EP4144278A1

EP4144278A1 - Control method and control apparatus for dishwasher

Info

Publication number: EP4144278A1
Application number: EP21797871.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Longzhong Huang; Wei Xu; Jing Zhou; Hai Huang; Weidong Xu; Ningjie Huang
Original assignee: Sanhua Aweco Appliance Systems Wuhu Co Ltd
Current assignee: Sanhua Aweco Appliance Systems Wuhu Co Ltd
Priority date: 2020-04-30
Filing date: 2021-04-22
Publication date: 2023-03-08
Also published as: CN111685679B; WO2021218759A1; CN111685679A; EP4144278A4

Abstract

A control method for a dishwasher, comprising: when it is determined that a washing stage to be run of a dishwasher does not require water for heating and washing, controlling water, which is produced by a water softening apparatus (300) that is in a regeneration working state, to flow into a washing cavity of the dishwasher, or controlling water in a water storage tank to flow into the washing cavity of the dishwasher (S101); and when it is determined that said washing stage of the dishwasher requires water for heating and washing, controlling the water, which is produced by the water softening apparatus (300) that is in the regeneration working state, to be discharged by means of a drainage pipeline or to flow into the water storage tank (S102). The water softening apparatus (300) comprises several first electrodes (1) and second electrodes (2) that are stacked together and staggered and that have opposite polarities, channels through which a water flow passes are formed between adjacent first electrodes (1) and second electrodes (2), the side of one among the two electrodes facing the channel is provided with an adsorption layer that adsorbs target cations, and the switching between a softening function and a regeneration function is achieved by means of exchanging the polarities of the first electrodes (1) and the second electrodes (2).

Description

This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202010365510.4, titled "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING DISHWASHER", filed on April 30, 2020 with the China National Intellectual Property Administration, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of household electrical appliances, and in particular, to a method and an apparatus for controlling a dishwasher.

BACKGROUND ART

In conventional technology, a water softener of a capacitive deionization type utilizes its electrode material to adsorb metal cations, such as calcium ions and magnesium ions in the water. In a case the metal cations saturate the adsorption capacity, the water softener needs to regenerate, so as release the adsorbed calcium ions and magnesium ions into the water and therefore restore the adsorption capacity. The water softeners of such type are mainly applied to professional equipment for large-scale water treatment. How to incorporate control on regeneration of the capacitive-deionization water softener into a washing process of a dishwasher utilizing such water softener under rational usage of water resources is an urgent problem to be solved.

SUMMARY

A method for controlling a dishwasher is provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The dishwasher includes a water softener, where the water softener includes multiple first electrodes and multiple second electrodes that are alternately staked, water is capable to flow through a channel, the channel is located between each pair of a first electrode of the multiple first electrodes and a second electrode of the multiple second electrodes, the second electrode is adjacent to the first electrode, and a surface of the first electrode facing the channel is provided with an adsorption layer for adsorbing target cations. The method includes:

starting regeneration, where the water softener operates under a regeneration mode, in which the first electrodes are connected to a positive terminal of a power source and the second electrodes are connected to a negative terminal of the power source;
determining whether a washing stage that is to be entered requires water heating;
controlling the water generated by the water softener that is under the regeneration mode, or water stored in a water tank, to flow into a washing chamber of the dishwasher in response to the washing stage requiring no water heating; and
controlling water generated by the water softener that is under the regeneration mode to be drained through a drain pipe or flow into the water tank in response to the washing stage requiring water heating.

An apparatus for controlling a dishwasher is further provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The dishwasher includes a water softener, where the water softener includes multiple first electrodes and multiple second electrodes that are alternately stacked, water is capable to flow through a channel, the channel is located between each pair of a first electrode of the multiple first electrodes and a second electrode of the multiple second electrodes, the second electrode is adjacent to the first electrode, and a surface of the first electrode facing the channel is provided with an adsorption layer for adsorbing target cations. The apparatus includes:

