WO2020160695A1 - 用于确定洗碗机器具流体循环系统的操作模式的方法 - Google Patents

用于确定洗碗机器具流体循环系统的操作模式的方法 Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020160695A1
WO2020160695A1 PCT/CN2019/093013 CN2019093013W WO2020160695A1 WO 2020160695 A1 WO2020160695 A1 WO 2020160695A1 CN 2019093013 W CN2019093013 W CN 2019093013W WO 2020160695 A1 WO2020160695 A1 WO 2020160695A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fluid
diverter
pressure
determining
measured
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Application number
PCT/CN2019/093013
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
德赖斯·约翰·爱德华
达勒姆·凯尔·爱德华
Original Assignee
青岛海尔洗碗机有限公司
海尔美国电器解决方案有限公司
海尔智家股份有限公司
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Application filed by 青岛海尔洗碗机有限公司, 海尔美国电器解决方案有限公司, 海尔智家股份有限公司 filed Critical 青岛海尔洗碗机有限公司
Priority to CN201980044112.8A priority Critical patent/CN112543611B/zh
Publication of WO2020160695A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020160695A1/zh

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/4214—Water supply, recirculation or discharge arrangements; Devices therefor
    • A47L15/4219—Water recirculation
    • A47L15/4221—Arrangements for redirection of washing water, e.g. water diverters to selectively supply the spray arms
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/4202—Water filter means or strainers
    • A47L15/4208—Arrangements to prevent clogging of the filters, e.g. self-cleaning
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/4289—Spray-pressure measuring or regulating arrangements
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/4297—Arrangements for detecting or measuring the condition of the washing water, e.g. turbidity
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/46—Devices for the automatic control of the different phases of cleaning ; Controlling devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L2401/00—Automatic detection in controlling methods of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, e.g. information provided by sensors entered into controlling devices
    • A47L2401/06—Water supply, circulation or discharge information
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L2401/00—Automatic detection in controlling methods of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, e.g. information provided by sensors entered into controlling devices
    • A47L2401/08—Drain or recirculation pump parameters, e.g. pump rotational speed or current absorbed by the motor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L2401/00—Automatic detection in controlling methods of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, e.g. information provided by sensors entered into controlling devices
    • A47L2401/14—Water pressure or flow rate

Definitions

  • the subject matter of the present disclosure relates generally to dishwasher appliances, and more specifically to fluid circulation systems and related methods within dishwasher appliances.
  • Dishwasher appliances usually include a tub that defines a washing compartment.
  • the rack assembly can be installed in the washing chamber of the tub for receiving items for washing.
  • the spray assembly in the washing chamber can apply or direct washing fluid toward the items arranged in the rack assembly to clean these items.
  • Multiple spray assemblies can be provided, including, for example: a lower spray arm assembly mounted to the tub at the bottom of the washing chamber, a middle spray arm assembly mounted to one of the rack assemblies, and/or during washing Install the spray assembly to the upper part of the barrel at the top of the chamber.
  • Dishwasher appliances usually further include a fluid circulation system in fluid communication with the spray assembly for circulating fluid to the spray assembly.
  • These fluid circulation systems generally include a filter and a pump downstream of the filter, for example, the pump and the filter are positioned so that substantially all of the washing fluid flowing to the pump flows through the filter.
  • the fluid circulation system generally receives fluid from the washing chamber, filters dirt from the fluid, and flows the filtered fluid to the spray assembly. Additionally, unfiltered fluid can be flowed to the discharge pipe as needed.
  • the fluid circulation system may be operable in at least two modes (washing mode and filter cleaning mode), in the washing mode, fluid is pumped into the washing compartment and through the washing compartment, in the filter cleaning mode , The fluid is sprayed onto the filter.
  • the fluid circulation system may be selectively operable in one of two or more modes based at least in part on the location of the diverter.
  • electronic position sensors are included in the fluid circulation system to allow dishwasher appliances (such as their controllers) to determine the position of the diverter and thereby determine which operating mode is activated (for example, washing mode or filter cleaning) mode).
  • these electronic position sensors may introduce additional complexity to the fluid circulation system.
  • multiple wires are usually routed to the position sensor, which results in additional complexity and the number of parts of the fluid circulation system compared to the case where there is no electronic position sensor, for example.
  • this wiring must also extend outside the wet part of the dishwasher appliance, for example to the controller, thereby creating potential leak points where the wiring passes.
  • a method of operating a dishwasher appliance includes a tub defining a washing chamber and a sump positioned below the washing chamber to receive fluid from the washing chamber.
  • the method includes circulating fluid through a washing chamber using a fluid circulation system.
  • the fluid circulation system includes a pump, a filter upstream of the pump, and a diverter downstream of the pump. Circulating fluid through the washing chamber includes pumping fluid from the sump into the washing chamber through the first component when the diverter is in the first position.
  • the method also includes cleaning the filter by pumping the fluid from the sump to a filter cleaning manifold when the diverter is in the second position.
  • the method includes measuring the pressure of the fluid in the tank with a pressure sensor while circulating the fluid and cleaning the filter.
  • the method further includes determining whether the diverter is in the second position based on the measured fluid pressure.
  • a method of determining the position of a diverter of a fluid circulation system in a dishwasher appliance includes: when the diverter is in the first position, measuring the dishwasher appliance while pumping fluid from the sump to the washing chamber of the dishwasher appliance via the first part The fluid pressure in the tank. The method further includes: when the diverter is in the second position, while pumping the fluid from the sump to the filter cleaning manifold, measuring the sump of the dishwasher appliance Fluid pressure. The method further includes determining whether the diverter is in the second position based on the measured fluid pressure.
  • Figure 1 provides a front view of a dishwasher appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 2 provides a side cross-sectional view of the dishwasher appliance of Figure 1.
  • Fig. 3 provides a cross-sectional view of a fluid circulation system for a dishwasher appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure with a diverter in a first position.
  • Fig. 4 provides a cross-sectional view of the fluid circulation system of Fig. 3 with the diverter in the second position.
  • FIG. 5 provides a cross-sectional view of the fluid circulation system of FIG. 3 with the diverter in the third position.
  • Figure 6 provides a top cross-sectional view of the fluid circulation system of Figure 3.
  • Figure 7 provides a perspective view of a shunt according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 8 provides a graph of exemplary measured pressure values that can be obtained during one or more exemplary methods according to the present disclosure.
  • Figure 9 provides a cross-sectional view of a fluid circulation system for a dishwasher appliance according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Fig. 10 provides a flowchart showing exemplary steps of a method according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter.
  • Figure 11 provides a flow chart illustrating exemplary steps of a method according to one or more additional exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter.
  • FIG. 12 provides a flowchart showing exemplary steps of a method according to one or more further exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter.
  • the term "item” can refer to, but is not necessarily limited to, plates, pots, pans, silver cutlery, and other cooking utensils and objects that can be cleaned in dishwashing utensils.
  • the term “fluid” refers to a liquid used for washing and/or rinsing items, and is generally composed of water that may include additives such as, for example, detergents or other treatment agents.
  • upstream refers to the direction in which fluid flows
  • downstream refers to the direction in which fluid flows.
  • radially refers to the relative direction substantially perpendicular to the axial centerline of a specific component
  • axially refers to the relative direction substantially parallel and/or coaxially aligned with the axial centerline of the specific component
  • circumferentially refers to the relative direction extending around the axial centerline of a particular component.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 show an exemplary domestic dishwasher appliance 100 that can be constructed in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
  • the dishwasher appliance 100 includes a cabinet 102 with a tub 104 defining a washing chamber 106 therein.
  • the dishwasher appliance 100 (such as its cabinet 102) defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L and a lateral direction T, which are orthogonal to each other and define a coordinate system for the dishwasher appliance.
  • the barrel 104 includes a front opening (not shown) and a door 120 hinged at its bottom 122 for moving between a normally closed vertical position (shown in Figures 1 and 2) and a horizontal open position, in the normally closed vertical position In the position, the washing chamber 106 is hermetically closed for washing operations, and the horizontal open position is used for loading and unloading items from the dishwasher.
  • the latch 123 can be used to lock and unlock the door 120 to enter the chamber 106.
  • the upper guide rail 124 and the lower guide rail 126 are mounted on the side wall 128 of the barrel and accommodate the table assemblies 130 and 132 equipped with rollers.
  • Each of the stage assemblies 130, 132 is manufactured as a grid structure including a plurality of elongated members 134 (for clarity, all the elongated members constituting the assemblies 130 and 132 are not shown in FIG. 2).
  • Each rack 130, 132 is adapted to move between an extended loading position (not shown) and a retracted position (shown in Figures 1 and 2). In the extended loading position the rack is generally positioned in the washing chamber Outside the chamber 106, the rack is located inside the washing chamber 106 in the retracted position.
  • a silver cutlery basket (not shown) may be removably attached to the stand assembly 132 for placing silver cutlery, utensils, etc., otherwise they are too small to be accommodated by the stand 130, 132.
  • the dishwasher appliance 100 further includes a lower spray arm assembly 144 that is rotatably installed in the lower region 146 of the washing chamber 106 and above the bottom wall 142 of the tub 104 so as to rotate relatively close to the vicinity of the rack assembly 132 .
  • the middle spray arm assembly 148 is located in the upper region 147 of the washing chamber 106 and may be located close to the upper rack 130.
  • the upper spray assembly 150 may be located above the upper platform 130.
  • Each spray assembly 144, 148, 150 may include a spray arm or other sprayer and a conduit in fluid communication with the sprayer.
  • the middle spray arm assembly 148 may include a spray arm 160 and a duct 162.
  • the lower spray arm assembly 144 may include a spray arm 164 and a duct 166.
  • the upper spray assembly 150 may include a spray head 170 and a conduit 172 in fluid communication with the spray head 170.
