WO2022012543A1 - 用于根据空气质量感测干燥度的方法和设备 - Google Patents

用于根据空气质量感测干燥度的方法和设备 Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022012543A1
WO2022012543A1 PCT/CN2021/106051 CN2021106051W WO2022012543A1 WO 2022012543 A1 WO2022012543 A1 WO 2022012543A1 CN 2021106051 W CN2021106051 W CN 2021106051W WO 2022012543 A1 WO2022012543 A1 WO 2022012543A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
air quality
dishwasher
determining
threshold
gas sensor
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PCT/CN2021/106051
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English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
科达罗罗科
菲尔普斯斯坦纳德·纳森
布兰德维凯尔·约瑟夫
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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Publication of WO2022012543A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022012543A1/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
    • A47L15/46—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
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/0018—Controlling processes, i.e. processes to control the operation of the machine characterised by the purpose or target of the control
    • A47L15/0021—Regulation of operational steps within the washing processes, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending from the detergent nature or from the condition of the crockery
    • A47L15/0034—Drying phases, including dripping-off phases
    • 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
    • A47L15/0002—Washing processes, i.e. machine working principles characterised by phases or operational steps
    • A47L15/0013—Drying phases, including dripping-off phases
    • 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
    • A47L15/0018—Controlling processes, i.e. processes to control the operation of the machine characterised by the purpose or target of the control
    • A47L15/0021—Regulation of operational steps within the washing processes, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending from the detergent nature or from the condition of the crockery
    • A47L15/0028—Washing phases
    • 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
    • A47L15/0018—Controlling processes, i.e. processes to control the operation of the machine characterised by the purpose or target of the control
    • A47L15/0044—Operation time reduction
    • 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
    • A47L15/14—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware with stationary crockery baskets and spraying devices within the cleaning chamber
    • A47L15/18—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware with stationary crockery baskets and spraying devices within the cleaning chamber with movably-mounted spraying devices
    • A47L15/22—Rotary spraying devices
    • A47L15/23—Rotary spraying devices moved by means of the sprays
    • 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
    • A47L15/4295—Arrangements for detecting or measuring the condition of the crockery or tableware, e.g. nature or quantity
    • 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
    • A47L15/48—Drying arrangements
    • A47L15/488—Connections of the tub with the ambient air, e.g. air intake or venting 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
    • 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
    • A47L2401/04—Crockery or tableware details, e.g. material, quantity, condition
    • 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
    • A47L2401/19—Air humidity
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L2401/00—Automatic detection in controlling methods of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, e.g. information provided by sensors entered into controlling devices
    • A47L2401/20—Time, e.g. elapsed operating time
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • 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
    • A47L2401/34—Other automatic detections
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L2501/00—Output in controlling method of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, i.e. quantities or components controlled, or actions performed by the controlling device executing the controlling method
    • A47L2501/11—Air heaters
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L2501/00—Output in controlling method of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, i.e. quantities or components controlled, or actions performed by the controlling device executing the controlling method
    • A47L2501/12—Air blowers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L2501/00—Output in controlling method of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, i.e. quantities or components controlled, or actions performed by the controlling device executing the controlling method
    • A47L2501/30—Regulation of machine operational steps within the washing process, e.g. performing an additional rinsing phase, shortening or stopping of the drying phase, washing at decreased noise operation conditions
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L2501/00—Output in controlling method of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, i.e. quantities or components controlled, or actions performed by the controlling device executing the controlling method
    • A47L2501/32—Stopping or disabling machine operation, including disconnecting the machine from a network, e.g. from an electrical power supply

Definitions

  • the present subject matter relates generally to dishwashers, and more particularly to sensing air quality and determining dryness levels in dishwashers.
  • Dishwasher appliances typically perform washing operations, including wash cycles, rinse cycles, and dry cycles. Wash and rinse cycles supply a prescribed amount of water into the wash chamber to remove debris and food from dishes such as dishes, bowls, glass containers, utensils, and the like. Each of the wash and rinse cycles can leave water droplets on the dishes.
  • a drying cycle may be performed in which heated air is circulated through the wash chamber to remove water droplets. A conventional drying cycle runs for a predetermined amount of time, which is stored in the controller of the dishwasher appliance.
  • a dishwasher with an improved drying cycle would be useful. Additionally, a method of drying dishes that addresses one or more of the above problems would be useful. In particular, a method of drying dishes that reduces drying time and increases the user's confidence in drying the dishes would be useful.
  • a method for operating a dishwasher may include initiating a wash cycle; initiating a drying cycle; during the drying cycle, measuring an air quality characteristic within a wash tub of the dishwasher; determining that the measured air quality characteristic is below a predetermined air quality threshold; The quality characteristic is below a predetermined air quality threshold, a drying time is calculated; and the drying cycle is stopped in response to the expiration of the drying time.
  • a dishwasher in another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, may include a tub defining a washing chamber, a washing rack disposed within the washing chamber, an air inlet in fluid communication with the washing chamber at a first position, an air inlet in fluid communication with the washing chamber at a second position different from the first position An air discharge outlet, a first gas sensor disposed in the dishwasher, and a controller configured to initiate a sequence of operations.
  • the sequence of operations may include initiating a drying cycle; receiving an air quality signal from a first gas sensor; measuring an air quality characteristic within a washing chamber of the dishwasher during the drying cycle; determining that the measured air quality characteristic is below a predetermined air quality threshold; responding upon determining that the measured air quality characteristic is below the predetermined air quality threshold, calculating a drying time; and stopping the drying cycle in response to the expiration of the drying time.
  • FIG. 1 provides a front view of a dishwasher appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.
  • FIG. 2 provides a cross-sectional side view of the exemplary dishwasher appliance of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 3 provides a cross-sectional side view of the exemplary dishwasher appliance of FIG. 1 .
  • upstream refers to relative flow directions with respect to fluid flow in a fluid path.
  • upstream refers to the direction of flow from which the fluid flows
  • downstream refers to the direction of flow to which the fluid flows.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a dishwasher appliance 100 that may be configured in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.
  • a dishwasher appliance or dishwasher 100 may include a cabinet 102 having a tub 104 defining a washing compartment 106 therein.
  • the tub 104 may generally include a front opening (not shown) and a door 108 hinged at its bottom 110 for movement between a normally closed vertical position (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 ) and a horizontally open position, where The normally closed vertical position, where the wash chamber 106 is sealed closed for washing operations, and the horizontal open position, is used for loading and unloading items from the dishwasher 100.
  • the latch 112 may be used to lock and unlock the door 108 to access the wash compartment 106 .
  • the tub 104 may generally have a rectangular cross-section defined by various panels or walls.
  • the tub 104 may include a top wall 160 and a bottom wall 162 that are spaced apart from each other along the vertical direction V of the dishwasher 100 .
  • the tub 104 may include a plurality of side walls 164 (eg, four side walls) extending between the top wall 160 and the bottom wall 162 .
  • the front side wall 164A of the tub 104 may generally define the inner wall or inner surface of the door 108 .
