US20080236630A1 - Dish washer and method of controlling the same - Google Patents
Dish washer and method of controlling the same Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080236630A1 US20080236630A1 US12/007,124 US712408A US2008236630A1 US 20080236630 A1 US20080236630 A1 US 20080236630A1 US 712408 A US712408 A US 712408A US 2008236630 A1 US2008236630 A1 US 2008236630A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- washing
- mode
- water
- nozzles
- washing water
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- 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
-
- 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
- A47L15/0026—Rinsing 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
- A47L15/0047—Energy or water consumption, e.g. by saving energy or water
-
- 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
-
- 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
- A47L15/4278—Nozzles
-
- 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
- A47L2401/09—Water level
-
- 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
- A47L2501/01—Water supply, e.g. opening or closure of the water inlet valve
-
- 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
- A47L2501/03—Water recirculation, e.g. control of distributing valves for redirection of water flow
-
- 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
- A47L2501/05—Drain or recirculation pump, e.g. regulation of the pump rotational speed or flow direction
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B40/00—Technologies aiming at improving the efficiency of home appliances, e.g. induction cooking or efficient technologies for refrigerators, freezers or dish washers
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a dish washer and a method of controlling the same, and more particularly, to a dish washer and a method of controlling the same, in which the amount of water consumed is reduced while assuring a washing performance.
- dish washers are apparatuses that wash out contaminants (i.e., food waste, etc.) stuck to dishes by spraying cold or warm washing water at a high pressure onto the dishes.
- Korean Patent Laid-open Publication No. 10-2005-0105721 discloses a dish washer.
- the dish washer disclosed in the above Publication includes a washing tub to wash dishes supplied thereinto, a plurality of dish baskets provided in multiple stages in the washing tub to receive the dishes, spray nozzles provided above and below the plurality of dish baskets to spray washing water, and a sump connected to the spray nozzles to pump the washing water to the spray nozzles.
- a circulation pump in the sump is operated to supply the washing water to the spray nozzles, thus washing the dishes by the high injection pressure of the washing water.
- This washing process including washing and rinsing steps, is divided into main modes, including a main washing mode and a last rinsing mode, and preliminary modes, including a preliminary washing mode and a preliminary rinsing mode, and the modes are repeated four to six times according to courses. The temperature of the washing water and the time of each of the modes are determined according to the courses.
- an amount of the washing water required to operate the circulation pump, which is needed by the spray nozzles, is supplied in each of the modes.
- the amount of the washing water required in each of the modes is 5 L
- the total number of the main modes and the preliminary modes in a standard course is four
- 20 L of the washing water is required.
- a criterion to calculate the energy required in the dish washer is the sum of the electric energy consumed by electric field products, such as the circulation pump, a heater, etc., during the course and the heat energy of temperature conversion efficiency in proportion to the amount of the washing water consumed. Accordingly, in order to reduce the energy, it is important to reduce the amount of the washing water consumed.
- one aspect of the embodiment is to provide a dish washer and a method of controlling the same, in which the amount of water consumed is reduced and a washing time is maintained while assuring a washing performance.
- Another aspect of the embodiment is to provide a dish washer and a method of controlling the same, in which an area ratio of spray holes of upper, middle, and lower nozzles is converted such that the amount of water sprayed from the middle nozzle is maximized, so as to increase a washing performance.
- Yet another aspect of the embodiment is to provide a dish washer and a method of controlling the same, in which the amount of water consumed in preliminary modes carried out prior to main modes is decreased, to decrease the amount of water required in the entirety of the modes.
- a dish washer including a washing tub; dish baskets provided in the washing tub to accommodate dishes; and a plurality of nozzles to spray washing water to the dish baskets, each of the nozzles having spray holes to spray the washing water formed through each of the nozzles, the spray holes formed through the plurality of nozzles being size differently from one another and thus having areas different from one another for each of the nozzles.
- the plurality of nozzles may include upper and lower nozzles installed above and below the dish baskets and a middle nozzle installed between the dish baskets, and the spray holes formed through the middle nozzle may have an area larger than an area of the spray holes formed through the lower nozzle so that an amount of the washing water sprayed from the middle nozzle is larger than an amount of the washing water sprayed from the lower nozzle.
- the middle nozzle may have a first set of spray holes to spray the washing water upwardly from the middle nozzle and a second set of spray holes to spray the washing water downwardly from the middle nozzle formed there through.
- the dish washer may further include a control unit to control a flow of the washing water supplied to the upper, middle, and lower nozzles, the control unit setting an amount of the washing water in at least one mode out of a plurality of modes of washing the dishes with the washing water to be smaller than an amount of the washing water in other modes of the plurality of modes.
- the at least one mode may be a preliminary washing mode or a preliminary rinsing mode.
- the dish washer may further include a circulation pump to circulate the washing water in the washing tub to guide the washing water to the upper, middle, and lower nozzles, and the control unit may control the upper and middle nozzles to spray the washing water by an operation of the circulation pump in the preliminary washing mode or the preliminary rinsing mode.
- a nozzle area ratio of the middle nozzle to the lower nozzle is 1.5 to 1.
- a dish washer having a washing tub, dish baskets provided in the washing tub to accommodate dishes, a plurality of nozzles to spray washing water to the dish baskets, and a heater to heat the washing water
- the method including supplying an amount of the washing water in at least one mode out of a plurality of modes of washing the dishes with the washing water less than an amount of the washing water supplied in other modes of the plurality of modes.
- the at least one mode may be a mode in which the heater is not operated.
- the mode in which the heater is not operated may be a preliminary washing mode or a preliminary rinsing mode.
- the supply of the washing water may be controlled such that a level of the washing water in the washing tub is sensed, and when the sensed level is less than a predetermined low water level during an operation of the heater, the washing water is supplied to the washing tub.
- a method of controlling a dish washer having upper, middle and lower nozzles and a heater including supplying washing water only through the upper and middle nozzles in a modes in which the heater is not operated, an amount of the water supplied through the middle nozzle being greater than an amount of the water supplied through the upper and lower nozzles.
- the washing water may be supplied through only the upper and middle nozzles in a preliminary washing mode or a preliminary rinsing mode, the preliminary washing mode and the preliminary rinsing modes being modes prior to a main washing mode and a main rinsing mode, respectively.
- a dishwasher including: a plurality of nozzles including at least a middle nozzle, the middle nozzle being provided at a middle portion of the dishwasher, the middle nozzle having a water supplying capacity greater than that of a water supplying capacity of other nozzles of the plurality of nozzles.
- the middle nozzle may have a plurality of spray holes formed there through having a larger area than an area of a plurality of spray holes formed through the other nozzles.
- the plurality of nozzles may include an upper nozzle provided at an upper portion of the dishwasher, the middle nozzle supplying the water only with the upper nozzle in a preliminary washing mode or a preliminary rinsing mode, the preliminary washing and rinsing modes being modes prior to a main washing mode and a main rinsing mode, respectively.
- a method of controlling a dishwasher having upper, middle and lower nozzles and a heater including: supplying water through only the upper and middle nozzles in a preliminary washing mode or a preliminary rinsing mode, the preliminary washing and rinsing modes being modes prior to a main washing mode and a main rinsing mode, respectively; and supplying water through all of the upper, middle and lower nozzles in the main washing mode and a main rinsing mode.
- FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a dish washer in accordance with the present embodiment
- FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of a dish washer in accordance with an embodiment
- FIGS. 3A to 3C are flow charts to illustrate a method of controlling a dish washer in accordance with the present embodiment.
- FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a dish washer in accordance with the present embodiment.