  • Each spray assembly 144, 148, 150 includes an arrangement of discharge ports or orifices for directing washing liquid received from the diverter 300 (see, for example, FIGS. 3-5) to the dishes located on the rack assemblies 130 and 132 Or other items.
  • the arrangement of the discharge ports in the spray arm assemblies 144 and 148 provides rotational force by means of washing fluid flowing through the discharge ports.
  • the combined rotation of the spray arm assemblies 144 and 148 using fluid from the diverter 300 and their operation utilize washing sprays to provide coverage of dishes and other dishwasher contents.
  • Other configurations of spray components can also be used.
  • the dishwasher 100 may have additional spray components for cleaning silver dishes, for washing casseroles, for spraying pots and pans, for cleaning bottles, and the like.
  • the lower spray arm assembly 144 and the middle spray arm assembly 148 and the upper spray assembly 150 are part of a fluid circulation system 152 for circulating fluid in the dishwasher appliance 100.
  • the fluid circulation system 152 also includes various components for receiving fluid from the washing chamber 106, filtering the fluid, and flowing the fluid to various spray components (such as the lower spray arm assembly 144 and the middle spray arm assembly 148 and the upper Spray component 150).
  • Each spray assembly 144, 148, 150 may receive an independent fluid flow, may be stationary, and/or may be configured to rotate in one or two directions.
  • a single spray arm may have multiple groups of discharge ports, each group of discharge ports receives washing fluid from a different fluid conduit, and each group of discharge ports is configured to spray in opposite directions and apply opposite rotational forces on the spray arm.
  • the washing fluid is usually supplied to one group of the group of discharge ports at a time.
  • the dishwasher appliance 100 is further equipped with a controller 137 to adjust the operation of the dishwasher appliance 100.
  • the controller may include one or more storage devices and one or more microprocessors, such as general-purpose or special-purpose microprocessors operable to execute program instructions or micro-control codes associated with cleaning cycles.
  • the memory may represent random access memory (such as DRAM), or read-only memory (such as ROM or FLASH).
  • the processor executes program instructions stored in the memory.
  • the memory may be a separate component from the processor, or may be included in the processor onboard.
  • the controller 137 can be positioned in various positions throughout the dishwasher appliance 100.
  • the controller 137 may be located in the control panel area 121 of the door 120 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
  • I/O input/output
  • the controller 137 includes a user interface panel/control part 136 through which the user can select various operating features and modes and monitor the progress of the dishwasher 100.
  • the user interface 136 may represent a general purpose I/O ("GPIO”) device or functional block.
  • the user interface 136 may include input components, such as one or more of various electrical input devices, mechanical input devices, or electromechanical input devices (including rotary dials, buttons, and touch pads).
  • the user interface 136 may include display components, such as a digital or analog display device designed to provide operating feedback to the user.
  • the user interface 136 may communicate with the controller 137 via one or more signal lines or a shared communication bus. It should be noted that the controller 137 as disclosed herein is capable and operable to perform any method and related method steps disclosed herein.
  • the system 152 may include, for example, a sump 200 (shown in Figure 2) for receiving fluid from the washing chamber 106.
  • the sump 200 can be mounted to the bottom wall 142, and fluid can flow into the sump 200 from the bottom wall 142, for example.
  • the sump 200 may include and define, for example, a chamber 202 that receives fluid from the washing chamber 106.
  • the sump 200 may include a side wall 204 and a base wall 208 that define a cavity 202.
  • the inner surface 207 of the side wall 204 may partially define the cavity 202.
  • the side wall 204 may extend from the base wall 208 generally in the vertical direction V, for example. As mentioned above, in the context of an angle or a direction, "substantially" means within ten degrees, for example, generally in the vertical direction may be included in the vertical ten degrees. In some embodiments, the sidewall 204 may have a generally circular cross-sectional shape. Alternatively, the sidewall 204 may have a generally rectangular shape or other suitable polygonal cross-sectional shape with multiple straight or curved portions. The side wall 204 may extend between a bottom end 205 (which may be connected to the base wall 208) and a top end 206 (which may be spaced apart from the base wall 208 along the vertical direction V).
  • the tank 200 may additionally include a skirt 209.
  • the skirt 209 may extend from the sidewall 204, such as from the top end 206, away from the chamber 202 and away from the filter 250 (as discussed herein) that is at least partially disposed within the chamber 202.
  • the skirt 209 may extend generally perpendicular to the side wall 204 and/or extend generally radially from the side wall 204.
  • substantially vertical is understood to include angles formed within ten degrees of vertical, for example, from eighty degrees to 100 degrees, and similarly, substantially radial includes within ten degrees of radial.
  • the fluid flowing into the chamber 202 may flow along the skirt 209 until the skirt 209 reaches the side wall 204, and the fluid may then flow into the chamber 202.
  • the skirt 209 may be mounted to the bottom wall 142, for example.
  • the system 152 may further include a pump 210 that provides a flow of pressurized fluid to the flow splitter 300 via a conduit 220.
  • the pump 210 may include an impeller 212 provided in the chamber 202.
  • the impeller 212 may be enclosed in the housing 211, and the housing 211 may include an introduction port 213 for pumping fluid into the pump 210 (eg, to the impeller 212).
  • the pump 210 may further include a motor 214 and a shaft 216 connecting the motor 214 and the impeller 212.
  • the motor 214 may be disposed in the chamber 202 and may be hermetically sealed to prevent the fluid in the chamber 202 from damaging it.
  • the shaft 216 may extend through the base wall 208 and the motor 214 may be outside the chamber 202.
  • the impeller 212 may rotate in the chamber 202 when activated by the motor 214 to affect the fluid flow in the chamber 202.
  • the filter 250 may be at least partially disposed within the chamber 202. As shown, the filter 250 surrounds the impeller 212 and may additionally surround other components of the pump 210, such as the motor 214. As shown in the figure, the filter 250 according to the present disclosure may include a side wall 252. The filter 250 may further include a top wall 254. Furthermore, the filter 250 may include a base wall 255. The side wall 252 may extend generally along the vertical direction V (for example, within 10 degrees of vertical) and between the top wall 254 and the bottom wall 255. Accordingly, the filter 250 may define an unfiltered volume 244 and a filtered volume 246 within the sump chamber 202.
  • the unfiltered volume 244 may be the portion of the sump chamber 202 that is upstream of the filter 250 relative to the main flow direction, and the filtered volume 246 may be the portion of the sump chamber 202 that is filtered relative to the main flow direction. The part downstream of the ⁇ 250.
  • the unfiltered volume 244 is unfiltered relative to the filter 250.
  • the sidewall 252 may have a generally circular cross-sectional shape.
  • the side wall 252 may have a generally rectangular shape or other suitable polygonal cross-sectional shape with multiple straight or curved portions.
  • the side wall 252 may include a filter medium that defines an inner surface 258 and an outer surface 257 of the side wall 252.
  • Some embodiments may include a filter medium, such as a strainer or screen, which has a diameter of about four thousandths (0.004 or 4/1000) of an inch to about eighty thousandths (0.08 or 80/1000) of an inch
  • the size of the pores or pores within the range of, or the pores may be otherwise sized and shaped to allow fluid flow to pass therethrough while preventing sludge flow from passing therethrough, so that the fluid flows through its walls into the filter 250 When filtering fluid.
  • the system 152 may further include a cleaning manifold 270.
  • the cleaning manifold may be configured to provide fluid to the outer surface 257 of the filter side wall 252 for cleaning the side wall 252.
  • fluid flowing through the outlet conduit 220 may be diverted to the manifold 270.
  • the fluid in the manifold 270 can then flow from the manifold 270 toward the outer surface 257 and onto the outer surface.
  • the fluid flow onto the outer surface 257 and on the outer surface 257 can advantageously clean the side wall 252 by removing and removing dirt from the side wall 252.
  • the fluid discharged from the cleaning manifold 270 may be discharged toward the outer surface 257 in multiple streams (the multiple streams may be, for example, relatively high-speed fluid jets).
  • the fluid may be discharged onto the outer surface 257 generally in the vertical direction V, for example, and may flow generally in the vertical direction V (eg, generally parallel to the outer surface 257) to clean the side wall 252.
  • the cleaning manifold 270 may be provided close to the outer surface 257, and may be wrapped around at least a portion of the periphery of the side wall 252, for example. As shown, the manifold 270 may contact the outer surface 257, for example. Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the manifold 270 may be located close to the top wall 254. A plurality of orifices 272 may be defined in the manifold 270 for fluid flow therethrough. Each orifice 272 may be oriented to direct fluid discharged therefrom toward the outer surface 257. For example, the fluid discharged from each orifice 272 may flow generally along the vertical direction V and along the outer surface 257.
  • the system 152 may further include a diverter 300.
  • the diverter 300 may be configured to selectively flow fluid (such as via one or more of the spray components) to the washing chamber 106 or to the cleaning manifold 270 according to the position of the valve 310.
  • the use of such a diverter 300 according to the present disclosure can advantageously provide improved cleaning of the filter 250 without the need to increase water use or increase energy usage or motor size. This improved cleaning is provided by, for example, selectively diverting fluid to the cleaning manifold 270 for a periodic amount of time to clean the filter 250, such as its sidewall 252, as needed.
  • the diverter 300 can advantageously only be used to diverge fluid to the cleaning manifold 270 when cleaning is required, and can automatically flow fluid (such as via one or more of the spray components) to the washing chamber. Choose between chamber 106 or flow to clean manifold 270.
  • Figure 6 provides a top cross-sectional view of the fluid circulation assembly 152 and particularly its filter cleaning manifold 270.
  • a plurality of orifices 272 may be spaced along the circumference of the filter cleaning manifold 270 above the filter 250.
  • the filter cleaning manifold 270 may be connected to the fourth outlet 306 of the diverter 300.
