher according to some embodiments.
- Fig. 2
- illustrates a method according to some embodiments.
- Embodiments herein will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments are shown. However, this application should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Disclosed features of example embodiments may be combined as readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description.
- In order to keep the description concise, well-known functions or constructions have not been described in detail.
- In
Fig. 1 a dishwasher 1 is illustrated. The dishwasher 1 comprises awashing chamber 2 with asump 3 and acirculation circuit 4. - The
circulation circuit 4 comprises thesump 3, acirculation pump 5 with aninlet 5a and afirst outlet 5b. Thecirculation pump 5 is arrangable to pump washing liquid in thecirculation circuit 4. Thecirculation circuit 4 also comprises afirst spray arrangement 6a which is arranged to spray washing liquid into thewashing chamber 2, and aflow control device 7 arrangable to selectively control washing liquid flow to thefirst spray arrangement 6a. According to some embodiments, thecirculation circuit 4 further comprises asecond spray arrangement 6b as shown inFig. 1 . In theFig. 1 embodiment, thefirst spray arrangement 6a is arranged above thesecond spray arrangement 6b. Thefirst spray arrangement 6a may be arranged to distribute washing liquid to dish 15 arranged in an upper part and/or lower part of thewashing chamber 2, and thesecond spray arrangement 6b may be arranged to mainly distribute washing liquid to dish 15 arranged in a lower part of thewashing chamber 2. The one or more spray arrangements 6 may comprise spray arms provided with nozzles, and the spray arms may be arranged to rotate by a reaction force of washing liquid being sprayed out of the nozzles into thewashing chamber 3. Thecirculation circuit 4 may comprise one or more conduits or tubes, arranged to allow the washing liquid to flow e.g. between thesump 3, thecirculation pump 5, theflow control device 7 and the one or more spray arrangements 6. Thecirculation circuit 4 is further arranged to be connected to water mains and a drain, e.g. via connections (not shown) in thesump 3. - The washing liquid may comprise water, a mixture of water, detergent and/or softener. When the washing liquid has been sprayed into the
washing chamber 2, onto thedishes 15 placed in thewashing chamber 2, the washing liquid is arranged to be collected in thesump 3. Thesump 3 may be arranged in a lower part of thewashing chamber 2. - As illustrated in
Fig. 1 , thecirculation pump 5 is arranged to pump washing liquid from thesump 3 to the one or more spray arrangements 6 via thefirst outlet 5b of thecirculation pump 5 and theflow control device 7. Theflow control device 7 may be of any suitable type, as known in the art, such as a disc-type flow control device. Thecirculation pump 5 may be of radial flow type, such as a centrifugal pump, or axial flow type or half axial flow type. Thecirculation pump 5 is driven by an electric motor (not shown). - The dishwasher 1 further comprises a washing
liquid storage tank 8 arranged at a side of and/or above of thewashing chamber 2 and afirst conduit 9. The washingliquid storage tank 8 is connected to thecirculation circuit 4 via thefirst conduit 9. Thefirst conduit 9 may be connected to any suitable part or portion of thecirculation circuit 4, and may be connected to any portion of the washingliquid storage tank 8. According to some embodiments, thefirst conduit 9 is connected to a conduit of thecirculation circuit 4 e.g. via a T-coupling. According to some embodiments, thefirst conduit 9 is connected to theflow control device 7. In theFig. 1 illustrated embodiment, thecirculation pump 5 comprises asecond outlet 5c coupled to thefirst conduit 9. According to the embodiment illustrated inFig. 1 , thefirst conduit 9 is connected to a lower portion of the washingliquid storage tank 8. Thefirst conduit 9 and/or conduits arranged in thecirculation circuit 4 may comprise one or more flexible hoses. The washingliquid storage tank 8 may comprise a venting passage or a venting valve (not shown) in an upper region of the washingliquid storage tank 8 in order to admit passage of air while filling or emptying the washingliquid storage tank 8. - A
flow control valve 10 is arranged in thefirst conduit 9. Theflow control valve 10 has at least an open state and a closed state. In the open state, washing liquid may flow in theconduit 9 between thecirculation circuit 4 and the washingliquid storage tank 8. In the closed state, washing liquid is prevented from flowing between the washingliquid storage tank 8 and thecirculation circuit 4. In the closed state, washing liquid collected in the washingliquid storage tank 8 may be retained in the washingliquid storage tank 8. Theflow control valve 10 may be of any suitable type, as known in the art, such as a ball-type, globe-type or butterfly-type valve. - An
