KR102541170B1 - Method for controlling water-supply of a dishwasher - Google Patents

Abstract

A control method of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a washing tub forming a washing space in which dishes are loaded and washed, a storage unit in which the dishes can be loaded, a spray unit spraying washing water to the dishes, and a lower portion of the washing tub. A control method for a dishwasher comprising a sump located in a sump, a drive unit supplying and circulating washing water stored in the sump to the injection unit, and a drain pump for draining the washing water of the sump, wherein the water supply step of supplying the washing water to the dishwasher ; a washing step of washing dishes using the washing water; a rinsing step of rinsing the washed tableware; and a drying step of drying the rinsed dishes, and further comprising an air discharge step of operating the drain pump for a predetermined period of time to discharge air from the drain pump after the water supply step.

Description

Method for controlling water-supply of a dishwasher}

The present invention relates to a dishwasher, and more particularly, to a control method of a dishwasher for controlling a drain pump when supplying washing water to prevent occurrence of cavitation in a drain pump provided in the dishwasher.

In general, a dishwasher is a device that sprays washing water at high pressure on stored dishes to wash them and then to dry them. Specifically, the dishwasher operates such that washing water is sprayed at high pressure into a washing tub in which dishes are stored, and the sprayed washing water touches the dishes to wash foreign substances such as food residues on the surface of the dishes.

Such a dishwasher is configured to filter out food remnants contained in washing water by a filter and recycle the used washing water, and to smoothly separate food remnants by dissolving and supplying detergent to the washing water.

Recently, a dishwasher that raises the temperature of washing water using a heater or generates steam to increase washing efficiency has been widely used.

The dishwasher according to the prior art includes a cabinet forming an outer shape, a washing tub provided inside the cabinet and forming a washing space for dishes, a door positioned in front of the washing tub to open and close the washing tub, and a lower portion of the washing tub to clean dishes. A sump that supplies, collects, circulates, and drains washing water for washing, a lower/upper arm that sprays the washing water supplied by the sump to dishes, and is provided inside the washing tank so as to be able to be drawn out, and is selectively provided according to the type and size of dishes. Equipped with lower/upper racks that can be loaded with

Meanwhile, in order for a user to wash dishes using the dishwasher, the door of the dishwasher is opened, a rack inside the washing tub is drawn out, dishes are stored in the withdrawn rack, the rack is pushed into the washing tub, and then the door is opened. close to store dishes.

Thereafter, when the dishwasher is operated, the washing water is individually or simultaneously supplied to the upper and lower arms according to the operation of the drive unit, and the dishes loaded in the lower and upper racks are washed.

On the other hand, washing water must be supplied and drained to wash dishes, and the supplied washing water is supplied to the sump and supplied to the lower/upper arms by a separate pump, and the washing water after washing dishes is discharged to the outside of the dishwasher by a drain pump. drained into

Here, the drain pump is generally located below the sump, and as the washing water of the washing water is supplied, the washing water flows into the drain space of the drain pump.

Here, the air remaining in the drain space should be discharged through the drain pipe according to the inflow of the washing water, but the air may not be discharged due to the difference in height and pressure between the drain pipe and the drain space.

On the other hand, in order to discharge the air remaining in the drainage space, a separate air discharge hole may be provided in the drainage space, but when the washing water is drained, if the air discharge hole can be blocked by contaminants drained like the washing water, the air discharge hole When this is clogged, the drain pump does not operate smoothly, and there is a problem that the drained washing water may flow backward.

Therefore, as described above, when the air remaining in the drain space of the drain pump is not discharged, there is a problem in that smooth operation of the drain pump cannot be guaranteed because discharge pressure is not formed by the drain pump.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and to provide a dishwasher control method capable of securing an operating environment of the drain pump by discharging air remaining in the drain pump when water is supplied to the dishwasher. It has a purpose.

In order to achieve the above object, a method for controlling a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a washing tub forming a washing space in which dishes are loaded and washed, a storage unit in which the dishes can be loaded, and washing water sprayed on the dishes. A control method for a dishwasher comprising a spraying unit, a sump located at the lower part of the washing tub, a drive unit supplying and circulating washing water stored in the sump to the spraying unit, and a drain pump for draining the washing water from the sump, the dishwasher A water supply step of supplying washing water to; a washing step of washing dishes using the washing water; a rinsing step of rinsing the washed tableware; and a drying step of drying the rinsed tableware, and preferably further includes an air discharge step of operating the drain pump for a predetermined time to discharge air from the drain pump after the water supply step.