  • the exemplary flow splitter 300 may include an inlet 302 in fluid communication with the pump 210 via a conduit 220 (FIGS. 3-5) for receiving fluid flow from the pump 210, which will It is supplied to the spray assembly 144, 148 and/or 150 or the cleaning manifold 270 and other fluid-using components during the cleaning operation.
  • the pump 210 receives fluid from, for example, the storage tank 200 and provides fluid flow to the diverter 300.
  • the exemplary flow splitter 300 includes multiple outlets, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, the flow splitter 300 may include four outlets including a first outlet 303, a second outlet 304, a third outlet 305, and a fourth outlet 306.
  • the diverter 300 includes a valve 310 (see, for example, FIGS. 3-5), which can be selectively switched between the outlets 303, 304, 305, and 306 by hydraulic actuation.
  • the first outlet 303 may be in fluid connection with the upper spray assembly 150 and the lower spray arm assembly 144, and the second outlet 304 may be in fluid connection with the middle spray arm assembly 148.
  • the third outlet 305 may be fluidly connected to another fluid-using component for cleaning silver tableware, for example.
  • the fourth outlet 306 may be fluidly connected to the cleaning manifold 270.
  • Other spray components and connection configurations can also be used. Therefore, the rotation of the valve 310 in the diverter 300 can be used to selectively place the pump 210 through the outlets 303, 304, 305, and 306 and the spray assembly 144, 148, or 150, another fluid-using component or a cleaning manifold.
  • the tube 270 is in fluid communication.
  • the dishwasher appliance 100 may be in various modes according to the position of the diverter 300 and/or the valve 310 of the diverter 300 (for example, when the valve 310 is positioned to diverge fluid to the spray assemblies 144, 148, and/or 150
  • One or more of the washing modes, or the filter cleaning mode when the valve 310 is positioned to divert fluid to the manifold 270) is operable.
  • the number of switchable outlets required for selectively placing the pump 210 in fluid communication with different fluid-using elements of the appliance 100 two may be provided in the diverter 300.
  • the plurality of outlets may include a first outlet and a second outlet, the second outlet being in fluid communication with the cleaning manifold 270.
  • the first outlet may be in fluid communication with one or more spray assemblies 144, 148, and/or 150 (such as the lower spray arm assembly 144 and/or the upper spray assembly 150).
  • some embodiments of the multiple outlets may further include a third outlet that is in fluid communication with other spray components in the spray assemblies 144, 148, and/or 150 (such as the middle spray arm 148).
  • a third outlet that is in fluid communication with other spray components in the spray assemblies 144, 148, and/or 150 (such as the middle spray arm 148).
  • the terms “first”, “second”, and “third” do not necessarily indicate a sequence or order.
  • the diverter may be configured to move toward the second outlet before the second outlet. Three outlets provide flow.
  • the diverter 300 may be configured to direct the fluid from the pump 210 to the first outlet 303 in response to the fluid pressure of the fluid from the pump 210, and to respond to a change in the fluid pressure of the fluid from the pump 210 The change directs fluid from the pump 210 to another outlet, such as the second outlet 304. Therefore, in at least some embodiments, the shunt 300 may be a passive shunt.
  • the diverter 300 may be actuated, for example, to move between various positions to selectively direct one or more selected fluid-using components (such as a spray assembly) through the fluid flow of the fluid circulation system 152 ) Provide fluid communication without the need for dedicated actuators, such as motors or other electrical or electronic actuators.
  • the pump 210 can be activated to supply fluid to the diverter 300 under pressure, which can push the diverter valve 310 in a vertical direction V moves upward, and the valve 310 can also rotate as the valve 310 moves upward, so that the orifice (not shown) in the valve 310 can move when the valve 310 moves to the top of the diverter 300 or toward the top of the diverter It is aligned with the first outlet 303.
  • the pump 210 can be decelerated or deactivated, so that the fluid pressure changes, for example, decreases, so that the valve 310 returns to the initial lower vertical position, while also rotating to an intermediate position, for example, the hole in the valve 310 The position of an opening (not shown) between two adjacent ones of the outlets 303, 304, 305, and 306.
  • These cycles such as pressure changes by accelerating or slowing the pump, can be repeated, and the valve 310 can move from one outlet to the other on each repetition.
  • the pump 210 may be activated/deactivated and/or its speed changed by the controller 137 according to a predetermined program or sequence of operations, as described above.
  • exemplary shunt 300 is described in general terms.
  • exemplary shunts are described in John Edward Dries’ U.S. Application No. 15/460,298 (US2018/0263458 A1) and U.S. Application No. 15/470,963 (US2018/0279850 A1), both of which are The entire text is incorporated by reference.
  • the diverter 300 may be positionable in a first position, in which the valve 310 provides fluid communication to the first outlet 303 and from the first outlet 303 to the first part of the dishwasher appliance 100
  • the valve 310 provides fluid communication to the first outlet 303 and from the first outlet 303 to the first part of the dishwasher appliance 100
  • the valve 310 provides fluid communication to the first outlet 303 and from the first outlet 303 to the first part of the dishwasher appliance 100
  • the valve 310 provides fluid communication to the first outlet 303 and from the first outlet 303 to the first part of the dishwasher appliance 100
  • the valve 310 provides fluid communication to the first outlet 303 and from the first outlet 303 to the first part of the dishwasher appliance 100
  • the valve 310 provides fluid communication to the first outlet 303 and from the first outlet 303 to the first part of the dishwasher appliance 100
  • the valve 310 provides fluid communication to the first outlet 303 and from the first outlet 303 to the first part of the dishwasher appliance 100
  • the valve 310 provides fluid communication to the first outlet 303 and from the first outlet 303 to
  • the dishwashing appliance 100 may include a pressure sensor (for example, a pressure transducer 260) positioned outside the tank 200 and configured to measure the pressure in the chamber 202 of the tank, for example, corresponding to the liquid level in the tank 200.
  • a pressure sensor for example, a pressure transducer 260
  • multiple liquid levels may be established in the chamber 200, for example, a first liquid level 1001 in the unfiltered volume 244 and a second liquid level 1002 in the filtered volume 246. In other embodiments, there may only be one liquid level in the chamber 202.
  • the pressure sensor 260 may be configured to sense or measure the pressure corresponding to the first liquid level 1001.
  • a pressure sensor may be located near the bottom end 205 of the side wall 204 to measure the pressure generally corresponding to the height of the fluid between the bottom end 205 and the top end 206.
  • One or more wires 262 may extend from the pressure sensor 260 to the controller 137, for example. As shown in the figure, when the pressure sensor 260 is positioned outside the tank 200, the wiring 262 does not need to extend through the walls of the tank 200, such as one or both of the base wall 208 and the side wall 204, thereby reducing the possibility of Leak point (through which fluid may escape from the tank 200).
  • the diverter valve 310 can, for example, move downward in the vertical direction V from the first position shown in FIG. 3 while still moving around The vertical direction V rotates to move to the second position.
  • the liquid level 1001 can be relatively higher than the liquid level when the fluid circulation system 152 actively circulates the fluid in the dishwasher appliance 100. For example, as can be seen by comparing FIGS. 3 and 4 saw.
  • Figure 5 shows the position of the diverter 300 (for example the position of its valve 310) which corresponds to or represents the dishwasher appliance 100 operating in the filter cleaning mode, in which the fluid flowing from the pump 210 is guided To clean the manifold 270 to clean the outer surface 257 of the filter 250, as described above.
  • the diverter 300 may be in a third position. In the third position, the fluid is directed to the outlet of the diverter 300 in fluid communication with the filter cleaning manifold 270, for example, the fourth outlet 306
  • the fourth outlet is upstream of the filter cleaning manifold 270 and provides fluid communication from the pump 210 to the filter cleaning manifold 270.
  • the fourth outlet 306 is represented by a dashed line in FIG.
  • the liquid level 1001 in the chamber 202 may be higher than when the dishwasher appliance 100 is in the washing mode ( Figure 3). Bit.
  • the corresponding pressure value acquired or measured by the pressure sensor 260 will be greater than when the dishwasher appliance 100 is in the washing mode. Corresponding to the pressure value.
  • FIG. 8 shows a graph of exemplary pressure values that may be measured or acquired by the pressure sensor 260 during various operating modes of the dishwasher appliance 100.
  • the pressure sensor 260 can measure or monitor the pressure in the tank 200.
  • the pressure sensor 260 may continuously measure pressure and send the measured pressure value to the controller 137.
  • the pressure monitor may obtain the measured pressure value periodically (for example, every second, every two or three seconds, or multiple times per second).
  • the dishwasher appliance 100 is initially operated in a non-circulating mode (for example, as shown in FIG. 4), and then passes through the first washing operation mode, the filter cleaning operation mode, and the second washing Operation mode operation. Either or both of the first and second washing operation modes may be as shown in FIG.
  • the filter cleaning mode may be as shown in FIG. 5.
  • the measured pressure value acquired during the filter cleaning mode may correspond to the pressure value corresponding to the non-circulation mode or correspond to, for example, the fluid being supplied to the upper spray arm 148 and the lower spray.
  • One or both of the arms 144 have different pressure values in the washing mode.
  • the non-circulating operation mode may be determined or detected based on the state of the pump 210, for example, when the pump 210 is not activated, it may be determined that the dishwasher appliance 100 is in the non-circulating state or mode.
  • the dishwasher appliance 100 when the pump 210 is activated, the dishwasher appliance 100 is in the washing mode (for example, the fluid circulation system 152 supplies fluid to one or more spray components in the washing chamber 106) or filtering
  • the filter cleaning mode for example, the fluid circulation system supplies fluid to the filter cleaning manifold 270
  • the filter cleaning mode can be distinguished from one or more washing modes.
  • the fluid circulation system 152 may include a conduit 264 extending from the filter cleaning manifold 270 to the pressure sensor 260.