actuator 11 is connected to theflow control valve 10, and theactuator 11 is arranged to control theflow control valve 10 between the open state and the closed state. Theactuator 11 may be e.g. a bi-metal actuator, a solenoid, an electric motor or an electrothermic actuator such as a wax motor. An electrothermic actuator may be relatively cost efficient, and may allow a flow area in theflow control valve 10 to be relatively large. The dishwasher 1 may further comprise a control unit, which control unit is arranged to control theactuator 11 and/or an electric motor which is driving thecirculation pump 5. - The
flow control device 7 may be arranged to the control washing liquid flow to thefirst spray arrangement 6a such that washing liquid is arranged to be sprayed into saidwashing chamber 2. A speed and/or effect of thecirculation pump 5 may affect the flow rate. The flow rate may also be affected by a geometry of conduits in the circulation circuit and/or a geometry of the spray arrangements 6 or parts thereof, such as spray arms and nozzles. - Washing liquid in the
circulation circuit 4 may be controlled to flow from thecirculation circuit 4 to the washingliquid storage tank 8 during one or more periods of a washing cycle, such that the in the washingliquid storage tank 8 collected washing liquid may be used later. Washing liquid in thecirculation circuit 4 may be controlled to flow from thecirculation circuit 4 to the washingliquid storage tank 8 e.g. under two different time periods during a washing cycle, a first period and a second period. The first and second periods may be selected to occur e.g. during one or more rinse periods during the washing cycle. - During such a first period, e.g. selected to occur during a cold rinse period, the
circulation pump 5 may be arranged to pump washing liquid in thecirculation circuit 4, and theflow control device 7 may be arranged to the control washing liquid flow to thefirst spray arrangement 6a. Theactuator 11 may be arranged to control theflow control valve 10 to be in an open state. Thecirculation pump 5 may be arranged to pump washing liquid in thecirculation circuit 4 with a selected flow rate. - Since the
flow control device 7 may control washing liquid flow only to thefirst spray arrangement 6a while thecirculation pump 5 is running, washing liquid may be pumped from thesump 3 both towards thefirst spray arrangement 6a and the washingliquid storage tank 8. Theflow control device 7 may thus be arranged to close a connection between thefirst circulation pump 5 and thelower spray arrangement 6b in embodiments comprising such alower spray arrangement 6b. Thereby, a flow resistance in the conduit arranged between thefirst outlet 5b of thecirculation pump 5 and thespray arrangements 6a can be increased as compared to when running thecirculation pump 5 with an open connection between thefirst outlet 5b of thecirculation pump 5 and thelower spray arrangement 6b. Closing the connection between thefirst outlet 5b and thelower spray arrangement 6b may also serve to speed up the process of filling the washingliquid storage tank 8. As a result, filling of the washingliquid storage tank 8 with washing liquid can be performed with a reduced rotational speed of thecirculation pump 9. - Hereby washing liquid may be pumped up to a first
vertical level 18 in both the washingliquid storage tank 8 and thecirculation circuit 4. The firstvertical level 18 may be an equilibrium vertical level which depends e.g. on the circulation pump speed and the dimensions and geometry of thecirculation circuit 4, the washingliquid storage tank 8 and thefirst conduit 9. The firstvertical level 18 may be arranged at substantially the same vertical level as thefirst spray arrangement 6a, or below the vertical level of thefirst spray arrangement 6a. When the equilibrium vertical level is reached, no flow at all, or only a small amount of flow, occurs in thecirculation circuit 4. - Since the
flow control valve 10 between the washingliquid storage tank 8 and thecirculation circuit 4 is open, the firstvertical level 18 may be substantially the same in both thecirculation circuit 4 and the washingliquid storage tank 8. In thecirculation circuit 4, the washing liquid may reach the firstvertical level 18 in e.g. a conduit of thecirculation circuit 4 which is arranged between theflow control device 7 and thefirst spray arrangement 6a. - The
actuator 11 may then be arranged to close theflow control valve 10. Theactuator 11 may be arranged to close theflow control valve 10 based on time, i.e. an amount of time after the opening of theflow control valve 10. Alternatively, theactuator 11 may be arranged to close theflow control valve 10 based on sensor data, e.g. relating to a detected pressure, weight and/or volume. - When the
flow control valve 10 is in the closed state again, the washingliquid storage tank 8 is partly filled with washing liquid. If the first period occurs under a rinse period during a washing cycle, the washing liquid collected in the washingliquid storage tank 8 is relatively clean and free from dirt and debris. According to an exemplifying embodiment, one or a few litres of washing liquid may be collected in the washingliquid storage tank 8 during this first period. - An additional amount of washing liquid may be collected in the washing
