U.S. patent application number 13/681863 was filed with the patent office on 2013-05-09 for dish washer and control method thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.. The applicant listed for this patent is Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Jung Yoon Hahm, Ae Lee IM, Bo Kyung Lee, Jea Won Lee, Jong Ho Lee, Jung Soo Lim.
Application Number | 20130112225 13/681863 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47594299 |
Filed Date | 2013-05-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130112225 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
IM; Ae Lee ; et al. |
May 9, 2013 |
DISH WASHER AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF
Abstract
A dish washer includes a washing tub accommodating a detergent
containing a first enzyme activated at an active temperature range
and a second enzyme activated at another active temperature range
differing from the active temperature range of the first enzyme,
and wash water in which the detergent is dissolved, a heating unit
heating wash water, and a controller controls driving of the
heating unit such that the temperature of wash water is maintained
within the active temperature range of the first enzyme for a first
designated time, and controls driving of the heating unit such that
the temperature of wash water is maintained within the active
temperature range of the second enzyme for a second designated
time, when the first designated time has elapsed.
Inventors: |
IM; Ae Lee; (Hwaseong-si,
KR) ; Lee; Bo Kyung; (Seoul, KR) ; Lee; Jong
Ho; (Yongin-si, KR) ; Lee; Jea Won;
(Hwaseong-si, KR) ; Lim; Jung Soo; (Hwaseong-si,
KR) ; Hahm; Jung Yoon; (Yongin-si, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.; |
Suwon-si |
|
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
Samsung Electronics Co.,
Ltd.
Suwon-si
KR
|
Family ID: |
47594299 |
Appl. No.: |
13/681863 |
Filed: |
November 20, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
134/18 ; 134/57D;
134/58D |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 2501/05 20130101;
A47L 15/0028 20130101; A47L 2501/01 20130101; A47L 2501/06
20130101; A47L 2401/09 20130101; A47L 2501/02 20130101; A47L
2401/12 20130101; A47L 15/0021 20130101; A47L 2501/03 20130101;
A47L 2401/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
134/18 ;
134/58.D; 134/57.D |
International
Class: |
A47L 15/00 20060101
A47L015/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 8, 2011 |
KR |
10-2011-0122486 |
Claims
1. A dish washer comprising: a washing tub accommodating a
detergent containing a first enzyme activated at an active
temperature range and a second enzyme activated at another active
temperature range differing from the active temperature range of
the first enzyme, and wash water in which the detergent is
dissolved; a heating unit heating wash water; and a controller to
control driving of the heating unit such that the temperature of
wash water is maintained within the active temperature range of the
first enzyme for a first designated time, and controls driving of
the heating unit such that the temperature of wash water is
maintained within the active temperature range of the second enzyme
for a second designated time, when the first designated time has
elapsed.
2. The dish washer according to claim 1, wherein the first enzyme
is .alpha.-amylase, and the second enzyme is protease.
3. The dish washer according to claim 1, further comprising a
temperature detection unit detecting the temperature of wash water,
wherein the controller controls driving of the heating unit based
on the detected temperature of the wash water.
4. The dish washer according to claim 1, wherein: the active
temperature range of the first enzyme is 32.degree. C. to
38.degree. C.; and the active temperature range of the second
enzyme is 45.degree. C. to 55.degree. C.
5. The dish washer according to claim 4, wherein the controller
controls driving of the heating unit such that the temperature of
wash water is raised step by step within the active temperature
range of the first enzyme.
6. The dish washer according to claim 5, wherein: the active
temperature range of the first enzyme includes a first maintenance
temperature range and a second maintenance temperature range higher
than the first maintenance temperature range; and the controller
controls driving of the heating unit such that the temperature of
wash water is maintained within the first maintenance temperature
range for a first maintenance time, and controls driving of the
heating unit such that the temperature of wash water is maintained
within the second maintenance temperature range for a second
maintenance time.
7. The dish washer according to claim 1, further comprising: a sump
provided within the washing tub; a circulation unit circulating
wash water in the sump; and a nozzle unit jetting wash water
supplied from the circulation unit, wherein the controller controls
driving of the circulation unit for the first designated time such
that wash water maintained within the active temperature range of
the first enzyme is circulated and jetted, and controls driving of
the circulation unit for the second designated time such that wash
water maintained within the active temperature range of the second
enzyme is circulated and jetted.
8. The dish washer according to claim 1, further comprising: a
first basket; a second basket provided above the first basket; and
a cutlery basket provided above the second basket, wherein the
nozzle unit includes a first nozzle provided below the first
basket, a second nozzle provided between the first basket and the
second basket, and a third nozzle provided above the cutlery
basket.