  • the optional conduit 264 may advantageously provide the pressure sensor 260 with a higher pressure fluid flow 1000 compared to other embodiments in which the fluid flows through the filter 250 in a more diffuse manner before reaching the pressure sensor 260. This flow can enhance or increase the difference between the pressure value measured during the filter cleaning operation and the pressure value measured during the washing operation.
  • the direct fluid flow from the conduit 264 to the pressure sensor 260 can advantageously reduce or prevent fouling or blockage of the pressure sensor 260.
  • Figure 10 shows an example method 400 of operating a dishwasher appliance, such as the exemplary dishwasher appliance 100.
  • a dishwasher appliance may include a tub 104 defining a washing chamber 106 and a sump 200 positioned below the washing chamber 106 to receive fluid from the washing chamber 106, as discussed above.
  • the method 400 includes a step 410 of circulating fluid through the washing chamber 106 using the fluid circulation system 152.
  • the fluid circulation system 152 may include a pump 210, a filter 250 upstream of the pump 210, and a diverter 300 downstream of the pump 210.
  • circulating fluid through the washing chamber 106 may include pumping fluid from the storage tank 200 into the washing chamber 106 via the first component when the diverter 300 (eg, valve 310 of the diverter 300) is in the first position.
  • the first component may be one or more of the spray assemblies 144, 148, and 150 described above.
  • the method 400 further includes a step 420 of cleaning the filter 250 by pumping fluid from the sump 200 to the filter cleaning manifold 270 when the diverter 300 is in the second position.
  • the method 400 also includes a step 430 of measuring the pressure of the fluid in the tank 200 using the pressure sensor 260 while circulating the fluid and cleaning the filter 250. As shown at step 440 in FIG. 10, the method 400 may further include determining whether the diverter 300 is in the second position based on the measured fluid pressure.
  • determining that the diverter 300 is in the second position may also include determining that the dishwashing appliance 100 is in a filter cleaning mode.
  • the second position may be referred to as the "starting" position of the diverter 300, and determining that the diverter 300 is at the starting position can be recorded or stored in the memory of the controller 137, for example, and various other aspects of the diverter 300
  • the position can be determined or inferred with reference to the starting position.
  • the diverter 300 may be configured to move to the first position after the starting position (e.g., when the pump 210 is cyclically operated (e.g., deactivated and reactivated and/or the speed of the pump 210 decreases and then increases).
  • the exemplary method may include subsequent pumping cycles after determining that the diverter 300 is at the starting position and after determining that the diverter 300 is at the starting position It is then concluded that the diverter 300 is in a position where the fluid is supplied to the intermediate spray arm assembly 148. Therefore, at least some example embodiments of the method 400 may include determining that the diverter 300 is in the first position after determining that the diverter is in the second position at step 440 and after the pump 210 has subsequently been deactivated and then reactivated.
  • the step 440 of determining whether the diverter 300 is in the second position based on the measured fluid pressure may include when the measured fluid pressure increases (for example, as shown in FIG. 8, when relative to the upper portion and/or In the filter cleaning mode of the lower spray arm mode, and/or as can be seen by comparing the liquid level 1001 in FIG. 3 with the liquid level 1001 in FIG. 5), it is determined that the diverter 300 is in the second position.
  • the step 440 of determining whether the diverter 300 is in the second position based on the measured fluid pressure may include obtaining at least two pressure values, for example, a first measured pressure value and a second measured pressure value, which may be, for example, Obtained by the pressure sensor 260.
  • determining whether the diverter 300 is in the second position based on the measured fluid pressure may include determining the diverter 300 based on a second measured pressure value greater than the first measured pressure value when the second measured pressure value is acquired. In the second position.
  • the flow splitter 300 may include two or more outlets, as discussed above. Therefore, in some embodiments of the method 400, the first component may be a first spray arm, such as the lower spray arm assembly 144, and the step 410 of circulating the fluid may include circulating the fluid through the lower portion 146 of the washing chamber . In such embodiments, the method 400 may further include: when the diverter 300 is in the third position, by passing fluid from the storage tank 200 through a second spray arm (such as the middle spray arm assembly 148 and/or the upper spray arm) The assembly 150) is pumped into the washing chamber 106 to circulate fluid through the upper part 147 of the washing chamber 106.
  • a second spray arm such as the middle spray arm assembly 148 and/or the upper spray arm
  • additional embodiments of the method 400 can include determining that the diverter 300 is in the first position after determining that the diverter 300 is in the second position and the pump 210 has subsequently been deactivated and then reactivated, and can further This includes determining that the diverter 300 is in the third position after determining that the diverter 300 is in the first position and the pump 210 has subsequently been deactivated and then reactivated.
  • some embodiments of the method 400 may include flowing a portion of the fluid from the filter cleaning manifold 270 directly to the pressure sensor 260 while cleaning the filter 250.
  • the portion of the fluid may flow directly to the pressure sensor 260 through a conduit 264 extending from the filter cleaning manifold 270 to the pressure sensor 260.
  • FIG. 11 shows an example method 500 of determining the position of the diverter 300 of the fluid circulation system 152 in the dishwasher appliance 100.
  • the method 500 includes measuring the sump of the dishwasher appliance 100 while pumping fluid from the sump 200 into the washing chamber 106 of the dishwasher appliance 100 via the first part when the diverter 300 is in the first position.
  • Step 510 of fluid pressure in 200 As discussed above with respect to method 400, the first component in step 510 may be one or more of spray assemblies 144, 148, and 150, for example.
  • the method 500 further includes the step of measuring the pressure of the fluid in the sump 200 of the dishwasher appliance 100 while pumping the fluid from the sump 200 to the filter cleaning manifold 270 when the diverter 300 is in the second position 520.
  • the method 500 further includes a step 530 of determining whether the diverter 300 is in the second position based on the measured fluid pressure.
  • step 530 may include determining that the diverter is in the second position when the measured fluid pressure increases and/or based on a second measured pressure value greater than the first measured pressure value.
  • Figure 12 shows an additional exemplary method 600 of determining the position of the diverter 300 and/or determining the operating mode of the dishwasher appliance 100 based on the measured pressure.
  • the method 600 may include a step 602 of circulating fluid through the washing chamber 106 when the diverter 300 is in the first position, and a step of pumping fluid to the filter cleaning manifold 270 when the diverter 300 is in the second position 604.
  • steps 602 and 604 various pressure values can be obtained, such as the pressure value of the fluid pressure in the tank, such as the pressure value of the lower tank (for example, FIG. 8).
  • the pressure can be measured or monitored continuously or periodically.
  • the method 600 may further include a comparing step 620, which may include comparing the first pressure value P1 and the second pressure value P2, for example, determining whether the first pressure value P1 is greater than the second pressure value P2.
  • a comparing step 620 may include comparing the first pressure value P1 and the second pressure value P2, for example, determining whether the first pressure value P1 is greater than the second pressure value P2.
  • the method 600 may include determining that the first pressure value P1 corresponds to the second position of the diverter 300 For example, when the first pressure value P1 is acquired, the diverter 300 is in the second position.
  • the method 600 may include determining that the second pressure value P2 corresponds to the second position of the diverter 300 For example, when the second pressure value P2 is acquired, the diverter 300 is in the second position.