liquid storage tank 8 during a second period of the washing cycle. Such a second period may be selected to occur during a rinse period of the washing cycle, such as during a hot rinse period. - During such a second period, the
circulation pump 5 may be arranged to pump washing liquid in thecirculation circuit 4, and theflow control device 7 may be arranged to control washing liquid flow to thefirst spray arrangement 6a only. Thecirculation pump 5 may be arranged to pump washing liquid in thecirculation circuit 4 with asecond flow rate 13. Thesecond flow rate 13 may be higher than the flow rate selected during the first period and may be lower than a flow rate from thecirculation pump 5 during other periods of the washing cycle. Theactuator 11 may be arranged to control theflow control valve 10 to be in an open state. - During this second step, washing liquid may be arranged to be sprayed into the
washing chamber 2 with afirst flow rate 12 via thefirst spray arrangement 6a. The first sprayedflow rate 12 may depend e.g. on the flow rate from thecirculation pump 5 and the geometry and/or dimension of thespray arrangement 6a, such as the number of spray nozzles and the size of the nozzles. A flow resistance of nozzles of theupper spray arrangement 6a may be used to be able to fill the washingliquid storage tank 8 with washing liquid to a level which may exceed the vertical level of theupper spray arrangement 6a. - During at least a part of the second period, the
second flow rate 13 exceeds thefirst flow rate 12. Since thesecond flow rate 13 from thecirculation pump 5 exceeds thefirst flow rate 12 sprayed through thefirst spray arrangement 6a into thewashing chamber 2, excess washing liquid is arranged to flow from thecirculation circuit 4 to the washingliquid storage tank 8 via saidfirst conduit 9. In other words, since only some of the washing liquid, which is pumped from thesump 3 via thecirculation pump 5, may flow through thefirst spray arrangement 6a, the remaining water from thecirculation pump 5 is instead pressed up into the washingliquid storage tank 8 via thefirst conduit 9 and the openflow control valve 10. Hereby the amount of washing liquid collected in the washingliquid storage tank 8 may reach a secondvertical level 19, which secondvertical level 19 is arranged above the firstvertical level 18. The secondvertical level 19 may be arranged above a vertical level of thespray arrangement 6a. The secondvertical level 19 may be arranged at a substantial distance above the vertical level of thespray arrangement 6a, e.g. near an upper part of the washingliquid storage tank 8. When the secondvertical level 19 is reached, a major part of, or the entire, washingliquid storage tank 8 may be filled. - The
actuator 11 may then be arranged to close theflow control valve 10. Theactuator 11 may be arranged to close theflow control valve 10 based on time, i.e. an amount of time after the opening of the flow control valve. Alternatively, theactuator 11 may be arranged to close theflow control valve 10 based on sensor data, e.g. relating to a detected pressure, weight and/or volume. - Thus, washing liquid may be arranged to flow up to the first
vertical level 18 during the first period of a washing cycle, and then to the secondvertical level 19 during the second period of a washing cycle. - According to some embodiments, washing liquid is collected in the washing
liquid storage tank 8 during the second period described above only. The second period may then occur e.g. during a rinse period of the washing cycle. The washing liquid collected in the washingliquid storage tank 8 during a first washing cycle may be arranged to be used in a subsequent washing cycle. During other periods of the washing cycle, in which no filling of the washingliquid storage tank 8 occurs, the first 12 and second 13 flow rate may be substantially the same. - According to some embodiments, washing liquid in the washing
liquid storage tank 8 is arranged to be evacuated from the washingliquid storage tank 8 to the spray arrangement 6 and/or thesump 3 via thecirculation pump 5 when theflow control valve 10 is in the open state. According to some embodiments, washing liquid in the washingliquid storage tank 8 is arranged to be evacuated from the washingliquid storage tank 8 by a force of gravity, and according to some embodiments thecirculation pump 5 may be used. The washing liquid in the washingliquid storage tank 8 can hereby be re-used in an easy manner. The washing liquid in the washingliquid storage tank 8 can be re-used in a later stage of a wash cycle or re-used in a subsequent wash cycle. For example, relatively clean washing liquid collected during a washing cycle may be used e.g. for a pre-rinse of dish in a subsequent washing cycle. - In