- the dish washer of the present embodiment includes a main body 10 having a washing space formed therein, and a door 12 to open and close the front surface of the main body 10 .
- the main body 10 and the door 12 form the external appearance of the dish washer.
- a washing tub 20 is provided in the main body 10 .
- upper and lower dish baskets 22 a and 22 b to accommodate dishes
- racks 24 a and 24 b slidably supporting the upper and lower dish baskets 22 a and 22 b
- upper, middle, and lower spray nozzles 26 a , 26 b , and 26 c located above and below the dish baskets 22 a and 22 b to spray washing water are provided.
- the upper and middle spray nozzles 26 a and 26 b are connected to a sump 42 , which will be described later, by a first supply pipe 28 a , and the lower spray nozzle 26 c is connected to the sump 42 by the second supply pipe 28 b .
- the washing water is supplied from the sump 42 to the upper, middle, and lower spray nozzles 26 a , 26 b , and 26 c.
- the washing water supplied to the upper and middle spray nozzles 26 a and 26 b through the first supply pipe 28 a and the washing water supplied to the lower spray nozzle 26 c through the second supply pipe 28 b are independently sprayed by an operation of the upper and middle spray nozzles 26 a and 26 b and an operation of the lower spray nozzle 26 c .
- a separated water flow converting device is provided, or valves are respectively provided in the first and second supply pipes 28 a and 28 b.
- the upper, middle, and lower spray nozzles 26 a , 26 b , and 26 c are designed such that the area ratio of spray holes of the upper, middle, and lower spray nozzles 26 a , 26 b , and 26 c to inject the washing water is set to 0.5:1.5:1, for example, to maximize an amount of the washing water sprayed from the middle spray nozzle 26 b .
- the amount of the washing water sprayed from the middle spray nozzle 26 b is larger than the amount of the washing water sprayed from the lower spray nozzle 26 c , and thus it is possible to sufficiently carry out the preliminary washing and preliminary rinsing of dishes accommodated in the lower dish basket 22 b with the washing water sprayed downwardly from the middle spray nozzle 26 b and the falling water.
- the middle spray nozzle 26 b is provided with a plurality of spray holes to upwardly spray the washing water and a plurality of spray holes to downwardly spray the washing water, thereby simultaneously spraying the washing water upwardly and downwardly.
- a heater 30 to heat the washing water is provided on the bottom of the washing tub 20 .
- the heater 30 is seated in a heater mounting groove 32 formed in the bottom of the washing tub 20 .
- a machinery chamber 40 is prepared under the washing tub 20 .
- the sump 42 which collects and pumps the washing water supplied to the inside of the washing tub 20 to transfer the washing water to the upper, middle, and lower spray nozzles 26 a , 26 b , and 26 c , is provided in the machinery chamber 40 , and a temperature sensor 44 to sense the temperature of the washing water is installed in the sump 42 .
- Various channels and a circulation pump 46 to pump the washing water to the channels are provided in the sump 42 , and a drain pump 48 to drain the contaminated washing water to the outside through a drain pipe 52 and a drain valve 50 are provided at one side of the sump 42 .
- FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of a dish washer in accordance with an embodiment.
- the dish washer further includes a water level sensing unit 58 , an input unit 60 , a control unit 62 , a driving unit 64 , and a display unit 68 .
- the water level sensing unit 58 senses the amount (level) of water (washing water) supplied to the washing tub 20 .
- the input unit 60 inputs various washing courses (for example, a standard course and a manual course) and operation data, such as a washing water temperature and the addition of a rinsing mode, to the control unit 62 according to a user's instructions.
- the washing courses include a standard course and a manual course.
- a water supplying mode to supply washing water
- a washing mode to wash dishes by spraying the washing water onto the dishes after the water supplying mode
- a heating mode to heat the washing water to a temperature suitable to wash and rinse before spraying the washing water onto the dishes
- a draining mode to drain the washing water to the outside after the washing mode
- a drying mode to dry the dishes after the washing mode
- the control unit 62 is a microcomputer, for example, to operate the dish washer according to the operation data inputted from the input unit 60 to control the washing, rinsing, and drying modes.
- the control unit 62 sets an amount of the washing water in preliminary modes, including a preliminary washing mode and a preliminary rinsing mode, in which the heater 30 is not operated, to be smaller than an amount of the washing water in main modes, including a main washing mode and a last rinsing mode, in which the heater 30 is operated.
- the amount of the washing water required in each of the respective modes is a first water level (approximately 5 L)
- the above necessary amount (5 L) of the washing water is supplied in each of the main modes, including the main washing mode and the last rinsing mode, and an amount (i.e., 4 L, a second water level) of the washing water that is smaller than the necessary amount of the washing water by approximately 20% is supplied in each of the preliminary modes, i.e., the preliminary washing mode and the preliminary rinsing mode.
- the total amount of the washing water consumed in the entirety of the modes is reduced by approximately 10%.
- the control unit 62 carries out a circulation operation in which only the upper and middle spray nozzles 26 a and 26 b spray the washing water in the preliminary modes, i.e., the preliminary washing mode and the preliminary rinsing mode. Thereby, dishes accommodated in the lower dish basket 22 b are washed out by the washing water sprayed from the middle spray nozzle 26 b and the falling water.
- the driving unit 64 drives the heater 30 , the circulation pump 46 , the drain pump 48 , the drain valve 50 , a water supply valve 66 , etc. according to driving control signals from the control unit 62 .
- the water supply valve 66 controls the supply of the washing water to the inside of the washing tub 20 .
- the display unit 68 displays the operating state and errors of the dish washer according to a display control signal from the control unit 62 .
- FIGS. 3A to 3C are flow charts to illustrate a method of controlling a dish washer in accordance with the present embodiment.
- the operation data selected by the user is inputted to the control unit 62 through the input unit 60 .
- control unit 62 performs washing and rinsing modes according to the operation data inputted from the input unit 60 .
- the control unit 62 determines whether or not the washing course selected by the user is a standard course ( 100 ).
- the control unit 62 When it is determined that the washing course selected by the user is the standard course, the control unit 62 operates the water supply valve 66 through the driving unit 64 , and thus the washing water required in the preliminary washing mode is supplied to the inside of the washing tub 20 ( 102 ). When it is determined that the washing course selected by the user is not the standard course, the procedure returns to operation 100 .
- the water level sensing unit 58 senses the amount of the washing water supplied to the inside of the washing tub 20 in the preliminary washing mode, and determines whether or not the sensed amount reaches the predetermined second water level ( 104 ).
- the amount of the washing water is smaller than the amount of the washing water required in the main washing mode by approximately 20%, for example, approximately 4 L.
- the washing water is continuously supplied to the inside of the washing tub 20 until the sensed amount reaches the predetermined second water level, and when it is determined that the sensed amount reaches the second water level, the control unit 62 switches off the water supply valve 66 , and thus the supply of the washing water is stopped ( 106 ).
- the washing water supplied to the inside of the washing tub 20 is collected in the sump 42 provided under the washing tub 20 , and is transferred to the upper spray nozzle 26 a and the middle spray nozzle 26 b through the first supply pipe 28 a by the pumping action of the circulation pump 46 in the sump 42 . Then, the upper and middle spray nozzles 26 a and 26 b spray the washing water onto the dishes having contaminants stuck thereto that are accommodated in the dish baskets 22 a and 22 b at a high pressure. Thereby, the preliminary washing mode to moisten the dishes and expand the contaminants stuck to the dishes is performed ( 108 ).
