Dishwasher having a variable speed circulation pump controlled responsive to sensed turbidity

• US 20040079400A1
• Filed: 10/25/2002
• Published: 04/29/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 10/25/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Incorporated (AB Electrolux)
• Original Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Incorporated (AB Electrolux)
• Inventors: Young, Raymond A.
• Application Number:
  US10/280,357
• Publication Number:
  US 20040079400A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 134/57D
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 15/0018 Controlling processes, i.e. processes to control the operation of the machine characterised by the purpose or target of the control for control of water softening or water softener regeneration A47L15/4229; for control of water level A47L15/4244; for control of bad smells or odours A47L15/4276; for control of water temperature A47L15/4287; for control of water pressure A47L15/4289; for control of condition of crockery or tableware A47L15/4295; for control of condition of washing water A47L15/4297
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 15/4225 Arrangements or adaption of recirculation or discharge pumps
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 2301/00 Manual input in controlling methods of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, i.e. information entered by a user
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 2401/10 Water cloudiness or dirtiness, e.g. turbidity, foaming or level of bacteria
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 2501/05 Drain or recirculation pump, e.g. regulation of the pump rotational speed or flow direction

Abstract

A dishwasher includes an enclosure within which dishes are washed with a wash liquid. A pump moves the wash liquid to wash the dishes within the enclosure. The pump has a plurality of operational states. A sensor senses turbidity within the wash liquid. The dishwasher includes means to control the operational state of the pump in response to the sensed turbidity.

Claims

1. A dishwasher including:

an enclosure within which dishes are washed with a wash liquid;

a pump for moving the wash liquid to wash the dishes within the enclosure, the pump having a plurality of operational states;

a sensor for sensing turbidity within the wash liquid; and

means to control the operational state of the pump in response to the sensed turbidity.

2. A dishwasher as set forth in claim 1, wherein the pump has a plurality of fluid flow output rates as the plurality of operational states.

3. A dishwasher as set forth in claim 1, wherein the pump includes a motor that has a plurality of motor speeds as the plurality of operational states.

4. A dishwasher as set forth in claim 2, wherein the pump is operated at one motor speed when the sensed turbidity is above a threshold level, and the pump is operated at another motor speed when the sensed turbidity is below the threshold level.

5. A dishwasher including:

an enclosure within which dishes are washed with a wash liquid;

a pump for moving the wash liquid, the pump having a plurality of fluid flow output rates;

a sensor for sensing turbidity within the wash liquid; and

means to control the output flow rate of the pump in response to the sensed turbidity.

6. A dishwasher as set forth in claim 5, wherein the pump is for moving the wash liquid to wash the dishes within the enclosure.