Fig. 2 amethod 100 for collecting washing liquid in a dishwasher is illustrated. The dishwasher may comprise; a washing chamber with a sump, a circulation circuit comprising said sump, a circulation pump with an inlet and a first outlet, arranged to pump washing liquid in said circulation circuit, a first spray arrangement arranged to spray washing liquid into the washing chamber, a flow control device arranged to selectively control washing liquid flow to said first spray arrangement, a washing liquid storage tank, a first conduit, said washing liquid storage tank being connected to said circulation circuit via said first conduit, a flow control valve arranged in the first conduit, having at least an open state and a closed state, and an actuator arranged to control the flow control valve between the open state and the closed state - The
method 100 comprises; - controlling 101 liquid flow to said first spray arrangement such that washing liquid is arranged to be sprayed into said washing chamber with a
first flow rate 102, using said flow control device, - pumping 102 washing liquid with a second flow rate, which second flow rate exceeds said first flow rate, using the said circulation pump, and
- controlling 103 said valve to an open state such that excess washing liquid is arranged to flow from the circulation circuit to the washing liquid storage tank via first conduit, using said actuator.
Claims (9)
- A dishwasher (1) comprising;- a washing chamber (2) with a sump (3),- a circulation circuit (4) comprising said sump (3), a circulation pump (5) with an inlet (5a) and a first outlet (5b), arranged to pump washing liquid in said circulation circuit (4), a first spray arrangement (6a) arranged to spray washing liquid into the washing chamber (2), a flow control device (7) arranged to selectively control washing liquid flow to said first spray arrangement (6a),- a washing liquid storage tank (8),- a first conduit (9), said washing liquid storage tank (8) being connected to said circulation circuit (4) via said first conduit (9),- a flow control valve (10) arranged in the first conduit (9), having at least an open state and a closed state, and- an actuator (11) arranged to control the flow control valve (10) between the open state and the closed state,said flow control device (7) is arrangable to control washing liquid flow to said first spray arrangement (6a) such that washing liquid is arranged to be sprayed into said washing chamber (2) with a first flow rate (12), said circulation pump (5) is arrangable to pump washing liquid with a second flow rate (13), which second flow rate (13) exceeds said first flow rate (12), and said flow control valve (10) is arrangable to be controlled to the open state by said actuator (11) such that excess washing liquid is arranged to flow from the circulation circuit (4) to the washing liquid storage tank (8) via said first conduit (9).
characterized in that said circulation pump (5) comprises a second outlet (5c) connected to said washing liquid storage tank (8) via the first conduit (9), and in that said excess washing liquid is arranged to flow from said circulation pump (5) to said washing liquid storage tank (8) via said second outlet (5c). - The dishwasher (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said excess liquid is arranged to flow from said circulation circuit (4) to said washing liquid storage tank (8) with a third flow rate, and in that said third flow rate together with said first flow rate (12) corresponds to said second flow rate (13).
- The dishwasher (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said circulation circuit (4) comprises a second spray arrangement (6b) arranged in said washing chamber (2), and in that said first spray arrangement (6a) is arranged above said second spray arrangement (6b).
- The dishwasher (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said flow control device (7) is arrangable to control washing liquid flow to said first spray arrangement (6a) only.
- The dishwasher (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first flow rate (12) corresponds to a dish treatment flow rate, in which dish (15) arranged in said washing chamber (2) is treated by said washing liquid.
- The dishwasher (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the difference in flow rate between said first flow rate (12) and said second flow rate (13) causes a pressure in at least a part of the circulation circuit (4), where said pressure exceeds gravity-related-pressure, such that said excess washing liquid is arranged to be pushed up into said washing liquid storage tank (8) via said first conduit (9) due to said pressure when said circulation pump (5) is arranged to pump washing liquid in said circulation circuit (4).
- The dishwasher (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said excess washing liquid is arranged to flow from said circulation circuit (4) to said washing liquid storage tank (8) via said first conduit (9) up to a vertical level in said washing liquid storage tank (8) which is arranged above a vertical level of said first spray arrangement (6a) in said dishwasher (1).