- the lower spray nozzle 26 c is not operated and only the upper and middle spray nozzles 26 a and 26 b spray the washing water, since the area ratio of the spray holes of the middle and lower nozzles 26 b and 26 c is approximately 1.5:1, the dishes accommodated in the lower dish baskets 22 b are sufficiently moistened by the washing water sprayed through the middle spray nozzle 26 b and the falling water.
- the control unit 62 measures a time, and determines whether or not a predetermined preliminary washing time, approximately 15 minutes, for example has elapsed, i.e., whether or not the preliminary washing mode has been completed ( 110 ). When it is determined that the preliminary washing mode has not been completed, the procedure returns to operation 108 , and the preliminary washing mode is continuously carried out until the preliminary washing time has elapsed.
- the control unit 62 drains the washing water containing the contaminants through the drain pipe 52 by the operations of the drain pump 48 and the drain valve 50 ( 112 ).
- control unit 62 operates the water supply valve 66 to carry out the main washing mode after the preliminary washing mode, and thus the washing water required in the main washing mode is supplied to the inside of the washing tub 20 ( 114 ).
- the water level sensing unit 58 senses the amount of the washing water supplied to the inside of the washing tub 20 in the main washing mode, and determines whether or not the sensed amount reaches the predetermined first water level, which is the amount of the washing water required in the main washing mode, i.e., approximately 5 L ( 116 ).
- the procedure returns to operation 114 , and the washing water is continuously supplied to the inside of the washing tub 20 until the sensed amount reaches the predetermined first water level, and when it is determined that the sensed amount reaches the predetermined first water level, the control unit 62 switches off the water supply valve 66 so that the supply of the washing water is stopped ( 118 ).
- the washing water supplied to the inside of the washing tub 20 is collected in the sump 42 provided under the washing tub 20 in the same manner as the preliminary washing mode, and the washing water collected in the sump 42 is heated to a predetermined temperature (approximately 50°) by the heater 30 ( 120 ), and simultaneously a detergent is put into the washing tub 20 through a detergent supply device (not shown).
- the warm washing water, having a temperature of approximately 50°, containing the detergent is transferred to the upper, middle, and lower spray nozzles 26 a , 26 b , and 26 c through the first and second supply pipes 28 a and 28 b by the pumping action of the circulation pump 46 in the sump 42 .
- the upper, middle, and lower spray nozzles 26 a , 26 b , and 26 c spray the washing water onto the dishes accommodated in the dish baskets 22 a and 22 b at a high pressure.
- the main washing mode to remove the contaminants from the dishes is performed ( 122 ).
- all of the upper, middle, and lower spray nozzles 26 a , 26 b , and 26 c spray the washing water so that the washing water is sprayed to the dishes to effectively remove the contaminants from the dishes.
- the supply of the washing water is carried out so that the amount of the washing water is not less than the predetermined low water level.
- the control unit 62 measures a time, and determines whether or not a predetermined main washing time, approximately 30 minutes, for example, has elapsed, i.e., whether or not the main washing mode has been completed ( 124 ). When it is determined that the main washing mode has not been completed, the procedure returns to operation 122 , and the main washing mode is continuously carried out until the main washing time has elapsed.
- the control unit 62 drains the washing water containing the contaminants through the drain pipe 52 by the operations of the drain pump 48 and the drain valve 50 ( 126 ).
- control unit 62 operates the water supply valve 66 to carry out the preliminary rinsing mode after the main washing mode, and thus the washing water (specifically, rinsing water) required in the preliminary rinsing mode is supplied to the inside of the washing tub 20 ( 128 ).
- the water level sensing unit 58 senses the amount of the washing water (rinsing water) supplied to the inside of the washing tub 20 in the preliminary rinsing mode, and determines whether or not the sensed amount reaches the predetermined second water level ( 130 ).
- the amount of the washing water is smaller than the amount of the washing water required in the main rinsing mode by approximately 20%, i.e., approximately 4 L.
- the procedure returns to operation 128 , and the washing water (rinsing water) is continuously supplied to the inside of the washing tub 20 until the sensed amount reaches the predetermined second water level.
- the control unit 62 switches off the water supply valve 66 , and thus the supply of the washing water (rinsing water) is stopped ( 132 ).
- the washing water (rinsing water) supplied to the inside of the washing tub 20 is collected in the sump 42 in the same manner as the preliminary washing mode and the main washing mode, and is transferred to the upper spray nozzle 26 a and the middle spray nozzle 26 b through the first supply pipe 28 a by the pumping action of the circulation pump 46 in the sump 42 . Then, the upper spray and middle spray nozzles 26 a and 26 b spray the washing water widely onto the dishes at a high pressure. Thereby, the preliminary rinsing mode to wash off the contaminants and the detergent fallen by the main washing mode is performed ( 134 ).
- the lower spray nozzle 26 c is not operated and only the upper and middle spray nozzles 26 a and 26 b spray the washing water, since the area ratio of the spray holes of the middle and lower nozzles 26 b and 26 c is approximately 1.5:1, the dishes accommodated in the lower dish baskets 22 b are sufficiently rinsed by the washing water sprayed through the middle spray nozzle 26 b and the falling water.
- the control unit 62 measures a time, and determines whether or not a predetermined preliminary rinsing time, approximately 5 minutes, for example, has elapsed, i.e., whether or not the preliminary rinsing mode has been completed ( 136 ). When it is determined that the preliminary rinsing mode has not been completed, the procedure returns to operation 134 , and the preliminary rinsing mode is continuously carried out until the preliminary rinsing time has elapsed.
- the control unit 62 drains the washing water (rinsing water) containing the contaminants and the detergent through the drain pipe 52 by the operations of the drain pump 48 and the drain valve 50 ( 138 ).
- control unit 62 operates the water supply valve 66 to carry out the last rinsing mode after the preliminary rinsing mode, and thus the washing water (rinsing water) required in the last rinsing mode is supplied to the inside of the washing tub 20 ( 140 ).
- the water level sensing unit 58 senses the amount of the washing water (rinsing water) supplied to the inside of the washing tub 20 in the last rinsing mode, and determines whether or not the sensed amount reaches the predetermined first water level, which is the amount of the washing water required in the main rinsing mode, i.e., approximately 5 L, for example ( 142 ).
- the procedure returns to operation 140 , and the washing water (rinsing water) is continuously supplied to the inside of the washing tub 20 until the sensed amount reaches the predetermined first water level.
- the control unit 62 stops the supply of the washing water (rinsing water) ( 144 ).
- the washing water (rinsing water) supplied to the inside of the washing tub 20 is collected in the sump 42 in the same manner as in the preliminary rinsing mode, the washing water (rinsing water) collected in the sump 42 is heated to a predetermined temperature (approximately 65°) by the heater 30 ( 146 ), and simultaneously a fabric softener is put into the washing tub 20 through a softener supply device (not shown).
- the warm washing water having a temperature of approximately 60°, for example, containing the fabric softener is transferred to the upper, middle, and lower spray nozzle 26 a , 26 b , and 26 c through the first and second supply pipes 28 a and 28 b by the pumping action of the circulation pump 46 .
- the upper, middle, and lower spray nozzles 26 a , 26 b , and 26 c spray the washing water (rinsing water) onto the dishes accommodated in the dish baskets 22 a and 22 b at a high pressure.
- the last rinsing mode to remove fine particles of the contaminants from the dishes is performed ( 148 ).
- all of the upper, middle, and lower spray nozzles 26 a , 26 b , and 26 c spray the washing water (rinsing water) so that the washing water is sprayed to the dishes to effectively remove the fine particles of the contaminants from the dishes.
- the supply of the washing water (rinsing water) is carried out so that the amount of the washing water (rinsing water) is not less than the predetermined low water level.