In addition, the drainage pump further includes a drainage chamber for storing washing water, an impeller for draining the washing water in the drainage chamber, and a drainage passage connected to the drainage chamber, and in the air discharging step, the rotation direction of the impeller is It is preferable that air is rotated to move toward the drain passage.

In addition, in the air discharge step, it is preferable to repeatedly operate the drain pump for a predetermined period of time.

In addition, in the air discharge step, it is preferable to repeat turning on the drain pump for 1 to 2 seconds/off for 1.5 to 2.5 seconds.

Preferably, the air discharge step is performed when the washing water supplied in the water supply step reaches a certain water supply level level.

According to the method for controlling a dishwasher according to the present invention, a smooth operating environment of the drain pump can be secured by discharging air remaining in the drain pump when supplying water to the dishwasher.

1 is a simplified view showing a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is an exploded perspective view showing a drainage device of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a drainage device of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a cross-sectional side view showing the internal structure of a drainage device of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a drain pump for removing air pockets according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a flow chart showing the operation of the drain pump for removing air pockets according to another embodiment of the present invention.

In describing the present invention, the names of each defined element are defined in consideration of functions in the present invention. Therefore, it should not be understood as limiting the technical components of the present invention. In addition, each of the names defined for each component may be called a different name in the art.

Hereinafter, a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a simplified view showing a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the dishwasher 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention has a cabinet 110 forming an outer shape and a washing tub provided inside the cabinet 110 to form a washing space in which a washing object is washed. 120, a plurality of racks 130a and 130b in which objects for washing are loaded and detachably provided in the washing tank 120, and a plurality of spray arms 122 for spraying water to objects loaded in the racks 130a and 130b. , 124), and a sump 140 that circulates and supplies washing water to the spray arms 122 and 124 and collects and collects the washing water in the washing space.

The washing tub 120 has an inlet 112 with an open front, and communicates with the outside of the cabinet 110 through the inlet 112 . The inlet 112 is opened and closed by a door 113 rotatably coupled to the cabinet 110 .

Therefore, the user can withdraw the racks 130a and 130b from the washing tub 120 after opening the inlet 112 by rotating the door 113 .

A rack may be provided inside the washing tub 120 to accommodate objects to be washed. The rack includes an upper rack 130a provided in the upper area of the washing tub and a lower rack 130b provided below the upper rack. It can be.

Here, when the rack on which the washing object is loaded is provided with an upper rack 130a and a lower rack 130b, the spray arms 122 and 124 spray water to the upper rack 130a, It may be provided as a lower arm 124 for spraying water to the rack 130b. The washing water (water remaining in the washing tank 120) sprayed from the spray arms 122 and 124 to the washing object may be recovered to the sump 140.

The sump 140 is provided below the washing tub 120 to store water, and may be distinguished from the washing tub 120 through the sump cover 142 . In this case, the sump cover 142 may have a recovery hole 144 through which water inside the washing tub 120 flows into the sump 140 .

The sump 140 may be connected to a water supply source (not shown) through a water supply unit 150 , and the water supply unit 150 may be opened and closed by a water supply valve 152 . Additionally, the water supply unit is provided with a separate flow sensor (not shown) to detect the amount of washing water supplied through the water supply valve 152.

A drainage part 160 is provided below the sump 140 to discharge washing water and food waste flowing into the sump. Here, an outlet 146 for discharging washing water and food waste flowing into the sump 140 is formed at one lower side of the sump 140 , and the outlet 146 is provided to communicate with the outlet 146 .

The drain unit 160 includes a drain chamber 161 in which a drain pump 165 is installed and a drain pipe 163 through which washing water and food waste discharged from the drain chamber 161 by the drain pump 165 are guided. . The drainage unit 160 will be separately described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Meanwhile, the water stored in the sump 140 is supplied to the spray arms 122 and 124 through the pump 180 and the supply passage 170, and the supply passage 170 is a connection passage 172 connected to the pump 180. , An upper passage 174 connecting the connection passage 172 and the upper arm 122, and a lower passage 176 connecting the connection passage 172 and the lower arm 124.

The upper arm 122 may be rotatably coupled to the upper passage 174 and the lower arm 124 may be rotatably coupled to the lower passage 176 .

Here, the upper flow path 174 and the lower flow path 176 may be provided by branching the connection flow path 172. In this case, the upper flow path 174 and the lower flow path 176 are branched at the respective flow paths 174 and 176. ) It may be provided with a switching valve 178 that controls the opening and closing.

The pump 180 divides the pump body 182 fixed inside the cabinet 110 and the space inside the pump body 182 to form a pumping chamber 184 and a heating chamber 186 inside the pump body 182. It is provided with a partition wall 183, a partition through hole 183a provided in the partition wall 183 to communicate the pumping chamber 184 and the heating chamber 186, and an impeller 181a provided inside the pumping chamber 184. can

The heating chamber 186 is connected to the sump 140 through a pump inlet 187 provided to pass through the pump body 182, and the pumping chamber 184 is provided to pass through the pump body 182 to discharge the pump. It is connected to the connection passage 172 through the part 185.

The impeller (181a) is rotated by a motor 181 fixed to the upper surface of the pump body 182, and the rotation shaft of the motor 181 passes through the upper surface of the pump body 182 and is located in the pumping chamber 184. It is connected to the impeller (181a) to.

Meanwhile, a heating unit 188 is provided on the bottom surface of the heating chamber 186 . When the pump body 182 has a cylindrical shape with an open bottom surface, the heating unit 188 may be provided to form the bottom surface of the heating chamber 186 .

In this case, the heating unit 188 is provided with a heating plate 188a forming the bottom surface of the heating chamber 186 and a heater 189 fixed to the lower part of the heating plate 188a and positioned outside the heating chamber 186. It can be. The heating plate 188a is preferably made of a metal that is easy to transfer heat.

In addition, since the heating unit 188 is provided to form the bottom surface of the heating chamber 186, the present invention is a pump capable of simultaneously supplying water to the spray arms 122 and 124 and heating the water ( 180) can be provided.

In addition, the dishwasher 100 equipped with the aforementioned pump 180 may supply steam to the washing tub 120 through the heating unit 188 provided in the pump 180 . To this end, the dishwasher 100 may further include a steam supply unit 190.

The steam supply unit 190 includes a nozzle 192 for spraying steam into the washing tub 120, a steam supply pipe 194 connecting the nozzle 192 and the heating chamber 186, and a steam valve 196 opening and closing the steam supply pipe. can be provided with FIG. 1 shows a case where the nozzle 192 is provided on the door 113 as an example. In this case, the nozzle 192 is preferably installed below the inner surface of the door 113 forming a washing space.

Hereinafter, the drainage part 160 of the main part of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

2 is an exploded perspective view showing a drainage device for a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a drainage device for a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. It is a side cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the drainage device of the dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 to 4, the drainage unit 160 according to an embodiment of the present invention communicates with the outlet 146 of the sump 140 at one side of the lower part of the sump and forms a pumping space for the drained washing water. The chamber 161 and the drain pump 165 connected to the drain chamber 161 and provided with a drain impeller 166 to drain the washing water communicate with one side of the drain chamber 161 and rotate the impeller 166 It includes a discharge pipe 162 through which washing water and food waste are discharged, and a drain pipe 163 connected to the discharge pipe 162 and guiding the discharged washing water.

Here, the drain pump 165 forms one surface of the drain chamber 161 and is provided between a motor 168 coupled to the drain chamber 161 and between the motor 68 and the drain chamber 161 to prevent leakage of washing water. A sealing member 167 for preventing and an impeller 166 coupled to the rotating shaft of the motor 168 and forcibly discharging washing water from the drain chamber 161 to the discharge pipe 162 by centrifugal force is provided.

On the other hand, in the case of the discharge port 146 of the sump 140 communicating with the drain chamber 161, it is related to the position of the impeller of the drain pump 165 provided in the drain pump 165, and the washing water is discharged according to the rotation of the impeller 166. is located at the center of rotation of the impeller 166 so that it can be discharged.

In addition, the discharge pipe 162 provided in the drain chamber 161 discharges the washing water according to the rotation of the impeller 166 and at the same time discharges the washing water and food waste flowing into the drain chamber 161 into the drain chamber 161. ) is connected to one side of

Here, the discharge pipe 162 is positioned so as to be eccentric to the upper or lower side of the drain chamber 161 in order to discharge the washing water by the impeller 166 .

Meanwhile, the drain pipe 163 is connected to the discharge pipe 162 and guides washing water and food waste discharged by the drain pump 165 to the outside of the dishwasher 100 . A check valve 164 may be further provided at a predetermined portion of the drain pipe 163 to prevent reverse flow of washing water and food waste sold.

Hereinafter, the operation of the dishwasher 100 according to the present invention will be briefly described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Each element mentioned below should be understood with reference to the above description and drawings.

5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 5 , the user may start washing dishes by storing dishes in the upper rack and/or lower racks 130a and 130b of the dishwasher and then selecting a dishwashing operation button (not shown).

Meanwhile, when the operation of the dishwasher 100 starts, a water supply step ( S110 ) of supplying water to the washing tub 120 is performed. Then, when the water supply step (S110) is completed, a preliminary washing step (S1210) to remove the dirt on the tableware is performed.