  • barrel 104 may generally be formed of any suitable material. However, in several embodiments, the barrel 104 may be formed from a ferritic material, such as stainless steel or a polymeric material.
  • the upper rail 114 and the lower rail 116 may be mounted on opposing side walls 164 of the tub 104 and may be configured to receive the roller-equipped rack assemblies 120 and 122 .
  • Each of stent assemblies 120 and 122 may be fabricated in a grid structure including a plurality of elongated members 124 (for clarity of illustration, not all of the elongated members comprising assemblies 120 and 122 are shown in FIG. 2 ). Additionally, each of the racks 120 and 122 may be adapted to move between an extended loading position (not shown) and a retracted position (shown in FIGS.
  • a silverware basket (not shown) may be removably attached to rack assembly 122 for holding silverware, utensils, etc. that are otherwise too small to be accommodated by racks 120 and 122 .
  • the dishwasher 100 may also include a lower shower arm assembly 130 configured to be rotatably mounted within the lower region 132 of the wash chamber 106 directly on the bottom wall of the tub 104 162 so as to rotate relatively close to the bracket assembly 122.
  • the mid-level spray arm assembly 136 may be located in the upper region of the wash chamber 106 , such as by being located in close proximity to the upper bracket 120 .
  • the upper shower assembly 138 may be positioned above the upper bracket 120 .
  • the lower spray arm assembly 130 and the mid-level spray arm assembly 136 and the upper spray arm assembly 138 may generally form a fluid for circulating fluids (eg, water and dishwasher fluid) within the tub 104 .
  • the fluid circulation system 140 may also include a pump 142 located in the mechanical compartment 144 below the bottom wall 162 of the tub 104, as is recognized in the art.
  • each spray arm assembly 130 and 136 may include an arrangement of drain ports or apertures for directing wash liquid onto dishes or other items located in rack assemblies 120 and 122, This can provide rotational force by means of wash fluid flowing through the discharge port. The resulting rotation of the lower spray arm assembly 130 provides coverage of dishes and other dishwasher contents with the wash spray.
  • the dishwasher 100 may be further equipped with a controller 146 configured to regulate the operation of the dishwasher appliance 100 .
  • the controller 146 may generally include one or more memory devices and one or more microprocessors, such as one or more general-purpose or special-purpose microprocessors, operable to execute programmed instructions associated with the cleaning cycle or Microcontrol code.
  • the memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH.
  • the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory.
  • the memory may be a separate component from the processor, or may be included on-board within the processor.
  • Controller 146 may be positioned at various locations on dishwasher 100 .
  • the controller 146 is located within the control panel area 148 of the door 108, as shown in FIG. 1 .
  • input/output (“I/O") signals may be routed between the control system and the various operating components of dishwasher appliance 100 along wiring harnesses that may be routed into the bottom 110 of the door 108 .
  • controller 146 includes a user interface panel/control 150 through which a user may select various operating features and modes, and monitor the progress of dishwasher 100 .
  • user interface 150 may represent a general purpose I/O ("GPIO”) device or functional block.
  • GPIO general purpose I/O
  • user interface 150 may include input components such as one or more of various electronic, mechanical, or electromechanical input devices including rotary dials, buttons, and touchpads.
  • User interface 150 may also include display components, such as a digital display device or an analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to the user. As generally understood, the user interface 150 may communicate with the controller 146 via one or more signal lines or a shared communication bus.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 are provided for illustration purposes only.
  • user interface 150 may be provided with different positions
  • brackets 120 and 122 may be provided with different configurations, and other differences may also apply.
  • the cabinet 102 may include an air inlet 170 .
  • Air inlet 170 may allow external (eg, ambient) air to enter cabinet 102 .
  • the air inlets 170 may be holes or channels provided at the cabinet 102 .
  • the air inlet 170 may comprise a hose or conduit. Hoses or conduits may connect the cabinet 102 to areas or zones outside of a building (eg, a house, apartment, etc.).
  • the air inlet 170 may be provided in any suitable location on the cabinet 102 .
  • the air inlet 170 is provided at or near the top of the rear panel of the cabinet 102.
  • the air inlet 170 may be located at another area of the rear panel, or on a different side or top panel of the cabinet 102 .
  • the cabinet 102 may include an air outlet 174 .
  • Air outlet 174 may allow interior air (eg, air within cabinet 102 ) to exit cabinet 102 .
  • the air outlet 174 may be a hole or channel provided at the cabinet 102 .
  • the air outlet 174 may comprise a hose or conduit. Hoses or conduits may connect the cabinet 102 to the exterior of a building (eg, a house, apartment, etc.).
  • the air outlet 174 may be provided in any suitable location on the cabinet 102 .
  • the air outlet 174 is provided at or near the bottom of the rear panel of the cabinet 102 .
  • the air outlet 174 may be located at another area of the rear panel, or on a different side or top panel of the cabinet 102 .
  • the tub 104 may include an air inlet 172 in fluid communication (eg, upstream communication) with the wash chamber 176 .
  • the air inlet 172 may allow external (eg, ambient) air that has entered the cabinet 102 through the air inlet 170 to circulate through the wash compartment 106 .
  • the air inlet 172 may be positioned adjacent to the air inlet 170 of the cabinet 102 . In other words, air entering the cabinet via air inlet 170 may then enter wash compartment 106 via air inlet 172 .
  • a hose or conduit may connect the air inlet 172 to the air inlet 170 to provide a direct passage of air from the exterior of the chamber 102 into the wash chamber 106 . Therefore, the air inlet 172 of the tub 104 may be provided at a position separate from the air inlet 170 of the cabinet 102 .
  • the air inlet 172 may be a hole or channel provided in the side wall 164 of the tub 104 .
  • the tub 104 may include an air discharge outlet 176 in fluid communication (eg, downstream communication) with the wash chamber 106 .
  • the air discharge outlet 176 may allow interior air (eg, air within the wash chamber 106 ) that entered the tub 104 through the air inlet 172 to exit the wash chamber 106 .
  • An air exhaust outlet 176 may be positioned adjacent to the air outlet 174 of the cabinet 102 . In other words, air exiting the wash chamber 106 via the air discharge outlet 176 may then exit the cabinet 102 through the air outlet 174 .
  • a hose or conduit may connect the air discharge outlet 176 to the air outlet 174 to provide direct passage of air out of the wash chamber 106 and chamber 102 . Therefore, the air discharge outlet 176 of the tub 104 may be provided at a position separate from the air outlet 174 of the cabinet 102 .
  • the air discharge outlet 176 may be a hole or channel provided in the side wall 164 of the tub 104 .
  • Dishwasher 100 may further include a gas sensor 180 (eg, in electrical or wireless communication with controller 146). During use, the gas sensor 180 may communicate with the controller 146 to send information to the controller 146 . Typically, the gas sensor 180 is configured to detect air quality characteristics (eg, within the scrubber chamber 106). Accordingly, the gas sensor 180 may sense air quality characteristics within the scrubber chamber 106 . Gas sensor 180 may be located at any suitable location within dishwasher 100 . For example, a gas sensor 180 is disposed within the scrubbing chamber 106 . In one embodiment, a gas sensor 180 is disposed at the air discharge outlet 176 of the tub 104 (eg, downstream of the scrubbing chamber 106). Additionally or alternatively, the gas sensor 180 may be located within a separate housing disposed within the scrubber chamber 106 or the air discharge outlet 176 . As another example, the gas sensor 180 may be disposed within a housing located in the air discharge outlet 176 .
