KR102343101B1 - Tine adjustment and adaptable wash cycle control - Google Patents

Abstract

One embodiment proposes a method for adjusting a washing cycle of a dishwasher. The method includes collecting sensor information from one or more sensors installed in the dishwasher. The collected sensor information includes data identifying one or more adjustments to the rack layout of the dish rack of the dish washing machine. The method further includes determining a load configuration for the dish rack based on the collected sensor information. The determined rod configuration identifies one or more types of dishes mounted on the dish rack. A washing operation for washing dishes mounted on the dish rack is adjusted based on the determined rod configuration.

Description

TINE ADJUSTMENT AND ADAPTABLE WASH CYCLE CONTROL

The present invention relates to a dishwasher, and more particularly, to a dishwasher having an adjustable washing stroke system.

In a conventional dishwasher, a user can directly select washing operations. However, the washing operation selected by the user may not be suitable for contents (eg, dishes, cups, etc.; hereinafter referred to as “tableware”) mounted on dish racks.

One embodiment proposes a method for adjusting a washing cycle of a dishwasher. The method includes collecting sensor information from one or more sensors installed in the dishwasher. The collected sensor information includes data identifying one or more adjustments to the rack layout of the dish rack. The method further includes determining a load configuration for the dish rack based on the collected sensor information. The determined rod configuration identifies one or more types of dishes mounted on the dish rack. A washing operation for washing dishes mounted on the dish rack is adjusted based on the determined rod configuration.

These and other aspects and advantages of one or more embodiments will become apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with drawings illustrating the principles of one or more embodiments.

For a further understanding of the preferred mode of use and the nature and advantages of one or more embodiments, reference is made to the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
1 is a front perspective view showing an example of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a view showing an inner cavity of the dishwasher from which a rack is removed to facilitate illustration according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.
3 is a block diagram illustrating a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a front perspective view showing an upper dish rack according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a rear perspective view of the upper dish rack of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention;
6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a rotation range of variable tines and an upper dish rack according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a view showing an example of a slide adjuster for a variable tine unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a front perspective view showing an upper dish rack according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which variable tines are lowered to an approximately horizontal position.
9 is a rear perspective view illustrating an upper dish rack according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which variable tines are lowered to an approximately horizontal position.
10 is a plan view showing an upper dish rack according to an embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a front perspective view showing a lower tableware rack according to an embodiment of the present invention.
12 is a rear perspective view showing the lower tableware rack of FIG. 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention;
13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a rotation range of variable tines and a lower dish rack according to an embodiment of the present invention.
14 is a view showing an example of a slide adjuster for a pair of variable tines according to an embodiment of the present invention.
15 is a front perspective view illustrating a lower tableware rack according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which variable tines are lowered to an approximately horizontal position.
Figure 16 is a rear perspective view showing the lower tableware rack of Figure 15 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
17 is a view showing an example of a sensor array for a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention.
18 shows a sensor and a corresponding slide adjuster according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 19 shows a pair of utensil baskets according to one embodiment of the present invention;
20 is a flow chart illustrating an example for determining an adjusted washing stroke in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
21 is a flowchart illustrating an example for determining a rod configuration for an upper dish rack according to an embodiment of the present invention.
22 is a table showing an example of a rod configuration for an upper dish rack based on the position of each variable tine part according to an embodiment of the present invention.
23 is a flowchart illustrating an example for determining a rod configuration for a lower dish rack according to an embodiment of the present invention.
24 is a table showing an example of a rod configuration for a lower tableware rack based on the position of each variable tine part and the existence of a tool basket according to an embodiment of the present invention;
25 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing system including a computer system useful for implementing one embodiment of the present invention.

The following description is intended to illustrate the general principles of one or more embodiments, and is not intended to limit the inventive concept as claimed herein. In addition, specific features described herein may be used in combination with other features described in each of the various possible combinations and permutations. Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms are as defined in dictionaries, papers, etc., and should be interpreted in the widest possible range including meanings understood by those skilled in the art as well as meanings implied from the specification.

1 is a front perspective view of an example of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1 , a dishwasher 10 includes a housing 11 having an inner cavity 15 for holding at least one dish rack 20 . The dishwasher 10 further includes a door 5 pivotally coupled to the housing 11 .

In one embodiment, the dish rack 20 includes a first dish rack 30 and a second dish rack 40 . In the inner cavity 15 , the second tableware rack 40 is positioned above the first tableware rack 30 and is substantially parallel to the first tableware rack 30 . Accordingly, with respect to the surface (eg, the ground) on which the dishwasher 10 is supported, the second dish rack 40 is an upper dish rack, and the first dish rack 30 is a lower dish rack.

Each dish rack 20 has a rack layout that can be adjusted to fit various shapes and sizes of dishes, such as bowls, cups, bowls, pots, and pans. As will be described in more detail below in this specification, each dish rack 20 includes at least one rack layout adjustment assembly/ including devices.

In one embodiment, the dishwasher 10 may further include at least one tool rack 90 having a shape for accommodating and holding smaller dishes such as tools.

When the door 5 is opened, the racks 20 , 90 are horizontally slidable into the inner cavity 15 and out of the inner cavity 15 . For example, as shown in FIG. 1 , the racks 20 and 90 are slid out of the inner cavity 15 to mount the dishes on the racks 20 and 90 or to place the dishes on the racks 20 and 90 . Racks 20 and 90 are easily accessible for unloading from.

The racks 20 and 90 may be slid into the inner cavity 15 after the user completes mounting the dishes on the racks 20 and 90 or after dismounting the dishes from the racks 20 and 90 . When the dishes mounted on the racks 20 and 90 are not washed, when the user closes the door 5, a washing process for washing the dishes may be started.