Then, when the pre-cleaning step (S120) is finished, the main washing step (S130), in which washing water mixed with detergent is sprayed, is performed to remove the dirt on the dishes.

When the main washing step (S130) is finished, a rinsing step (S140) is performed. When the rinsing step (S140) is finished, a drying step (S150) of drying the dishes is performed, thereby ending the dish washing process.

In addition, after the preliminary washing step (S120) ends and before the main washing step (S130) starts, a drainage process in which the washing water sprayed in the preliminary washing step (S120) is collected and drained is performed.

Then, the washing water is pumped by the pump 180 and sprayed into the washing tub 120 through the upper arm 122 and the lower arm 124 . And, the process of spraying the washing water is repeatedly performed for a set time.

Alternatively, the cleaning step (S130) is performed by setting the number of injections of washing water until the set number of injections is reached. When the washing step (S130) is finished, the rinsing step (S140) proceeds, and the washing water supplied in the washing step (S130) may be drained prior to the start of the rinsing step (S130).

Meanwhile, when the rinsing step (S140) is finished, a drying step (S150) is performed to remove moisture from the dishes. In the drying step (S150), hot air may be introduced into the washing tub 120 to evaporate moisture on the dishes.

Here, the air changed to a high temperature and high humidity state may be discharged to the outside of the dishwasher 100 by a separate drying module (not shown).

Since the above-described water supply step (S110), preliminary washing step (S120), main washing step (S130), rinsing step (S140), and drying step (S150) may be similar to the process of a general dishwasher, detailed description of each step should be omitted.

Meanwhile, in the above-described processes, as the washing water is supplied, the washing water supplied from the sump 140 flows into the drain chamber 161 through the discharge port 146, and as the washing water flows into the drain chamber 161, The drain space 161a inside the drain chamber 161 is filled, and as the washing water flows into the drain chamber 161, the air that is not discharged through the drain pipe 163 on the upper side of the drain chamber 161 enters an air pocket ( 161 b) can be formed.

That is, the washing water flowing into the drain chamber 161 flows up to the height H1 of the upper end of the discharge port 146 located in the center of the drain chamber 161, and the discharge pipe 162 flows according to the arrangement of the drain pipe 163. It can flow in up to the top height (H2).

Here, the highest water level of the washing water flowing into the drain chamber 161 may be located in the drain space 161a between the height H1 of the upper end of the outlet 146 and the height H2 of the upper end of the discharge pipe 162, Air that is not discharged to the outside of the drain chamber 161 may remain above the water level of the washing water stored in the drain chamber 161 to form an air pocket 161b.

In this way, the air pocket 161b formed in the drain chamber 161 may interfere with water flow formation by the impeller of the drain pump 165, thereby preventing the washing water in the drain chamber 161 from being smoothly drained.

Meanwhile, the present invention is to remove air pockets formed in the drain chamber 161 of the drain unit 160 so that the impeller 166 of the drain pump 165 can operate smoothly.

Therefore, in the operation process of the dishwasher as described above, the water supply step (S110) in which water is supplied, the preliminary washing step (S120), the main washing step (S130), and the rinsing step (S140) may be repeatedly performed. It may be performed only in the water supply step (S110) in which washing water is supplied.

In the following description, it will be described that the air pocket 161b is removed in the first water supply step (S110) in which washing water is supplied.

Hereinafter, the operation of the drainage unit according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation process of a drainage pump according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As described above, as the water supply step (S110) proceeds, the washing water supplied flows into the drain chamber 161 through the outlet 146 of the sump 140, and as the washing water flows into the drain chamber 161, the drain chamber It fills the inside of (161).

Here, the washing water supplied to the drain chamber 161 is introduced to the height H1 of the upper end of the discharge port 146 located in the center of the drain chamber 161, and the discharge pipe 162 according to the arrangement of the drain pipe 163 It can flow in up to the top height (H2).

Here, the control unit controls that the water level of the washing water supplied after the water supply step (S110) starts is positioned between the height H1 of the top of the outlet 146 of the drain chamber 161 and the height of the top of the discharge pipe 162 (H2). It is determined whether or not (S210).

Meanwhile, the water level of the washing water may be determined based on the supply time of the washing water to be supplied. That is, when a certain amount of time has elapsed after the supply of washing water has started, the level of washing water in the drain chamber 161 is located between the height H1 of the top of the discharge port 146 and the height of the top of the discharge pipe 162 (H2). can be judged to be

Thereafter, the controller repeatedly operates the motor 168 of the drain pump 165 intermittently to discharge the air remaining in the drain chamber 161 through the discharge pipe 162 (S220). Here, the operation of the motor 168 is rotated in the same direction as the direction in which the washing water is drained, and the impeller 166 is rotated according to the rotation of the motor 168 to the drainage chamber 161 according to the rotation of the impeller 166. Inflowed washing water and air are discharged together.