  • a gas sensor 180 eg, in electrical or wireless communication with controller
  • the gas sensor 180 may sense air quality characteristics within the scrubbing chamber 106 after a scrubbing cycle, during a drying cycle, or after a drying cycle.
  • the air quality characteristic can be total volatile organic compounds (tVOC) or equivalent carbon dioxide (eCO2).
  • the gas sensor 180 may be configured to measure any suitable air quality characteristic, and the present disclosure is not limited to those mentioned herein. Additionally or alternatively, multiple gas sensors 180 may be provided to measure multiple air quality characteristics.
  • gas sensors 180 include a first gas sensor 182 disposed at the air discharge outlet 176 of the tub 104 and a second gas sensor 184 adjacent to the first gas sensor 182 .
  • the first gas sensor 182 may measure tVOC levels.
  • the second gas sensor 184 may measure eCO2 levels.
  • the first gas sensor 182 and the second gas sensor 184 may operate simultaneously or in series. Alternatively, only one of the first gas sensor 182 and the second gas sensor 184 may be operational during the drying cycle.
  • the gas sensor 180 includes a first gas sensor 182 and a second gas sensor 184 .
  • the first gas sensor 182 may be positioned at the air discharge outlet 176 of the tub 104 (eg, downstream of the wash chamber 106 within the cabinet 102).
  • the second gas sensor 184 may be disposed outside the scrubbing chamber 104 .
  • the second gas sensor 184 may be disposed outside the dishwasher 100 (eg, outside the cabinet 102).
  • the second gas sensor 184 may be mounted to the exterior surface of the cabinet 102 and may be in fluid communication with the surrounding environment (eg, the air outside the scrubber chamber 106).
  • the first gas sensor 182 and the second gas sensor 184 may sense the same air quality characteristic (eg, tVOC or eCO2).
  • the first gas sensor 182 may measure air quality characteristics within the scrubber chamber 106 .
  • the second gas sensor may measure air quality characteristics in the surrounding environment (eg, air quality characteristics outside the scrubber chamber 106).
  • the second gas sensor 184 may transmit the measured air quality characteristics of the surrounding environment to the controller 146 .
  • the controller 146 may then use the ambient air quality characteristics when analyzing the air quality characteristics measured by the first gas sensor 182 .
  • the controller 146 may compare the air quality characteristics within the scrubber 106 to the air quality characteristics in the surrounding environment using the air quality characteristics in the surrounding environment measured as a baseline. In other words, when the air quality characteristics of the surrounding environment change (eg, pet dander or allergens are present), the controller 146 may adjust the threshold air quality characteristics (the air quality characteristics in the wash compartment 106 are compared with the threshold air quality characteristics) compare).
  • the dishwasher 100 may further include a heating unit 186 .
  • the heating unit 186 may be disposed within the cabinet 102 .
  • the heating unit 186 is disposed at the air inlet 172 of the tub 104 (eg, upstream of the wash chamber 106).
  • heating unit 186 may be disposed at air inlet 170 of cabinet 102 (eg, in fluid communication between air inlet 170 and air inlet 172).
  • the heating unit 186 may be positioned along the air flow path from the air inlet 170 to the air inlet 172 so that the air supplied to the tub 104 may be heated.
  • Heating unit 186 may be any suitable heating unit, such as coil heaters, resistive heaters, radiant heaters, and the like.
  • the heating unit 186 may be in communication with the controller 146 . Controller 146 may selectively activate heating unit 186 based on an analysis of measured air quality characteristics within wash chamber 106, as described below.
  • Dishwasher 100 may further include a fan 188 .
  • a fan 188 may be provided within the cabinet 102 .
  • a fan 188 is disposed at the air inlet 170 of the cabinet 102 (eg, upstream of the wash chamber 106).
  • the fan 188 may be adjacent to the heating unit 186 such that the air circulated by the fan 188 passes through the heating unit 186 before entering the wash chamber 106 .
  • the fan 188 may be positioned upstream of the heating unit 186 .
  • the fan 188 may be positioned downstream of the heating unit 186 .
  • Fan 188 may be any suitable fan configured to circulate air flow.
  • the fan 188 may be an axial fan, a centrifugal fan, or a cross flow fan.
  • Controller 146 may control activation of fan 188 based on an analysis of air quality characteristics within wash chamber 106 .
  • dishwasher 100 may include one or more other sensors in electrical or wireless communication with controller 146 .
  • a humidity sensor may be provided within the cabinet 102 or the tub 104 .
  • temperature sensors may be provided within the cabinet 102 or the tub 104 .
  • a humidity sensor may provide a humidity measurement
  • a temperature sensor may provide a temperature measurement within the tub 104 to the controller 146 .
  • These measurements may be used in conjunction with the measurements made by the gas sensor 180 to analyze the dryness level of the dishes within the tub 104 .
  • a dishwasher or method according to the present disclosure can detect the level of dryness within the wash chamber to increase user confidence, improve consistency of performance, or reduce energy usage.
  • method 400 includes initiating a wash cycle.
  • the wash cycle can be any suitable wash cycle.
  • a wash cycle may include spraying water and detergent through a spray arm to clean dishes or items stored in the wash compartment.
  • the wash cycle may include a rinse cycle.
  • the rinse cycle may include spraying water through the spray arm to rinse residual detergent and food from the dishes.
  • method 400 includes initiating a drying cycle.
  • the drying cycle may include activating the fan.
  • the drying cycle may further include activating the heating unit (eg, at the first power level). In this way, the fan can circulate heated air through the wash chamber to speed up the drying of the dishes.
  • the drying cycle may include circulating air through the wash chamber without activating the heating unit.
  • the drying cycle can be started after the washing cycle is complete. For example, 420 may be after or in response to a wash cycle.
  • method 400 includes measuring air quality characteristics within the wash tub.
  • 430 may be performed during the drying cycle.
  • 430 can be started at the same time as 420.
  • 420 and 430 are initiated simultaneously (ie, the drying cycle is initiated simultaneously with the measurement of air quality characteristics).
  • a gas sensor eg, a first gas sensor
  • the air quality characteristic may be one of total volatile organic compounds (tVOC) or equivalent carbon dioxide (eCO2).
  • tVOC total volatile organic compounds
  • eCO2 equivalent carbon dioxide
  • the gas sensor may be configured to measure any suitable air quality characteristic, and the present disclosure is not limited to those mentioned herein. Additionally or alternatively, multiple gas sensors may be provided to measure multiple air quality characteristics, as described above.
  • method 400 includes determining that the air quality characteristic measured at 430 is below a predetermined air quality threshold.