9. The dish washer according to claim 8, further comprising: a
first valve blocking wash water supplied to the first nozzle; a
second valve blocking wash water supplied to the second nozzle; and
a third valve blocking wash water supplied to the third nozzle,
wherein the controller controls opening and closing of the first,
second and third valves such that the amount of wash water jetted
through the first nozzle is greater than the amount of wash water
jetted through the second and third nozzles during control for the
first designated time.
10. The dish washer according to claim 9, wherein the controller
controls opening and closing of the second and third valves such
that the amount of wash water jetted through the second nozzle is
greater than the amount of wash water jetted through the third
nozzle.
11. The dish washer according to claim 10, wherein the controller
controls at least one of opening degrees, opening times and the
numbers of opening frequencies of the first, second and third
valves.
12. The dish washer according to claim 8, wherein the controller
controls opening and closing of the first, second and third valves
such that the amount of wash water jetted through the second nozzle
is greater than the amount of wash water jetted through the first
and third nozzles during control for the second designated
time.
13. The dish washer according to claim 12, wherein the controller
controls opening and closing of the first and third valves such
that the amount of wash water jetted through the third nozzle is
greater than the amount of wash water jetted through the first
nozzle.
14. A dish washer comprising: a heating unit heating wash water in
which a detergent containing a first enzyme activated at an active
temperature range and a second enzyme activated at another active
temperature range differing from the active temperature range of
the first enzyme is dissolved; a circulation unit circulating wash
water; a nozzle unit jetting wash water; and a controller to
control driving of the heating unit to heat wash water, stops
driving of the heating unit and controls driving of the circulation
unit and the nozzle unit for a first designated time to circulate
and jet wash water if the temperature of heated wash water is
within the active temperature range of the first enzyme, controls
driving of the heating unit to reheat wash water when the first
designated time has elapsed, and stops driving of the heating unit
and controls driving of the circulation unit and the nozzle unit
for a second designated time to circulate and jet wash water if the
temperature of reheated wash water is within the active temperature
range of the second enzyme.
15. The dish washer according to claim 14, wherein the first enzyme
is .alpha.-amylase, and the second enzyme is protease.
16. The dish washer according to claim 14, wherein the controller
controls driving of the heating unit such that the temperature of
wash water is raised step by step within the active temperature
range of the first enzyme.
17. The dish washer according to claim 16, wherein: the active
temperature range of the first enzyme includes a first maintenance
temperature range and a second maintenance temperature range higher
than the first maintenance temperature range; and the controller
controls driving of the heating unit such that the temperature of
wash water is maintained within the first maintenance temperature
range for a first maintenance time, and controls driving of the
heating unit such that the temperature of wash water is maintained
within the second maintenance temperature range for a second
maintenance time.
18. The dish washer according to claim 17, wherein the first
maintenance time is longer than the second maintenance time.
19. The dish washer according to claim 14, further comprising: a
first basket; a second basket provided above the first basket; and
a cutlery basket provided above the second basket, wherein the
nozzle unit includes a first nozzle provided below the first
basket, a second nozzle provided between the first basket and the
second basket, and a third nozzle provided above the cutlery
basket.
20. The dish washer according to claim 19, further comprising: a
first valve blocking wash water supplied to the first nozzle; a
second valve blocking wash water supplied to the second nozzle; and
a third valve blocking wash water supplied to the third nozzle,
wherein the controller controls opening and closing of the first,
second and third valves such that the amount of wash water jetted
through the first nozzle is greater than the amount of wash water
jetted through the second and third nozzles during control for the
first designated time.
21. The dish washer according to claim 20, further comprising a
temperature detection unit detecting the temperature of wash water,
wherein the controller controls opening of the first, second and
third valves such that wash water is jetted through the first,
second and third nozzles if the detected temperature of wash water
is not within the active temperature range of the first enzyme.
22. The dish washer according to claim 20, further comprising a
temperature detection unit detecting the temperature of wash water,
wherein the controller controls opening of the second valve such
that wash water is jetted through the second nozzle if the detected
temperature of wash water is not within the active temperature
range of the first enzyme.
23. The dish washer according to claim 20, further comprising a
temperature detection unit detecting the temperature of wash water,
wherein the controller controls opening and closing of the first,
second and third valves such that a first jet pattern of jetting
wash water through the first, second and third nozzles and a second
jet pattern of jetting wash water through the first nozzle are
alternately executed if the detected temperature of wash water is
within the active temperature range of the first enzyme.