- the control unit 62 measures a time, and determines whether or not a predetermined last rinsing time, approximately 30 minutes, for example, has elapsed, i.e., whether or not the last rinsing mode has been completed ( 150 ). When it is determined that the last rinsing mode has not been completed, the procedure returns to operation 148 , and the last rinsing mode is continuously carried out until the last rinsing time has elapsed.
- the control unit 62 drains the washing water (rinsing water) containing the contaminants through the drain pipe 52 by the operations of the drain pump 48 and the drain valve 50 ( 152 ).
- the total amount of the washing water consumed in the standard course of the method of the present embodiment is 18 L, i.e., the sum of 4 L in the preliminary washing mode, 5 L in the main washing mode, 4 L in the preliminary rinsing mode, and 5 L in the last rinsing mode.
- the increased area of the spray holes of the middle spray nozzle 26 b prevents an increase of a washing time and a deterioration of a washing efficiency due to the reduction of the amount of the washing water consumed.
- the operation of the lower spray nozzle 26 c is decreased, and thus, when the dish washer is used for a long period of time, the maintenance of electric field products is easily achieved.
- the present embodiment provides a dish washer and a method of controlling the same, in which the amount of water consumed is reduced and a washing time is maintained while assuring a washing performance.
- the area ratio of spray holes of upper, middle, and lower nozzles is converted such that the amount of water sprayed from the middle nozzle is maximized, so as to increase the washing performance. Moreover, the amount of water consumed in preliminary modes carried out prior to main modes is decreased, so as to reduce the amount of water required in the entirety of the modes.
Landscapes
- Washing And Drying Of Tableware (AREA)
Abstract
Disclosed are a dish washer and a method of controlling the same, in which the amount of water consumed is reduced and a washing time is maintained while assuring a washing performance. The dish washer includes a washing tub; dish baskets provided in the washing tub to accommodate dishes; and a plurality of nozzles to spray washing water to the dish baskets, where spray holes to spray the washing water are formed through each of the plurality of nozzles, and the spray holes formed through the plurality of nozzles have areas different from one another.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 2007-0030566, filed Mar. 28, 2007, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- 1. Field
- The present invention relates to a dish washer and a method of controlling the same, and more particularly, to a dish washer and a method of controlling the same, in which the amount of water consumed is reduced while assuring a washing performance.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- Generally, dish washers are apparatuses that wash out contaminants (i.e., food waste, etc.) stuck to dishes by spraying cold or warm washing water at a high pressure onto the dishes. Korean Patent Laid-open Publication No. 10-2005-0105721 discloses a dish washer.
- The dish washer disclosed in the above Publication includes a washing tub to wash dishes supplied thereinto, a plurality of dish baskets provided in multiple stages in the washing tub to receive the dishes, spray nozzles provided above and below the plurality of dish baskets to spray washing water, and a sump connected to the spray nozzles to pump the washing water to the spray nozzles.
- In the above dish washer, when washing water is supplied to an inside of the washing tub under the condition that dishes to be washed are put in the dish baskets, a circulation pump in the sump is operated to supply the washing water to the spray nozzles, thus washing the dishes by the high injection pressure of the washing water. This washing process, including washing and rinsing steps, is divided into main modes, including a main washing mode and a last rinsing mode, and preliminary modes, including a preliminary washing mode and a preliminary rinsing mode, and the modes are repeated four to six times according to courses. The temperature of the washing water and the time of each of the modes are determined according to the courses.
- In the dish washer, an amount of the washing water required to operate the circulation pump, which is needed by the spray nozzles, is supplied in each of the modes. In the case that the amount of the washing water required in each of the modes is 5 L, as the total number of the main modes and the preliminary modes in a standard course is four, thus 20 L of the washing water is required. A criterion to calculate the energy required in the dish washer is the sum of the electric energy consumed by electric field products, such as the circulation pump, a heater, etc., during the course and the heat energy of temperature conversion efficiency in proportion to the amount of the washing water consumed. Accordingly, in order to reduce the energy, it is important to reduce the amount of the washing water consumed.
- In order to reduce the amount of the washing water consumed for the purpose of energy saving, a method in which a small-sized circulation pump and the number of spray holes of spray nozzles are reduced was proposed. However, this method has several problems, such as the deterioration of the washing performance of the dish washer due to the increase of a portion of the inside of a dish washer, to which the washing water is not sprayed, and the increase in washing time to obtain a desired washing performance of the dish washer.
- Therefore, one aspect of the embodiment is to provide a dish washer and a method of controlling the same, in which the amount of water consumed is reduced and a washing time is maintained while assuring a washing performance.
- Another aspect of the embodiment is to provide a dish washer and a method of controlling the same, in which an area ratio of spray holes of upper, middle, and lower nozzles is converted such that the amount of water sprayed from the middle nozzle is maximized, so as to increase a washing performance.
- Yet another aspect of the embodiment is to provide a dish washer and a method of controlling the same, in which the amount of water consumed in preliminary modes carried out prior to main modes is decreased, to decrease the amount of water required in the entirety of the modes.
- Additional aspects and/or advantages will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.
- The foregoing and/or other aspects are achieved by providing a dish washer including a washing tub; dish baskets provided in the washing tub to accommodate dishes; and a plurality of nozzles to spray washing water to the dish baskets, each of the nozzles having spray holes to spray the washing water formed through each of the nozzles, the spray holes formed through the plurality of nozzles being size differently from one another and thus having areas different from one another for each of the nozzles.
- The plurality of nozzles may include upper and lower nozzles installed above and below the dish baskets and a middle nozzle installed between the dish baskets, and the spray holes formed through the middle nozzle may have an area larger than an area of the spray holes formed through the lower nozzle so that an amount of the washing water sprayed from the middle nozzle is larger than an amount of the washing water sprayed from the lower nozzle.
- The middle nozzle may have a first set of spray holes to spray the washing water upwardly from the middle nozzle and a second set of spray holes to spray the washing water downwardly from the middle nozzle formed there through.
- The dish washer may further include a control unit to control a flow of the washing water supplied to the upper, middle, and lower nozzles, the control unit setting an amount of the washing water in at least one mode out of a plurality of modes of washing the dishes with the washing water to be smaller than an amount of the washing water in other modes of the plurality of modes.
- The at least one mode may be a preliminary washing mode or a preliminary rinsing mode.
- The dish washer may further include a circulation pump to circulate the washing water in the washing tub to guide the washing water to the upper, middle, and lower nozzles, and the control unit may control the upper and middle nozzles to spray the washing water by an operation of the circulation pump in the preliminary washing mode or the preliminary rinsing mode.
- A nozzle area ratio of the middle nozzle to the lower nozzle is 1.5 to 1.
- The foregoing and/or other aspects are achieved by providing a method of controlling a dish washer having a washing tub, dish baskets provided in the washing tub to accommodate dishes, a plurality of nozzles to spray washing water to the dish baskets, and a heater to heat the washing water, the method including supplying an amount of the washing water in at least one mode out of a plurality of modes of washing the dishes with the washing water less than an amount of the washing water supplied in other modes of the plurality of modes.
- The at least one mode may be a mode in which the heater is not operated.
- The mode in which the heater is not operated may be a preliminary washing mode or a preliminary rinsing mode.
- The supply of the washing water may be controlled such that a level of the washing water in the washing tub is sensed, and when the sensed level is less than a predetermined low water level during an operation of the heater, the washing water is supplied to the washing tub.