2 illustrates an inner cavity of the dishwasher from which a rack is removed to facilitate illustration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 2 , the dishwasher 10 further includes a plurality of washing water nozzles 50 positioned along one or more inner walls 11A of the housing 11 . The nozzles 50 deliver a pressurized water stream to the dishes mounted on the racks 20 and 90 during the washing cycle. In one embodiment, the nozzles 50 provide a continuous pressurized water flow to the deflector blade 9 located within the inner cavity 15 . The deflector blade 9 directs the water flow upward and slides toward and away from the nozzles 50 to cover the entire cross-sectional area of the inner cavity 15 .

The positions of the nozzles 50 may be variable. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first set of nozzles 50 is located under the upper dish rack 40 , and the second set of nozzles 50 is located under the lower dish rack 30 . The first deflector blade 9 located below the upper dish rack 40 transmits the water flow from the first set of nozzles 50 upwardly, towards the first set of nozzles 50 and the nozzles. Slide away from the first set of (50). The second deflector blade 9 located below the lower dish rack 30 transmits the water flow from the second set of nozzles 50 upwardly, towards the second set of nozzles 50 and the nozzles. Slide away from the second set of (50).

In another embodiment, all nozzles 50 are located below the lower dish rack 30 . In another embodiment, all the nozzles 50 are located between the lower dish rack 30 and the upper dish rack 40 .

3 is a block diagram of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 3 , the dishwasher 10 further includes a rod configuration unit 16 , a user interface unit 17 , a sensor unit 18 , and a washing stroke unit 19 .

The sensor unit 18 is configured to collect sensor data indicative of one or more manual adjustments to each rack layout of each dish rack 20 . Based on the collected sensor data, the load configuration unit 18 determines the load configuration information for each dish rack 20 . The load configuration information for each dish rack 20 includes information identifying one or more types of dishes mounted on the dish rack 20 and identifying which part of the dish rack 20 each type of dish is mounted on. may contain information.

The user interface unit 17 is disposed along the outside of the dishwasher 10 . For example, the user interface unit 17 may be disposed along an upper outer wall of the housing 11 . In another embodiment, the user interface unit 17 may be arranged along the outer surface of the door 5 . The user interface unit 17 presents the load configuration to the user for user input. User input may include user approval of the load configuration or one or more user-provided adjustments to the load configuration. In one embodiment, the user interface unit 17 is one of a display screen, a keypad, a touch interface, one or more dials, one or more knobs, one or more switches, one or more selector buttons, one or more capacitive buttons, and/or an interface, etc. may include more than one.

Based on the load configuration of each dish rack 20 and a user input, the washing stroke unit 19 adjusts a washing stroke for washing dishes mounted on each rack 20 . Specifically, the washing stroke unit 19 determines the amount of water pressure delivered by each nozzle 20 , the movement range of the deflector blade 9 , the speed of the deflector blade 9 , and the duration of the deflector blade 9 in motion. The cleaning stroke is controlled by adjusting one or more cleaning stroke parameters, such as the time and the position of the deflector blade 9 .

4 is a front perspective view of the upper dish rack according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the upper dish rack of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 and 5 , the upper dish rack 40 includes a rack frame 41 having a plurality of sides. The rack frame 41 comprises a first pair of opposing sides 41A (see Fig. 6), 41B (see Fig. 6), opposing sides 41D (see Fig. 8), 41E (see Fig. 9)). a second pair, and a lower surface 41C (see FIG. 6 ) extending between the sides 41A, 41B, 41D, 41E. The second pair of opposite sides 41D and 41E represent the front and rear surfaces of the rack frame 41, respectively.

The upper dish rack 40 further includes a handle bar 43 coupled to the rack frame 41 . When the door 5 is opened, the user can horizontally slide the upper dish rack 40 into or out of the inner cavity 15 using the handle bar 43 .

The upper dish rack 40 further includes a plurality of tines, and each tine includes a plurality of tines 211 (see FIG. 5 ). Specifically, the fixed tine unit 250 is fixedly coupled to the lower surface 41C of the rack frame 41 . The tines 211 of the fixed tine unit 250 are positioned vertically and may not be adjusted.

In addition, one or more variable tines 210 are pivotally coupled to the lower surface 41C of the rack frame 41 . In one embodiment, for each variable tine portion 210 , the tines 211 of the variable tine portion 210 have corresponding rotatable members 212 extending along the lower surface 41C of the rack frame 41 ( 10) is fixedly coupled. Unlike the fixed tines 250 , each of the variable tines 210 can be individually rotated to accommodate dishes of various shapes and sizes by adjusting the rack layout of the upper dish rack 40 .

For example, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the upper tableware rack 40 includes at least a first variable tine part 210 , a second variable tine part 210 , a third variable tine part 210 and A fourth variable tine unit 210 is included. The tines 211 of each variable tine unit 210 may be rotated between different positions. In one embodiment, the tines 211 of each variable tine portion 210 may be raised to an approximately vertical position X (see FIG. 6 ) or may be lowered to an approximately horizontal position Y (see FIG. 6 ). For example, in FIG. 4 , the tines 211 of each variable tine portion 210 are raised to an approximately vertical position X. As shown in FIG. For comparison, in FIG. 8 , the tines 211 of each variable tine part 210 are lowered to an approximately horizontal position Y. As shown in FIG. The tines 211 of each variable tine part 210 have the same height with respect to the lower surface 41C of the rack frame 41 when positioned at an approximately horizontal position Y.

In one embodiment, the tines 211 of each variable tine portion 210 may also be located at one or more intermediate positions between the approximately vertical position X and the approximately horizontal position Y. As shown in FIG.