Here, the rotation of the motor 168 may be operated intermittently, and the intermittent operation cycle may be operated by repeating operation for about 1 to 2 seconds and then stopping for about 1.5 to 2.5 seconds 2 to 4 times.

By this operation, the washing water in the drain chamber 161 is drained together with some of the air at the same time as the shaking, so that the air format formed in the drain chamber 161 can be minimized.

Hereinafter, the operation of the drainage unit according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation process of a drainage pump according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As described above, as the water supply step (S110) proceeds, the washing water supplied flows into the drain chamber 161 through the outlet 146 of the sump 140, and as the washing water flows into the drain chamber 161, the drain chamber It fills the inside of (161).

Here, the washing water supplied to the drain chamber 161 is introduced to the height H1 of the upper end of the discharge port 146 located in the center of the drain chamber 161, and the discharge pipe 162 according to the arrangement of the drain pipe 163 It can flow in up to the top height (H2).

Here, the control unit controls that the water level of the washing water supplied after the water supply step (S110) starts is located between the height H1 of the top of the outlet 146 of the drain chamber 161 and the height of the top of the discharge pipe 162 (H2). It is determined whether or not (S210).

Meanwhile, the water level of the washing water may be determined by accumulating the water supply amount of the washing water to be supplied. That is, after the supply of washing water starts, the water level of the washing water in the drainage chamber 161 is between the height H1 of the upper end of the outlet 146 and the height of the upper end H2 of the discharge pipe 162 through the flow sensor provided in the water supply unit. It can be judged to be located in .

Thereafter, the controller repeatedly operates the motor 168 of the drain pump 165 intermittently to discharge the air remaining in the drain chamber 161 through the discharge pipe 162 (S220). Here, the operation of the motor 168 is rotated in the same direction as the direction in which the washing water is drained, and the impeller 166 is rotated according to the rotation of the motor 168 to the drainage chamber 161 according to the rotation of the impeller 166. Inflowed washing water and air are discharged together.

Here, the rotation of the motor 168 may be operated intermittently, and the intermittent operation cycle may be operated by repeating operation for about 1 to 2 seconds and then stopping for about 1.5 to 2.5 seconds 2 to 4 times.

By this operation, the washing water in the drainage chamber 161 is drained together with some of the air at the same time as the shaking, so that the air format formed in the drainage chamber 161 can be minimized.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail as described above, those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention defined in the appended claims. Various modifications of the present invention will be able to be practiced. Therefore, changes in future embodiments of the present invention will not deviate from the technology of the present invention.

100: washing machine 110: cabinet
120: washing tank 122, 124: upper arm, lower arm
130a, 130b: upper rack, lower rack 140: sump
150: water supply part 160: drainage part
161: drain chamber 163: drain pipe
165: drainage pump 170: supply passage
180: pump 190: steam supply unit

Claims (5)

a washing tub forming a washing space in which dishes are loaded and washed; a storage unit in which the tableware can be loaded; a spraying unit spraying washing water on the dishes; a sump positioned below the washing tub; a driving unit supplying and circulating washing water stored in the sump to the injection unit; A drain chamber having a discharge port communicating with the sump and a discharge pipe through which the washing water is discharged to temporarily store the washing water, an impeller for draining the washing water from the drain chamber, and a drain passage connected to the drain chamber, In the control method of a dishwasher comprising a; drain pump for draining washing water,
a water supply step of supplying washing water to the dishwasher;
An air discharge step in which the rotational direction of the impeller is rotated so that the air in the drainage chamber is moved toward the drainage passage in order to discharge air from the drainage pump as the washing water is supplied to a set water level during the water supply step;
a washing step of washing dishes using the washing water;
a rinsing step of rinsing the washed tableware;
A drying step of drying the rinsed tableware; includes,
The control method of the dishwasher, characterized in that the height of the top of the outlet is lower than the height of the top of the discharge pipe, and the set water level is between the height of the top of the outlet and the height of the top of the discharge pipe. delete The method of claim 1, wherein the air discharge step
A control method of a dishwasher, characterized in that for repeatedly operating the drain pump intermittently for a predetermined time. The method of claim 3, wherein the air discharge step
A control method of a dishwasher, characterized in that repeating turning on the drain pump for 1 to 2 seconds / off for 1.5 to 2.5 seconds. delete

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