  • the controller may be configured to analyze measurements of air quality characteristics measured by the gas sensor. The controller can compare the measurements to characteristic thresholds stored in the controller.
  • the characteristic threshold may be a predetermined threshold (eg, programmed into the controller during assembly). In an exemplary embodiment, the predetermined threshold is five parts per billion (ppb) of tVOC.
  • characteristic thresholds may vary based on one or more specific environmental factors (eg, current atmospheric characteristics, presence of pollutants or allergens, etc.). Specifically, the characteristic threshold may be referred to as a normal threshold under normal atmospheric conditions (eg, absence of major pollutants, pet dander, etc.). Additionally, this normal threshold can be increased when certain atmospheric or environmental conditions are detected.
  • specific environmental factors eg, current atmospheric characteristics, presence of pollutants or allergens, etc.
  • the characteristic threshold may be referred to as a normal threshold under normal atmospheric conditions (eg, absence of major pollutants, pet dander, etc.). Additionally, this normal threshold can be increased when certain atmospheric or environmental conditions are detected.
  • a gas sensor may detect or measure air quality characteristics of the surrounding environment (eg, outside of a washing compartment or cabinet of a dishwasher, as described above).
  • the second gas sensor may measure the presence of pet dander in the surrounding environment.
  • the controller may determine that dry conditions are associated with higher than normal threshold air quality characteristic readings.
  • the presence of pet dander may alter static measurements of air quality (eg, air quality measurements that indicate a dry atmosphere).
  • the controller can then adjust the normal threshold to determine dry conditions.
  • the controller adjusts the normal threshold by a proportional factor based on an increase in the air quality characteristic of the surrounding environment.
  • the increased air quality threshold may be referred to as an abnormal threshold.
  • method 400 includes measuring the elapsed time between initiating the drying cycle and determining that the air quality characteristic is below an air quality threshold (eg, the start of 410 and the completion of 440 ).
  • the gas sensor begins to sense air quality characteristics within the wash tub upon (eg, in response to) initiation of the drying cycle.
  • the controller may measure the elapsed time between when the gas sensor begins to sense the air quality characteristic and when the air quality characteristic falls below a predetermined threshold.
  • method 400 includes calculating a drying time (eg, remaining drying time) based on the elapsed time.
  • the controller can then calculate the total time until the dishes are considered dry.
  • the remaining drying time may be the period of time from when the air quality characteristic falls below the air quality threshold until the end or completion of the drying cycle. For example, if the elapsed time is below a first predetermined time threshold, the controller may determine that a shorter drying time is required to completely dry the dishes. Alternatively, if the elapsed time is above the first predetermined time threshold, the controller may determine that a longer drying time is required to completely dry the dishes.
  • method 400 includes activating the heating unit (eg, at a first power level).
  • the controller may activate the heating unit in (eg, in response to) calculating the remaining drying time.
  • the heating unit may be activated at the first power level. Additionally or alternatively, the calculated remaining drying time may be within some (eg, programmed) percentage of the second predetermined time threshold to cause the heating unit to activate at the first power level.
  • 470 includes determining that the remaining drying time calculated at 460 is within a programmed percentage of the second predetermined threshold, and in response to determining that the remaining drying time calculated at 460 is within the second predetermined threshold Within the programmed percentage, the heater unit is activated at the first power level.
  • the controller may activate the heating unit at a second power level higher than the first power level if the calculated remaining drying time is above a second predetermined time threshold. In this way, the heating unit generates a higher level of heat at the second power level than at the first power level.
  • 470 includes determining that the remaining drying time calculated at 460 is greater than a second predetermined time threshold, and in response to determining that the drying time calculated at 460 is greater than the second predetermined time threshold, at the second power Activate the heating unit horizontally.
  • method 400 includes activating a fan to circulate air over the heating unit.
  • 480 may direct the rotation of the fan to generate air flow, as described above.
  • 480 may be responsive to calculating the remaining drying time. For example, upon determining (eg, in response to) that the calculated remaining drying time is at a second predetermined time threshold, the fan may be activated at the first rotational speed. The controller may also activate the fan to operate at a second rotational speed that is higher than the first rotational speed in response to the calculated remaining drying time being above a second predetermined time threshold. Therefore, more air flow at a higher temperature can be circulated through the wash chamber. Additionally or alternatively, the controller may deactivate the heating unit in response to the calculated remaining drying time being below the second predetermined threshold. Additionally, the controller may activate the fan at the first rotational speed in response to the calculated remaining drying time being below the second predetermined threshold.
  • the controller may increase the calculated remaining drying time by a predetermined factor. For example, in response to the calculated remaining drying time being below the second predetermined threshold and the controller activating the fan at the first rotational speed, the controller may increase the calculated remaining drying time equal to the second predetermined threshold. In other words, the controller may continuously control the rotational speed of the fan to dry the dishes before the second predetermined threshold. Therefore, the entire drying cycle can be carried out without the use of a heating unit.
  • method 400 includes stopping the drying cycle in response to the expiration of the drying time. Therefore, at the end of the drying time, the controller can stop the drying cycle. For example, the controller may deactivate the heating unit and stop the rotation of the fan. At this point, the drying cycle can end and the dishes can be considered dry. In some embodiments, the user may be alerted that the drying cycle has completed (eg, as indicated by an audio or visual warning signal communicated to the dishwasher's user interface).