- The dishwasher (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that washing liquid collected in the washing liquid storage tank (8) during a first washing cycle is arranged to be used in a subsequent washing cycle.
- A method (100) for collecting washing liquid in a dishwasher (1) where the dishwasher (1) comprises; a washing chamber (2) with a sump (3), a circulation circuit (4) comprising said sump (3), a circulation pump (5) with an inlet (5a) and a first outlet (5b), arranged to pump washing liquid in said circulation circuit (4), a first spray arrangement (6a) arranged to spray washing liquid into the washing chamber (2), a flow control device (7) arranged to selectively control washing liquid flow to said first spray arrangement (6a), a washing liquid storage tank (8), a first conduit (9), said washing liquid storage tank (8) being connected to said circulation circuit (4) via said first conduit (9), a flow control valve (10) arranged in the first conduit (9), having at least an open state and a closed state, and an actuator (11) arranged to control the flow control valve (10) between the open state and the closed state, said circulation pump (5) comprises a second outlet (5c) connected to said washing liquid storage tank (8) via the first conduit (9), the method (100) comprises;- controlling (101) liquid flow to said first spray arrangement (6a) such that washing liquid is arranged to be sprayed into said washing chamber (2) with a first flow rate, using said flow control device (7),- pumping (102) washing liquid with a second flow rate, which second flow rate exceeds said first flow rate, using said circulation pump (5), and- controlling (103) said flow control valve (10) to an open state such that excess washing liquid is arranged to flow from the circulation circuit (4) to the washing liquid storage tank (8) via said first conduit (9), using said actuator (11).
wherein said excess washing liquid is arranged to flow from said circulation pump (5) to said washing liquid storage tank (8) via said second outlet (5c).
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PL13799027T PL3073885T3 (en) | 2013-11-29 | 2013-11-29 | Dishwasher and method for collecting washing liquid in a dishwasher |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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PCT/EP2013/075089 WO2015078513A1 (en) | 2013-11-29 | 2013-11-29 | Dishwasher and method for collecting washing liquid in a dishwasher |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP3073885A1 EP3073885A1 (en) | 2016-10-05 |
EP3073885B1 true EP3073885B1 (en) | 2019-02-06 |
Family
ID=49683728
Family Applications (1)
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EP13799027.1A Active EP3073885B1 (en) | 2013-11-29 | 2013-11-29 | Dishwasher and method for collecting washing liquid in a dishwasher |
Country Status (4)
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EP (1) | EP3073885B1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2013406467B2 (en) |
PL (1) | PL3073885T3 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2015078513A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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CN105361834B (en) * | 2015-10-23 | 2019-07-26 | 佛山市顺德区美的洗涤电器制造有限公司 | Dish-washing machine |
ES2727308A1 (en) * | 2018-04-12 | 2019-10-15 | Bsh Electrodomesticos Espana Sa | Domestic dishwasher machine with variable condenser in a heat pump arrangement. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) |
ES2727310A1 (en) * | 2018-04-12 | 2019-10-15 | Bsh Electrodomesticos Espana Sa | Domestic dishwasher machine with a variable evaporator in its heat pump arrangement. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) |
CN113768442A (en) * | 2021-08-22 | 2021-12-10 | 罗小聪 | Vortex water pipe drive dish washer |
Family Cites Families (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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ITTO20110942A1 (en) * | 2011-10-19 | 2013-04-20 | Indesit Co Spa | DISHWASHER MACHINE |
DE102011087855A1 (en) * | 2011-12-07 | 2013-06-13 | BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH | Water-conducting domestic appliance e.g. domestic dishwasher has pump whose delivery pressure is adjusted and set such that difference between hydrostatic pressures are equal upon reaching desired wash liquid level |
-
2013
- 2013-11-29 PL PL13799027T patent/PL3073885T3/en unknown
- 2013-11-29 WO PCT/EP2013/075089 patent/WO2015078513A1/en active Application Filing
- 2013-11-29 EP EP13799027.1A patent/EP3073885B1/en active Active
- 2013-11-29 AU AU2013406467A patent/AU2013406467B2/en not_active Ceased
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Also Published As
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EP3073885A1 (en) | 2016-10-05 |
AU2013406467B2 (en) | 2018-11-01 |
AU2013406467A1 (en) | 2016-04-21 |
WO2015078513A1 (en) | 2015-06-04 |
PL3073885T3 (en) | 2019-09-30 |
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