Patent Grant
8425685
This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 2007-32117, filed on Mar. 31, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein.
1. Field of the Disclosure
The disclosure relates to a control method of a home appliance, and more particularly, to a control method of a dish washing machine that is capable of more efficiently washing dishes.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
Generally, dish washing machines are known as an apparatus for automatically washing dishes disposed in a washing compartment by spraying wash water toward the dishes under high pressure, thus removing foreign matter such as food residue attached to the surfaces of the dishes.
One important factor associated with such a dish washing machine is the ability to completely remove food residue attached to the surfaces of dishes such that the dishes are properly cleaned. In order to achieve an enhancement in this ability, it is necessary to increase the force required to remove foreign matter from the surfaces of dishes, namely, the spray pressure of wash water. The related art has the disadvantage that when the spray pressure of the wash water is excessively high, the dishes may be damaged or easily broken. A further disadvantage is that when the washing of dishes is carried out at an increased spray pressure, the amount of wash water required in this washing operation is increased. Also, when wash water of an increased spray pressure is used, it is necessary to increase the power consumption of a pump used to supply the wash water.
Accordingly what is needed is a dish washing machine that operates more efficiently resulting in less water and power consumption, as well as will not damage the dishes.
The disclosure is directed to a dish washing machine and a control method of the same that substantially obviates one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.
The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein use steam in the dish washing machine in order to improve the washing efficiency of the dish washing machine without damage to dishes. The steam soaks into and softens foreign matter attached to the dishes such that the foreign matter may be more easily removed. Therefore, the steam improves the washing efficiency of the dish washing machine so that a somewhat low pressure wash water spray will still clean the dishes.
In order to supply steam, the dish washing machine according to the disclosure includes a steam generator having a heater mounted therein. As the dish washing machine is used for a long period of time, the performance of the respective parts of the dish washing machine may deteriorate with the result that the respective parts of the dish washing machine may no longer function. The steam generator may also experience similar deterioration from long-term use.
A control method for a dish washing machine that is capable of effectively dealing with the abnormal operation of the steam generator in the dish washing machine is highly desirable.
Advantages and features will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from practice of the invention. The aforementioned advantages and features of the invention may be realized and attained by the exemplary structure and or method pointed out in the written description, claims, and the appended drawings.
The advantages maybe achieved by a control method for a dish washing machine includes supplying water into a washing compartment through spray arms, a first supplying steam, generated by a first steam generator, into the washing compartment, and when an abnormal operation of the steam generator is detected, terminating the operation of the first stem generator.
The advantages may further be achieved by a method for controlling a dish washing machine may comprises supplying water into a washing compartment through spray arms, operating a first steam generator to supply steam into the washing compartment, terminating the operation of the first steam generator when the abnormality of the first steam generator is detected, and operating an second steam generator mounted separately from the first steam generator.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.
The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosure and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the invention. In the drawings:
Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
The configuration of a dish washing machine 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to
The illustrated dish washing machine may include a case 100 defining the exterior appearance of the dish washing machine, a door 120 for opening or closing case 100, and a control panel 130 mounted to case 100 or door 120, to enable the user to manipulate the dish washing machine.
A tub 110 is arranged in case 100, defining a washing compartment 150 in case 100. Washing compartment 150 creates a space in which dishes are received and washed. A sump 200 may be disposed beneath tub 110 for storing wash water.
A pump 210 may be disposed in sump 200 for pumping the wash water stored in the sump 200. A filter (not shown) may be also located in sump 200 for filtering contaminated wash water. A first heater 290 may be arranged in sump 200, to heat the wash water stored in sump 200.
A first water supply tube 250 may be connected to sump 200, to supply fresh water from an external water supply source to sump 200. A water discharge tube 270 may also be connected to sump 200, to externally discharge the wash water from the sump 200. A first water supply valve 255 may be arranged in water supply tube 250 for controlling the supply of water to sump 200.
At least one rack (160 or 170) is arranged in the interior of tub 110, namely, washing compartment 150. At least one spray arm is also arranged in washing compartment 150, to spray the water pumped by pump 210 toward the at least one rack.
In addition, a top nozzle 240 may be arranged at a top portion of the washing compartment 150. Top nozzle 240 functions to spray water that is pumped by pump 210 in a downward direction from the top portion of washing compartment 150.
The dish washing machine according to the illustrated embodiment is configured to spray or supply steam to washing compartment 150 in addition to spraying wash water into washing compartment 150 from pump 210 and through spray arms 220 and 230. The dish washing machine includes a steam generator 300 which operates independently from first heater 290, which is arranged in the sump 200.
As shown in
Steam generator 300 includes a second heater 310 for heating water supplied to steam generator 300, and a water level sensor 320 for sensing the water level of the steam generator 300. Water level sensor 320 may sense, for example, a minimum water level and a maximum water level.
The minimum water level may be set to protect the second heater 310 of the steam generator 300. The maximum water level may also be set to prevent the water supplied to steam generator 300 from overflowing. Also, steam generator 300 may be provided with a steam supply valve 327 for controlling the opening and closing of the steam supply tube 280, thus supplying steam at predetermined time.
Steam generator 300 may be connected to the sump via an auxiliary water supply tube 328. In order to generate steam in this manner, steam generator 300 heats the wash water that passes through sump 200. An auxiliary valve 323 may also be mounted on the auxiliary water supply tube 328 for controlling the supply of water between sump 200 and steam generator 300.
As illustrated in
In general, a control method is implemented through a series of steps and cycles that are stored in memory 190 and communicated to the control unit 180. For example, control unit 180 controls at least first heater 290, second heater 310, pump 210, and steam generator 300 according to an operation mode of the dish washing machine. A procedure for controlling the above-specified parts of the dish washing machine according to the operation mode of the dish washing machine will be described below.
Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment of the control method of the dish washing machine will be described with reference to
When a user wishes to wash dishes using the dish washing machine with the above-stated construction, the user opens the door 120, puts the dishes to be washed in upper and lower racks 160 and 170, and then closes door 120. The user may put a predetermined amount of detergent or rinse into a detergent box (not shown) before closing door 120.
When an operation signal of the dish washing machine is inputted through control panel 130, the dish washing machine performs a predetermined washing process. The washing process may include a preliminary washing course, a main washing course, and a rinsing course, for rinsing dishes after the dishes are washed.
In the preliminary washing process, wash water is sprayed toward the dishes, placed in the washing compartment, for example, for a predetermined period of time. As a result, food residue left on the dishes is partially removed from the dishes by the pressure of the wash water sprayed, and moisture permeates into the foreign matter attached to the dishes such that the foreign matter is softened from the moisture, and therefore, the foreign matter can be easily removed from the dishes.
After the completion of the preliminary washing process, the contaminated wash water is discharged, and then new wash water is supplied for the main washing process. The main washing process may be performed, for example, according to a predetermined first cycle (S100) (see
Then, in order to improve the washing efficiency, steam may be supplied into washing compartment 150 (S103). Both water and steam may be sprayed into the washing compartment to wash the dishes in the main washing process. At this time, detergent may be mixed or added into the wash water. As the steam is supplied into the washing compartment in the main washing process, the foreign matter attached to the dishes may become saturated by the steam. The steam that is generated has high-temperature, high-humidity characteristics, enhancing the washing efficiency. In order to further improve the washing efficiency, the wash water may be heated by first heater 290, mounted in the sump 200, and sprayed toward the dishes in the main washing process.
In the main washing process, the water and steam may be simultaneously or alternately supplied or sprayed into washing compartment 150. In order to supply the heated wash water and steam simultaneously into the washing compartment 150, it may be required to simultaneously operate first heater 290 mounted in sump 200, and second heater 310 mounted in the steam generator 300.
If both devices 290 and 310 are operated simultaneously, the total power consumption of the washing machine will increase accordingly. Further, the reliability and endurance of the dish washing machine may deteriorate. In order to solve this problem, it is possible to alternately operate first heater 290 mounted in the sump 200 and second heater 310 mounted in steam generator 300 such that the heated wash water and steam can be alternately sprayed toward the dishes (S100 and S160).
As illustrated in
When steam generator 300 is functioning normally, the first cycle, (where water and steam are supplied or sprayed) will continue to run until the main washing process is completed (S160). When it is determined that steam generator 300 is operating abnormally (See
As illustrated in
The substitute washing cycle may be performed in a manner that is different from first cycle at S100. The substitute washing cycle may include a step of supplying water, heated not by second heater 310 mounted in the steam generator, but by first heater 290 mounted in the sump, into the washing compartment. In this case the water spraying is carried out according to the program of the substitute cycle. It is also envisioned that first heater 290 may act to produce steam, in order to compensate for the malfunctioning of steam generator 300.
When the substitute cycle is completed, the main washing process is also completed. Consequently, the dish washing machine successfully completes the dish washing process, inputted by the user, even if steam generator 300 is operating abnormally.
If the substitute cycle is not available, the first cycle (S100) will continue to run (S160). In this case, however, the supply or spraying of steam is excluded from the first cycle, and the water spraying by the operation of the pump 210 is continuously carried out.
If the first cycle is completed (at steps S150 or S160), the main washing process is also completed. Accordingly, the dish washing machine successfully completes the dish washing process, inputted by the user, even if steam generator 300 is operating abnormally. After the operation of steam generator 300 is terminated the first or substitute cycle, may enable the wash water to be heated by first heater 290. This heating process is performed so that heated water may be sprayed on the dishes, thereby improving the washing efficiency of the dish washing machine. It is also noted that the step of operating the steam generator S103 may be omitted from the step of performing the first cycle S100, resulting in modified first cycle S150.
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. Referring to
When first steam generator 300 is operating abnormally, the control unit 180 will switch usage to second steam generator 325 by the following process. Control unit 180 first closes a first valve 327 on a first steam supply tube 280. First steam supply tube 280 may serve to feed the interior of washing compartment 150 with steam. When first valve 327 is closed, fluid communication may be prevented between and first steam generator 300 and washing compartment 150. Then control unit 180 opens a second valve 326 disposed on a second steam supply tube 329. Second steam supply tube 329 may act to fluidly couple second steam generator 325 to first steam supply tube 280. Once second valve 326 is opened, second steam generator may be fluidly coupled to the interior of washing compartment 150. This substitution process ensures that steam is continuously supplied into the washing compartment. A water supply valve 321 for controlling the supply of water to steam generator 325 may be arranged on second water supply tube 260.
In order to determine whether steam generator 300 is operating abnormally, control unit 180 monitors several factors. First, the water level in steam generator 300 and the change of water temperature in steam generator 300 are monitored after second heater 310 has been turned on. Further, control unit 180 checks the input voltage applied to heater 310, and the overheating of the heater 310. One of skill will appreciate that this monitoring may be applied to the control methods shown in both
Processes for detecting the abnormal operation of the steam generator 300 are illustrated in
The water level will rise as the water is supplied into steam generator 300. During the supply of water into steam generator 300, control unit 180 receives a signal from water level sensor 320 when a maximum water level is detected (S113). Then the supply of water into steam generator 300 may be shut off. After the water supply is shut off to steam generator 300, as shown in
When water level sensor 320 does not detect the maximum water level, control unit 180 then evaluates whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the supply of water into steam generator 300 (S115). If the predetermined period of time has not elapsed, then water is continuously supplied. If the predetermined period of time has elapsed, on the other hand, then the water supply is shut off (S117). The process illustrated in
The determination of whether steam generator 300 is operating normally or abnormally through the detection of the water level may be performed differently from the above-described manner. For example, water may be forcibly supplied into steam generator 300 for a predetermined period of time, while the water level in steam generator 300 is monitored. When the maximum water level is detected, the operation of steam generator 300 is resumed. When the maximum water level is not detected, however, the operation of steam generator 300 is terminated. In the above exemplary embodiment, the method of determining that steam generator 300 is operating abnormally depended upon water level sensor 320 detecting the presence of a maximum or minimum water level, however, other methods of determining abnormal operation of steam generator 300 are envisioned.
When the supply of water into steam generator 300 is completed, heater 310 is turned on. The water temperature in steam generator 300 thus raises due to the heat emitted from heater 310. When heater 310 is not working or producing heat, however, the water temperature level in the steam generator 300 does not rise. After heater 310, has been turned on and a predetermined period of time has elapsed, control unit 180 determines whether the water temperature in the steam generator 300 has risen (S112).
Lack of a rise in temperature may indicate various problems. For example, second heater 310 may be out of order resulting in little or no heat emission, or heater 310 may not sufficiently emit heat because the voltage applied is too low. In order to solve this problem, control unit 180 may determine that heater 310 or other parts of the dish washing machine are operating abnormally. For example, control unit 180 may discover abnormal operation when the water temperature has not risen by 3° C. or more one minute after heater 310 is turned on. When the water temperature has not risen by a predetermined degree after heater 310 has been turned on, heater 310 is turned off, and the operation of steam generator 300 is terminated (S120). Subsequently, processes after Step S130 may be carried out.
Further, it is noted that when voltage applied to heater 310 is too low or too high (over-voltage), it may be difficult to normally operate heater 310 and ensure its operational reliability. In addition, heater 310 may be negatively affected and damaged due to improper voltage application. Control unit 180, therefore, checks the voltage applied to heater 310 to determine whether steam generator 300 is operating abnormally. To this end, the dish washing machine includes a voltage measuring unit (not shown) for measuring the voltage applied to heater 310.
When the voltage applied to heater 310 is too low, it may be difficult for heater 310 to sufficiently emit heat, therefore, it is difficult for steam generator 300 to normally generate steam. When too high of voltage is applied to heater 310, on the other hand, heater 310 may overheat, or fuses may blow out.
As illustrated in the flow chart of
Heater 310 may overheat when the amount of water in steam generator 300 is insufficient in addition to the case of over-voltage supply as described above. If water level sensor 310 is out of order or malfunctions, heater 310 may be operating even though the water level is low. If steam generator 300 is operating while the water level is below the minimum water level, heater 310 may be at risk of damage due to overheating.
If heater 310 overheats, as described above, an accident, such as a fire, may occur. In order to prevent heater 310 and its surroundings control unit monitors 180 the temperature of heater 310 to determine whether heater 310 is overheated (S116). For example, when heater 310 is heated to or about 110° C. or more, control unit 180 protects heater 310 by turning it off, and terminates the operation of steam generator 300 (S120). After termination of the steam generation, Step S130 and subsequent steps may be carried out. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the temperature may be monitored by any suitable temperature sensor. Further, theses temperatures are exemplary only and one having skill in the art will appreciate that various other temperatures or temperature ranges may be applicable depending on design constraints or requirements.
It will be appreciated by one having skill in the art that the method described above for determining abnormal operation of steam generator 300 and its respective heater 310, may be performed on sump 200 and/or second steam generator 325 and their respective heaters, in order to completely monitor functioning of the washing machine.
Steps S112, S114, and S116, of
When the main washing process is completed through Steps S140, S150, and S160, control unit 180 performs a control operation such that the contaminated or dirty wash water is discharged, and new wash water is supplied to rinse the dishes. During the rinsing operation, a rinse detergent may be contained in the clean wash water. During the rinsing operation, the clean wash water is sprayed toward the dishes to wash off any foreign matter that may have reattached to the dishes after being removed in previous processes. Even in the rinsing operation, first heater 290 of sump 200 may be operated such that heated wash water can be sprayed toward the dishes. After the dishes are rinsed for a predetermined period of time, the dish washing machine produces a predetermined beep sound to inform the user that the washing course has been completed.
As apparent from the above description, the present invention has the effect of improving the dish washing efficiency through the use of steam during the dish washing process.
In addition, when the steam generator is operating abnormally, the control method of the dish washing machine according to the present invention effectively detects the abnormality of the steam generator and terminates the operation of the steam generator. Consequently, the present invention has the effect of preventing the damage to the dish washing machine, which may occur due to the continuous use of the abnormal steam generator.
Furthermore, the operation of other parts constituting the dish washing machine is continuously performed to complete the predetermined washing course, even after the operation of the steam generator is terminated, according to the present invention. Consequently, the present invention has the effect of accomplishing basic dish washing operation even when the steam generator is out of order.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made. Thus, it is intended that claims covers these modifications and variations.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-2007-0032117 | Mar 2007 | KR | national |
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| 4298789 | Eichelberger et al. | Nov 1981 | A |
| 4457323 | Fay et al. | Jul 1984 | A |
| 20040040586 | Kumar | Mar 2004 | A1 |
| 20040187898 | Chen | Sep 2004 | A1 |
| 20040228052 | Hering et al. | Nov 2004 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 602848 | Jun 1948 | GB |
| 775975 | May 1957 | GB |
| 2006314667 | Nov 2006 | JP |
| WO 2006101365 | Sep 2006 | WO |
| Entry |
|---|
| Machine Translation: JP 2006-314667 to Yoshikawa, et al. Nov. 2006. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20080236624 A1 | Oct 2008 | US |