Landscapes

  • Washing And Drying Of Tableware (AREA)

Abstract

一种洗碗机(100)，其包括限定洗涤室(106)的桶(104)、设置在洗涤室(106)内的洗涤支架(120、122)、在第一位置处与洗涤室(106)流体连通的空气入口(170)、在不同于第一位置的第二位置处与洗涤室(106)流体连通的空气排放出口(176)、设置在洗碗机(100)中的第一气体传感器(182)、以及配置成启动操作序列的控制器(146)。操作序列包括启动干燥循环(420)；从第一气体传感器(182)接收空气质量信号；在干燥循环期间，测量洗碗机(100)的洗涤室(106)内的空气质量特性(430)；确定测量的空气质量特性低于预定的空气质量阈值(440)；响应于确定测量的空气质量特性低于预定的空气质量阈值，计算干燥时间(460)；以及响应于干燥时间的终止而停止干燥循环(490)。

Description

用于根据空气质量感测干燥度的方法和设备 技术领域
本主题总体涉及洗碗机，并且更具体地涉及在洗碗机中感测空气质量和确定干燥度水平。
背景技术
洗碗机器具通常执行洗涤操作，包括洗涤循环、漂洗循环和干燥循环。洗涤循环和漂洗循环将规定量的水供应到洗涤室中，以移除诸如盘、碗、玻璃容器、器皿等碗碟中的碎屑和食物。洗涤循环和漂洗循环中的每一个都可能在碗碟上留下水滴。在一些洗碗机器具中，可以执行干燥循环，其中加热的空气循环通过洗涤室以去除水滴。传统的干燥循环运行预定的时间量，该预定的时间量存储在洗碗机器具的控制器中。
这些传统的干燥循环有缺点。例如，因为干燥循环被设定为仅运行预定的时间量，所以洗涤室内的碗碟可能不会完全干燥(即，在完成干燥循环后，水滴保留在碗碟上)。或者，当洗涤室中的负载相对较小时，碗碟可能会干燥地更快，并因此在整个预定的时间量内运行干燥循环而浪费能量。
因此，带有改进的干燥循环的洗碗机将是有用的。此外，解决一个或更多个上述问题的干燥碗碟的方法将是有用的。特别地，减少干燥时间并且增加用户对干燥碗碟的信心的干燥碗碟的方法将是有用的。
发明内容
本发明的方面和优点将在以下描述中部分地阐述，或者可以从描述中显而易见，或者可以通过本发明的实践来学习。
在本公开的一个示例性方面，提供了一种用于操作洗碗机的方法。该方法 可以包括启动洗涤循环；启动干燥循环；在干燥循环期间，测量洗碗机的洗涤桶内的空气质量特性；确定测量的空气质量特性低于预定的空气质量阈值；响应于确定测量的空气质量特性低于预定的空气质量阈值，计算干燥时间；以及响应于干燥时间的终止而停止干燥循环。
在本公开的另一个示例性方面，提供了一种洗碗机。洗碗机可以包括限定洗涤室的桶、设置在洗涤室内的洗涤支架、在第一位置处与洗涤室流体连通的空气入口、在不同于第一位置的第二位置处与洗涤室流体连通的空气排放出口、设置在洗碗机中的第一气体传感器、以及配置成启动操作序列的控制器。操作序列可以包括启动干燥循环；从第一气体传感器接收空气质量信号；在干燥循环期间，测量洗碗机的洗涤室内的空气质量特性；确定测量的空气质量特性低于预定的空气质量阈值；响应于确定测量的空气质量特性低于预定的空气质量阈值，计算干燥时间；以及响应于干燥时间的终止而停止干燥循环。
参考以下描述和所附权利要求，本发明的这些和其他特征、方面以及优点将变得更好理解。并入本说明书并且构成本说明书一部分的附图示出了本发明的实施例，并且与说明书一起用于解释本公开的原理。
附图说明
参考附图，针对本领域中的普通技术人员，在说明书中阐述了本发明的完整并且能够实现的公开，包括其最佳模式。
图1提供了根据本主题的示例性实施例的洗碗机器具的前视图。
图2提供了图1的示例性洗碗机器具的截面侧视图。
图3提供了图1的示例性洗碗机器具的截面侧视图。
图4提供了说明操作洗碗机的方法的流程图。
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。每 个示例是为解释本发明而提供，而不是限制本发明。事实上，对于本领域中的那些技术人员来说显而易见的是，在不脱离本发明的范围的情况下，可以在本发明中进行各种修正和变化。例如，作为一个实施例的一部分示出或描述的特征可以与另一个实施例一起使用，以产生又一个实施例。因此，本发明旨在涵盖落入所附权利要求及其等同物的范围内的这种修改和变化。
如本文所使用的，术语“或”通常旨在是包括性的(即，“A或B”是旨在意味着“A或B或两者”)。术语“第一”、“第二”和“第三”可以互换使用，以将一个部件与另一个部件区分开来，并且不旨在表示各个部件的位置或重要性。术语“上游”和“下游”指代相对于流体路径中的流体流动的相对流动方向。例如，“上游”指代流体流动来自的流动方向，而“下游”指代流体流动前往的流动方向。
现在参考附图，图1和图2示出了洗碗机器具100的示例性实施例，该洗碗机器具可以根据本公开的各方面来配置。如图示的示例性实施例中显示，洗碗机器具或洗碗机100可以包括柜体102，该柜体在其中具有限定洗涤室106的桶104。桶104通常可以包括前开口(未显示)和门108，该门铰接在其底部110处，用于在正常关闭的竖直位置(图1和2中显示)和水平打开位置之间移动，在所述正常关闭的竖直位置中，洗涤室106被密封关闭以进行洗涤操作，所述水平打开位置用于从洗碗机100处装载和卸载物品。如图1中显示，闩锁112可以用于锁定和解锁门108，以进入洗涤室106。
可以理解，桶104通常可以具有由各种壁板或壁限定的矩形截面。例如，如图2中显示，桶104可以包括顶壁160和底壁162，它们沿着洗碗机100的竖直方向V彼此隔开。此外，桶104可以包括在顶壁160和底壁162之间延伸的多个侧壁164(例如，四个侧壁)。如图3中显示，桶104的前侧壁164A通常可以限定门108的内壁或内表面。应当理解，桶104通常可以由任何合适的材料形成。然而，在几个实施例中，桶104可以由铁素体材料形成，比如不锈钢或聚合材料。
如图2中特别显示，上部导轨114和下部导轨116可以安装在桶104的相对侧壁164上，并且可以被配置成容纳配备有辊子的支架组件120和122。支架组件120和122中的每一个都可以被制造成包括多个细长构件124的网格结构(为了说明清楚，在图2中没有显示组成组件120和122的所有细长构件)。此外，每个支架120和122可以适于在延伸装载位置(未显示)和缩回位置(图1和2中显示)之间移动，在延伸装载位置中，支架基本上定位在洗涤室106外部，在缩回位置中，支架位于洗涤室106内部。这可以通过例如相应地安装到支架120和122上的辊子126和128来促成。如通常理解的，银器篮(未显示)可以可移除地附接到支架组件122，用于放置银器、器皿等，否则这些银器、器皿等太小而不能被支架120和122容纳。
附加地或替代地，洗碗机100还可以包括下部喷淋臂组件130，该下部喷淋臂组件被配置成可旋转地安装在洗涤室106的下部区132内，直接在桶104的底壁162上方，以便相对紧密地靠近支架组件122旋转。如图2中显示，中间水平高度喷淋臂组件136可以位于洗涤室106的上部区，比如通过位于紧密靠近上部支架120处。此外，上部喷淋组件138可以位于上部支架120上方。