24. The dish washer according to claim 23, wherein the controller
simultaneously opens the first, second and third valves during
control using the first jet pattern.
25. The dish washer according to claim 23, wherein the controller
alternately opens the first, second and third valves in
predetermined sequence during control using the first jet
pattern.
26. The dish washer according to claim 14, wherein the controller
controls driving of the heating unit such that the temperature of
wash water is raised by a designated temperature when the first
designated time has elapsed.
27. The dish washer according to claim 26, wherein the controller
controls driving of the heating unit such that the raised
temperature of wash water is maintained for a predetermined
time.
28. A control method of a dish washer which has a washing tub and a
heating unit heating wash water in the washing tub, comprising:
heating, circulating and jetting wash water in which a detergent is
dissolved, when water is supplied to the washing tub; detecting the
temperature of wash water in the washing tub; judging whether or
not the detected temperature of wash water is within an active
temperature range of a first enzyme contained in the detergent;
circulating and jetting wash water within the active temperature
range of the first enzyme for a first designated time while
maintaining the temperature of wash water within the active
temperature range of the first enzyme, upon judging that the
detected temperature of wash water is within the active temperature
range of the first enzyme; reheating wash water when the first
designated time has elapsed; detecting the temperature of reheated
wash water in the washing tub; judging whether or not the detected
temperature of reheated wash water is within an active temperature
range of a second enzyme contained in the detergent; circulating
and jetting wash water within the active temperature range of the
second enzyme for a second designated time while maintaining the
temperature of wash water within the active temperature range of
the second enzyme, upon judging that the detected temperature of
wash water is within the active temperature range of the second
enzyme; and turning the heating unit off when the second designated
time has elapsed.
29. The control method according to claim 28, wherein the
circulating and jetting of wash water within the active temperature
range of the first enzyme for the first designated time while
maintaining the temperature of wash water within the active
temperature range of the first enzyme includes raising the
temperature of wash water step by step within the active
temperature range of the first enzyme.
30. The control method according to claim 29, wherein the raising
of the temperature of wash water step by step within the active
temperature range of the first enzyme includes: maintaining the
temperature of wash water within a first maintenance temperature
range for a first maintenance time; and maintaining the temperature
of wash water within a second maintenance temperature range for a
second maintenance time by reheating wash water, when the first
maintenance time has elapsed.
31. The control method according to claim 28, wherein the
circulating and jetting of wash water includes: pumping wash water
in the washing tub; and respectively controlling opening and
closing of a first valve blocking wash water supplied to a first
nozzle provided below a first basket, a second valve blocking wash
water supplied to a second nozzle provided between the first basket
and a second basket, and a third valve blocking wash water supplied
to a third nozzle provided above a cutlery basket.
32. The control method according to claim 31, wherein the
circulating and jetting of wash water within the active temperature
range of the first enzyme includes controlling opening and closing
of the first, second and third valves such that the amount of wash
water jetted through the first and second nozzles is greater than
the amount of wash water jetted through the third nozzle.
33. The control method according to claim 32, wherein the
circulating and jetting of wash water within the active temperature
range of the first enzyme further includes controlling opening and
closing of the first and second valves such that the amount of wash
water jetted through the first nozzle is greater than the amount of
wash water jetted through the second nozzle.
34. The control method according to claim 31, wherein the
controlling of opening and closing of the first, second and third
valves includes controlling at least one of opening degrees,
opening times and the numbers of opening frequencies of the first,
second and third valves.
35. The control method according to claim 31, wherein the
circulating and jetting of wash water within the active temperature
range of the second enzyme includes controlling opening and closing
of the first, second and third valves such that the amount of wash
water jetted through the second and third nozzles is greater than
the amount of wash water jetted through the first nozzle.
36. The control method according to claim 35, wherein the
circulating and jetting of wash water within the active temperature
range of the second enzyme further includes controlling opening and
closing of the second and third valves such that the amount of wash
water jetted through the second nozzle is greater than the amount
of wash water jetted through the third nozzle.
37. The control method according to claim 31, further comprising
controlling opening of the first, second and third valves such that
wash water is simultaneously jetted through the first, second and
third nozzles, upon judging that the detected temperature of wash
water is not within the active temperature range of the first
enzyme.
38. The control method according to claim 31, further comprising
controlling opening of the first, second and third valves such that
wash water is alternately jetted through the first, second and
third nozzles, upon judging that the detected temperature of wash
water is not within the active temperature range of the first
enzyme.
39. The control method according to claim 31, further comprising
controlling opening of the second valve such that wash water is
jetted through the second nozzle, upon judging that the detected
temperature of wash water is not within the active temperature
range of the first enzyme.
40. The control method according to claim 31, wherein the
circulating and jetting of wash water within the active temperature
range of the first enzyme includes controlling opening and closing
of the first, second and third valves such that a first jet pattern
of jetting wash water through the first, second and third nozzles
and a second jet pattern of jetting wash water through the first
nozzle are alternately executed.
41. The control method according to claim 40, wherein the
controlling of opening and closing of the first, second and third
valves using the first jet pattern includes simultaneously opening
the first, second and third valves.
42. The control method according to claim 40, wherein the
controlling of opening and closing of the first, second and third
valves using the first jet pattern includes alternately opening the
first, second and third valves in predetermined sequence.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent
Application No. 10-2011-0122486, filed on Nov. 22, 2011 in the
Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a dish
washer which improves cleaning effects on tableware and a control
method thereof.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] In general, a dish washer is an apparatus which removes
contaminants (food waste) from tableware by jetting wash water,
i.e., cold water or warm water, to the tableware at a high
pressure.
[0006] The dish washer includes a washing tub in which washing of
tableware is executed, a plurality of baskets provided in a
multi-stage structure within the washing tub and accommodating
tableware, jet nozzles provided above and below the plurality of
baskets and jetting wash water, and a pump connected to the jet
nozzles and pumping wash water to the jet nozzles.
[0007] The dish washer having the above configuration, when
tableware to be washed is accommodated in the baskets, supplies
wash water to the inside of the washing tub, operates the pump in a
sump to supply wash water to the jet nozzles, and then jets wash
water to the tableware through the jet nozzles, thereby washing the
tableware using jet pressure of wash water.
[0008] A washing operation and a rinsing operation of such a dish
washer are repeated four times to six times according to the
selected course, and the temperature of wash water or the jet time
of wash water at each operation is determined according to the
selected course.
[0009] In the dish washer, the washing operation of the tableware
is executed using a temperature profile which heats wash water to
the maximum temperature when the washing operation is started, and
stops heating of wash water when the temperature of wash water
reaches the maximum temperature.
[0010] However, if tableware is washed using such a temperature
profile, an active temperature of a contaminant decomposition
enzyme contained in a detergent for washing tableware and a
temperature of wash water set in the dish washer, i.e., the maximum
temperature, are different, and thus the dish washer washes the
tableware under the condition that the detergent is not activated
during washing of the tableware. Thereby, tableware cleaning
efficiency of the dish washer may be lowered.
[0011] Further, since the temperature profile for washing tableware
does not have a temperature maintenance time of wash water, the
activation state of the detergent is not maintained as well as the
detergent is not activated in an activation section of the
detergent, and thus the dish washer washes the tableware under the
condition that features of the enzyme contained in the detergent
are not used during washing of the tableware. Thereby, the dish
washer may exhibit cleaning performance lower than the contaminant
decomposing and cleaning capacity of the detergent.
SUMMARY
[0012] Therefore, it is an aspect of the present disclosure to
provide a dish washer which controls the temperature of wash water
and the temperature maintenance time of wash water based on the
active temperature of an enzyme contained in a detergent, and a
control method thereof.
[0013] It is another aspect of the present disclosure to provide a
dish washer which controls the temperature of wash water step by
step based on the active temperature of an enzyme contained in a
detergent, and a control method thereof.
[0014] It is a further aspect of the present disclosure to provide
a dish washer which controls the amount of wash water jetted based
on the temperature of wash water, and a control method thereof.
[0015] Additional aspects of the disclosure 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
disclosure.
[0016] In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a
dish washer includes a washing tub accommodating a detergent
containing a first enzyme activated at an active temperature range
and a second enzyme activated at another active temperature range
differing from the active temperature range of the first enzyme,
and wash water in which the detergent is dissolved, a heating unit
heating wash water, and a controller controls driving of the
heating unit such that the temperature of wash water is maintained
within the active temperature range of the first enzyme for a first
designated time, and controls driving of the heating unit such that
the temperature of wash water is maintained within the active
temperature range of the second enzyme for a second designated
time, when the first designated time has elapsed.
[0017] The first enzyme may be .alpha.-amylase, and the second
enzyme may be protease.
[0018] The dish washer may further include a temperature detection
unit detecting the temperature of wash water, and the controller
may control driving of the heating unit based on the detected
temperature of wash water.
[0019] The active temperature range of the first enzyme may be
32.degree. C. to 38.degree. C., and the active temperature range of
the second enzyme may be 45.degree. C. to 55.degree. C.
[0020] The controller may control driving of the heating unit such
that the temperature of wash water is raised step by step within
the active temperature range of the first enzyme.
[0021] The active temperature range of the first enzyme may include
a first maintenance temperature range and a second maintenance
temperature range higher than the first maintenance temperature
range, and the controller may control driving of the heating unit
such that the temperature of wash water is maintained within the
first maintenance temperature range for a first maintenance time,
and control driving of the heating unit such that the temperature
of wash water is maintained within the second maintenance
temperature range for a second maintenance time.
[0022] The dish washer may further include a sump provided within
the washing tub, a circulation unit circulating wash water in the
sump and a nozzle unit jetting wash water supplied from the
circulation unit, and the controller may control driving of the
circulation unit for the first designated time such that wash water
maintained within the active temperature range of the first enzyme
is circulated and jetted, and control driving of the circulation
unit for the second designated time such that wash water maintained
within the active temperature range of the second enzyme is
circulated and jetted.
[0023] The dish washer may further include a first basket, a second
basket provided above the first basket and a cutlery basket
provided above the second basket, and the nozzle unit may include a
first nozzle provided below the first basket, a second nozzle
provided between the first basket and the second basket, and a
third nozzle provided above the cutlery basket.
[0024] The dish washer may further include a first valve blocking
wash water supplied to the first nozzle, a second valve blocking
wash water supplied to the second nozzle and a third valve blocking
wash water supplied to the third nozzle, and the controller may
control opening and closing of the first, second and third valves
such that the amount of wash water jetted through the first nozzle
is greater than the amount of wash water jetted through the second
and third nozzles during control for the first designated time.
[0025] The controller may control opening and closing of the second
and third valves such that the amount of wash water jetted through
the second nozzle is greater than the amount of wash water jetted
through the third nozzle.
[0026] The controller may control at least one of opening degrees,
opening times and the numbers of opening frequencies of the first,
second and third valves.
[0027] The controller may control opening and closing of the first,
second and third valves such that the amount of wash water jetted
through the second nozzle is greater than the amount of wash water
jetted through the first and third nozzles during control for the
second designated time.
[0028] The controller may control opening and closing of the first
and third valves such that the amount of wash water jetted through
the third nozzle is greater than the amount of wash water jetted
through the first nozzle.
[0029] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure,
a dish washer includes a heating unit heating wash water in which a
detergent containing a first enzyme activated at an active
temperature range and a second enzyme activated at another active
temperature range differing from the active temperature range of
the first enzyme is dissolved, a circulation unit circulating wash
water, a nozzle unit jetting wash water, and a controller controls
driving of the heating unit to heat wash water, stops driving of
the heating unit and controls driving of the circulation unit and
the nozzle unit for a first designated time to circulate and jet
wash water if the temperature of heated wash water is within the
active temperature range of the first enzyme, controls driving of
the heating unit to reheat wash water when the first designated
time has elapsed, and stops driving of the heating unit and
controls driving of the circulation unit and the nozzle unit for a
second designated time to circulate and jet wash water if the
temperature of reheated wash water is within the active temperature
range of the second enzyme.
[0030] The first enzyme may be .alpha.-amylase, and the second
enzyme may be protease.
[0031] The controller may control driving of the heating unit such
that the temperature of wash water is raised step by step within
the active temperature range of the first enzyme.
[0032] The active temperature range of the first enzyme may include
a first maintenance temperature range and a second maintenance
temperature range higher than the first maintenance temperature
range, and the controller may control driving of the heating unit
such that the temperature of wash water is maintained within the
first maintenance temperature range for a first maintenance time
and control driving of the heating unit such that the temperature
of wash water is maintained within the second maintenance
temperature range for a second maintenance time.
[0033] The first maintenance time may be longer than the second
maintenance time.
[0034] The dish washer may further include a first basket, a second
basket provided above the first basket and a cutlery basket
provided above the second basket, and the nozzle unit may include a
first nozzle provided below the first basket, a second nozzle
provided between the first basket and the second basket, and a
third nozzle provided above the cutlery basket.
[0035] The dish washer may further include a first valve blocking
wash water supplied to the first nozzle, a second valve blocking
wash water supplied to the second nozzle and a third valve blocking
wash water supplied to the third nozzle, and the controller may
control opening and closing of the first, second and third valves
such that the amount of wash water jetted through the first nozzle
is greater than the amount of wash water jetted through the second
and third nozzles during control for the first designated time.
[0036] The dish washer may further include a temperature detection
unit detecting the temperature of wash water, and the controller
may control opening of the first, second and third valves such that
wash water is jetted through the first, second and third nozzles if
the detected temperature of wash water is not within the active
temperature range of the first second enzyme.
[0037] The dish washer may further include a temperature detection
unit detecting the temperature of wash water, and the controller
may control opening of the second valve such that wash water is
jetted through the second nozzle if the detected temperature of
wash water is not within the active temperature range of the first
enzyme.
[0038] The dish washer may further include a temperature detection
unit detecting the temperature of wash water, and the controller
may control opening and closing of the first, second and third
valves such that a first jet pattern of jetting wash water through
the first, second and third nozzles and a second jet pattern of
jetting wash water through the first nozzle are alternately
executed if the detected temperature of wash water is within the
active temperature range of the first enzyme.
[0039] The controller may simultaneously open the first, second and
third valves during control using the first jet pattern.
[0040] The controller may alternately open the first, second and
third valves in predetermined sequence during control using the
first jet pattern.
[0041] The controller may control driving of the heating unit such
that the temperature of wash water is raised by a designated
temperature when the first designated time has elapsed.
[0042] The controller may control driving of the heating unit such
that the raised temperature of wash water is maintained for a
predetermined time.
[0043] In accordance with a further aspect of the present
disclosure, a control method of a dish washer which has a washing
tub and a heating unit heating wash water in the washing tub,
includes heating, circulating and jetting wash water in which a
detergent is dissolved, when water is supplied to the washing tub,
detecting the temperature of wash water in the washing tub, judging
whether or not the detected temperature of wash water is within an
active temperature range of a first enzyme contained in the
detergent, circulating and jetting wash water within the active
temperature range of the first enzyme for a first designated time
while maintaining the temperature of wash water within the active
temperature range of the first enzyme, upon judging that the
detected temperature of wash water is within the active temperature
range of the first enzyme, reheating wash water when the first
designated time has elapsed, detecting the temperature of reheated
wash water in the washing tub, judging whether or not the detected
temperature of reheated wash water is within an active temperature
range of a second enzyme contained in the detergent, circulating
and jetting wash water within the active temperature range of the
second enzyme for a second designated time while maintaining the
temperature of wash water within the active temperature range of
the second enzyme, upon judging that the detected temperature of
wash water is within the active temperature range of the second
enzyme, and turning the heating unit off when the second designated
time has elapsed.
[0044] The circulating and jetting of wash water within the active
temperature range of the first enzyme for the first designated time
while maintaining the temperature of wash water within the active
temperature range of the first enzyme may include raising the
temperature of wash water step by step within the active
temperature range of the first enzyme.
[0045] The raising of the temperature of wash water step by step
within the active temperature range of the first enzyme may include
maintaining the temperature of wash water within a first
maintenance temperature range for a first maintenance time and
maintaining the temperature of wash water within a second
maintenance temperature range for a second maintenance time by
reheating wash water, when the first maintenance time has
elapsed.
[0046] The circulating and jetting of wash water may include
pumping wash water in the washing tub, and respectively controlling
opening and closing of a first valve blocking wash water supplied
to a first nozzle provided below a first basket, a second valve
blocking wash water supplied to a second nozzle provided between
the first basket and a second basket, and a third valve blocking
wash water supplied to a third nozzle provided above a cutlery
basket.
[0047] The circulating and jetting of wash water within the active
temperature range of the first enzyme may include controlling
opening and closing of the first, second and third valves such that
the amount of wash water jetted through the first and second
nozzles is greater than the amount of wash water jetted through the
third nozzle.
[0048] The circulating and jetting of wash water within the active
temperature range of the first enzyme may further include
controlling opening and closing of the first and second valves such
that the amount of wash water jetted through the first nozzle is
greater than the amount of wash water jetted through the second
nozzle.
[0049] The controlling of opening and closing of the first, second
and third valves may include controlling at least one of opening
degrees, opening times and the numbers of opening frequencies of
the first, second and third valves.
[0050] The circulating and jetting of wash water within the active
temperature range of the second enzyme may include controlling
opening and closing of the first, second and third valves such that
the amount of wash water jetted through the second and third
nozzles is greater than the amount of wash water jetted through the
first nozzle.
[0051] The circulating and jetting of wash water within the active
temperature range of the second enzyme may further include
controlling opening and closing of the second and third valves such
that the amount of wash water jetted through the second nozzle is
greater than the amount of wash water jetted through the third
nozzle.
[0052] The control method may further include controlling opening
of the first, second and third valves such that wash water is
simultaneously jetted through the first, second and third nozzles,
upon judging that the detected temperature of wash water is not
within the active temperature range of the first enzyme.
[0053] The control method may further include controlling opening
of the first, second and third valves such that wash water is
alternately jetted through the first, second and third nozzles,
upon judging that the detected temperature of wash water is not
within the active temperature range of the first enzyme.
[0054] The control method may further include controlling opening
of the second valve such that wash water is jetted through the
second nozzle, upon judging that the detected temperature of wash
water is not within the active temperature range of the first
enzyme.
[0055] The circulating and jetting of wash water within the active
temperature range of the first enzyme may include controlling
opening and closing of the first, second and third valves such that
a first jet pattern of jetting wash water through the first, second
and third nozzles and a second jet pattern of jetting wash water
through the first nozzle are alternately executed.
[0056] The controlling of opening and closing of the first, second
and third valves using the first jet pattern may include
simultaneously opening the first, second and third valves.
[0057] The controlling of opening and closing of the first, second
and third valves using the first jet pattern may include
alternately opening the first, second and third valves in
predetermined sequence.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0058] These and/or other aspects of the disclosure will become
apparent and more readily appreciated from the following
description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings of which:
[0059] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dish washer in accordance
with one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0060] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal-sectional view illustrating the
internal structure of the dish washer in accordance with the
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0061] FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the dish washer in
accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0062] FIGS. 4 and 5 are graphs illustrating wash water temperature
control of the dish washer in accordance with the embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0063] FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating activity of an enzyme
contained in detergent according to time and temperature in the
dish washer in accordance with the embodiment of the present
disclosure
[0064] FIGS. 7A and 7B are flowcharts illustrating a control method
of the dish washer in accordance with the embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0065] FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C are views exemplarily illustrating jet
of wash water through nozzles provided in the dish washer in
accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0066] FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating cleaning performance
according to contaminants of tableware accommodated in the dish
washer in accordance with the embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0067] FIG. 10A is a graph illustrating cleaning performance
according to the final temperature of wash water in the dish washer
in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure;
and
[0068] FIG. 10B is a graph illustrating cleaning performance
according to the active temperature range of a first enzyme, the
final temperature, and change of a nozzle to jet wash water.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0069] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of
the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to
like elements throughout.
[0070] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dish washer in accordance
with one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 2 is a
longitudinal-sectional view illustrating the internal structure of
the dish washer in accordance with the embodiment of the present
disclosure. The dish washer 100 includes a main body 110, a door
120, a washing tub 130, a machinery chamber 140, first and second
baskets 150 and 160, a cutlery basket 170, guide members 180, a
user interface 190, and a washing assembly 200.
[0071] The dish washer 100 includes the main body 110 forming the
external appearance of the dish washer 100 and provided with an
opening on one surface thereof, the door 120 rotatably provided on
the opening of the main body 110 to open and close the opening, the
washing tub 130 formed by the main body 110 and opened and closed
by the door 120, and the machinery chamber 140 formed by the main
body 110 and spatially separated from the washing tub 130.
[0072] The dish washer 100 further includes the first and second
baskets 150 and 160 and the cutlery basket 170 separated from each
other in the washing tub 130, sliding forward and backward and
accommodating tableware, the guide members 180 provided in the
washing tub 130 and respectively guiding the first and second
baskets 150 and 160 and the cutlery basket 170, the user interface
190 provided on the main body 110 and manipulating and displaying
operation information of the dish washer 100, and the washing
assembly 200 provided in the machinery chamber 140 and the washing
tub 130 and executing washing, rinsing and drying operations of
tableware.
[0073] With reference to FIG. 1, the first and second baskets 150
and 160 and the cutlery basket 170 provided in the washing tub 130
will be described in more detail.
[0074] The washing tub 130 accommodates the first and second
baskets 150 and 160 and the cutlery basket 10 having holes of
various sizes through which wash water jetted from a jet unit
passes.
[0075] The first basket 150 is installed in the lower portion of
the inside of the washing tub 130, as seen from the bottom surface
of the washing tub 130, the second basket 160 is installed in the
middle portion of the inside of the washing tub 130, and the
cutlery basket 170 is installed in the upper portion of the inside
of the washing tub 130.
[0076] Here, the first basket 150 accommodates various kinds of
tableware, such as bowls, dishes and cookware, the second basket
150 accommodates cups, and the cutlery basket 170 accommodates
forks, table knives, spoons, chopsticks, kitchen knives and
dippers.