- The foregoing and/or other aspects are achieved by providing a method of controlling a dish washer having upper, middle and lower nozzles and a heater, including supplying washing water only through the upper and middle nozzles in a modes in which the heater is not operated, an amount of the water supplied through the middle nozzle being greater than an amount of the water supplied through the upper and lower nozzles.
- The washing water may be supplied through only the upper and middle nozzles in a preliminary washing mode or a preliminary rinsing mode, the preliminary washing mode and the preliminary rinsing modes being modes prior to a main washing mode and a main rinsing mode, respectively.
- The foregoing and/or other aspects are achieved by providing a dishwasher, including: a plurality of nozzles including at least a middle nozzle, the middle nozzle being provided at a middle portion of the dishwasher, the middle nozzle having a water supplying capacity greater than that of a water supplying capacity of other nozzles of the plurality of nozzles.
- The middle nozzle may have a plurality of spray holes formed there through having a larger area than an area of a plurality of spray holes formed through the other nozzles.
- The plurality of nozzles may include an upper nozzle provided at an upper portion of the dishwasher, the middle nozzle supplying the water only with the upper nozzle in a preliminary washing mode or a preliminary rinsing mode, the preliminary washing and rinsing modes being modes prior to a main washing mode and a main rinsing mode, respectively.
- The foregoing and/or other aspects are achieved by providing a method of controlling a dishwasher having upper, middle and lower nozzles and a heater, the method including: supplying water through only the upper and middle nozzles in a preliminary washing mode or a preliminary rinsing mode, the preliminary washing and rinsing modes being modes prior to a main washing mode and a main rinsing mode, respectively; and supplying water through all of the upper, middle and lower nozzles in the main washing mode and a main rinsing mode.
- These and/or other aspects and advantages will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a dish washer in accordance with the present embodiment; -
FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of a dish washer in accordance with an embodiment; and -
FIGS. 3A to 3C are flow charts to illustrate a method of controlling a dish washer in accordance with the present embodiment. - Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiment, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. The embodiment is described below to explain the present invention by referring to the annexed drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a dish washer in accordance with the present embodiment. - In
FIG. 1 , the dish washer of the present embodiment includes amain body 10 having a washing space formed therein, and adoor 12 to open and close the front surface of themain body 10. Themain body 10 and thedoor 12 form the external appearance of the dish washer. - A
washing tub 20 is provided in themain body 10. In thewashing tub 20, upper andlower dish baskets lower dish baskets lower spray nozzles dish baskets - The upper and
middle spray nozzles sump 42, which will be described later, by afirst supply pipe 28 a, and thelower spray nozzle 26 c is connected to thesump 42 by thesecond supply pipe 28 b. Thereby, the washing water is supplied from thesump 42 to the upper, middle, andlower spray nozzles - Here, the washing water supplied to the upper and
middle spray nozzles first supply pipe 28 a and the washing water supplied to thelower spray nozzle 26 c through thesecond supply pipe 28 b are independently sprayed by an operation of the upper andmiddle spray nozzles lower spray nozzle 26 c. For this reason, a separated water flow converting device is provided, or valves are respectively provided in the first andsecond supply pipes - The upper, middle, and
lower spray nozzles lower spray nozzles middle spray nozzle 26 b. That is, the amount of the washing water sprayed from themiddle spray nozzle 26 b is larger than the amount of the washing water sprayed from thelower spray nozzle 26 c, and thus it is possible to sufficiently carry out the preliminary washing and preliminary rinsing of dishes accommodated in thelower dish basket 22 b with the washing water sprayed downwardly from themiddle spray nozzle 26 b and the falling water. - The
middle spray nozzle 26 b is provided with a plurality of spray holes to upwardly spray the washing water and a plurality of spray holes to downwardly spray the washing water, thereby simultaneously spraying the washing water upwardly and downwardly. - A
heater 30 to heat the washing water is provided on the bottom of thewashing tub 20. Theheater 30 is seated in aheater mounting groove 32 formed in the bottom of thewashing tub 20. - A
machinery chamber 40 is prepared under thewashing tub 20. Thesump 42, which collects and pumps the washing water supplied to the inside of thewashing tub 20 to transfer the washing water to the upper, middle, andlower spray nozzles machinery chamber 40, and atemperature sensor 44 to sense the temperature of the washing water is installed in thesump 42. - Various channels and a
circulation pump 46 to pump the washing water to the channels are provided in thesump 42, and adrain pump 48 to drain the contaminated washing water to the outside through adrain pipe 52 and adrain valve 50 are provided at one side of thesump 42. -
FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of a dish washer in accordance with an embodiment. In addition to the components, which are shown inFIG. 1 , the dish washer further includes a waterlevel sensing unit 58, aninput unit 60, acontrol unit 62, a drivingunit 64, and adisplay unit 68. - The water
level sensing unit 58 senses the amount (level) of water (washing water) supplied to thewashing tub 20. Theinput unit 60 inputs various washing courses (for example, a standard course and a manual course) and operation data, such as a washing water temperature and the addition of a rinsing mode, to thecontrol unit 62 according to a user's instructions. - The washing courses include a standard course and a manual course. In the standard course, a water supplying mode to supply washing water, a washing mode to wash dishes by spraying the washing water onto the dishes after the water supplying mode, a heating mode to heat the washing water to a temperature suitable to wash and rinse before spraying the washing water onto the dishes, a draining mode to drain the washing water to the outside after the washing mode, and a drying mode to dry the dishes after the washing mode are sequentially operated. Further, in the manual course, the respective modes, which are selected according to conditions, are operated.
- The
control unit 62 is a microcomputer, for example, to operate the dish washer according to the operation data inputted from theinput unit 60 to control the washing, rinsing, and drying modes. Thecontrol unit 62 sets an amount of the washing water in preliminary modes, including a preliminary washing mode and a preliminary rinsing mode, in which theheater 30 is not operated, to be smaller than an amount of the washing water in main modes, including a main washing mode and a last rinsing mode, in which theheater 30 is operated. For example, in the standard course, in the case that the amount of the washing water required in each of the respective modes is a first water level (approximately 5 L), the above necessary amount (5 L) of the washing water is supplied in each of the main modes, including the main washing mode and the last rinsing mode, and an amount (i.e., 4 L, a second water level) of the washing water that is smaller than the necessary amount of the washing water by approximately 20% is supplied in each of the preliminary modes, i.e., the preliminary washing mode and the preliminary rinsing mode. Thereby, the total amount of the washing water consumed in the entirety of the modes is reduced by approximately 10%. - In order to assure the washing performance of the dish washer, which may be deteriorated due to the reduction of the amount of the washing water consumed, the
control unit 62 carries out a circulation operation in which only the upper andmiddle spray nozzles lower dish basket 22 b are washed out by the washing water sprayed from themiddle spray nozzle 26 b and the falling water. - The driving
unit 64 drives theheater 30, thecirculation pump 46, thedrain pump 48, thedrain valve 50, awater supply valve 66, etc. according to driving control signals from thecontrol unit 62. Thewater supply valve 66 controls the supply of the washing water to the inside of thewashing tub 20. - The
display unit 68 displays the operating state and errors of the dish washer according to a display control signal from thecontrol unit 62. - Hereinafter, the operation and effects of the above dish washer and a method of controlling the same will be described.