如通常理解的，下部喷淋臂组件130和中间水平高度喷淋臂组件136以及上部喷淋组件138通常可以形成用于使流体(例如，水和洗碗机流体)在桶104内循环的流体循环系统140的一部分。如图2中显示，流体循环系统140还可以包括位于桶104的底壁162下方的机械隔间144中的泵142，这在本领域中是公认的。此外，每个喷淋臂组件130和136可以包括排放端口或孔口的布置，所述排放端口或孔口用于将洗涤液体引导到位于支架组件120和122中的碗碟或其他物品上，这可以借助流动通过排放端口的洗涤流体来提供旋转力。下部喷淋臂组件130的所产生的旋转提供了用洗涤喷淋对碗碟和其他洗碗机内容物的覆盖。
洗碗机100可以进一步配备有控制器146，该控制器被配置成调节洗碗机器具100的操作。控制器146通常可以包括一个或更多个存储器装置和一个或更 多个微处理器，比如一个或更多个通用或专用微处理器，其可操作以执行与清洁循环相关联的编程指令或微控制代码。存储器可以代表诸如DRAM的随机存取存储器，或者诸如ROM或FLASH的只读存储器。在一个实施例中，处理器执行存储在存储器中的编程指令。存储器可以是与处理器分离的部件，或者可以被板载地包括在处理器内。
控制器146可以定位在洗碗机100的各个位置。在所示的实施例中，控制器146位于门108的控制面板区域148内，如图1中显示。在这样的实施例中，输入/输出(“I/O”)信号可以沿着线束在控制系统和洗碗机器具100的各种操作部件之间被路由(routed)，所述线束可以被路由成通过门108的底部110。典型地，控制器146包括用户界面面板/控制件150，通过该用户界面面板/控制件用户可以选择各种操作特征和模式，并且监控洗碗机100的进程。在一个实施例中，用户界面150可以代表通用I/O(“GPIO”)装置或功能块。此外，用户界面150可以包括输入部件，比如包括旋转转盘、按钮和触摸板的各种电子、机械或机电输入装置中的一个或更多个。用户界面150还可以包括显示部件，比如被设计成向用户提供操作反馈的数字显示装置或模拟显示装置。如通常理解的，用户界面150可以经由一条或更多条信号线或共享通信总线与控制器146通信。
应当理解，本主题不限于洗碗机器具的任何特定样式、型号或配置。图1和图2中描绘的示例性实施例仅是为了说明目的而提供的。例如，可以为用户界面150提供不同的位置，可以为支架120和122提供不同的配置，并且也可以应用其他差异。
现在转到图3，显示了示例性洗碗机100的侧剖视图。柜体102可以包括空气入口170。空气入口170可以允许外部(eternal)(例如，环境)空气进入柜体102。空气入口170可以是设置在柜体102处的孔或通道。在一些实施例中，空气入口170可以包括软管或导管。软管或导管可以将柜体102与建筑物(例如，房屋、公寓等)的外部的区域或区连接。空气入口170可以设置在柜体102上的任何合适的位置中。例如，空气入口170设置在柜体102的后面板的顶部 处或其附近。然而，空气入口170可以位于后面板的另一区域处，或者在柜体102的不同侧面板或顶面板上。
柜体102可以包括空气出口174。空气出口174可以允许内部空气(例如，柜体102内的空气)离开柜体102。空气出口174可以是设置在柜体102处的孔或通道。在一些实施例中，空气出口174可以包括软管或导管。软管或导管可以将柜体102与建筑物(例如，房屋、公寓等)的外部连接。空气出口174可以设置在柜体102上的任何合适的位置中。例如，空气出口174设置在柜体102的后面板的底部处或其附近。然而，空气出口174可以位于后面板的另一区域处，或者在柜体102的不同侧面板或顶面板上。
桶104可以包括与洗涤室176流体连通(例如，上游连通)的空气入口172。当组装时，空气入口172可以允许已经通过空气入口170进入柜体102的外部(例如，环境)空气循环通过洗涤室106。空气入口172可以邻近柜体102的空气入口170设置。换句话说，经由空气入口170进入柜体的空气然后可以通过空气入口172进入洗涤室106。软管或导管可以将空气入口172连接到空气入口170，以提供空气从室102的外部进入洗涤室106的直接通道。因此，桶104的空气入口172可以设置在与柜体102的空气入口170分离的位置处。空气入口172可以是设置在桶104的侧壁164中的孔或通道。
桶104可以包括与洗涤室106流体连通(例如，下游连通)的空气排放出口176。组装时，空气排放出口176可以允许通过空气入口172进入桶104的内部空气(例如，洗涤室106内的空气)离开洗涤室106。空气排放出口176可以邻近柜体102的空气出口174设置。换句话说，经由空气排放出口176离开洗涤室106的空气然后可以通过空气出口174离开柜体102。软管或导管可以将空气排放出口176连接到空气出口174，以提供空气离开洗涤室106和室102的直接通道。因此，桶104的空气排放出口176可以设置在与柜体102的空气出口174分离的位置处。空气排放出口176可以是设置在桶104的侧壁164中的孔或通道。
洗碗机100可以进一步包括气体传感器180(例如，与控制器146电通信或无线通信)。在使用期间，气体传感器180可以与控制器146通信，以向控制器146发送信息。通常，气体传感器180被配置成检测空气质量特性(例如，在洗涤室106内)。因此，气体传感器180可以感测洗涤室106内的空气质量特性。气体传感器180可以位于洗碗机100内的任何适当的位置。例如，气体传感器180设置在洗涤室106内。在一个实施例中，气体传感器180设置在桶104的空气排放出口176处(例如，在洗涤室106的下游)。附加地或替代地，气体传感器180可以位于独立外壳内，该独立外壳设置在洗涤室106或空气排放出口176内。作为另一个示例，气体传感器180可以设置在位于空气排放出口176中的外壳内。
气体传感器180可以在洗涤循环之后、干燥循环期间或干燥循环之后感测洗涤室106内的空气质量特性。例如，空气质量特性可以是总挥发性有机化合物(tVOC)或当量二氧化碳(eCO2)。气体传感器180可以被配置成测量任何合适的空气质量特性，并且本公开不限于本文提及的那些。附加地或替代地，可以提供多个气体传感器180来测量多个空气质量特性。
在示例性实施例中，气体传感器180包括设置在桶104的空气排放出口176处的第一气体传感器182和邻近第一气体传感器182的第二气体传感器184。第一气体传感器182可以测量tVOC水平。第二气体传感器184可以测量eCO2水平。第一气体传感器182和第二气体传感器184可以同时或串联操作。或者，在干燥循环期间，第一气体传感器182和第二气体传感器184中只有一个可操作。
