APPARATUS AND ASSOCIATED METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A WASHING FLUID LEVEL IN A DISHWASHER
First Claim
1. A method of controlling a washing fluid level in a dishwashing appliance, comprising:
- filling a sump assembly of a dishwashing appliance with washing fluid to a predetermined fluid level, the predetermined fluid level being determined by a fluid level sensing device directly engaged with the sump assembly, the sump assembly being operably engaged with a tub portion at a lower end thereof;
circulating washing fluid between the sump assembly and the tub portion;
after circulating the washing fluid, determining an operational fluid level within the sump assembly by the fluid level sensing device; and
when the operational fluid level differs from the predetermined fluid level by more than a threshold level, actuating one of a washing fluid drain valve and a washing fluid fill valve to substantially restore the washing fluid to the predetermined fluid level.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method and associated device and appliance for controlling a washing fluid level in a dishwashing appliance are provided. A sump assembly of a dishwashing appliance is filled with washing fluid to a predetermined fluid level determined by a fluid level sensing device directly engaged with the sump assembly. The sump assembly is operably engaged with a tub portion at a lower end thereof. Washing fluid is circulated between the sump assembly and the tub portion. After circulating the washing fluid, an operational fluid level within the sump assembly is determined by the fluid level sensing device. When the operational fluid level differs from the predetermined fluid level by more than a threshold level, one of a washing fluid drain valve and a washing fluid fill valve is actuated to substantially restore the washing fluid to the predetermined fluid level.
45 Citations
26 Claims
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1. A method of controlling a washing fluid level in a dishwashing appliance, comprising:
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filling a sump assembly of a dishwashing appliance with washing fluid to a predetermined fluid level, the predetermined fluid level being determined by a fluid level sensing device directly engaged with the sump assembly, the sump assembly being operably engaged with a tub portion at a lower end thereof; circulating washing fluid between the sump assembly and the tub portion; after circulating the washing fluid, determining an operational fluid level within the sump assembly by the fluid level sensing device; and when the operational fluid level differs from the predetermined fluid level by more than a threshold level, actuating one of a washing fluid drain valve and a washing fluid fill valve to substantially restore the washing fluid to the predetermined fluid level. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A fluid level control device for a dishwashing appliance having a tub portion adapted to contain washing fluid for circulation about dishware received therein, the dishwashing appliance further including a sump assembly disposed at a lower end of the tub portion for receiving the washing fluid therefrom, a washing fluid drain valve for removing washing fluid from the dishwashing appliance, and a washing fluid fill valve for directing washing fluid to the dishwashing appliance, the fluid level control device comprising:
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a fluid level sensing device adapted to be directly engaged with the sump assembly of the dishwashing appliance, the fluid level sensing device being configured to determine a washing fluid level, including a predetermined fluid level and an operational fluid level, associated with the washing fluid within the dishwashing appliance, and to generate a first signal and a second signal corresponding to the predetermined fluid level and the operational fluid level, respectively; and a controller device in communication with the fluid level sensing device and configured to receive the first signal therefrom and respond to the first signal to originate a washing fluid circulation event such that washing fluid is circulated between the sump assembly and the tub portion, the controller device being further configured to receive the second signal after at least a portion of the washing fluid circulation event has elapsed, and respond to the second signal to direct actuation of one of the washing fluid drain valve and the washing fluid fill valve when the operational fluid level differs from the predetermined fluid level by more than a threshold level, to substantially restore the washing fluid to the predetermined fluid level. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A dishwashing appliance comprising:
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a tub portion configured to contain washing fluid for circulation about dishware received therein; a sump assembly disposed at a lower end of the tub portion for receiving the washing fluid therefrom; a washing fluid drain valve in communication with the sump assembly for removing washing fluid therefrom; a washing fluid fill valve in communication with the sump assembly for directing washing fluid thereto; a fluid level sensing device directly engaged with the sump assembly of the dishwashing appliance, the fluid level sensing device being configured to determine a washing fluid level, including a predetermined fluid level and an operational fluid level, associated with the washing fluid within the dishwashing appliance, and to generate a first signal and a second signal corresponding to the predetermined fluid level and the operational fluid level, respectively; and a controller device in communication with the fluid level sensing device and configured to receive the first signal therefrom and respond to the first signal to originate a washing fluid circulation event such that washing fluid is circulated between the sump assembly and the tub portion, the controller device being further configured to receive the second signal after at least a portion of the washing fluid circulation event has elapsed, and respond to the second signal to direct actuation of one of the washing fluid drain valve and the washing fluid fill valve when the operational fluid level differs from the predetermined fluid level by more than a threshold level, to substantially restore the washing fluid to the predetermined fluid level. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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Specification