-
FIGS. 3A to 3C are flow charts to illustrate a method of controlling a dish washer in accordance with the present embodiment. - When a user selects a washing course (for example, the standard course) and desired operation data under the condition that dishes to be washed are accommodated in the
dish baskets washing tub 20, the operation data selected by the user is inputted to thecontrol unit 62 through theinput unit 60. - Thus, the
control unit 62 performs washing and rinsing modes according to the operation data inputted from theinput unit 60. First, thecontrol unit 62 determines whether or not the washing course selected by the user is a standard course (100). - When it is determined that the washing course selected by the user is the standard course, the
control unit 62 operates thewater supply valve 66 through the drivingunit 64, and thus the washing water required in the preliminary washing mode is supplied to the inside of the washing tub 20 (102). When it is determined that the washing course selected by the user is not the standard course, the procedure returns tooperation 100. - Thereafter, the water
level sensing unit 58 senses the amount of the washing water supplied to the inside of thewashing tub 20 in the preliminary washing mode, and determines whether or not the sensed amount reaches the predetermined second water level (104). The amount of the washing water is smaller than the amount of the washing water required in the main washing mode by approximately 20%, for example, approximately 4 L. - When it is determined that the sensed amount does not reach the second water level, the washing water is continuously supplied to the inside of the
washing tub 20 until the sensed amount reaches the predetermined second water level, and when it is determined that the sensed amount reaches the second water level, thecontrol unit 62 switches off thewater supply valve 66, and thus the supply of the washing water is stopped (106). - The washing water supplied to the inside of the
washing tub 20 is collected in thesump 42 provided under thewashing tub 20, and is transferred to theupper spray nozzle 26 a and themiddle spray nozzle 26 b through thefirst supply pipe 28 a by the pumping action of thecirculation pump 46 in thesump 42. Then, the upper andmiddle spray nozzles dish baskets - In the preliminary washing mode, although the
lower spray nozzle 26 c is not operated and only the upper andmiddle spray nozzles lower nozzles lower dish baskets 22 b are sufficiently moistened by the washing water sprayed through themiddle spray nozzle 26 b and the falling water. - When the preliminary washing mode is carried out, the
control unit 62 measures a time, and determines whether or not a predetermined preliminary washing time, approximately 15 minutes, for example has elapsed, i.e., whether or not the preliminary washing mode has been completed (110). When it is determined that the preliminary washing mode has not been completed, the procedure returns tooperation 108, and the preliminary washing mode is continuously carried out until the preliminary washing time has elapsed. - As a result of the above determination, when it is determined that the preliminary washing mode has been completed, since the contaminants stuck to the dishes as well as the washing water are collected in the
sump 42, thecontrol unit 62 drains the washing water containing the contaminants through thedrain pipe 52 by the operations of thedrain pump 48 and the drain valve 50 (112). - Thereafter, the
control unit 62 operates thewater supply valve 66 to carry out the main washing mode after the preliminary washing mode, and thus the washing water required in the main washing mode is supplied to the inside of the washing tub 20 (114). - The water
level sensing unit 58 senses the amount of the washing water supplied to the inside of thewashing tub 20 in the main washing mode, and determines whether or not the sensed amount reaches the predetermined first water level, which is the amount of the washing water required in the main washing mode, i.e., approximately 5 L (116). - When it is determined that the sensed amount does not reach the first water level, the procedure returns to
operation 114, and the washing water is continuously supplied to the inside of thewashing tub 20 until the sensed amount reaches the predetermined first water level, and when it is determined that the sensed amount reaches the predetermined first water level, thecontrol unit 62 switches off thewater supply valve 66 so that the supply of the washing water is stopped (118). - The washing water supplied to the inside of the
washing tub 20 is collected in thesump 42 provided under thewashing tub 20 in the same manner as the preliminary washing mode, and the washing water collected in thesump 42 is heated to a predetermined temperature (approximately 50°) by the heater 30 (120), and simultaneously a detergent is put into thewashing tub 20 through a detergent supply device (not shown). - Then, the warm washing water, having a temperature of approximately 50°, containing the detergent is transferred to the upper, middle, and
lower spray nozzles second supply pipes circulation pump 46 in thesump 42. Then, the upper, middle, andlower spray nozzles dish baskets - In the main washing mode, all of the upper, middle, and
lower spray nozzles - Further, in the main washing mode, when the sensed amount of the washing water becomes less than a predetermined low water level during the operation of the
heater 30, the supply of the washing water is carried out so that the amount of the washing water is not less than the predetermined low water level. - When the main washing mode is carried out, the
control unit 62 measures a time, and determines whether or not a predetermined main washing time, approximately 30 minutes, for example, has elapsed, i.e., whether or not the main washing mode has been completed (124). When it is determined that the main washing mode has not been completed, the procedure returns tooperation 122, and the main washing mode is continuously carried out until the main washing time has elapsed. - As a result of the above determination, when it is determined that the main washing mode has been completed in the same manner as the preliminary washing mode, since the contaminants stuck to the dishes as well as the washing water are collected in the
sump 42, thecontrol unit 62 drains the washing water containing the contaminants through thedrain pipe 52 by the operations of thedrain pump 48 and the drain valve 50 (126). - Thereafter, the
control unit 62 operates thewater supply valve 66 to carry out the preliminary rinsing mode after the main washing mode, and thus the washing water (specifically, rinsing water) required in the preliminary rinsing mode is supplied to the inside of the washing tub 20 (128). - The water
level sensing unit 58 senses the amount of the washing water (rinsing water) supplied to the inside of thewashing tub 20 in the preliminary rinsing mode, and determines whether or not the sensed amount reaches the predetermined second water level (130). The amount of the washing water is smaller than the amount of the washing water required in the main rinsing mode by approximately 20%, i.e., approximately 4 L. - When it is determined that the sensed amount does not reach the second water level, the procedure returns to
operation 128, and the washing water (rinsing water) is continuously supplied to the inside of thewashing tub 20 until the sensed amount reaches the predetermined second water level. When it is determined that the sensed amount reaches the predetermined second water level, thecontrol unit 62 switches off thewater supply valve 66, and thus the supply of the washing water (rinsing water) is stopped (132). - The washing water (rinsing water) supplied to the inside of the
washing tub 20 is collected in thesump 42 in the same manner as the preliminary washing mode and the main washing mode, and is transferred to theupper spray nozzle 26 a and themiddle spray nozzle 26 b through thefirst supply pipe 28 a by the pumping action of thecirculation pump 46 in thesump 42. Then, the upper spray andmiddle spray nozzles - In the preliminary rinsing mode, although the
lower spray nozzle 26 c is not operated and only the upper andmiddle spray nozzles lower nozzles lower dish baskets 22 b are sufficiently rinsed by the washing water sprayed through themiddle spray nozzle 26 b and the falling water. - When the preliminary rinsing mode is carried out, the
control unit 62 measures a time, and determines whether or not a predetermined preliminary rinsing time, approximately 5 minutes, for example, has elapsed, i.e., whether or not the preliminary rinsing mode has been completed (136). When it is determined that the preliminary rinsing mode has not been completed, the procedure returns tooperation 134, and the preliminary rinsing mode is continuously carried out until the preliminary rinsing time has elapsed. - As a result of the above determination, when it is determined that the preliminary rinsing mode has been completed, since the contaminants and the detergent washed off by the washing water (rinsing water), as well as the washing water (rinsing water) are collected in the
sump 42, thecontrol unit 62 drains the washing water (rinsing water) containing the contaminants and the detergent through thedrain pipe 52 by the operations of thedrain pump 48 and the drain valve 50 (138). - Thereafter, the
control unit 62 operates thewater supply valve 66 to carry out the last rinsing mode after the preliminary rinsing mode, and thus the washing water (rinsing water) required in the last rinsing mode is supplied to the inside of the washing tub 20 (140). - The water