在另一示例性实施例中，气体传感器180包括第一气体传感器182和第二气体传感器184。第一气体传感器182可以设置在桶104的空气排放出口176处(例如，柜体102内的洗涤室106的下游)。第二气体传感器184可以设置在洗涤室104的外部。具体而言，第二气体传感器184可以设置在洗碗机100的外部(例如，柜体102的外部)。例如，第二气体传感器184可以安装到柜体102 的外表面，并且可以与周围环境(例如，洗涤室106外部的空气)流体连通。第一气体传感器182和第二气体传感器184可以感测同一空气质量特性(例如，tVOC或eCO2)。第一气体传感器182可以测量洗涤室106内的空气质量特性。第二气体传感器可以测量周围环境中的空气质量特性(例如，洗涤室106外部的空气质量特性)。第二气体传感器184可以将测量的周围环境的空气质量特性发送到控制器146。然后，控制器146可以在分析由第一气体传感器182测量的空气质量特性时使用环境空气质量特性。例如，控制器146可以使用作为基线测量的周围环境中的空气质量特性，将洗涤室106内的空气质量特性与周围环境中的空气质量特性进行比较。换句话说，当周围环境的空气质量特性改变时(例如，存在宠物皮屑或过敏原)，控制器146可以调整阈值空气质量特性(洗涤室106内的空气质量特征与该阈值空气质量特征进行比较)。
洗碗机100可以进一步包括加热单元186。加热单元186可以设置在柜体102内。在示例性实施例中，加热单元186设置在桶104的空气入口172处(例如，在洗涤室106的上游)。附加地或替代地，加热单元186可以设置在柜体102的空气入口170处(例如，在空气入口170和空气入口172之间流体连通)。例如，加热单元186可以沿着从空气入口170到空气入口172的空气流动路径定位，使得供应到桶104的空气可以被加热。加热单元186可以是任何合适的加热单元，比如线圈加热器、电阻加热器、辐射加热器等。加热单元186可以与控制器146通信。控制器146可以根据对测量的洗涤室106内的空气质量特性的分析选择性地激活加热单元186，如下所述。
洗碗机100可以进一步包括风扇188。风扇188可以设置在柜体102内。在示例性实施例中，风扇188设置在柜体102的空气入口170处(例如，洗涤室106的上游)。风扇188可以邻近加热单元186，使得由风扇188循环的空气在进入洗涤室106之前经过加热单元186。例如，风扇188可以设置在加热单元186的上游。或者，风扇188可以设置在加热单元186的下游。风扇188可以是被配置成使空气流循环的任何合适的风扇。例如，风扇188可以是轴流式风扇、 离心式风扇或横流式风扇。控制器146可以根据对洗涤室106内的空气质量特性的分析来控制风扇188的启动。
在一些实施例中，洗碗机100可以包括与控制器146电通信或无线通信的一个或更多个其他传感器。例如，湿度传感器可以设置在柜体102或桶104内。附加地或替代地，温度传感器可以设置在柜体102或桶104内。湿度传感器可以提供湿度测量，而温度传感器可以向控制器146提供桶104内的温度测量。这些测量可以与气体传感器180进行的测量结合使用，以分析桶104内的碗碟的干燥度水平。有利的是，根据本公开的洗碗机或方法可以检测洗涤室内的干燥的水平，以增加用户信心、提高性能的一致性或减少能量使用。
现在参考图4，将详细描述操作洗碗机(例如，洗碗机100)的方法400。在410处，方法400包括启动洗涤循环。洗涤循环可以是任何合适的洗涤循环。例如，洗涤循环可以包括通过喷淋臂喷淋水和洗涤剂，以清洁储存在洗涤室中的碗碟或物品。可选地，洗涤循环可以包括漂洗循环。漂洗循环可以包括通过喷淋臂喷淋水，以将残留的洗涤剂和食物从碗碟上漂洗掉。
在420处，方法400包括启动干燥循环。干燥循环可以包括启动风扇。干燥循环可以进一步包括激活加热单元(例如，以第一功率水平)。这样，风扇可以使加热的空气循环通过洗涤室，以加速碗碟的干燥。替代地或附加地，干燥循环可以包括在不激活加热单元的情况下使空气循环通过洗涤室。干燥循环可以在洗涤循环完成后启动。例如，420可以在洗涤循环之后或响应于洗涤循环。
在430处，方法400包括测量洗涤桶内的空气质量特性。430可以在干燥循环期间进行。例如，430可以与420同时启动。在一个实施例中，当洗涤循环停止时，420和430同时启动(即，干燥循环与空气质量特性的测量同时启动)。具体而言，气体传感器(例如，第一气体传感器)可以感测桶的洗涤室内的空气质量特性。如上所述，例如，空气质量特性可以是总挥发性有机化合物(tVOC)或当量二氧化碳(eCO2)中的一个。气体传感器可以被配置成测量任何合适的空气质量特性，并且本公开不限于本文提及的那些。附加地或替代地，可以提 供多个气体传感器来测量多个空气质量特性，如上所述。
在440处，方法400包括确定在430处测量的空气质量特性低于预定的空气质量阈值。例如，控制器可以被配置成分析由气体传感器测量的空气质量特性的测量结果。控制器可以将测量结果与存储在控制器中的特性阈值进行比较。可选地，特性阈值可以是预定的阈值(例如，在组装期间编程在控制器内)。在示例性实施例中，预定的阈值是tVOC的十亿分(ppb)之五。
在一些实施例中，特性阈值可以根据一个或更多个特定环境因素(例如，当前大气特性、污染物或过敏原的存在等)而变化。具体而言，特性阈值可以被称为正常大气条件下的正常阈值(例如，不存在主要污染物、宠物皮屑等)。此外，当检测到特定的大气或环境条件时，可以增加该正常阈值。
在示例性实施例中，气体传感器(例如，第二气体传感器)可以检测或测量周围环境的空气质量特性(例如，如上所述，洗碗机的洗涤室或柜体的外部)。作为示例，第二气体传感器可以测量周围环境中宠物毛屑的存在。因此，控制器可以确定干燥状况与比正常阈值更高的空气质量特性读数相关。例如，宠物毛屑的存在可能会改变空气质量的静态测量(例如，表明干燥大气的空气质量测量)。然后，控制器可以调整正常阈值以确定干燥状况。在一个实施例中，控制器根据周围环境的空气质量特性的增加按比例系数调整正常阈值。增加的空气质量阈值可以被称为异常阈值。
在450处，方法400包括测量启动干燥循环和确定空气质量特性低于空气质量阈值(例如，410的开始和440的完成)之间的经过时间。在一些这样的实施例中，气体传感器在(例如，响应于)干燥循环启动时开始感测洗涤桶内的空气质量特性。控制器可以测量当气体传感器开始感测空气质量特性时和当空气质量特性下降到预定的阈值以下时之间的经过时间。
在460处，方法400包括基于经过时间计算干燥时间(例如，剩余干燥时间)。然后，控制器可以计算直到碗碟被认为干燥的总时间。剩余干燥时间可以是从空气质量特性下降到空气质量阈值以下到干燥循环结束或完成的一段时 间。例如，如果经过时间低于第一预定的时间阈值，控制器可以确定需要更短的干燥时间来完全干燥碗碟。或者，如果经过时间高于第一预定的时间阈值，控制器可以确定需要更长的干燥时间来完全干燥碗碟。
在470处，方法400包括激活加热单元(例如，以第一功率水平)。在(例如，响应于)计算剩余干燥时间时，控制器可以激活加热单元。在确定计算的剩余干燥时间处于第二预定的时间阈值时，可以以第一功率水平激活加热单元。附加地或替代地，计算的剩余干燥时间可以在第二预定的时间阈值的某个(例如，编程的)百分比内，以促使加热单元以第一功率水平激活。在一些这样的实施例中，470包括确定在460处计算的剩余干燥时间在第二预定的阈值的编程的百分比内，并且响应于确定在460处计算的剩余干燥时间在第二预定的阈值的编程的百分比内，以第一功率水平激活加热器单元。可选地，如果计算的剩余干燥时间高于第二预定的时间阈值，控制器可以以高于第一功率水平的第二功率水平激活加热单元。这样，加热单元在第二功率水平下产生比在第一功率水平更高水平的热量。在一些这样的实施例中，470包括确定在460处计算的剩余干燥时间大于第二预定的时间阈值，并且响应于确定在460处计算的干燥时间大于第二预定的时间阈值，以第二功率水平激活加热单元。