a first control module, configured to control water generated by the water softener that is under a regeneration mode or water stored in a water tank to flow into a washing chamber of the dishwasher to provide the water in a first washing stage requiring no water heating, in response to determining that a washing stage which the dishwasher is to enter is the first washing stage, where the water tank is configured to store the water generated by the water softener that is regenerating; and
a second control module, configured to control the water generated by the water softener in the regeneration mode to be drained through a drain pipe or flow into the water tank, in response to determining that the washing stage which the dishwasher is to enter is a second washing stage requiring water heating;
where the multiple first electrodes are connected to a positive terminal of a power source and the multiple second electrodes are connected to a negative terminal of the power source when the water softener operates under the regeneration mode.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1a is a flowchart of a method for controlling a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 1b is a flowchart of a method for controlling a dishwasher according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 1c is a flowchart of a method for controlling a dishwasher according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 2 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a dishwasher according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 3 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a dishwasher according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 4 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a dishwasher according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 5 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a dishwasher according another embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 6 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a dishwasher according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 7a is a schematic structural diagram of a water softener according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 7b is a cross-sectional view of a water softener as shown in Figure 7a.
Figure 8 is a schematic structural diagram of an apparatus for controlling a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments are described in detail herein, and examples thereof are shown in the drawings. Unless indicated otherwise, identical reference numerals in different drawings represent the same or similar elements when following description makes references to the drawings. Implementations described in following embodiments do not represent all implementations that are consistent with the present disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods that are consistent with what is described in detail in the appended claims and in some aspects of the present disclosure.
The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Unless clearly indicated otherwise in the context, singular forms such as "a", "the", and "such" in this specification and the appended claims are intended to include plural forms as well,.
"First", "second", and similar terms used in the description and claims of the present disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity, or degree of importance, and are only configured to distinguish different components. Likewise, the terms such as "a(n)" or "one" do not indicate a quantitative limitation, but rather indicate presence of at least one. Similarly, terms such as "multiple" indicates a quantity of two or more.
Hereinafter embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail in conjunction with the drawings. Features in following embodiments and implementations may be mutually complementary and may be combined when there is no conflict.
A method for controlling a dishwasher according to embodiments of the present disclosure is applicable to a dishwasher having a capacitive-deionization water softener. The water softener may include a first electrode and a second electrode having opposite polarities. The water softener regenerates through swap the polarities on the first electrode and the second electrode, so as to restore its capability of softening water. The dishwasher is provided with a controller, such as a controlling circuit board. The controller is electrically coupled to the water softener, a washing apparatus, and other operation components, and is configured to control these apparatuses or components.
Reference is made to Figure 7a and Figure 7b. The capacitive-deionization water softener 300 includes multiple first electrode sheets 1 and multiple second electrode sheets 2. The multiple first electrode sheets 1 and the multiple second electrode sheets 2 are stacked in an interleaved manner, and a channel through which water is capable to flow is formed between each pair of the first electrode sheet 1 and the second electrode sheet 2 that are adjacent. Specifically, the channel may be implemented by filling an insulating filter or the like between the first electrode sheet 1 and the second electrode sheet 2. The insulating filter may have a mesh structure. After the first electrode sheets 1 and the second electrode sheets 2 are fixed under a certain pressure, the insulating filter is filled between the first electrode sheet 1 and the second electrode sheet 2 that are adjacent. Thereby, the channel through which water is capable to flow is formed between the first electrode sheet 1 and the second electrode sheet 2 is formed.
The first electrode sheets 1 and the second electrode sheets 2 may be thin graphite electrode sheets, or made of another conductive material. The first electrode sheets 1 and the second electrode sheets 2 are connected to positive and negative terminals of a power source, so that an electric field can be formed among the first electrode sheets 1 and the second electrode sheets 2.