level sensing unit 58 senses the amount of the washing water (rinsing water) supplied to the inside of thewashing tub 20 in the last rinsing mode, and determines whether or not the sensed amount reaches the predetermined first water level, which is the amount of the washing water required in the main rinsing mode, i.e., approximately 5 L, for example (142). - When it is determined that the sensed amount does not reach the first water level, the procedure returns to
operation 140, and the washing water (rinsing water) is continuously supplied to the inside of thewashing tub 20 until the sensed amount reaches the predetermined first water level. When it is determined that the sensed amount reaches the first water level, thecontrol unit 62 stops the supply of the washing water (rinsing water) (144). - The washing water (rinsing water) supplied to the inside of the
washing tub 20 is collected in thesump 42 in the same manner as in the preliminary rinsing mode, the washing water (rinsing water) collected in thesump 42 is heated to a predetermined temperature (approximately 65°) by the heater 30 (146), and simultaneously a fabric softener is put into thewashing tub 20 through a softener supply device (not shown). - The warm washing water, having a temperature of approximately 60°, for example, containing the fabric softener is transferred to the upper, middle, and
lower spray nozzle second supply pipes circulation pump 46. Then, the upper, middle, andlower spray nozzles dish baskets - In the last rinsing mode, all of the upper, middle, and
lower spray nozzles - Further, in the last rinsing mode, when the sensed amount of the washing water (rinsing water) becomes less than a predetermined low water level during the operation of the
heater 30, the supply of the washing water (rinsing water) is carried out so that the amount of the washing water (rinsing water) is not less than the predetermined low water level. - When the last rinsing mode is carried out, the
control unit 62 measures a time, and determines whether or not a predetermined last rinsing time, approximately 30 minutes, for example, has elapsed, i.e., whether or not the last rinsing mode has been completed (150). When it is determined that the last rinsing mode has not been completed, the procedure returns tooperation 148, and the last rinsing mode is continuously carried out until the last rinsing time has elapsed. - As a result of the above determination, when it is determined that the last rinsing mode has been completed, since the contaminants stuck to the dishes as well as the washing water (rinsing water) are collected in the
sump 42 in the same manner as in the preliminary rinsing mode, thecontrol unit 62 drains the washing water (rinsing water) containing the contaminants through thedrain pipe 52 by the operations of thedrain pump 48 and the drain valve 50 (152). - Consequently, the total amount of the washing water consumed in the standard course of the method of the present embodiment is 18 L, i.e., the sum of 4 L in the preliminary washing mode, 5 L in the main washing mode, 4 L in the preliminary rinsing mode, and 5 L in the last rinsing mode. Thus, the amount of the washing water in the standard course of the method of the present embodiment is reduced by approximately 10% compared with the amount of the washing water (5 L×4=20 L) in the standard course of the conventional method. Further, the increased area of the spray holes of the
middle spray nozzle 26 b prevents an increase of a washing time and a deterioration of a washing efficiency due to the reduction of the amount of the washing water consumed. Moreover, the operation of thelower spray nozzle 26 c is decreased, and thus, when the dish washer is used for a long period of time, the maintenance of electric field products is easily achieved. - As apparent from the above description, the present embodiment provides a dish washer and a method of controlling the same, in which the amount of water consumed is reduced and a washing time is maintained while assuring a washing performance.
- Further, the area ratio of spray holes of upper, middle, and lower nozzles is converted such that the amount of water sprayed from the middle nozzle is maximized, so as to increase the washing performance. Moreover, the amount of water consumed in preliminary modes carried out prior to main modes is decreased, so as to reduce the amount of water required in the entirety of the modes.
- Although an embodiment has been shown and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in this embodiment without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.
Claims (17)
1. A dish washer, comprising:
a washing tub;
dish baskets provided in the washing tub to accommodate dishes; and
a plurality of nozzles spraying washing water to the dish baskets, each of the nozzles having spray holes spraying the washing water formed through each of the nozzles, the spray holes being sized differently from one another for each of the nozzles.
2. The dish washer according to claim 1 , wherein:
the plurality of nozzles includes upper and lower nozzles installed above and below the dish baskets and a middle nozzle installed between the dish baskets; and
the spray holes formed through the middle nozzle have an area larger than an area of the spray holes formed through the lower nozzle so that an amount of the washing water sprayed from the middle nozzle is larger than an amount of the washing water sprayed from the lower nozzle.
3. The dish washer according to claim 2 , wherein the middle nozzle has a first set of spray holes to spray the washing water upwardly from the middle nozzle and a second set of spray holes to spray the washing water downwardly from the middle nozzle formed there through.
4. The dish washer according to claim 2 , further comprising a control unit to control a flow of the washing water supplied to the upper, middle, and lower nozzles, the control unit setting an amount of the washing water in at least one mode out of a plurality of modes of washing the dishes with the washing water to be smaller than an amount of the washing water in other modes of the plurality of modes.
5. The dish washer according to claim 4 , wherein the at least one mode is a preliminary washing mode or a preliminary rinsing mode.
6. The dish washer according to claim 5 , further comprising a circulation pump to circulate the washing water in the washing tub to guide the washing water to the upper, middle, and lower nozzles,
wherein the control unit controls the upper and middle nozzles to spray the washing water by an operation of the circulation pump in the preliminary washing mode or the preliminary rinsing mode.
7. A method of controlling a dish washer having a washing tub, dish baskets provided in the washing tub to accommodate dishes, a plurality of nozzles to spray washing water to the dish baskets, and a heater to heat the washing water, the method comprising:
supplying an amount of the washing water in at least one mode out of a plurality of modes of washing the dishes with the washing water less than an amount of the washing water supplied in other modes of the plurality of modes.
8. The method according to claim 7 , wherein the at least one mode is a mode in which the heater is not operated.
9. The method according to claim 8 , wherein the mode in which the heater is not operated is a preliminary washing mode or a preliminary rinsing mode.
10. The method according to claim 7 , wherein the supply of the washing water is controlled such that a level of the washing water in the washing tub is sensed, and when the sensed level is less than a predetermined low water level during an operation of the heater, the washing water is supplied to the washing tub.
11. The dish washer according to claim 2 , wherein a nozzle area ratio of the middle nozzle to the lower nozzle is 1.5 to 1.
12. A method of controlling a dish washer having upper, middle and lower nozzles and a heater, comprising:
supplying washing water only through the upper and middle nozzles in a mode in which the heater is not operated, an amount of the water supplied through the middle nozzle being greater than an amount of the water supplied through the upper and lower nozzles.
13. The method according to claim 12 , wherein the washing water is supplied through only the upper and middle nozzles in a preliminary washing mode or a preliminary rinsing mode, the preliminary washing mode and the preliminary rinsing modes being modes prior to a main washing mode and a main rinsing mode, respectively.
14. A dishwasher, comprising:
a plurality of nozzles including at least a middle nozzle, the middle nozzle being provided at a middle portion of the dishwasher, the middle nozzle having a water supplying capacity greater than that of a water supplying capacity of other nozzles of the plurality of nozzles.
15. The dishwasher according to claim 14 , wherein the middle nozzle has a plurality of spray holes formed there through having a larger area than an area of a plurality of spray holes formed through the other nozzles.
16. The dishwasher according to claim 14 , wherein the plurality of nozzles includes an upper nozzle provided at an upper portion of the dishwasher, the middle nozzle supplying the water only with the upper nozzle in a preliminary washing mode or a preliminary rinsing mode, the preliminary washing and rinsing modes being modes prior to a main washing mode and a main rinsing mode, respectively.
