Method and apparatus for controlling a dishwasher
First Claim
1. Apparatus for controlling a dishwasher comprising means for determining a time period taken for washing and/or rinsing water to reach a first predetermined temperature when heated by heating means, and controlling means for controlling a washing and/or rinsing operation of the dishwasher, wherein said controlling means is effective to control a duration of the washing and/or rinsing operation which occurs after the water reaches a second predetermined temperature, said duration being determined by reducing a preset washing and/or rinsing time by a fraction of said time period.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A dishwasher controlling apparatus and method in which account is taken of the temperature of the supply water which is input to the dishwasher for washing and/or rinsing purposes. Washing/rinsing of articles commences at the time water is supplied to the dishwasher, and the time taken for the water to be heated to a certain temperature is measured to determine the effectiveness of the washing/rinsing while the water is heated. Accordingly, the washing/rinsing duration which takes place when the water reaches a desired washing/rinsing temperature can be shortened without reducing washing/rinsing effectiveness, resulting in a time efficient washing and/or rinsing cycle.
18 Citations
12 Claims
- 1. Apparatus for controlling a dishwasher comprising means for determining a time period taken for washing and/or rinsing water to reach a first predetermined temperature when heated by heating means, and controlling means for controlling a washing and/or rinsing operation of the dishwasher, wherein said controlling means is effective to control a duration of the washing and/or rinsing operation which occurs after the water reaches a second predetermined temperature, said duration being determined by reducing a preset washing and/or rinsing time by a fraction of said time period.
- 6. A method for controlling a dishwashing apparatus in which washing and/or rinsing water introduced thereto is heated by the apparatus, comprising the steps of measuring a time period required to heat said water to a first predetermined temperature, and controlling a washing and/or rinsing duration which occurs after said water reaches a second predetermined temperature, said duration being determined by deducting a fraction of said time period from a preset washing and/or rinsing time.
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11. A dishwasher comprising a heater for heating washing and/or rinsing water, a water circulator for distributing the washing and/or rinsing water, and a controller for controlling the heater and water circulator, the controller comprising:
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a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the washing and/or rinsing water; and a timer for measuring a time period taken for the washing and/or rinsing water to be heated by the heater from a supply temperature to a first predetermined temperature; wherein said controller is effective to control said heater to heat the washing and/or rinsing water from said supply temperature to a second predetermined temperature higher than said first predetermined temperature, and to control said water circulator so as to distribute the washing and/or rinsing water during heating to said second predetermined temperature and thereafter for a preset time minus a selected fraction of said time period.
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12. In a dishwasher having a heater for heating washing and/or rinsing water and a circulator for distributing the washing and/or rinsing water, a method of controlling a washing and/or rinsing operation comprising:
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introducing washing and/or rinsing water into the dishwasher at a supply temperature; heating and distributing the water in the dishwasher until the water reaches a second predetermined temperature; measuring a time period required to heat the water from said supply temperature to a first predetermined temperature, lower than said second predetermined temperature; and continuing distribution of the water in the dishwasher after reaching said second predetermined temperature for a duration determined by deducting a fraction of the measured time period from a present washing and/or rinsing time.
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Specification