The first electrode sheet 1 is provided with a first adsorption layer (not shown) for adsorbing target cations (such as calcium ions and magnesium ions in water). The second electrode sheet 2 may be provided with a second adsorption layer (not shown) for adsorbing target anions. Alternatively, the second electrode sheet 2 may be provided with no adsorption layer.
When the water softener 300 is powered, the first electrode sheets 1 are connected to a negative terminal of the direct-current (DC) power source, and the second electrode sheets 2 are connected to a positive terminal of the DC power source. Thereby, when water flows among the first electrode sheets 1 and the second electrode sheets 2, cations in the water are adsorbed onto the first adsorption layer, anions in the water are adsorbed onto the second adsorption layer, and hence the water is softened.
When the adsorption capacities of the first adsorption layer and the second adsorption layer are saturated, the first electrode sheet 1 and the second electrode sheet 2 may swap their connections to the terminals of the power source. That is, the first electrode sheet 1 is connected to the positive terminal of the DC power source, and the second electrode sheet 2 is connected to the negative terminal of the DC power source. In such case, the first adsorption layer releases the cations adsorbed on it under the electric field. Few cations are adsorbed by the second adsorption layer because the second adsorption layer has a poor capacity of adsorbing the cations. Therefore, the cations return to the water, and the adsorption capacity of the first adsorption layer is restored. Similarly, the second adsorption layer releases the anions adsorbed on it under the electric field, and the adsorption capacity of the second adsorption layer is restored. Thereby, regeneration is implemented.
The method for controlling a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include following steps.
In step S101, water generated by the water softener under a regeneration mode or water stored in a water tank is controlled to flow into a washing chamber of the dishwasher, so as to provide the water for a first washing stage that requires no water heating, in a case that a washing stage which the dishwasher is to enter is the first washing stage. The water tank is configured to store the water generated by the water softener that is regenerating.
In step S102, the water generated by the water softener under the regeneration mode is controlled to be drained through a drain pipe or flow into the water tank, in a case that the washing stage which the dishwasher is to enter is a second washing stage that requires water heating.
A washing stage of the dishwasher may include prewash, wash, rinse, or a combination thereof. For example, a full cycle of washing dishes includes only the wash stage in some dishwashers, includes the wash stage and then a rinse stage in some dishwashers, while includes the prewash stage, then the wash stage, and then the rinse stage in some dishwashers. Some dishwashers further have a drying function after the washing cycle.
In each washing stage, heated water may be used, or unheated water is used. In each washing stage, a detergent may or may not be used. For example, the rinse stage may include warm-rinse in which dishes are washed with heated water, or cold-rinse in which dishes are washed with unheated water, such as tap water.
In some embodiments, it is taken as an example that the washing stage of the dishwasher includes prewash, wash, and rinse. In the prewash, unheated water (such as tap water) is used for washing dishes. In the wash, heated water added with a detergent is used for washing the dishes. The rinse is the cold-rinse in which the dishes are washed with unheated water, such as tap water. In some scenarios, a brightener or a rinsing agent may be used for washing the dishes in the rinse. Correspondingly, the first washing stage may include the prewash or the cold-rinse, and the second washing stage may include the wash. In another embodiment, the second washing stage may further include the warm-rinse, in a case that heated water is used in the rinse.
In the step S101, the washing stage which the dishwasher is to enter is determined to be the first washing stage that requires no water heating, and such determination may be implemented by determining that the washing stage is the prewash or the cold-rinse. The washing stage is determined to require no water heating based on that the prewash and the cold-rinse use unheated water for washing dishes. For example, when it is determined that the washing stage which the dishwasher is to enter is the prewash, the water generated by the water softener under the regeneration mode is controlled to flow into the washing chamber of the dishwasher.
Similarly, in the step S102, the washing stage which the dishwasher is to enter is determined to be the second washing stage that requires water heating, and such determination may be implemented by determining that the washing stage is the wash or the warm-rinse. The washing stage is determined to require water heating based on that the wash and the warm-rinse use heated water for washing dishes. For example, when it is determined that the washing stage which the dishwasher is to enter is the wash, water generated by the water softener under the regeneration mode is controlled to flow into a drain pipe instead of the washing chamber. Hence, less lime scale is formed on the dishes or in pipelines of the dishwasher.
In an embodiment, a water outlet of the water softener and the washing chamber may communicate via a pipe, and the water outlet and the drain pipe may communicate via a pipe. For example, valves may be provided at a water inlet of the washing chamber and a water inlet of the drain pipe, may be provided in the pipes, or may be provided at the water outlet of the water softener. Thereby, the pipe connecting the water outlet of the water softener and the washing chamber and the pipe connecting the water outlet of the water softener and the drain pipe may be unblocked or blocked by opening or closing corresponding valves. Correspondingly, in a case that the washing stage which the dishwasher is to enter is the prewash, the valves may be controlled to unblock the pipe connecting the water outlet of the water softener and the washing chamber, and block the pipe connecting the water outlet of the water softener and the drain pipe. Hence, the water generated by the water softener under the regeneration mode flows into the washing chamber of the dishwasher. Water generated by the water softener under a softening mode may be controlled in a similar manner to flow into the washing chamber, which is not described in detail herein.
In another embodiment, the water outlet of the water softener, the washing chamber, and the drain pipe communicate in series via pipes. That is, the water outlet of the water softener and the drain pipe communicate via the washing chamber. Valves may be provided at a water inlet of the washing chamber and a water inlet of the drain pipe, or may be provided in the pipes, or may be provided at the water outlet of the water softener. Thereby, the pipe connecting the water outlet of the water softener and the washing chamber and the pipe connecting an outlet of the washing chamber and the drain pipe may be unblocked or blocked by opening or closing of the corresponding valves. Correspondingly, in a case that the washing stage which the dishwasher is to enter is the prewash, the valves may be controlled to unblock the pipe connecting the water outlet of the water softener and the washing chamber, and block the pipe connecting the water outlet of the washing chamber and the drain pipe. Hence, the water generated by the water softener under the regeneration mode flows into the washing chamber of the dishwasher. When draining water, the pipe connecting the water outlet of the washing chamber and the drain pipe is unblocked, so that water in the washing chamber of the dishwasher is drained through the drain pipe. Water generated by the water softener under a softening mode may be controlled in a similar manner to flow into the washing chamber, which is not described in detail herein.
In an embodiment, a water tank may be provided to save water resources. Specifically, the water outlet of the water softener may be connected to the washing chamber of the dishwasher and a water inlet of the water tank via a three-way valve or another component. The water outlet of the water softener and the washing chamber of the dishwasher communicate via the three-way valve in some operating situations, while the water outlet of the water softener and the water inlet of the water tank communicate via the three-way valve in other operating situations.
A water outlet of the water tank and the washing chamber may communicate under control of a valve.
Moreover, the water tank configured to store the water generated from the regeneration render the regeneration more flexible. For example, the water softener may regenerate even when the dishwasher performs washing, and the hard water generated from the regeneration is stored in the water tank.
Moreover, the water tank may have an outlet flow rate greater than that of the water softener, which can reduce time consumed by filling the dishwasher with water. Hence, the fully washing cycle of the dishwasher is shortened.
Figure 1a is a flowchart of a method for controlling a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Reference is made to Figure 1a, when necessary in conjunction with Figure 1b, Figure 1c, and Figure 2. Identical steps are denoted by identical reference numerals in Figure 1a, Figure 1b, Figure 1c, and Figure 2. In some embodiments, before the step S101, the method for controlling the dishwasher may include steps S11 and S12.
In step S 11, regeneration of the water softener is started.
In step S12, it is determined whether a washing stage that is to be entered requires water heating.
The water generated by the water softener which starts the regeneration in the step S11 may flow into the washing chamber of the dishwasher directly, may be stored in the water tank, or may be drained through the drain pipe, which depends on different application scenarios.
After the regeneration is started, the dishwasher may determine whether the to-be-entered washing stage requires water heating. The determination may be implemented by determining whether the to-be-entered washing stage is prewash, wash, cold-rinse, or warm-rinse.
Reference is made to Figure 2. As an example, it is determined whether the to-be-entered washing stage is the prewash. The step S12 may include step S121. In step S121, it is determined whether the to-be-performed washing stage is prewash.
In other embodiments, the step S11 may be executed after the step S12. The sequence is not limited herein and may be configured based on a specific application scenario.
After the step S101, the method may further include step S103.
In step S103, it is determined whether a volume of water in the washing chamber reaches a rated volume.
Before the step S103, the method further includes detecting the volume of water in the washing chamber.
A water-volume detecting device may be provided within the washing chamber to detect the volume of water in the washing chamber in real time or at preset intervals. Alternatively or additionally, the water-volume detecting device may be provided at a water inlet of the washing chamber to detect a volume of water flowing into the washing chamber in a current water injection stage in real time or at preset intervals, and the volume of the water flowing into the washing chamber serves as the volume of water in the washing chamber. Each time before the dishwasher enters a washing stage, it is necessary to inject water required by the washing stage into the washing chamber. The water injection stage may refer to a stage of the injected water flowing into the washing chamber.
The process proceeds to step S 104 in a case that the volume of water in the washing chamber is determined to reach the rated volume in the step S103. Otherwise, the water generated by the water softener under the regeneration mode may be controlled to keep flowing into the washing chamber of the dishwasher.
In step S104, the dishwasher is controlled to start washing.
Reference is further made to Figure 2. The process proceeds to step S 1041 in a case that the volume of water in the washing chamber is determined to reach the rated volume. In step S1041, the prewash is started, that is, the dishwasher is controlled to enter the first washing stage. Otherwise, the water generated by the water softener under the regeneration mode may be controlled to keep flowing into the washing chamber of the dishwasher.
Besides the step S104, a pipe connecting the water outlet of the water softener and the washing chamber may be further blocked in a case that the volume of water in the washing chamber reaches the rated volume. Moreover, the water softener may stop regenerating in a case that the regeneration has been completed. In a case that the regeneration has not been completed, the pipe connecting the water outlet of the water softener and the drain pipe may be unblocked, and the water generated by the water softener that is regenerating can be drained through the drain pipe. Alternatively or additionally, the water outlet of the water softener and the water inlet of the water tank may communicate through controlling the three-way valve, such that the water generated by the regenerating water softener flows into the water tank.
Reference is further made to Figure 1b. In some embodiments, the method includes step S105 after the step S102. In step S105, it is determined whether current hardness of the water generated by the water softener under the regeneration mode is less than first threshold hardness.
In this embodiment, hardness of the water is used to determine whether the regeneration of the water softener is completed. It may be determined that the regeneration function of the water softener is completed and the softening capability of the water softener is restored in a case that the hardness of the water generated by the water softener under the regeneration mode is less than the first threshold hardness. In an embodiment, the first threshold hardness ranges from 0dh to 11dh. A specific value of the first threshold hardness may be set based on factors such as a specific requirement of the dishwasher, which is not limited herein. In some embodiments, the hardness of the water configured herein complies with water hardness standards in Germany.
Correspondingly, before the step S105, the method may further include a following step. The current hardness of the water generated by the water softener under the regeneration mode is acquired.
A component may be provided at the water outlet of the water softener to detect current total dissolved solids in the water. Hardness corresponding to the total dissolved solids in the water may be calculated according to a conversion relationship between the total dissolved solids and the hardness.
Alternatively or additionally, a conductivity meter may be provided at the water outlet of the water softener to detect current electrical conductivity of the water. Hence, hardness corresponding to the electrical conductivity of the water is calculated according to a conversion relationship between the electrical conductivity and the hardness.
Further, the process processed to step S106 in a case that the hardness of the water generated by the water softener under the regeneration mode is determined to be less than the first threshold hardness the in step S105. Otherwise, the water softener keeps performing the regeneration. The water generated by the water softener when the water softener keeps performing the regeneration may be drained through the drain pipe or flow into the water tank.
In step S106, the water softener is controlled to stop performing the regeneration, that is, the water softener stops the regeneration.
After the water softener stops the regeneration, the process may proceed to step S107. In step S107, the water softener is controlled to perform softening.
Further, water generated by the water softener performing the softening may be controlled to flow into the washing chamber, such that it can be used in the second washing stage.
Reference is further made to Figure 1c. In some embodiments, the method may include step S110 after the step S102. In step S110, it is determined whether hardness variation of the water generated by the water softener under the regeneration mode is less than a threshold hardness variation.
In this embodiment, the hardness variation of water is used to determine whether regeneration of the water softener is completed. In a case that the hardness variation of the water generated by the water softener under the regeneration mode is less than the threshold hardness variation, it may be determined that the hardness of the water hardened by the water softener would change little in following regeneration, which indicates that the regeneration of the water softener has been completed and the softening capability of the water softener has been restored. The threshold hardness variation may be set based on a specific situation, which is not limited herein.
Correspondingly, before the step S110, the method may include a following step. The hardness variation of water at the water outlet of the water softener under the regeneration mode is obtained.
Herein the hardness variation may refer to hardness variation per unit time, and may be determined based on a ratio of hardness variation within a preset interval to a length of the interval. The interval may be 1s, 3s, 5s, 8s, 10s, 12s, 15s, or the like, which may be set based on a specific situation. For example, the interval is 10s, and every 10 seconds the dishwasher acquires hardness of water at the water outlet of the water softener in the regeneration mode. A ratio of a difference between two successive hardness to the interval 10s is determined as the hardness variation per unit time of the water generated by the water softener in the regeneration mode. A manner for acquiring the hardness of water may refer to the foregoing relevant description, which is not repeated herein.
The process proceeds to the step S106 in a case that the hardness variation per unit time of the water generated by the water softener under the regeneration mode is less than the threshold hardness variation. Otherwise, the water softener keeps performing the regeneration. Similarly, the water generated by the water softener when the water softener keeps performing the regeneration may be drained through the drain pipe or flow into the water tank.
The method may further include a following step. It is determined whether hardness of water at the water outlet of the water softener performing the softening is greater than second threshold hardness. In case of the determination being positive, it is determined that the water softener needs to perform the regeneration. The water softener is controlled to perform the regeneration before a next washing stage of the washing stage corresponding to the softening starts.
In an embodiment, the method includes steps S1001 and S1002 before the step S11.
In step S1001, hardness of water at the water outlet of the water softener performing the softening is detected.
A manner of detecting the hardness of water generated by the water softener performing the softening may refer to the foregoing description. For example, total dissolved solids in the water at the water outlet of the water softener performing the softening may be detected via the component for detecting the total dissolved solids, or electrical conductivity of the water at the water outlet of the water softener when performing softening function may be detected via the electrical-conductivity meter. The hardness of the water generated by the water softener performing the softening is then determined based on the total dissolved solids or the electrical conductivity of the water. Specific processes are not described in detail herein.
In step S1002, it is determined whether the hardness of water generated by the water softener performing the softening is greater than second threshold hardness.
In this embodiment, the hardness of water generated by the water softener when performing the softening is used to determine whether the water meets a requirement of washing. The hardness of the water generated by the water softener performing the softening, when being greater than the second threshold hardness, may indicate that the water generated by the water softener performing the softening cannot meet the requirement. Optionally, the second threshold hardness ranges from 8dh to 11dh. A specific value of the second threshold hardness may be configured based on factors such as a specific requirement of the dishwasher, which is not limited herein.
The process proceeds to the step S11 before a next washing stage of the washing stage corresponding to the softening, that is, corresponding to the step S1001, starts, in a case that the hardness of water generated by the water softener when performing the softening is greater than the second threshold hardness. In the step S11, the water softener in the dishwasher is controlled to perform the regeneration.
The step S1001 and the step S1002 are executed before the step S11 and belong to a same washing stage. For example, the washing sate is the wash that requires water heating, and the process may proceed to the step S11 after the wash is finished. Correspondingly, in the step S12 (the step S121 or S122), the to-be-entered washing stage in the determination can be understood as a next washing stage, such as the warm-rinse, which follows the washing stage corresponding to the softening.
The process may proceeds to the step S13 in a case that the hardness of the water generated by the water softener performing the softening is less than or equal to the second threshold hardness. In step S13, the water softener in the dishwasher keeps performing the softening until reaching the rated volume, and the water generated by the water softener performing the softening flows into the washing chamber of the dishwasher. It is appreciated that the softening may be stopped in a case that the water generated by the water softener performing the softening is sufficient for a current washing stage.
Reference is made to Figure 3 to Figure 6, which show a method for controlling a dishwasher according to other different embodiments of the present disclosure. In Figure 3 to Figure 6, the steps identical to those in Figure 2 are denoted by identical reference numerals, and may refer to the foregoing related description for details. Hereinafter briefly illustrated are differences between Figures 3 to 6 and Figure 2.
Similar to the method as show in Figure 2, the method as shown in Figure 3 takes an example in which the to-be-entered washing stage is the prewash. A difference lies in that the process proceeds to the step S105 after the step S102 in the method as shown Figure 2, i.e., whether the water softener keeps or stops regenerating is controlled according to whether the hardness of water generated by the water softener performing the regeneration is less than the first threshold hardness, while the process proceeds to the step S110 after the step S102 in the method as shown in Figure 3, i.e., whether the water softener keeps or stops regenerating is controlled according to whether the hardness variation of water generated by the water softener when performing the regeneration is less than the threshold hardness variation.
In the embodiments as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3, the dishwasher performs the prewash using unheated water. Since water temperature is low in the washing, the water generated by the water softener performing the regeneration has little impact on lime scale generation. Hence, the hard water obtained from the regeneration can be used in the washing. The water is not directly drained from the drain pipe, hence avoiding a waste of water and reduces water consumption of the dishwasher. Other washing stages such as the wash and the warm-rinse require using heated water in the washing, and the heated water has a great impact on lime scale generation. Therefore, the hard water generated in the regeneration can be drained through the drain pipe to prevent the water from flowing into the washing chamber. Hence, the lime scale generation is reduced during a washing stage using the heated water, which improves user experience.
The method as shown in Figure 4 differs from the method as shown in Figure 2 in a following aspect. In the method as shown in Figure 2, the step S12 includes step the S121, i.e., it is determined whether the to-be-entered washing stage is the prewash, and the process proceeds to the step S1041 after the step S103 to start the pre-wash. In comparison, the step S12 in Figure 4 includes the step S122, i.e., it is determined whether the to-be- entered washing stage is the wash. Correspondingly, the water generated by the regenerating water softener is controlled to flow into the washing chamber of the dishwasher in a case that the to-be-entered washing stage being not the wash, and is controlled to be drained through the drain pipe or flow into the water tank in a case that the to-be-performed washing stage is the wash.
The method as shown in Figure 5 differs from the method as shown in Figure 2 in following aspects. Besides the difference between Figure 4 and Figure 2, the method as shown in Figure 5 proceeds to the step S110 rather than the step S105 after the step S102, i.e., whether the water softener keeps or stops regenerating is controlled according to whether the hardness variation of water generated by the water softener when performing the regeneration is less than the threshold hardness variation, which is similar to the method as shown in Figure 3.
In the embodiments as shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5, the dishwasher performs the wash using heated water. Since water temperature is high in the washing, the water generated by the water softener performing the regeneration has a great impact on lime scale generation. Hence, the hard water generated in the regeneration can be drained through the drain pipe to prevent the water from flowing into the washing chamber. The lime scale generation is reduced during a washing stage using the heated water, which improves user experience. Other washing stages such as the prewash and the cold-rinse require using unheated water in the washing, and the unheated water has little impact on lime scale generation. Hence, the hard water obtained from the regeneration can be used in the washing. The water is not directly drained from the drain pipe, hence avoiding a waste of water and reduces water consumption of the dishwasher.
The method as shown in Figure 6 differs from the method shown in Figure 2 in a following aspect. The method as shown in Figure 6 further includes the step S1001 and the step S1002 before the step S11, and the process may proceed to the step S13 after the step S1002.
The steps as shown in Figure 3 to Figure 6 have identical reference numerals as those in Figure 2 (as well as those in Figure 1a, Figure 1b, and Figure 1c). Details may refer to the forgoing relevant description, and are not repeated herein.
An apparatus for controlling a dishwasher is further provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Reference is made to Figure 8, where the apparatus includes a first control module 100 and a second control module 200.
The first control module 100 is configured to determine that a washing stage which the dishwasher is to enter is a first washing stage requiring no water heating, and control water generated by a water softener that is under a regeneration mode or water stored in a water tank to flow into a washing chamber of the dishwasher to provide the water in the first washing stage. The water tank is configured to store the water generated by the water softener that is regenerating.
The second control module 200 is configured to determine that the washing stage which the dishwasher is to enter is a second washing stage requiring water heating, and control the water generated by the water softener in the regeneration mode to be drained through a drain pipe or flow into the water tank.
The water softener includes multiple first electrodes and multiple second electrodes that are alternately stacked. The first electrodes and the second electrodes are configured to be connected to opposite polarities. Water is capable to flow through a channel formed between each pair of the first electrode and the second electrode that are adjacent. A surface of one of the first electrode and the second electrode facing the channel is provided with an adsorption layer for adsorbing target cations. The water softener is switched between softening and regeneration through swap the polarities connected to the first electrodes and the second electrodes.
A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is further provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The storage medium stores a computer program, and the computer program when executed by a processor implements the method for controlling the dishwasher provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

A method for controlling a dishwasher, wherein:
the dishwasher comprises a water softener, wherein the water softener comprises a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes, the first electrodes and the second electrodes are alternately stacked, water is capable to flow through a channel, the channel is formed between each pair of a first electrode of the plurality of first electrodes and a second electrode of the plurality of second electrodes, the second electrode s adjacent to the first electrode, and a surface of the first electrode facing the channel is provided with an adsorption layer for adsorbing target cations; and

the method comprises:
starting regeneration, wherein the water softener operates under a regeneration mode, in which the first electrodes are connected to a positive terminal of a power source and the second electrodes are connected to a negative terminal of the power source;

determining whether a washing stage that is to be entered requires water heating;

controlling water generated by the water softener that is under the regeneration mode, or water stored in a water tank, to flow into a washing chamber of the dishwasher in response to the washing stage requiring no water heating; and

controlling the water generated by the water softener that is under the regeneration mode to be drained through a drain pipe or flow into the water tank in response to the washing stage requiring water heating.
The method according to claim 1, wherein after controlling the water generated by the water softener that is under the regeneration mode to be drained through the drain pipe or flow into the water tank, the method further comprises:
acquiring hardness of the water generated by the water softener under the regeneration mode; and

stopping the regeneration in response to the hardness being less than first threshold hardness.
The method according to claim 2, wherein acquiring the hardness of the water generated by the water softener under the regeneration mode comprises:
detecting total dissolved solids in the water at a water outlet of the water softener under the regeneration mode; and

calculating the hardness corresponding to the content of total dissolved solids based on a conversion relationship between the total dissolved solids and the hardness.
The method according to claim 2, wherein acquiring the hardness of the water generated by the water softener under the regeneration mode comprises:
detecting electrical conductivity of the water at a water outlet of the water softener under the regeneration mode; and

calculating the hardness corresponding to the electrical conductivity based on a conversion relationship between the electrical conductivity and the hardness.
The method according to claim 2, wherein the first threshold hardness ranges from 0dh to 11dh.
The method according to claim 1, wherein after controlling the water generated by the water softener that is under the regeneration mode to be drained through the drain pipe or flow into the water tank, the method further comprises:
acquiring hardness variation per unit time of the water at a water outlet of the water softener under the regeneration mode; and

stopping the regeneration in response to the hardness variation per unit time being less than a threshold hardness variation.
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the washing stage requiring no water heating is a first washing stage, and when controlling the water generated by the water softener that is under the regeneration mode to flow into the washing chamber of the dishwasher, the method further comprises:
detecting a volume of water in the washing chamber; and

controlling the dishwasher to enter the first washing stage in response to the volume of the water in the washing chamber reaching a rated volume;

wherein the water generated by the water softener that is under the regeneration mode is controlled to keep flowing into the washing chamber in response to the volume of the water in the washing chamber not reaching the rated volume.
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein:
the washing stage comprises a first washing stage when requiring no water heating and comprises a second washing stage when requiring water heating;

the first washing stage comprises a prewash stage or a cold-rinse stage; and

the second washing stage comprises a wash stage or a warm-rinse stage.
The method according to claim 1, further comprising:
determining whether hardness of water at a water outlet of the water softener when performing softening is greater than second threshold hardness; and

in response to the hardness of the water at the water outlet of the water softener when performing the softening being greater than the second threshold hardness:
determining that the water softener is to regenerate, and

controlling the water softener to regenerate before a next washing stage of a washing stage corresponding to the softening starts.
The method according to claim 9, wherein the second threshold hardness ranges from 8dh to 11dh.
The method according to claim 2 or 6, wherein after stopping the regeneration, the method further comprises:
controlling the water softener to perform softening;

controlling water generated by the water softener when performing the softening to flow into the washing chamber of the dishwasher, to store the water for a second washing stage that requires water heating.
An apparatus for controlling a dishwasher, wherein:
the dishwasher comprises a water softener, wherein the water softener comprises a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes, the first electrodes and the second electrodes are alternately stacked, water is capable to flow through a channel, the channel is formed between each pair of a first electrode of the plurality of first electrodes and a second electrode of the plurality of second electrodes, the second electrode is adjacent to the first electrode, and a surface of the first electrode facing the channel is provided with an adsorption layer for adsorbing target cations; and

the apparatus comprises:
a first control module, configured to control water generated by the water softener that is under a regeneration mode or water stored in a water tank to flow into a washing chamber of the dishwasher to provide the water in a first washing stage requiring no water heating, in response to determining that a washing stage which the dishwasher is to enter is the first washing stage, wherein the water tank is configured to store the water generated by the water softener that is regenerating; and

a second control module, configured to control the water generated by the water softener under the regeneration mode to be drained through a drain pipe or flow into the water tank, in response to determining that the washing stage which the dishwasher is to enter is a second washing stage requiring water heating; and

wherein the first electrodes are connected to a positive terminal of a power source and the second electrodes are connected to a negative terminal of the power source when the water softener operates under the regeneration mode.