17. A method of controlling a dishwasher having upper, middle and lower nozzles and a heater, the method comprising:
supplying water through only the upper and middle nozzles in a preliminary washing mode or a preliminary rinsing mode, the preliminary washing and rinsing modes being modes prior to a main washing mode and a main rinsing mode, respectively; and
supplying water through all of the upper, middle and lower nozzles in the main washing mode and a main rinsing mode.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
KR10-2007-0030566 | 2007-03-28 | ||
KR1020070030566A KR20080088122A (en) | 2007-03-28 | 2007-03-28 | A dish washing machine and control method thereof |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20080236630A1 true US20080236630A1 (en) | 2008-10-02 |
Family
ID=39792189
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/007,124 Abandoned US20080236630A1 (en) | 2007-03-28 | 2008-01-07 | Dish washer and method of controlling the same |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20080236630A1 (en) |
KR (1) | KR20080088122A (en) |
CN (1) | CN101273871A (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2522267A1 (en) * | 2011-05-09 | 2012-11-14 | FagorBrandt SAS | Method for cleaning crockery in a dishwashing machine |
US20130152974A1 (en) * | 2011-12-19 | 2013-06-20 | Jongmin Lee | Control method for a dishwasher |
CN103799936A (en) * | 2012-11-01 | 2014-05-21 | 松下电器产业株式会社 | Dishwasher |
JP2015123326A (en) * | 2013-12-27 | 2015-07-06 | リンナイ株式会社 | dishwasher |
US20220400929A1 (en) * | 2021-06-22 | 2022-12-22 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Method of treating dishware in a domestic automatic dishwashing machine |
Families Citing this family (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
KR101882182B1 (en) * | 2011-11-22 | 2018-07-27 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Dish washer and method for controlling the same |
CN102825042B (en) * | 2012-08-15 | 2015-03-25 | 王曙光 | Full-automatic multifunctional cleaning machine |
KR101559965B1 (en) * | 2014-04-25 | 2015-10-13 | 주식회사 효성 | Mold transformer having extinguising apparatus |
CN105078394B (en) * | 2015-08-10 | 2019-09-03 | 卢小平 | Slot type cleaning equipment |
CN108784580A (en) * | 2017-04-26 | 2018-11-13 | 九阳股份有限公司 | A kind of cleaning of water tank cleaner |
CN112806933B (en) * | 2019-04-22 | 2021-12-28 | 浙江气派智能科技有限公司 | One-day washing method applied to cleaning machine |
CN111839392A (en) * | 2019-04-28 | 2020-10-30 | 青岛海尔洗碗机有限公司 | Dish washing machine and control method |
CN112545417A (en) * | 2020-12-07 | 2021-03-26 | 南京艾驰电子科技有限公司 | Circulating quantitative dish washing machine and method |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2642369A (en) * | 1947-10-02 | 1953-06-16 | Hunter | Dishwashing machine and method |
US3095885A (en) * | 1961-02-22 | 1963-07-02 | Siemens Elektrogeraete Gmbh | Dishwasher |
US5333631A (en) * | 1993-05-04 | 1994-08-02 | White Consolidated Industries, Inc. | Cleaning wash-arm for dishwashing filter |
US5546968A (en) * | 1993-10-23 | 1996-08-20 | Goldstar Co., Ltd. | Supplementary washing device of a dish washer |
US20040173249A1 (en) * | 2001-07-07 | 2004-09-09 | Walter Assmann | Dishwasher comprising spraying arms and a circulating pump |
-
2007
- 2007-03-28 KR KR1020070030566A patent/KR20080088122A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2007-12-21 CN CNA200710162149XA patent/CN101273871A/en active Pending
-
2008
- 2008-01-07 US US12/007,124 patent/US20080236630A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2642369A (en) * | 1947-10-02 | 1953-06-16 | Hunter | Dishwashing machine and method |
US3095885A (en) * | 1961-02-22 | 1963-07-02 | Siemens Elektrogeraete Gmbh | Dishwasher |
US5333631A (en) * | 1993-05-04 | 1994-08-02 | White Consolidated Industries, Inc. | Cleaning wash-arm for dishwashing filter |
US5546968A (en) * | 1993-10-23 | 1996-08-20 | Goldstar Co., Ltd. | Supplementary washing device of a dish washer |
US20040173249A1 (en) * | 2001-07-07 | 2004-09-09 | Walter Assmann | Dishwasher comprising spraying arms and a circulating pump |
Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2522267A1 (en) * | 2011-05-09 | 2012-11-14 | FagorBrandt SAS | Method for cleaning crockery in a dishwashing machine |
FR2974996A1 (en) * | 2011-05-09 | 2012-11-16 | Fagorbrandt Sas | METHOD FOR CLEANING DISHWASHER PARTS IN A DISHWASHER. |
US20130152974A1 (en) * | 2011-12-19 | 2013-06-20 | Jongmin Lee | Control method for a dishwasher |
AU2012265573B2 (en) * | 2011-12-19 | 2015-01-29 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Control method for a dishwasher |
CN103799936A (en) * | 2012-11-01 | 2014-05-21 | 松下电器产业株式会社 | Dishwasher |
JP2014110885A (en) * | 2012-11-01 | 2014-06-19 | Panasonic Corp | Dishwasher |
TWI581745B (en) * | 2012-11-01 | 2017-05-11 | Panasonic Corp | Dish |
EP2727511A3 (en) * | 2012-11-01 | 2017-07-26 | Panasonic Corporation | Dishwasher |
JP2015123326A (en) * | 2013-12-27 | 2015-07-06 | リンナイ株式会社 | dishwasher |
US20220400929A1 (en) * | 2021-06-22 | 2022-12-22 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Method of treating dishware in a domestic automatic dishwashing machine |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
KR20080088122A (en) | 2008-10-02 |
CN101273871A (en) | 2008-10-01 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20080236630A1 (en) | Dish washer and method of controlling the same | |
US10524633B2 (en) | Dishwasher and method of controlling the same | |
US20130160799A1 (en) | Dishwasher with multiple treating chambers | |
KR20100023168A (en) | Dishwasher and controlling method for the same | |
US11779190B2 (en) | Dishwasher system with a reuse tank | |
US20080289654A1 (en) | Dish washing machine and control method of the same | |
EP2830476B1 (en) | Dishwasher and method of operating dishwasher | |
US20230035638A1 (en) | Dishwasher having a heat exchanger | |
EP2156775B1 (en) | Control method for a dishwasher | |
KR20100023171A (en) | Controlling method for dishwasher | |
EP2052661B1 (en) | Dishwasher and method of controlling the same | |
US20100139699A1 (en) | Steam activation or deactivation of chemistry in an appliance | |
RU2500336C2 (en) | Dishwasher | |
US8506721B2 (en) | Dish washer and controlling method thereof | |
KR100813092B1 (en) | Dish washer for eating house by using a waste heat of waste water | |
WO2000022973A1 (en) | Dishwashing machine with independently controlled washing racks | |
KR20060120759A (en) | Dish washer having steam generator and the controlling method thereof | |
US8968483B2 (en) | Method of using liquid in a dishwasher | |
US8657965B2 (en) | Controlling method of dishwasher | |
KR20130070277A (en) | Control method for dishwasher | |
US20100043827A1 (en) | Diswasher and controlling method of the same | |
US20100212697A1 (en) | Controlling method of a dishwasher | |
KR20040040302A (en) | Control method for dish washer | |
US20120118323A1 (en) | Method to remove fatty soils in a dishwasher | |
KR0159703B1 (en) | Tableware washing dry machine |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD., KOREA, REPUBLIC OF Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:KENNICHI, SHIMOTERA;KWON, YOUNG HO;RYU, JUNG CHAN;REEL/FRAME:020383/0154 Effective date: 20080103 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |