Dishwasher and a method for controlling the same

• US 7,836,535 B2
• Filed: 09/13/2005
• Issued: 11/23/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 09/14/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc. (LG Corporation)
• Original Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc. (LG Corporation)
• Inventors: Cho, Hung Myong, Choi, Soung Bong, Han, Dae Yeong, Yoon, Sangheon, Park, Nungseo
• Primary Examiner(s): Stinson; Frankie L
• Application Number:
  US10/558,098
• Publication Number:
  US 20070272283A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,897 Days
• Field of Search: 815/9, 134/113, 68/120.2
• US Class Current: 8/159
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 15/0047 Energy or water consumption, e.g. by saving energy or water
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 15/4297 Arrangements for detecting or measuring the condition of the washing water, e.g. turbidity
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 2401/10 Water cloudiness or dirtiness, e.g. turbidity, foaming or level of bacteria
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 2501/01 Water supply, e.g. opening or closure of the water inlet valve
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 2501/02 Water discharge, e.g. opening or closure of discharge valve
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 2501/30 Regulation of machine operational steps within the washing process, e.g. performing an additional rinsing phase, shortening or stopping of the drying phase, washing at decreased noise operation conditions

Abstract

The present invention relates to dishwashers, and more particularly, to a dishwasher and a method for controlling the same, which can measure turbidity of the washing water, and control operation of the dishwasher with reference to the turbidity detected thus, to prevent wasting of water, and optimize a washing time period.

The dishwasher includes a sump for holding washing water, a washing pump for pumping the washing water to provide a portion of the washing water to dishes to be washed through a main flow passage, and a turbidity sensing means for sensing turbidity of the washing water, wherein the turbidity sensing means is positioned at a sampling flow passage through which the other portion of the washing water passes.

The method for controlling a dishwasher includes the steps of putting a washing pump into operation, detecting turbidity of the washing water, adjusting a washing time period preset at a control unit according to the turbidity detected thus, and operating the washing pump according to the washing time period adjusted thus.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a dishwasher comprising the steps of:

putting a washing pump into operation;

operating the washing pump for a predetermined time period;

detecting turbidity of the washing water;

adjusting a washing time period preset at a control unit according to the turbidity detected thus; and

operating the washing pump according to the washing time period adjusted thus.

2. A method for controlling a dishwasher comprising the steps of:

putting a washing pump into operation;

operating the washing pump for a predetermined time period;

detecting turbidity of the washing water;

draining a portion of the washing water by operating a drain pump if it is determined that the turbidity detected thus is higher than a turbidity range preset at a control unit; and

supplementing the washing water as much as the drain portion of the washing water.

3. The method as claimed in claim 2, further comprising the step of stopping the washing pump at the time of draining, and supplementing the washing water.

4. The method as claimed in claim 2, further comprising the step of adjusting an amount of draining of the washing water according to the turbidity detected thus.

5. The method as claimed in claim 2, further comprising the steps of:

re-detecting the turbidity of the washing water after the washing water is supplemented;

adjusting a washing time period preset at the control unit according to the turbidity re- detected thus; and

operating the washing pump according to the adjusted washing time period.

6. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the turbidity of the washing water is re-detected if a predetermined time period is passed after the supplementation of the washing water.