在480处，方法400包括启动风扇以使空气循环到加热单元上方。因此，480可以引导风扇旋转以生成空气流动，如上所述。可选地，480可以响应于计算剩余干燥时间。例如，在(例如，响应于)确定计算的剩余干燥时间处于第二预定的时间阈值时，可以以第一旋转速度激活风扇。控制器还可以响应于计算的剩余干燥时间高于第二预定的时间阈值，启动风扇以高于第一旋转速度的第二旋转速度运行。因此，更高温度的更多气流可以循环通过洗涤室。附加地或替代地，响应于计算的剩余干燥时间低于第二预定的阈值，控制器可以停用加热单元。此外，控制器可以响应于计算的剩余干燥时间低于第二预定的阈值，以第一旋转速度启动风扇。
此外，控制器可以以预定的系数来增加计算的剩余干燥时间。例如，响应 于计算的剩余干燥时间低于第二预定的阈值并且控制器以第一旋转速度启动风扇，控制器可以将计算的剩余干燥时间增加到等于第二预定的阈值。换句话说，控制器可以连续地控制风扇的旋转速度，以便使碗碟在第二预定的阈值之前变干。因此，整个干燥循环可以在不使用加热单元的情况下实施。
在490处，方法400包括响应于干燥时间的终止而停止干燥循环。因此，在干燥时间结束时，控制器可以停止干燥循环。例如，控制器可以停用加热单元并且停止风扇的旋转。此时，干燥循环可以结束，并且碗碟可以被认为是干燥的。在一些实施例中，可以警告用户干燥循环已经完成(例如，如由传递到洗碗机的用户界面的音频或视觉警告信号指示的)。
该书面描述使用示例来公开本发明(包括最佳模式)，并且还使本领域中的任何技术人员能够实践本发明，包括制造和使用任何装置或系统以及执行任何结合的方法。本发明的可专利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他示例。如果这种其他示例包括与权利要求的字面语言没有不同的结构元件，或者如果它们包括与权利要求的字面语言没有实质不同的等同结构元件，则这种其他示例是旨在权利要求的范围内的。

Claims (18)

  1. 一种用于操作洗碗机的方法，该方法包括：
    启动洗涤循环；
    启动干燥循环；
    在所述干燥循环期间，测量所述洗碗机的洗涤桶内的空气质量特性；
    确定测量的空气质量特性低于预定的空气质量阈值；
    响应于确定测量的空气质量特性低于预定的空气质量阈值，计算干燥时间；以及
    响应于所述干燥时间的终止，停止所述干燥循环。
  2. 根据权利要求1所述的方法，进一步包括：
    测量启动干燥循环和确定空气质量特性下降到预定的空气质量阈值以下之间的经过时间；以及
    基于所述经过时间计算干燥时间。
  3. 根据权利要求2所述的方法，其中，测量空气质量特性包括在气体传感器处测量总挥发性有机化合物(tVOC)或当量二氧化碳(eCO 2)。
  4. 根据权利要求3所述的方法，其中，所述气体传感器包括设置在所述洗碗机的排放出口处的第一气体传感器。
  5. 根据权利要求4所述的方法，其中，所述气体传感器进一步包括设置在所述洗碗机外的第二气体传感器，并且其中所述方法进一步包括测量所述洗碗机外的环境空气质量特性。
  6. 根据权利要求1所述的方法，其中，干燥操作包括：
    以第一功率水平激活加热单元，所述加热单元安装在所述洗碗机的空气入口处；以及
    启动风扇以使空气循环到所述加热单元上方并且循环到所述洗碗机中。
  7. 根据权利要求6所述的方法，进一步包括：
    确定计算的干燥时间小于预定的时间阈值；
    响应于确定计算的干燥时间小于预定的时间阈值，停用所述加热单元；以及
    响应于确定计算的干燥时间小于预定的时间阈值，以预定系数来增加计算的干燥时间。
  8. 根据权利要求6所述的方法，进一步包括：
    确定计算的干燥时间大于或等于预定的时间阈值；
    响应于确定计算的干燥时间大于预定的时间阈值，以大于第一功率水平的第二功率水平激活所述加热单元。
  9. 根据权利要求1所述的方法，其中，所述空气质量特性是挥发性有机化合物(tVOC)，并且其中所述预定的空气质量阈值是十亿分之5(ppb)。
  10. 一种洗碗机，包括：
    桶，所述桶限定洗涤室；
    洗涤支架，所述洗涤支架设置在所述洗涤室内；
    空气入口，所述空气入口在第一位置处与所述洗涤室处于流体连通；
    空气排放出口，所述空气排放出口在不同于所述第一位置的第二位置处与 所述洗涤室处于流体连通；
    第一气体传感器，所述第一气体传感器设置在所述洗碗机中；以及
    控制器，所述控制器被配置成启动操作序列，所述操作序列包括：
    启动干燥循环，
    从所述第一气体传感器处接收空气质量信号，
    在干燥循环期间，测量洗碗机的洗涤室内的空气质量特性，
    确定测量的空气质量特性低于预定的空气质量阈值，
    响应于确定测量的空气质量特性低于预定的空气质量阈值，计算干燥时间，以及
    响应于所述干燥时间的终止，停止所述干燥循环。
  11. 根据权利要求10所述的洗碗机，其中，所述操作序列进一步包括：
    测量启动干燥循环和确定空气质量特性下降到预定的空气质量阈值以下之间的经过时间；以及
    基于所述经过时间计算干燥时间。
  12. 根据权利要求11所述的洗碗机，其中，测量空气质量特性包括在第一气体传感器处测量总挥发性有机化合物(tVOC)或当量CO 2(eCO 2)。
  13. 根据权利要求12所述的洗碗机，其中，所述第一气体传感器设置在所述洗碗机的空气排放出口处。
  14. 根据权利要求13所述的洗碗机，进一步包括设置在所述洗碗机外的第二气体传感器，并且所述操作序列进一步包括测量所述洗碗机外的环境空气质量特性。
  15. 根据权利要求10所述的洗碗机，进一步包括安装在所述空气入口处的加热单元和设置在所述加热单元上游的风扇，其中在所述干燥循环期间，所述操作序列进一步包括：
    以第一功率水平激活所述加热单元；以及
    启动所述风扇以使空气循环到所述加热单元上方并循环到所述洗碗机中。
  16. 根据权利要求15所述的洗碗机，其中，所述操作序列进一步包括：
    确定计算的干燥时间小于预定的时间阈值；
    响应于确定计算的干燥时间小于预定的时间阈值，停用所述加热单元；以及
    响应于确定计算的干燥时间小于预定的时间阈值，以预定系数来增加计算的干燥时间。
  17. 根据权利要求15所述的洗碗机，其中，所述操作序列进一步包括：
    确定计算的干燥时间大于或等于预定的时间阈值；以及
    响应于确定计算的干燥时间大于预定的时间阈值，以大于第一功率水平的第二功率水平激活所述加热单元。
  18. 根据权利要求10所述的洗碗机，其中，空气质量特性是总挥发性有机化合物(tVOC)，并且其中预定的空气质量阈值是十亿分之5(ppb)。
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