Each variable tine portion 210 is interconnected to a corresponding slide adjuster 220 for rotating the tines 211 of the variable tine portion 210 . Each slide adjuster 220 is slidably coupled to one surface of the rack frame 41 , for example, the guide track 42 of the front surface 41D.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the upper tableware rack 40 includes a first variable tine part 210 , a second variable tine part 210 , a third variable tine part 210 , and a second variable tine part 210 , The first slide adjuster 220 (slide adjuster 1), the second slide adjuster 220 (slide adjuster 2), the third slide adjuster 220 (slide adjuster 3) respectively corresponding to the four variable tines 210, and It further includes a fourth slide adjuster 220 (slide adjuster 4).

The variable tine unit 210 and the corresponding slide adjuster 220 together show an example of the configuration of the rack layout adjusting device. As will be described later in detail herein, each slide adjuster 220 rotates the tines 211 of the corresponding tine portion 210 to adjust the rack layout of the upper dish rack 40 of the guide track 42 . It can be manually slid back and forth along some parts.

The tines 210 , 250 are spaced apart between the opposite sides 41A and 41B of the rack frame 41 , thereby generating a plurality of rack columns 240 . For example, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the upper tableware rack 40 is positioned between at least the side surface 41A of the rack frame 41 and the first variable tine part 210 in the first rack column. 240 (rack column 1), a second rack column 240 (rack column 2) positioned between the first variable tine part 210 and the second variable tine part 210, and a second variable tine part 210 ) and the third rack column 240 (rack column 3) positioned between the fixed tine part 250 and the fourth rack column 240 positioned between the fixed tine part 250 and the third variable tine part 210 . ) (rack column 4), a fifth rack column 240 (rack column 5) and a fourth variable tine unit 210 positioned between the third variable tine unit 210 and the fourth variable tine unit 210; A sixth rack column 240 (rack column 6) positioned between the side surfaces 41B of the rack frame 41 is included.

The upper dish rack 40 further includes one or more rotatable flip shelves 45 . For example, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the upper dish rack 40 includes a first flip shelf 45 (flip shelf 1) pivotally coupled to the side surface 41A of the rack frame 41; The second flip shelf 45 (flip shelf 2) and the third flip shelf 45 (flip shelf 3) pivotally coupled to the side surface 41B of the rack frame 41, and the fourth flip shelf 45 (flip shelf 3) Shelf 4) may be further included.

Each flip shelf 45 can be rotated between different positions. In one embodiment, each flip shelf 45 may be raised to an approximately vertical position S (see FIG. 6 ) or lowered to an inclined position T (see FIG. 6 ). For example, in Fig. 4, each flip shelf 45 is raised to an approximately vertical position S. For comparison, in Fig. 8, each flip shelf 45 is lowered to the inclined position T. As shown in Figs.

The first and second flip shelves 45 are large and/or long tableware (eg, a long wine glass or a large glass) mounted on the first rack column 240 to be placed in the first rack column 240 . It can be raised to an approximately vertical position S so that it can be maintained. In the third and fourth flip shelves 45 , wide and/or large dishes (eg, a long wine glass or a large glass) are mounted on the sixth rack column 240 to be installed in the sixth rack column 240 . It can be raised to an approximately vertical position S so that it can be maintained.

The first and second flip shelves 45 may be lowered to an approximately inclined position T to hold small and/or short dishes (eg, espresso cups, mugs) mounted on the first rack column 240 . . The third and fourth flip shelves 45 may be lowered to an approximately inclined position T to hold small and/or short dishes (eg, espresso cups, mugs) mounted on the sixth rack column 240 . .

6 shows an example of a rotation range of variable tines and a cross-sectional view of an upper dish rack according to an embodiment of the present invention. The lower surface 41C of the rack frame 41 may have different configurations. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6 , the lower surface 41C of the rack frame 41 has an approximately sawtooth configuration such that the lower portion of each rack column 240 is approximately angular. In another embodiment, the lower surface 41C has an approximately flat configuration such that the lower portion of each rack column 240 is approximately flat.

In one embodiment, the first and second variable tine portions 210 are rotatable between an approximately vertical position X and an approximately horizontal position Y along a rotation range 216 . The third and fourth variable tine portions 210 are rotatable between an approximately vertical position X and an approximately horizontal position Y along a rotation range 217 .

In one embodiment, the first and second variable tine portions 210 may also be located at one or more intermediate positions along the range of rotation 216 between the approximately vertical position X and the approximately horizontal position Y. The third and fourth variable tine portions 210 may also be located at one or more intermediate positions along the range of rotation 217 between the approximately vertical position X and the inclined position T approximately horizontal position Y.

In one embodiment, the first and second flip shelves 45 are rotatable between an approximately vertical position XS and an approximately horizontal position Y inclined position T along a rotation range 46 . The third and fourth flip shelves 45 are rotatable between an approximately vertical position X and an inclined position T along a rotation range 47 .

7 shows an example of a slide adjuster for a corresponding variable tine portion according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 7 , the slide adjuster 220 is manually slidable back and forth in a horizontal direction 44 along a portion 42A of the guide track 42 , wherein the portion 42A is two rack wires on the side 41D. (41W) is placed between.

In one embodiment, manually sliding the slide adjuster 220 to the first point A causes the variable tine portion 210 to rise to an approximately vertical position X, and manually sliding the slide adjuster 220 to the second point B. By doing so, the variable tine part 210 is lowered to an approximately horizontal position Y. For example, the first and second slide adjusters 220 operate in this manner.

In another embodiment, by manually sliding the slide adjuster 220 to the first point A, the variable tine portion 210 is lowered to an approximately horizontal position Y, and the slide adjuster 220 is manually moved to the second point B. By sliding, the variable tine part 210 rises to an approximately vertical position X. For example, the third and fourth slide adjusters 220 operate in this manner.

8 is a front perspective view of an upper dish rack according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the variable tines 210 are lowered to an approximately horizontal position Y. As shown in FIG.

In Fig. 8, each flip shelf 45 is lowered to the inclined position T. As shown in Figs.

9 is a rear perspective view of the upper dish rack according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the variable tines 210 are lowered to an approximately horizontal position Y. As shown in FIG.

In Fig. 9, the second and fourth flip shelves 45 are raised to an approximately vertical position S, while the first and third flip shelves 45 are lowered to an inclined position T. As shown in Figs.

10 is a plan view of an upper dish rack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As described above, each variable tine unit 210 can be individually rotated to accommodate dishes of various shapes and sizes by adjusting the rack layout of the upper dish rack 40 . For each variable tine portion 210 , each tine 211 of the variable tine portion 210 is fixedly coupled to a rotatable member 212 , and the rotatable member 212 is again connected to a connection mechanism 213 . It is coupled to the corresponding slide adjuster 220 via the. By manually sliding the slide adjuster 220 along the portion 42A of the guide track 42 , the rotatable member 212 rotates to raise or lower the tines 211 of the variable tine portion 210 .

11 is a front perspective view showing a lower dish rack according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view showing the lower dish rack of FIG. 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

11 and 12 , the lower dish rack 30 includes a rack frame 31 having a plurality of sides. The rack frame 31 is a first pair of opposing sides 31A (see Fig. 13), 31B (see Fig. 13)) of the opposing sides 31D (see Fig. 11), 31E (see Fig. 12)). a second pair, and a lower surface 31C (FIG. 13) extending between the sides 31A, 31B, 31D, 31D, 31E. The second pair of opposite sides 31D and 31E represent the front and rear surfaces of the rack frame 31, respectively.

The lower dish rack 30 further includes a handle bar 33 coupled to the rack frame 31 . When the door 5 is opened, the user can horizontally slide the lower dish rack 30 into or out of the inner cavity 15 using the handle bar 33 .

The lower dish rack 30 further includes a plurality of tines, and each tine includes a plurality of tines 211 . Specifically, the fixed tine part 350 is fixedly coupled to the lower surface 31C of the rack frame 31 . The tines 211 of the fixed tine part 350 are positioned vertically and may not be adjusted.

In addition, one or more variable tines 310 are pivotally coupled to the lower surface 31C of the rack frame 31 . In one embodiment, the tines 211 of each variable tine portion 310 are fixedly coupled to a corresponding rotatable member 312 extending along the lower surface 31C of the rack frame 31 . Unlike the fixed tines 350 , the variable tines 310 are rotatable to accommodate dishes of various shapes and sizes by adjusting the rack layout of the lower dish rack 30 .

For example, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 , the lower tableware rack 30 includes at least a first variable tine part 310 , a second variable tine part 310 , a third variable tine part 310 and and a fourth variable tine part 310 . The tines 211 of each variable tine unit 310 may be rotated between different positions. In one embodiment, the tines 211 of each variable tine portion 310 may be raised to an approximately vertical position XX (FIG. 13), or may be lowered to an approximately horizontal position YY (FIG. 13). For example, in FIG. 11 , the tines 211 of each variable tine portion 310 are raised to an approximately vertical position XX. For comparison, in FIG. 15 , the tines 211 of each variable tine portion 310 are lowered to an approximately horizontal position YY. The tines 211 of each variable tine part 310 form the same height with respect to the lower surface 31C of the rack frame 31 when positioned at an approximately horizontal position YY.

In one embodiment, the tines 211 of each variable tine portion 310 may be located at one or more intermediate positions between the approximately vertical position XX and the approximately horizontal position YY.

In one embodiment, the variable tines 310 are rotatable in pairs. A pair of variable tines 310 is interconnected to a corresponding slide adjuster 420 to simultaneously rotate the tines 211 of the pair of variable tines 310 . Each slide adjuster 420 is slidably coupled to one side of the rack frame 31 , for example, the guide track 32 of the front 31D.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 , the lower tableware rack 30 has a first slide adjuster 420 for simultaneously rotating the tines 211 of the first and second variable tines 310 . ) (slide adjuster 1). The lower dish rack 30 further includes a second slide adjuster 420 (slide adjuster 2) for simultaneously rotating the tines 211 of the third and fourth variable tine portions 310 .

A pair of variable tines 310 and a corresponding slide adjuster 420 together represent an example of the configuration of the rack layout adjusting device. As will be described in detail later herein, each slide adjuster 420 rotates the tines 211 of the corresponding pair of the variable tines 210 simultaneously to adjust the rack layout of the lower dish rack 30 by rotating the guide track. It is manually slidable back and forth along a part of 32.

In another embodiment, each variable tine unit 310 is individually rotatable. Each variable tine portion 310 is interconnected to a corresponding slide adjuster 420 to simultaneously rotate the tines 211 of the variable tine portions 310 .

The tines 310 and 350 are spaced apart between the opposing surfaces 31A and 31B of the rack frame 31 , thereby generating a plurality of rack columns 340 . For example, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 , the lower tableware rack 30 is a first rack column positioned between at least the side surface 31A of the rack frame 31 and the first variable tine part 310 . 340 (column 1), a second rack column 340 (column 2) positioned between the first variable tine unit 310 and the second variable tine unit 310, and a second variable tine unit 310 and A third rack column 340 (column 3) positioned between the third variable tine parts 310, and a fourth rack column positioned between the third variable tine part 310 and the fourth variable tine part 310 ( 340) (column 4), a fifth rack column 340 (column 5) positioned between the fourth variable tine part 310 and the fixed tine part 350, and the fixed tine part 350 and the rack frame 31 ) and a sixth rack column 340 (column 6) positioned between the side surfaces 31B.

The lower dish rack 30 further includes a flip part 345 pivotally coupled to the side surface 31A of the rack frame 31 . The flip part 345 includes a plurality of stems 346 . The flip part 345 can be rotated to be flush with the lower surface 31C of the rack frame 31 so that fairly wide and/or fairly narrow items, such as a chopping board, can be accommodated on the stems 346 of the flip part 345 . can be placed on the The stems 346 may function as a stopper to tightly stack fairly wide and/or fairly narrow items, such as a chopping board, within the rack frame 31 .

The lower dish rack 30 further includes one or more detachable tool baskets 70 . As shown in FIG. 11 , the first dish rack 30 is one of the tool baskets 70 detachably and detachably coupled to the center handle 75 (eg, via a magnet, a clip, etc.) It may include pairs. The handle 75 may facilitate transport through alignment between the center of gravity of the tool baskets 70 and the point of contact with the user's tool baskets 70 . For example, when the door 5 is opened and the lower dish rack 30 slides out of the inner cavity 15 , the user uses the handle 75 to move the tool baskets 70 to the lower dish rack 30 . ) or the tool baskets 70 can be inserted into the lower dish rack 30 .

In one embodiment, the handle 75 is expandable (eg, can be telescoping) for better user access when the tool baskets 70 are full. The mechanism for the expandable handle 75 allows the handle 75 to slide upward a specified distance. A strut connecting the handle 75 to the tool baskets 70 may slide upward a certain distance or may be configured to move the entire handle 75 . Optionally, the struts may be hollow and telescoping to extend the handle 75 . The telescoping action may be controlled via a button on the handle 75 (eg, the handle is held in an elevated or lowered position until the handle can be moved by pressing the button).

Each tool basket 70 has a corresponding cover 71 (see FIG. 19 ) pivotally coupled (eg, via a hinge) to the tool basket 70 . The lids 71 allow individual portions of the tool baskets 70 to be raised to accommodate various dishes within the tool baskets 70 .

The first dish rack 30 may further include a tool basket without a cover like the tool basket 80 shown in FIG. 11 .

13 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the rotation range of the variable tines and the lower tableware rack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 13 , the first and second variable tine portions 310 are simultaneously rotatable between an approximately vertical position XX and an approximately horizontal position YY along a rotation range 316 . The third and fourth variable tine portions 210 are also simultaneously rotatable between an approximately vertical position XX and an approximately horizontal position YY along a rotation range 316 .

14 shows an example of a slide adjuster 420 for a pair of variable tines according to an embodiment of the present invention.

14 , the slide adjuster 420 is manually slidable back and forth in a horizontal direction 34 along a portion 32A of the guide track 32 , wherein the portion 32A is two rack wires on the side 31D. (31W) is placed between.

In one embodiment, manually sliding the slide adjuster 420 to the first point A causes the pair of variable tines 310 to rise to an approximately vertical position XX, and manually moving the slide adjuster 420 to the second point BB. By sliding, the pair of variable tines 310 is lowered to an approximately horizontal position YY. For example, the first and second slide adjusters 420 operate in this manner.

15 is a front perspective view showing a lower tableware rack according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the variable tines 310 are lowered to an approximately horizontal position YY. 16 is a rear perspective view showing the lower tableware rack of FIG. 15 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

15 and 16 , for each variable tine portion 310 of the pair of variable tine portions 301 , the tines 211 of the variable tine portion 310 are fixedly coupled to the rotatable member 312 , This rotatable member 312 is again coupled via a connecting mechanism 313 to a corresponding slide adjuster 420 for the pair of variable tines 310 . Rotating the rotatable member 312 by manually sliding the slide adjuster 420 along a portion 42A of the guide track 42 to cause the tines 211 of the pair of variable tines 310 to rise or fall do.

In one embodiment, the slide adjuster 420 is attached to a cam plate 380 , which in turn is coupled to the rotatable member 312 via a connecting mechanism 313 . The cam plate 380 rotates the rotatable member 312 in a linear motion generated by manually sliding the slide adjuster 420 so that the tines 211 of the pair of variable tines 310 are raised or lowered. converted into rotational motion.

17 shows an example of a sensor array for a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 17 , each dish rack 20 has a corresponding sensor array 350 . Each sensor array 350 includes a plurality of sensors 360, and each sensor 360 corresponds to the slide adjusters 220 and 420 of the corresponding dish rack 20, and these slide adjusters 220 and 420. located within the vicinity The sensor array 350 may be located in front of or behind the dishwasher 10 . For example, in one embodiment, each sensor array 350 is located within the door 5 of the dishwasher 10 .

Each sensor 360 is configured to detect a position (eg, position A, B, AA, or BB) at which a corresponding slide adjuster 220 , 420 is set. By detecting the position at which the slide adjusters 220 and 420 are set, the positions of the corresponding variable tines 210 and 310 may be determined.

In one embodiment, the total number of sensors for each dish rack 20 is based on the total number of slide adjusters 220 , 420 coupled to the dish rack 20 . For example, as shown in FIG. 17 , four sensors 360 are used for four slide adjusters 220 coupled to the upper dish rack 40 , and two sensors 360 coupled to the lower dish rack 30 are used. Two sensors 360 are used for each slide adjuster 420 . In addition, if the lower dish rack 30 includes the tool basket 70 , the total number of sensors for the lower dish rack 30 is equal to the total number of slide adjusters 420 coupled to the dish rack 20 plus 1 to be. For example, in FIG. 17 an additional sensor 390 located on the inner wall 11A of the housing 11 is used to detect the presence of the tool basket 70 .

In one embodiment, the sensors 360 of each sensor array 350 are a series of mechanical contact switches. In another embodiment, the sensors 360 of each sensor array 350 are a series of magnetic switches or other position detection mechanisms.

18 shows a sensor and a corresponding slide adjuster according to an embodiment of the present invention.

18 , the sensor 360 is located within the vicinity of the slide adjuster 220 . In one embodiment, the magnet 370 is embedded within the slide adjuster 220 . Sensor 360 is a magnetic sensor that is triggered upon detecting that magnet 370 is within proximity of the sensor. In another embodiment, the sensor 360 is a tactile switch, and the slide adjuster 220 is a sensor 360 when the slide adjuster 220 is in proximate contact with the sensor 360 . has a shape that triggers

19 shows a pair of tool baskets according to one embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 19 , each tool basket 70 has a corresponding cover 71 pivotally coupled to the tool basket 70 . The lids 71 may include various patterns of holes through which tools may be mounted while each lid 71 is closed, allowing for mounting while maximizing spatial efficiency.

In one embodiment, elongated hexagonal patterns are used on the covers 71 . Optionally, the patterns on the covers 71 may allow the tools to be mounted staggered to aid in cleaning.

Tool baskets 70 may be formed of plastic or other material. In one embodiment, the tool baskets 70 may include sensors (eg, a magnet or contact switch) detectable by embedded sensors within the inner cavity 15 . The presence of the tool baskets 70 allows adjustment of the cleaning stroke (eg, duration, detergent input, water pressure, etc.) for the zone in which the tools are located.

20 is a flowchart illustrating an example for determining an adjusted washing stroke according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 20 , process block 501 collects sensor information, eg, sensor data from sensors 360 and/or 390 . A process block 502 determines a load configuration based on the collected sensor information. Process block 503 displays the load configuration, for example, via user interface 17 . Process block 504 receives user input regarding the load configuration. For example, it receives user approvals or user-provided adjustments via user interface 17 . Process block 505 determines one or more wash stroke settings, ie parameters, to adjust for the wash stroke based on user input and load configuration.

21 is a flowchart illustrating an example for determining a rod configuration for an upper dish rack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 21 , in a process block 601 , the first variable tine part is based on the collected sensor information (eg, sensor data from a sensor 360 in the vicinity of the first variable tine part 210 ). The position of the variable tine unit 210 is detected. In the process block 602 , the second variable tine unit 210 is based on sensor information collected on the second variable tine unit, for example, sensor data from a sensor 360 in the vicinity of the second variable tine unit 210 . detect the position of In the process block 603 , the third variable tine part is based on sensor information collected on the third variable tine part 210 , for example, sensor data from a sensor 360 in the vicinity of the third variable tine part 210 . The position of 210 is detected. In the process block 604 , the fourth variable tine part is based on sensor information collected on the fourth variable tine part 210 , for example, sensor data from a sensor 360 in the vicinity of the fourth variable tine part 210 . The position of 210 is detected. In the process block 605 , a rod configuration for the upper dish rack 40 is determined based on the position of each variable tine unit 210 .

22 is a table showing examples of rod configuration for the upper dish rack based on the position of each variable tine according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, when all of the first, second, third, and fourth variable tine portions 210 are raised to a generally vertical position, as shown in FIG. It is determined that it is mounted in each rack column 240 of the upper dish rack 40 . Table 700 may be stored in memory.

23 is a flowchart illustrating an example for determining a rod configuration for a lower dish rack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 23 , in a process block 801 , sensor information collected for the first and second variable tines 310 , for example, from a sensor 360 in the vicinity of the first and second variable tines 310 . The positions of the first and second variable tines 310 are detected based on the sensor data. In process block 802 , based on sensor information collected for the third and fourth variable tines 310 , for example, sensor data from a sensor 360 within the vicinity of the third and fourth variable tines 310 . Thus, the positions of the third and fourth variable tines 310 are detected. In the process block 803 , a load configuration for the lower dish rack 30 is determined based on the positions of each pair of the variable tines 310 .

24 shows a table providing examples of rod configuration for the lower dish rack based on the existence of the tool basket and the position of each variable tine according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, when all of the first, second, third, and fourth variable tines 210 are raised to a substantially vertical position as shown in FIG. 11 and the tool basket is mounted on the lower dish rack 30 , , the rod configuration unit 16 determines that dishes are mounted between each of the remaining rack columns 340 of the lower dish rack 30 , except for the tool basket in the sixth rack column 340 . Table 900 may be stored in memory.

25 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing system including a computer system useful for implementing one embodiment of the present invention.

25 , computer system 100 includes one or more processors 111 , including electronic display 112 for displaying graphics, text, and other data, main memory 113 (eg, RAM); A storage device 114 (eg, a hard disk drive), a removable storage device 115 (eg, a removable storage drive, a removable memory unit, a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, computer software and/or data a computer-readable medium stored on a computer readable medium), a user interface device 116 (eg, a keyboard, touch screen, keypad, pointing device), and a communication interface 117 (eg, a modem, (such as an Ethernet card) ) network interfaces, communication ports, or PCMCIA slots and cards). Communication interface 117 allows software and data to be transferred between computer system 100 and external devices. The computer system 100 further includes a communication infrastructure 118 (eg, a communication bus, network) to which the devices/units 111 - 117 described above are connected.

The information communicated via communication interface 117 may be implemented using wires or cables, optical fibers, telephone lines, cellular phone links, radio frequency (RF) links, and/or other communication channels, and communication links that carry signals. It may be in the form of a signal, such as an electronic signal, an electromagnetic signal, an optical signal, or other signal that may be received by the communication interface 117 via the . Computer program instructions representing block diagrams and/or flow diagrams of the present invention may be embodied in a computer, programmable data processing apparatus, or processing device such that a series of operations to be performed create a computer implemented process.

As is known to a person skilled in the art, the architectural examples described above can be implemented in many ways according to these architectures, for example, program instructions executed by a processor, a software unit, microcode, a computer program product in a computer readable medium. , analog/logic circuits, application specific integrated circuits, firmware, consumer electronics devices, AV devices, wireless/wired transmitters, wireless/wired receivers, networks, multimedia devices, web servers, and the like. Further, embodiments of the architecture may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodiment comprising hardware and software elements.

One or more embodiments have been described with reference to illustrative flow diagrams and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products in accordance with one or more embodiments. Each block in these examples/figures, or a combination thereof, may be implemented by computer program instructions. Computer program instructions, when provided to a processor, create a machine, eg, the computer program instructions executed via the processor create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowcharts and/or block diagrams. . Each block in the flowchart/block diagrams may represent hardware and/or software units or logic implementing one or more embodiments. In alternative implementations, the functions referred to in the blocks may occur concurrently, or otherwise, out of the order described in the figures.

The terms "computer program medium", "computer usable medium", "computer readable medium", and "computer program product" refer to Usually used to refer to a medium. These computer program products are means for providing software to a computer system. A computer-readable medium is capable of causing a computer system to read data, instructions, messages or message packets, and other computer-readable information from the computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media may include, for example, non-volatile memory such as floppy disks, ROMs, flash memory, disk drive memory, CD-ROMs, and other persistent storage devices. For example, it is useful to transfer information such as data and computer instructions between computer systems. The computer program instructions may be stored on a computer readable medium that enables a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to function in a particular way, for example, the instructions stored on the computer readable medium may include flowcharts and/or or create an article of manufacture comprising instructions implementing the function/action specified in the block diagram or block diagrams.

Computer program instructions representing block diagrams and/or flow diagrams of the present invention may be embodied in a computer, programmable data processing apparatus, or processing device such that a series of operations to be performed create a computer implemented process. The computer program (ie, computer control logic) is stored in main memory and/or secondary memory. The computer program may also be received via a communication interface. Such a computer program, when executed, may cause a computer system to perform features of one or more embodiments as described herein. Specifically, a computer program, when executed, may cause a processor and/or a multicore processor to perform features of a computer system. This computer program represents the controller of the computer system. The computer program product includes a tangible storage medium that stores instructions for a computer system to execute to perform the method of one or more embodiments and is readable by the computer system.

While one or more embodiments have been described with reference to some aspects of these embodiments, other aspects are possible. Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred forms contained herein.

10: dishwasher 16: rod configuration unit
17: user interface unit 18: sensor unit
19: washing stroke unit 20: dish rack
30: lower dish rack 40: upper dish rack
210, 310: variable tines 220, 420: slide adjuster
240. 340: rack column 250, 350: fixed tine part

Claims (32)

collect sensor information from one or more sensors of the dishwasher, wherein the collected sensor information includes data identifying one or more adjustments to a rack layout of a dish rack of the dishwasher;
determine a load configuration for the dish rack based on the collected sensor information, wherein the determined load configuration identifies one or more types of dishes mounted on the dish rack;
adjusting a washing process for washing dishes mounted on the dish rack based on the determined rod configuration;
Collecting the sensor information includes detecting the position of each variable tine part of the dish rack;
Each of the variable tines includes a plurality of tines,
The variable tines are rotatable through a corresponding slide adjuster coupled to each of the variable tines to accommodate dishes by adjusting the layout of the dish rack. According to claim 1,
display the determined load configuration;
Receiving a user input regarding the determined load configuration; further comprising,
The washing process for the dish rack,
A method of adjusting a washing stroke of a dishwasher, which is adjusted based on the received user input. 3. The method of claim 2,
The received user input is
The method of controlling a washing stroke of a dishwasher, comprising one of a user confirmation of the determined rod configuration and an adjustment of the determined rod configuration. According to claim 1,
Controlling the washing process for the dish rack comprises:
A method of controlling a washing stroke of a dishwasher, comprising adjusting one or more washing stroke parameters. 5. The method of claim 4,
The one or more wash stroke parameters are:
At least one of the amount of water pressure from the washing water nozzle of the dishwasher, the moving range of the deflector blade of the dishwasher, the speed of the deflector blade, the duration of the moving deflector blade, and the position of the deflector blade How to adjust the washing stroke of a dishwasher. delete a sensor unit that collects sensor information from one or more sensors of the dishwasher, wherein the sensor information includes data identifying one or more adjustments to a rack layout of a dish rack of the dishwasher;
a rod configuration unit that determines a load configuration for the dish rack based on the collected sensor information, wherein the determined load configuration identifies one or more types of dishes mounted on the dish rack;
a washing stroke unit that adjusts a washing process for washing dishes mounted on the dish rack based on the determined rod configuration;
Collecting the sensor information includes detecting the position of each variable tine part of the dish rack;
Each of the variable tines includes a plurality of tines,
The variable tines are rotatable through a corresponding slide adjuster coupled to each of the variable tines to accommodate dishes by adjusting the layout of the dish rack. 8. The method of claim 7,
display the determined load configuration;
a user interface unit configured to receive a user input regarding the determined load configuration;
The washing stroke control system of the dishwasher is adjusted based on the received user input. 9. The method of claim 8,
The received user input is
A washing stroke control system for a dishwasher, comprising one of a user confirmation of the determined rod configuration and an adjustment of the determined rod configuration. 8. The method of claim 7,
and adjusting the washing stroke for the dish rack includes adjusting one or more washing stroke parameters. 11. The method of claim 10,
The one or more wash stroke parameters are:
A dishwasher comprising at least one of an amount of water pressure from the washing water nozzle of the dishwasher, a moving range of the deflector blade of the dishwasher, a speed of the deflector blade, a duration of the moving deflector blade, and a position of the deflector blade of the washing stroke control system. delete When running on a computer,
collect sensor information from one or more sensors of the dishwasher, wherein the collected sensor information includes data identifying one or more adjustments to a rack layout of a dish rack of the dishwasher;
determine a load configuration for the dish rack based on the collected sensor information, wherein the determined load configuration identifies one or more types of dishes mounted on the dish rack;
adjusting a washing process for washing dishes mounted on the dish rack based on the determined rod configuration;
Collecting the sensor information includes detecting the position of each variable tine part of the dish rack;
Each of the variable tines includes a plurality of tines,
A non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions for performing a method in which the variable tines are rotatable through a corresponding slide adjuster coupled to each of the variable tines to accommodate the dishes by adjusting the layout of the dish rack. 14. The method of claim 13,
The method is
display the determined load configuration;
Receiving a user input regarding the determined load configuration; further comprising,
A non-transitory computer-readable medium in which a washing operation for the dish rack is adjusted based on the received user input. 15. The method of claim 14,
The received user input is
A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising one of a user confirmation of the determined load configuration and an adjustment to the determined load configuration. 14. The method of claim 13,
Controlling the washing process for the dish rack comprises:
A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising adjusting one or more wash stroke parameters. 17. The method of claim 16,
The one or more wash stroke parameters are:
Non-temporary comprising at least one of an amount of water pressure from the washing water nozzle of the dish washing machine, a movement range of the deflector blade of the dish washing machine, a speed of the deflector blade, a duration of the deflector blade in movement, and a position of the deflector blade computer readable media. delete a dish rack including one or more variable tines for accommodating dishes by adjusting the rack layout of the dish rack;
one or more sensors for capturing sensor information comprising data identifying one or more adjustments to the rack layout of the dish rack;
a rod configuration unit that determines a load configuration for the dish rack based on the captured sensor information, wherein the determined load configuration identifies one or more types of dishes mounted on the dish rack;
a washing stroke unit for adjusting a washing stroke for washing dishes mounted on the dish rack based on the determined rod configuration;
The one or more sensors,
It is further configured to detect the position of each variable tine part of the dish rack,
Each of the variable tines includes a plurality of tines, and each of the variable tines is rotatable through a corresponding slide adjuster coupled to each of the variable tines to accommodate dishes by adjusting the rack layout of the dish rack. 20. The method of claim 19,
display the determined load configuration;
a user interface unit configured to receive a user input regarding the determined load configuration;
The washing process for the dish rack is adjusted based on the received user input. 21. The method of claim 20,
The received user input is
A dishwasher comprising one of a user confirmation of the determined rod configuration and an adjustment of the determined rod configuration. 20. The method of claim 19,
The washing stroke unit,
A dishwasher configured to change a washing cycle for washing dishes mounted on the dish rack by adjusting one or more washing cycle parameters. 23. The method of claim 22,
The one or more wash stroke parameters are:
A dishwasher comprising at least one of an amount of water pressure from the washing water nozzle of the dishwasher, a moving range of the deflector blade of the dishwasher, a speed of the deflector blade, a duration of the moving deflector blade, and a position of the deflector blade . delete a dish rack including a dish rack frame having a changeable rack layout;
one or more rack layout adjustment devices for facilitating one or more adjustments to the rack layout to receive dishes;
at least one sensor device for capturing sensor data identifying one or more adjustments to the rack layout;
Each sensor device is located in the vicinity of the rack layout adjustment device,
The dish rack frame further comprises a guide track,
Each rack layout adjustment device,
a variable tine unit including a plurality of rotatable tines pivotally coupled to the tableware rack frame; and
a slide adjuster slidably coupled to the guide track and interconnected with the tines;
The slide adjuster,
A dishwasher capable of moving back and forth along a portion of the guide track to rotate the tines between different positions, and adjusting the rack layout.
delete 26. The method of claim 25,
Each rack layout adjustment device,
a rotatable member coupled to each tine of the rack layout adjusting device;
a connecting mechanism interconnecting the rotatable member with the slide adjuster of the rack layout adjusting device;
The connection mechanism is
and triggering the rotatable member to rotate the tines between different positions when the slide adjuster moves back and forth along a portion of the guide track. 26. The method of claim 25,
The dish rack frame further comprises a guide track,
Each rack layout adjustment device,
a first rotating tine part pivotally coupled to the dish rack frame;
a second rotating tine part pivotally coupled to the dish rack frame;
a slide adjuster slidably coupled to the guide track and interconnected with both the first and second rotating tines;
The slide adjuster,
The dishwasher is movable back and forth along a part of the guide track to simultaneously rotate the first and second rotating tines between different positions, and adjusting the rack layout. 29. The method of claim 28,
Each rack layout adjustment device,
a first rotatable member coupled to each tine of the first rotational tine portion of the rack layout adjusting device;
a second rotatable member coupled to each tine of the second rotational tine portion of the rack layout adjusting device;
a connecting mechanism interconnecting both the first and second rotatable members with the slide adjuster of the rack layout adjusting device;
The connection mechanism is
and triggering the first and second rotatable members to simultaneously rotate the first and second rotating tines between different positions when the slide adjuster moves back and forth along a portion of the guide track. 26. The method of claim 25,
The dish rack frame further includes one or more rotatable flip shelves pivotally coupled to the dish rack frame;
Each flip shelf is a rotatable dishwasher to further adjust the rack layout. 26. The method of claim 25,
one or more removable tool baskets;
The dishwasher further comprising: at least one additional sensor device for capturing sensor data indicating whether the tool basket is inserted into the dish rack. 26. The method of claim 25,
The rack layout adjusting devices are spaced apart so that a plurality of dish rack columns are generated in the dish rack, and each dish rack column has a shape for accommodating dishes.

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