Abstract

一种在洗碗机器具中确定流体循环系统的分流器的位置的方法，所述方法包括：当分流器处于第一位置时，在将流体从贮槽经由第一部件泵送至洗碗机器具的洗涤腔室中的同时，测量洗碗机器具的贮槽中的流体压力。所述方法还包括：当所述分流器处于第二位置时，在将所述流体从所述贮槽泵送至过滤器清洁歧管的同时，测量所述洗碗机器具的贮槽中的流体压力。所述方法基于测量到的流体压力确定分流器是否处于第二位置。

Description

用于确定洗碗机器具流体循环系统的操作模式的方法 技术领域
本公开的主题总体上涉及洗碗机器具，并且更具体地涉及洗碗机器具内的流体循环系统以及相关方法。
背景技术
洗碗机器具通常包括限定洗涤隔间的桶。台架组件可安装在桶的洗涤腔室内，用于接收用于洗涤的物品。洗涤腔室内的喷淋组件可朝向设置在台架组件内的物品施用或引导洗涤流体，以便清洁这些物品。可以提供多个喷淋组件，包括，例如：在洗涤腔室的底部处安装到桶的下部喷淋臂组件、安装到台架组件中的一个上的中层喷淋臂组件、和/或在洗涤腔室的顶部处安装到桶的上部喷淋组件。
洗碗机器具通常进一步包括流体循环系统，其与喷淋组件流体连通，用于使流体循环到喷淋组件。这些流体循环系统通常包括过滤器以及过滤器的下游的泵，例如泵与过滤器定位成使得大体上流动至泵的全部洗涤流体都流动通过过滤器。流体循环系统通常从洗涤腔室接收流体，从流体过滤污物，并使已过滤的流体流动到喷淋组件。附加地，可以根据需要使未过滤的流体流动到排放管。
然而，留在过滤器上的过多污物可以阻挡这种流体流动。相应地，清洁过滤器以防止在操作期间的这种阻挡是期望的。一种解决方案是在过滤器处有源地喷淋流体以从中去除污物。例如，流体循环系统可以在至少两种模式(洗涤模式和过滤器清洁模式)中可操作，在洗涤模式中，流体被泵送至洗涤隔间中并通过洗涤隔间，在过滤器清洁模式中，流体被喷淋到过滤器上。流体循环系统可以至少部分地基于分流器的位置而可选择性地以两种或更多种模式中的一 种操作。通常，电子位置传感器被包括在流体循环系统中，以允许洗碗机器具(比如其控制器)确定分流器的位置，并由此确定激活了哪种操作模式(例如，洗涤模式或过滤器清洁模式)。
然而，这些电子位置传感器可能向流体循环系统引入额外的复杂性。例如，多条配线通常布线至位置传感器，与另外存在例如没有电子位置传感器的情况相比，这导致了流体循环系统的额外的复杂性以及部件数量。另外，这种配线还必须在洗碗机器具的潮湿部分的外部延伸，例如延伸至控制器，从而在配线穿过的位置产生潜在的泄漏点。
相应地，操作洗碗机器具和/或在洗碗器具中确定分流器的位置的改进方法是期望的。具体而言，其中不需要使用电子位置传感器的方法将是有利的。
发明内容
本发明的方面和优点将部分地在以下描述中阐述，或者可以从描述中显而易见，或者可以通过实践本发明来学习。
根据一个实施例，提供了一种操作洗碗机器具的方法。所述洗碗机器具包括限定洗涤腔室的桶以及定位在洗涤腔室下方以从洗涤腔室接收流体的贮槽。所述方法包括利用流体循环系统使流体循环通过洗涤腔室。所述流体循环系统包括泵、泵的上游的过滤器以及泵的下游的分流器。使流体循环通过洗涤腔室包括当分流器处于第一位置时，将流体从贮槽经由第一部件泵送至洗涤腔室中。所述方法还包括当所述分流器处于第二位置时，通过将所述流体从所述贮槽泵送至过滤器清洁歧管来清洁所述过滤器。所述方法包括在使所述流体循环并清洁所述过滤器的同时，利用压力传感器测量所述贮槽中的流体压力。所述方法进一步包括基于测量到的流体压力确定所述分流器是否处于所述第二位置。
根据另一实施例，提供了一种在洗碗机器具中确定流体循环系统的分流器的位置的方法。所述方法包括：当所述分流器处于第一位置时，在将流体从贮槽经由第一部件泵送至所述洗碗机器具的洗涤腔室中的同时，测量所述洗碗机 器具的贮槽中的流体压力。所述方法还包括：当所述分流器处于第二位置时，在将所述流体从所述贮槽泵送至过滤器清洁歧管的同时，测量所述洗碗机器具的贮槽中的流体压力。所述方法进一步包括基于测量到的流体压力确定所述分流器是否处于所述第二位置。
参考以下描述和所附权利要求，将更好地理解本发明的这些和其它特征、方面和优点。包含在本说明书中并构成其一部分的附图示出了本发明的实施例，并与描述一起用于解释本发明的原理。
附图说明
在参考所附图的说明书中阐述了本公开的完整的且可实施的公开内容，其包括向本领域技术人员所指引的其最佳模式。
图1提供了根据本公开的一个实施例的洗碗机器具的前视图。
图2提供了图1的洗碗机器具的侧视截面图。
图3提供了根据本公开的一个实施例的用于洗碗机器具的流体循环系统在分流器处于第一位置的情况下的截面图。
图4提供了图3的流体循环系统在分流器处于第二位置的情况下的截面图。
图5提供了图3的流体循环系统在分流器处于第三位置的情况下的截面图。
图6提供了图3的流体循环系统的俯视截面图。
图7提供了根据本公开的示例性实施例的分流器的透视图。
图8提供了在根据本公开的一个或更多个示例性方法期间可以获取的示例性测量压力值的曲线图。
图9提供了用于根据本公开的另一实施例的洗碗机器具的流体循环系统的截面图。
图10提供了示出根据本主题的一个或更多个示例性实施例的方法的示例性步骤的流程图。
图11提供了示出根据本主题的一个或更多个附加示例性实施例的方法的示 例性步骤的流程图。
图12提供了示出根据本主题的一个或更多个再一些示例性实施例的方法的示例性步骤的流程图。
具体实施方式
现在将详细参考本发明的实施例，其一个或更多个示例在附图中示出。提供每个示例是为了解释本发明，而不是限制本发明。实际上，对于本领域技术人员来说显而易见的是，在不背离本发明的范围或精神的情况下，可以在本发明中进行各种修改和变型。例如，作为一个实施例的一部分示出或描述的特征可与另一实施例一起使用，以产生又一实施例。因此，本发明旨在覆盖落入所附权利要求及其等同物的范围内的这些修改和变型。
如本文所使用的，术语“物品”可以指，但不必局限于，盘子、罐、平底锅、银餐具、以及可在洗碗器具中清洁的其它烹饪用具与物件。术语“流体”指用于洗涤和/或冲洗物品的液体，并且通常由可以包括添加剂(比如例如，清洁剂或其它处理剂)的水构成。
如本文所使用的，术语“第一”、“第二”和“第三”可以可互换地使用以将一个部件与另一部件区分开，并且并不旨在表示各个部件的位置或重要性。术语“上游”和“下游”是指相对于流体路径中的流体流动的相对方向。例如，“上游”指流体流动来的方向，而“下游”指流体流动去的方向。术语“径向地”是指大致垂直于特定部件的轴向中心线的相对方向，术语“轴向地”是指与特定部件的轴向中心线大致平行和/或同轴对准的相对方向，而术语“周向地”是指围绕特定部件的轴向中心线延伸的相对方向。
本文所使用的术语仅用于描述特定实施例的目的，并且并不旨在限制。如本文所使用的，单数形式“一/一个(a)”、“一/一个(an)”和“该/所述(the)”也旨在包括复数形式，除非上下文另有明确的相反指示。应进一步理解的是：当在本说明书中使用时，术语“包括(comprises)”和/或“包括(comprising)” 指定为存在所述特征、整体、步骤、操作、元件、和/或部件，但不排除存在或附加有一个或更多个其它特征、整体、步骤、操作、元件、部件、和/或它们的集合。如本文所使用的，近似术语，比如“大体”或“大约”，包括大于或小于所述值的百分之十以内的值。当在角度或方向的上下文中使用时，这些术语包括在大于或小于所述角度或方向的十度以内。例如，“大体竖直”包括沿任何方向(例如，顺时针或逆时针)竖直的十度以内的方向。
图1和2示出了可以根据本公开的方面构造的示例性家用洗碗机器具100。对于图1和2的特定实施例，洗碗机器具100包括机柜102，其中具有限定洗涤腔室106的桶104。如图所示，洗碗机器具100(比如其机柜102)限定竖直方向V、侧向方向L和横向方向T，它们相互正交并且限定用于洗碗机器具的坐标系统。桶104包括前开口(未示出)和铰接在其底部122处的用于在常闭竖直位置(图1和2所示)与水平打开位置之间移动的门120，在常闭竖直位置中洗涤腔室106被密封关闭以用于洗涤操作，水平打开位置用于从洗碗机中装载和卸载物品。闩锁123可以用于锁定和解锁门120以进入腔室106。
上部导轨124和下部导轨126安装在桶侧壁128上并容纳配备滚轴的台架组件130和132。台架组件130、132中的每个都被制造成包括多个细长构件134的网格结构(为了清楚起见，图2中未示出构成组件130和132的所有细长构件)。每个台架130、132都适于在延伸的装载位置(未示出)和缩回位置(如图1和2所示)之间移动，在延伸的装载位置中台架大致定位在洗涤腔室106的外部，在缩回位置中台架位于洗涤腔室106的内部。这分别通过例如安装到台架130和132上的滚轴135和139促成。银餐具篮(未示出)可以可移除地附接至台架组件132，以用于放置银餐具、用具等，否则它们太小而不能被台架130、132容纳。
洗碗机器具100进一步包括下部喷淋臂组件144，其可旋转地安装在洗涤腔室106的下部区域146内并且在桶104的底部壁142上方，以便相对接近台架组件132的附近地旋转。中层喷淋臂组件148位于洗涤腔室106的上部区域147 中，并且可以位于接近上部台架130的附近。此外，上部喷淋组件150可以位于上部台架130上方。
每个喷淋组件144、148、150都可以包括喷淋臂或其它喷淋器以及与喷淋器流体连通的导管。例如，中层喷淋臂组件148可以包括喷淋臂160和导管162。下部喷淋臂组件144可以包括喷淋臂164和导管166。此外，上部喷淋组件150可以包括喷淋头170以及与喷淋头170流体连通的导管172。每个喷淋组件144、148、150包括排出端口或孔口的布置，用于将接收自分流器300(例如参见图3-5)的洗涤液体引导到位于台架组件130和132上的盘子或其它物品上。喷淋臂组件144和148中的排出端口的布置借助于流动通过排出端口的洗涤流体来提供旋转力。使用来自分流器300的流体的喷淋臂组件144和148的合成旋转及其操作利用洗涤喷淋而提供了对盘子和其它洗碗机内容物的覆盖。也可以使用喷淋组件的其它构造。例如，洗碗机100可以具有附加的喷淋组件，用于清洁银餐具、用于冲刷砂锅、用于喷淋罐和平底锅、用于清洁瓶子等。
下部喷淋臂组件144和中层喷淋臂组件148以及上部喷淋组件150是用于使流体在洗碗机器具100中循环的流体循环系统152的一部分。流体循环系统152还包括各种部件，用于从洗涤腔室106接收流体、过滤流体、并且使流体流动到各种喷淋组件(比如下部喷淋臂组件144和中层喷淋臂组件148和上部喷淋组件150)。
每个喷淋组件144、148、150可以接收独立的流体流，可以是静止的，和/或可以构造成在一个或两个方向上旋转。例如，单个喷淋臂可以具有多组排出端口，每组排出端口接收来自不同流体导管的洗涤流体，并且每组排出端口构造成沿相反方向喷淋并在喷淋臂上施加相反的旋转力。为了避免使这种喷淋臂的旋转停转，通常每次向所述组排出端口中的一组供应洗涤流体。
洗碗机器具100进一步配备有控制器137，以调节洗碗机器具100的操作。控制器可以包括一个或更多个存储装置和一个或更多个微处理器，比如可操作以执行与清洁周期相关联的程序指令或微控制代码的通用或专用微处理器。存 储器可以表示随机存取存储器(比如DRAM)，或只读存储器(比如ROM或FLASH)。在一个实施例中，处理器执行存储在存储器中的程序指令。存储器可以是与处理器分开的部件，或者可以机载包括在处理器内。
控制器137可以在整个洗碗机器具100中定位各种位置中。在所示实施例中，控制器137可以位于如图1和2所示的门120的控制面板区域121内。在这种实施例中，输入/输出(“I/O”)信号可以沿着配线线束在洗碗机100的控制系统和各种操作部件之间路由，所述配线线束可以通过门120的底部122布线。通常，控制器137包括用户界面面板/控制件136，用户可以通过所述用户界面面板/控制件来选择各种操作特征和模式并监测洗碗机100的进程。在一个实施例中，用户界面136可以表示通用I/O(“GPIO”)装置或功能块。在一个实施例中，用户界面136可以包括输入部件，比如各种电气输入装置、机械输入装置或机电输入装置(包括旋转拨盘、按钮和触摸板)中的一个或更多个。用户界面136可以包括显示部件，比如被设计成向用户提供操作反馈的数字或模拟显示装置。用户界面136可以经由一根或更多根信号线或共享通信总线与控制器137通信。应该指出的是，如本文所公开的控制器137能够并且可以可操作以执行本文所公开的任何方法和相关方法步骤。
应该理解的是，本发明并不局限于洗碗机的任何特定样式、型号或构造。图1和2所示的示例性实施例仅用于说明目的。例如，可以为用户界面136提供不同的位置，可以为台架130、132提供不同的构造，可以使用喷淋组件的不同组合，并且也可以应用其它不同。
现在参考图3至5，示出了洗碗机器具100的流体循环系统152的各部分的实施例。如图所示，系统152可以包括例如用于从洗涤腔室106接收流体的贮槽200(图2中所示)。贮槽200可以安装到底部壁142，并且流体可以例如从底部壁142流动到贮槽200中。贮槽200可以包括并限定例如腔室202，其接收来自洗涤腔室106的流体。如图所示，贮槽200可以包括限定腔室202的侧壁204和基部壁208。例如，侧壁204的内表面207可以部分地限定腔室202。侧 壁204可以从基部壁208比如大体沿竖直方向V延伸。如以上提及的，在角度或方向的上下文中，“大体”表示在十度以内，例如，大体沿竖直方向可以包括在竖直的十度以内。在一些实施例中，侧壁204可以具有大体圆形的截面形状。替代地，侧壁204可以具有大体矩形或具有多个直线或曲线部分的其它合适的多边形截面形状。侧壁204可以在底部端部205(其可以连接到基部壁208)和顶部端部206(其可以沿着竖直方向V与基部壁208间隔开)之间延伸。
贮槽200可以另外包括裙部209。裙部209可以从侧壁204比如从顶部端部206远离腔室202并远离至少部分地设置在腔室202内的过滤器250延伸(如本文所论述的)。例如，裙部209可以大体垂直于侧壁204延伸和/或从侧壁204大体径向地延伸。如以上指出的，大体垂直被理解为包括形成在垂直的十度以内的角度，例如从八十度到一百度，类似地，大体径向包括在径向的十度以内。流动到腔室202中的流体可以沿着裙部209流动，直到裙部209到达侧壁204，并且流体然后可以流动到腔室202中。裙部209可以例如安装到底部壁142。
系统152可以进一步包括泵210，其经由导管220向分流器300提供加压流体流。泵210可以包括设置在腔室202内的叶轮212。在一些实施例中，叶轮212可以封装在壳体211内，并且壳体211可以包括用于将流体抽吸到泵210中(例如，抽吸至叶轮212)的引入口213。泵210可以进一步包括马达214以及连接马达214和叶轮212的轴216。例如，马达214可以设置在腔室202内，并且可以气密密封以防止腔室202内的流体对其造成损坏。替代地，轴216可以延伸通过基部壁208，并且马达214可以在腔室202的外部。叶轮212可以在被马达214启动时在腔室202内回转，以影响在腔室202内的流体流。
如进一步示出的，过滤器250可以至少部分地设置在腔室202内。如图所示，过滤器250环绕叶轮212，并且可附加地环绕泵210的其它部件，比如马达214。如图所示，根据本公开的过滤器250可以包括侧壁252。过滤器250可以进一步包括顶部壁254。更进一步，过滤器250可以包括基部壁255。侧壁252可以大体沿着竖直方向V(例如在竖直的10度内)并且在顶部壁254和底部壁 255之间延伸。相应地，过滤器250可以在贮槽腔室202内限定未过滤体积244和已过滤体积246。也就是说，未过滤体积244可以是贮槽腔室202的相对于主要流动方向在过滤器250的上游的部分，并且已过滤体积246可以是贮槽腔室202的相对于主要流动方向在过滤器250的下游的部分。此外，应该明白的是，未过滤体积244是相对于过滤器250未过滤的。在一些实施例中，侧壁252可以具有大体圆形的截面形状。替代地，侧壁252可以具有大体矩形或具有多个直线或曲线部分的其它合适的多边形截面形状。
侧壁252可以包括限定侧壁252的内表面258和外表面257的过滤介质。一些实施例可以包括过器介质，例如滤网或筛网，其具有在直径上在大约千分之四(0.004或4/1000)英寸至大约千分之八十(0.08或80/1000)英寸的范围内的孔隙或孔穴尺寸，或者所述孔隙可以另外定尺寸和定形状成允许流体流从其中穿过，同时防止污物流从其中穿过，从而在流体通过其壁流动到过滤器250中时过滤流体。
如进一步示出的，系统152可以进一步包括清洁歧管270。清洁歧管可以构造成将流体提供到过滤器侧壁252的外表面257，以用于清洁侧壁252。具体而言，如本文下面所述，流动通过出口导管220的流体可以被分流到歧管270。歧管270中的流体然后可以从歧管270朝向外表面257流动并流动到所述外表面上。到外表面257上以及在外表面257上的流体流可以有利地通过从侧壁252上移出并去除污物来清洁侧壁252。在示例性实施例中，从清洁歧管270排放的流体可以呈多股流(所述多股流可以例如是相对高速的流体射流)朝向外表面257排放。流体可以例如大体沿着竖直方向V排放到外表面257上，并且可以大体沿着竖直方向V(例如，大体平行于外表面257)流动以清洁侧壁252。
清洁歧管270可以被设置成靠近外表面257，并且可以例如绕侧壁252的周边的至少一部分而包绕。如图所示，歧管270例如可以接触外表面257。此外，在示例性实施例中，歧管270可以靠近顶部壁254而设置。多个孔口272可以在歧管270中限定，以用于使流体从其中流动穿过。每个孔口272都可以定向 成将从中排放的流体朝向外表面257引导。例如，从每个孔口272排放的流体可以大体沿着竖直方向V并沿着外表面257流动。
系统152可以进一步包括分流器300。分流器300可以被构造为根据阀310的位置选择性地使流体(比如经由喷淋组件中的一个或更多个)流动到洗涤腔室106，或流动到清洁歧管270。使用根据本公开的这种分流器300可以有利地提供对过滤器250的改进清洁，而不需要增加用水或增加能量的使用或马达尺寸。这种改进的清洁通过例如针对周期性时间量将流体选择性地分流到清洁歧管270以根据需要清洁过滤器250比如其侧壁252来提供。此外，分流器300可以有利地仅用来在需要清洁时才将流体分流到清洁歧管270，并且可以自动地在使流体(比如经由喷淋组件中的一个或更多个)流动到洗涤腔室106或流动到清洁歧管270之间选择。
图6提供了流体循环组件152以及尤其是其过滤器清洁歧管270的俯视截面图。如图6中所示，多个孔口272可以在过滤器250上方沿着过滤器清洁歧管270的圆周间隔开。如图6中所示，过滤器清洁歧管270可以连接到分流器300的第四出口306。
如在图7中最佳看到的，示例性分流器300可以包括例如经由导管220(图3-5)与泵210流体连通的入口302，以用于从泵210接收流体流，其将在清洁操作期间被供应到喷淋组件144、148和/或150或清洁歧管270以及其它使用流体的部件。如所述，泵210从例如贮槽200接收流体，并向分流器300提供流体流。示例性分流器300包括多个出口，例如如图7中所示，分流器300可以包括四个出口，其包括第一出口303、第二出口304、第三出口305和第四出口306。分流器300包括阀310(例如参见图3-5)，其可通过液压致动在出口303、304、305和306之间选择性地切换。
例如，第一出口303可以与上部喷淋组件150和下部喷淋臂组件144流体连接，并且第二出口304可以与中层喷淋臂组件148流体连接。第三出口305可以与例如用于清洁银餐具的另一使用流体的部件流体连接。第四出口306可 以流体连接至清洁歧管270。也可以使用其它喷淋组件和连接构造。因此，分流器300中的阀310的旋转可以用于选择性地将泵210放置成通过出口303、304、305和306与喷淋组件144、148或150、另一使用流体的部件或清洁歧管270流体连通。因此，洗碗机器具100可以根据分流器300和/或分流器300的阀310的位置以各种模式(例如，当阀310定位成将流体分流到喷淋组件144、148和/或150中的一个或更多个时的洗涤模式，或者当阀310定位成将流体分流到歧管270时的过滤器清洁模式)可操作。
在本发明的其它实施例中，根据例如用于选择性地将泵210放置成与器具100的不同的使用流体的元件流体连通所需的可切换出口的数量，可以在分流器300中提供两个、三个或多于四个出口。例如，在一些实施例中，多个出口可以包括第一出口和第二出口，第二出口与清洁歧管270流体连通。在一些实施例中，第一出口可以与一个或更多个喷淋组件144、148和/或150(比如下部喷淋臂组件144和/或上部喷淋组件150)流体连通。此外，多个出口的一些实施例可以进一步包括第三出口，其与喷淋组件144、148和/或150中的其它喷淋组件(比如中层喷淋臂148)流体连通。如本文所使用的，术语“第一”、“第二”和“第三”并不一定表示顺序或次序，例如，在前述示例实施例中，分流器可以构造成在第二出口之前向第三出口提供流。
仍参考图3至7，分流器300可以构造成响应于来自泵210的流体的流体压力而将来自泵210的流体引导至第一出口303，并且响应于来自泵210的流体的流体压力中的变化将来自泵210的流体引导至另一出口，例如第二出口304。因此，在至少一些实施例中，分流器300可以是无源分流器。例如，分流器300可以被致动，例如在各种位置之间移动，以通过流体循环系统152的流体流而选择性地向一个或更多个选定的使用流体的部件(比如喷淋组件)提供流体连通，而无需专用致动器，比如马达或其它电气或电子致动器。例如，在器具100的初始启动时，例如在清洁操作或周期的开始时，泵210可以被启动，从而在压力下将流体供应到分流器300，这可以推动分流器阀310沿着竖直方向V向 上移动，并且阀310还可以随着阀310向上移动而旋转，使得阀310中的孔口(未示出)可以在阀310移动至分流器300的顶部或朝向分流器的顶部移动时移动成与第一出口303对准。在随后的时间，泵210可以被减速或停用，使得流体压力改变，例如减小，使得阀310返回到初始的下部的竖直位置，同时也旋转到中间位置，例如，阀310中的孔口(未示出)在出口303、304、305和306中的两个相邻出口之间的位置。这些周期，例如通过加速或减慢泵而压力变化，可以重复，并且阀310可以在每次重复时从一个出口移动到另一出口。例如，泵210可以根据操作的预定程序或次序由控制器137来启动/停用和/或使其速度改变，如前面描述中那样。
为了简洁，仅对示例性分流器300进行大体描述。更详细地，在John Edward Dries的美国申请No.15/460,298(U.S.2018/0263458 A1)和美国申请No.15/470,963(U.S.2018/0279850 A1)中描述了示例性分流器，其中两者都通过引用整体并入本文。
现在具体参考图3，分流器300可以可定位在第一位置，在该第一位置，阀310提供到第一出口303的流体连通以及从第一出口303到洗碗机器具100的第一部件的流体连通，例如图2所示的喷淋组件144、148或150中的一个。因此，如图3中的箭头1000所表示的，洗涤流体可以通过贮槽200的腔室202从未过滤体积244流动到已过滤体积246，并经由入口213进入泵210的壳体211。在阀310定位成如图3所示的那样的情况下，例如，当洗碗机器具100处于清洁模式时，通过贮槽200的流体流可以相对迅速，使得腔室202内的液位在泵210快速抽吸流体时可以相对较低。洗碗器具100可以包括压力传感器(例如压力变换器260)，其定位在贮槽200的外部并且构造成测量贮槽的腔室202内的例如对应于贮槽200内的液位的压力。例如，在一些实施例中，可以在腔室200内建立多个液位，例如，未过滤体积244内的第一液位1001和已过滤体积246内的第二液位1002。在其它实施例中，腔室202中可能只存在一个液位。压力传感器260可以构造成感测或测量对应于第一液位1001的压力。例如，压力传 感器可以靠近侧壁204的底部端部205定位，以测量大体对应于底部端部205和顶部端部206之间的流体的高度的压力。一根或更多根配线262可以从压力传感器260延伸例如到控制器137。如图所示，当压力传感器260定位在贮槽200的外部时，配线262不需要延伸通过贮槽200的壁，例如基部壁208和侧壁204中的一个或两个，从而减少可能的泄漏点(流体可能通过所述泄漏点从贮槽200逸出)。
现在转到图4，当流体循环系统152(例如其泵210)未激活时，分流器阀310可以例如通过从图3所示的第一位置沿着竖直方向V向下移动同时还绕着竖直方向V旋转而移动到第二位置。在这种非循环状态或模式中，液位1001可以相对地高于流体循环系统152使流体在洗碗机器具100内有源地循环时的液位，例如，如可以通过比较图3和4看到的。
图5示出了分流器300的位置(例如其阀310的位置)，所述位置对应于或表示在过滤器清洁模式下操作的洗碗机器具100，其中，从泵210流出的流体被引导至清洁歧管270以清洁过滤器250的外表面257，如上所述。如图5中的箭头1000所示，分流器300可以处于第三位置，在第三位置，流体被引导到分流器300的与过滤器清洁歧管270流体连通的出口，例如，第四出口306，所述第四出口在过滤器清洁歧管270的上游并提供从泵210到过滤器清洁歧管270的流体连通。第四出口306在图5中由虚线表示，并且在图6和/或7中可以最佳地看到。如可以在图5中看到的，当洗碗机器具100处于过滤器清洁模式时，腔室202内的液位1001可以高于当洗碗机器具100处于洗涤模式时(图3)的液位。相应地，如可以在例如图8中看到的，当洗碗机器具100处于过滤器清洁模式时，由压力传感器260获取或测量对应压力值将大于当洗碗机器具100处于洗涤模式时的对应压力值。
图8示出了在洗碗机器具100的各种操作模式期间可以由压力传感器260测量或获取的示例性压力值的曲线图。在多个实施例中，压力传感器260可以测量或监测贮槽200内的压力。例如，压力传感器260可以持续地测量压力并 将测量压力值发送到控制器137。作为另一示例，压力监测器可以周期性地(例如每秒、每两秒或三秒、或每秒多次)获取测量压力值。在图8中示出的示例性操作周期中，洗碗机器具100初始以非循环模式(例如如图4所示)操作，随后通过第一洗涤操作模式、过滤器清洁操作模式和第二洗涤操作模式操作。第一和第二洗涤操作模式中的任一者或两者可以如图3所示，并且过滤器清洁模式可以如图5所示。例如，如可以在图8中看到的，在过滤器清洁模式期间获取的测量压力值可与对应于非循环模式的压力值或对应于例如流体被供应到上部喷淋臂148和下部喷淋臂144中的一个或两个的洗涤模式的压力值区分开。在特定实施例中，可以基于泵210的状态确定或检测非循环操作模式，例如，当泵210未激活时，可以确定洗碗机器具100处于非循环状态或模式。在这类实施例中，当泵210被激活时，洗碗机器具100处于洗涤模式(例如，流体循环系统152将流体供应至洗涤腔室106中的一个或更多个喷淋组件)或过滤器清洁模式(例如，流体循环系统将流体供应至过滤器清洁歧管270)，并且当测量压力值增加时，过滤器清洁模式可以与一个或更多个洗涤模式区分开。
在一些实施例中，例如如图9中所示，流体循环系统152可以包括从过滤器清洁歧管270延伸到压力传感器260的导管264。例如，与流体在到达压力传感器260之前以更加扩散的方式流动穿过滤器250的其它实施例相比，可选导管264可以有利地向压力传感器260提供更高压力的流体流1000。这种流动可以增强或增加在过滤器清洁操作期间测量压力值与在洗涤操作期间测量压力值之间的区别。此外，从导管264到压力传感器260的直接流体流可以有利地降低或防止压力传感器260的结垢或堵塞。
图10示出了操作洗碗机器具(比如示例性洗碗机器具100)的示例方法400。例如，洗碗机器具可以包括限定洗涤腔室106的桶104以及定位在洗涤腔室106下方以从洗涤腔室106接收流体的贮槽200，如以上论述的。方法400包括利用流体循环系统152使流体循环通过洗涤腔室106的步骤410。在一些实施例中，流体循环系统152可以包括泵210、泵210的上游的过滤器250以及泵210的下 游的分流器300。此外，使流体循环通过洗涤腔室106可以包括在分流器300(例如分流器300的阀310)处于第一位置时，将流体从贮槽200经由第一部件泵送至洗涤腔室106中。例如，第一部件可以是上述喷淋组件144、148和150中的一个或更多个。方法400进一步包括当分流器300处于第二位置时，通过将流体从贮槽200泵送至过滤器清洁歧管270来清洁过滤器250的步骤420。方法400还包括在使流体循环和清洁过滤器250的同时利用压力传感器260测量贮槽200中的流体压力的步骤430。如在图10中的步骤440处所示，方法400还可以包括基于测量到的流体压力来确定分流器300是否处于第二位置。
如以上讨论的，确定分流器300处于第二位置还可以包括确定洗碗器具100处于过滤器清洁模式。此外，第二位置可以被称为分流器300的“起始”位置，并且确定分流器300处于起始位置可以例如被记录或存储在控制器137的存储器中，并且分流器300的各种其它位置可以参考起始位置来确定或推断。例如，分流器300可以被构造成在泵210循环工作(例如，停用和重新启用和/或泵210的速度减小然后增加)时在起始位置之后移动到第一位置(例如，流体被供应到中层喷淋臂组件148的位置)，并且在这些实施例中，示例性方法可以包括在确定分流器300处于起始位置之后并在确定分流器300处于起始位置后的后续泵送周期之后推断分流器300处于流体被供应到中层喷淋臂组件148的位置。因此，方法400的至少一些示例性实施例可以包括在步骤440处确定分流器处于第二位置之后且在泵210随后已停用然后重新启用之后确定分流器300处于第一位置。
在一些实施例中，基于测量到的流体压力确定分流器300是否处于第二位置的步骤440可以包括在测量到的流体压力增加时(例如，如图8所示，在相对于上部和/或下部喷淋臂模式的过滤器清洁模式时，和/或如通过比较图3中的液位1001与图5中的液位1001可以看到的)而确定分流器300处于第二位置。
在一些实施例中，基于测量到的流体压力确定分流器300是否处于第二位置的步骤440可以包括获取至少两个压力值，例如，第一测量压力值和第二测 量压力值，它们可以例如通过压力传感器260获取。在这类实施例中，基于测量到的流体压力确定分流器300是否处于第二位置可以包括在获取第二测量压力值时基于大于第一测量压力值的第二测量压力值来确定分流器300处于第二位置。
在多个实施例中，分流器300可以包括两个或更多个出口，如以上论述的。因此，在方法400的一些实施例中，第一部件可以是第一喷淋臂，例如下部喷淋臂组件144，并且使流体循环的步骤410可以包括使流体循环通过洗涤腔室的下部部分146。在这类实施例中，方法400可以进一步包括：当分流器300处于第三位置时，通过将流体从贮槽200经由第二喷淋臂(例如中层喷淋臂组件148和/或上部喷淋组件150)泵送至洗涤腔室106中，使流体循环通过洗涤腔室106的上部部分147。
如以上提及的，多个实施例的特征可以以各种方式组合以提供附加实施例。例如，前述示例的方面可以组合，使得方法400的附加实施例可以包括在确定分流器300处于第二位置并且泵210随后已经停用然后重新启用之后确定分流器300处于第一位置，并且可以进一步包括在确定分流器300处于第一位置并且泵210随后已经停用然后重新启用之后确定分流器300处于第三位置。
如以上在图9的上下文中所述，在一些实施例中，可以提供有导管264。因此，方法400的一些实施例可以包括在清洁过滤器250的同时使流体的一部分从过滤器清洁歧管270直接流动到压力传感器260。例如，流体的该部分可以通过从过滤器清洁歧管270延伸到压力传感器260的导管264直接流动到压力传感器260。
图11示出了在洗碗机器具100中确定流体循环系统152的分流器300的位置的示例方法500。方法500包括当分流器300处于第一位置时，在将流体从贮槽200经由第一部件泵送至洗碗机器具100的洗涤腔室106中的同时，测量洗碗机器具100的贮槽200中的流体压力的步骤510。如以上关于方法400所讨论的，步骤510中的第一部件可以是例如喷淋组件144、148和150中的一个或更 多个。方法500还包括：当分流器300处于第二位置时，在将流体从贮槽200泵送至过滤器清洁歧管270的同时，测量洗碗机器具100的贮槽200中的流体压力的步骤520。方法500进一步包括基于测量到的流体压力来确定分流器300是否处于第二位置的步骤530。例如，在各个实施例中，步骤530可以包括在测量到的流体压力增加时和/或基于大于第一测量压力值的第二测量压力值确定分流器处于第二位置。
图12示出了基于测量压力确定分流器300的位置和/或确定洗碗机器具100的操作模式的附加示例性方法600。例如，方法600可以包括当分流器300处于第一位置时使流体循环通过洗涤腔室106的步骤602、以及当分流器300处于第二位置时将流体泵送至过滤器清洁歧管270的步骤604。在步骤602和604期间，可以获取各种压力值，例如贮槽内的流体压力的压力值，比如下部贮槽压力值(例如图8)。例如，如以上提及的，在步骤602和604期间，例如利用压力传感器260，可以持续地或周期性地测量或监测压力。因此，可以获取多个测量压力值，例如至少第一压力值P1和第二压力值P2，如图12中的610处所示的。方法600可以进一步包括比较步骤620，其可以包括比较第一压力值P1和第二压力值P2，例如，确定第一压力值P1是否大于第二压力值P2。如图12中的步骤630所示，当在620处的确定值为正时，例如，在P1大于P2的情况下，方法600可以包括确定第一压力值P1对应于分流器300的第二位置，例如，当获取第一压力值P1时分流器300处于第二位置。如图12中的步骤632所示，当在620处的确定值为负时，例如，在P2大于P1的情况下，方法600可以包括确定第二压力值P2对应于分流器300的第二位置，例如，当获取第二压力值P2时分流器300处于第二位置。
此书面说明书使用示例来公开本发明，包括最佳模式，并且也使得任何本领域技术人员能够实践本发明，包括制造并使用任何装置或系统以及执行任何所结合的方法。本发明的可专利性范围由权利要求限定，并且可以包括本领域中的技术人员想到的其它示例。如果这些其它示例包括不与权利要求的字面语 言不同的结构元件，或者如果这些其它实例包括与权利要求的字面语言无显著差别的等同结构元件，则这些其它实例意图在权利要求的范围内。

Claims (18)

  1. 一种操作洗碗机器具的方法，所述洗碗机器具包括限定洗涤腔室的桶以及定位在所述洗涤腔室下方以从所述洗涤腔室接收流体的贮槽，所述方法包括：
    利用流体循环系统使流体循环通过所述洗涤腔室，所述流体循环系统包括泵、在所述泵的上游的过滤器以及在所述泵的下游的分流器，其中，使流体循环通过所述洗涤腔室包括当所述分流器处于第一位置时，将流体从所述贮槽经由第一部件泵送至所述洗涤腔室中；
    当所述分流器处于第二位置时，通过将所述流体从所述贮槽泵送至过滤器清洁歧管来清洁所述过滤器；
    在使所述流体循环并清洁所述过滤器的同时，利用压力传感器测量所述贮槽中的流体压力；以及
    基于测量到的流体压力确定所述分流器是否处于所述第二位置。
  2. 根据权利要求1所述的方法，其中，基于所述测量到的流体压力确定所述分流器是否处于所述第二位置包括当所述测量到的流体压力增加时确定所述分流器处于所述第二位置。
  3. 根据权利要求1所述的方法，其中，测量所述贮槽中的流体压力包括获取第一测量压力值和第二测量压力值，并且其中，基于所述测量到的流体压力确定所述分流器是否处于所述第二位置包括：在获取所述第二测量压力值时，当所述第二测量压力值大于所述第一测量压力值时确定所述分流器处于所述第二位置。
  4. 根据权利要求1所述的方法，其中，所述分流器是无源分流器，当所述泵在使所述流体循环之后停用然后重新启用时，所述无源分流器从所述第一位置移动到所述第二位置。
  5. 根据权利要求1所述的方法，进一步包括在确定所述分流器处于所述第二位置并且所述泵随后已停用然后重新启用之后确定所述分流器处于所述第一位置。
  6. 根据权利要求1所述的方法，其中，所述第一部件是第一喷淋臂，并且 使所述流体循环包括使所述流体循环通过所述洗涤腔室的下部部分，进一步包括：当所述分流器处于第三位置时，通过将所述流体从所述贮槽经由第二喷淋臂泵送至所述洗涤腔室中，使所述流体循环通过所述洗涤腔室的上部部分。
  7. 根据权利要求6所述的方法，进一步包括：在确定所述分流器处于所述第二位置并且所述泵随后已停用然后重新启用之后确定所述分流器处于所述第一位置；以及在确定所述分流器处于所述第一位置并且所述泵随后已停用然后重新启用之后确定所述分流器处于所述第三位置。
  8. 根据权利要求1所述的方法，进一步包括在清洁所述过滤器的同时，使所述流体的一部分从所述过滤器清洁歧管直接流动到所述压力传感器。
  9. 根据权利要求8所述的方法，其中，所述流体的所述一部分通过从所述过滤器清洁歧管延伸到所述压力传感器的导管直接流动到所述压力传感器。
  10. 一种确定流体循环系统的分流器在洗碗机器具中的位置的方法，所述方法包括：
    当所述分流器处于第一位置时，在将流体从贮槽经由第一部件泵送至所述洗碗机器具的洗涤腔室中的同时测量所述洗碗机器具的贮槽中的流体压力；
    当所述分流器处于第二位置时，在将所述流体从所述贮槽泵送至过滤器清洁歧管的同时测量所述洗碗机器具的贮槽中的流体压力；以及
    基于测量到的流体压力确定所述分流器是否处于所述第二位置。
  11. 根据权利要求10所述的方法，其中，基于所述测量到的流体压力确定所述分流器是否处于所述第二位置包括当所述测量到的流体压力增加时确定所述分流器处于所述第二位置。
  12. 根据权利要求10所述的方法，其中，在将流体从所述贮槽泵送至所述洗涤腔室中的同时测量所述贮槽中的流体压力包括获取第一测量压力值，其中，在将所述流体从所述贮槽泵送至所述过滤器清洁歧管的同时测量所述贮槽中的流体压力包括获取第二测量压力值，并且其中，基于所述测量到的流体压力确定所述分流器是否处于所述第二位置包括基于大于所述第一测量压力值的第二测量压力值确定所述分流器处于所述第二位置。
  13. 根据权利要求10所述的方法，其中，所述分流器是无源分流器，当所述泵在使所述流体循环之后停用然后重新启用时，所述无源分流器从所述第一位置移动到所述第二位置。
  14. 根据权利要求10所述的方法，进一步包括在确定所述分流器处于所述第二位置并且所述泵随后已停用然后重新启用之后确定所述分流器处于所述第一位置。
  15. 根据权利要求10所述的方法，其中，所述第一部件是第一喷淋臂，并且将所述流体泵送至所述洗涤腔室中包括将所述流体泵送至所述洗涤腔室的下部部分中，进一步包括当所述分流器处于第三位置时，通过将所述流体从所述贮槽经由第二喷淋臂泵送至所述洗涤腔室中，来将所述流体泵送至所述洗涤腔室的上部部分中。
  16. 根据权利要求15所述的方法，进一步包括：在确定所述分流器处于所述第二位置并且所述泵随后已停用然后重新启用之后确定所述分流器处于所述第一位置；以及在确定所述分流器处于所述第一位置并且所述泵随后已停用然后重新启用之后确定所述分流器处于所述第三位置。
  17. 根据权利要求10所述的方法，进一步包括在将所述流体从所述贮槽泵送至所述过滤器清洁歧管的同时，使所述流体的一部分从所述过滤器清洁歧管直接流动到所述压力传感器。
  18. 根据权利要求17所述的方法，其中，所述流体的所述一部分通过从所述过滤器清洁歧管延伸到所述压力传感器的导管直接流动到所述压力传感器。
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