[0077] Further, guide members (not shown) supporting the first and
second baskets 150 and 160 and guiding the first and second baskets
150 and 160 to the inside/outside of the washing tub 130 according
to the pushing/pulling direction of the first and second baskets
150 and 160 are installed in the washing tub 130, and the guide
members 180 supporting the cutlery basket 170 and guiding the
cutlery basket 170 to the inside/outside of the washing tub 130
according to the pushing/pulling direction of the cutlery basket
170 are installed in the washing tub 130.
[0078] In the washing tub 130, only the first and second baskets
150 and 160 may be installed without the cutlery basket 170, or a
larger number of baskets may be installed.
[0079] Further, the cutlery basket 170 may be disposed in the
lowermost portion of the washing tub 130.
[0080] The user interface 190 receives operation information, such
as various washing courses (for example, a standard course, a
manual course, etc.) and addition of rinsing, through user's
instructions, and displays operation information in progress.
[0081] Here, the washing courses include the standard course in
which a washing operation of washing tableware by jetting wash
water to the tableware, a rinsing operation of rinsing the
tableware by jetting rinse water to the tableware, and a drying
operation of drying the tableware having undergone the rinsing
operation are sequentially executed, and the manual course in which
the respective operations are arbitrarily executed according to
user's circumstances.
[0082] Further, the washing operation and the rinsing operation
include a water supply mode in which wash for washing or rinsing is
supplied, a circulation mode in which wash water or rinse water is
circulated, a heating mode in which wash water or rinse water is
heated, and a drain mode in which wash water or rinse water is
discharged to the outside.
[0083] With reference to FIG. 2, the washing assembly 200 will be
described in more detail.
[0084] The washing assembly 200 includes a water supply unit 210, a
sump 220, a heating unit 230, a filter unit 240, a circulation unit
250, a nozzle unit 260, and a drain unit 270.
[0085] The water supply unit 210 includes a water supply pipe 211
located between an external water supply source and the sump 220
and guiding water introduced from the outside to the sump 220, and
a water supply valve 212 blocking introduction of water from the
outside.
[0086] The sump 220 stores water introduced through the water
supply pipe 211. Such water in which a detergent is dissolved
serves as wash water, and wash water circulates through the washing
tub 130, the sump 220, the circulation unit 250 and the nozzle unit
260.
[0087] That is, the sump 220 is connected to the circulation unit
250, supplies wash water to the circulation unit 250 during the
washing operation, and, when wash water jetted to the inside of the
washing tub 130 through the nozzle unit 260 is introduced into the
sump 220, restores wash water and resupplies wash water to the
circulation unit 250.
[0088] Such a sump 220 is provided with a water level detection
unit 281 detecting the level of wash water, and a temperature
detection unit 282 detecting the temperature of wash water.
[0089] Further, a heat insulating member (not shown) preventing
heat emission from wash water to maintain the temperature of wash
water is provided around the sump 220.
[0090] The heating unit 230 is located around the sump 220, and is
operated to heat wash water in the sump 220 according to
instructions from a controller 283.
[0091] The filter unit 240 filters out contaminants separated from
tableware from wash water, and then discharges only wash water to
the sump 220. That is, the filter unit 240 stores the contaminants
separated from the tableware.
[0092] The circulation unit 250 is provided between the sump 220
and the nozzle unit 260, pumps wash water in the sump 220, and
supplies wash water to the nozzle unit 260 through circulation
pipes 252 to 255.
[0093] Such a circulation unit 250 includes a circulation pump 251
pumping wash water in the sump 220, the circulation pipes 252 and
255 guiding the pumped wash water to the nozzle unit 260, and
valves 256, 257 and 258 provided on the circulation pipes 253 to
255 and adjusting circulation of the pumped wash water.
[0094] The circulation pipes 252 to 255 include a main pipe 252
guiding wash water discharged from the circulation pump 251, and
first to third branch pipes 253, 254 and 255 branched from the main
pipe 252 and guiding wash water to respective nozzles 261 to
263.
[0095] In more detail, the first branch pipe 253 branched from the
main pipe 252 guides wash water to a first nozzle 261, the second
branch pipe 254 branched from the main pipe 252 guides wash water
to a second nozzle 262, and the third branch pipe 255 branched from
the main pipe 252 guides wash water to a third nozzle 263.
[0096] A first valve 256 is located on the first branch pipe 253, a
second valve 257 is located on the second branch pipe 254, and a
third valve 258 is located on the third branch pipe 255.
[0097] The first valve 256 adjusts flow of wash water supplied to
the first nozzle 261 according to instructions from the controller
283, the second valve 257 adjusts flow of wash water supplied to
the second nozzle 262 according to instructions from the controller
283, and the third valve 258 adjusts flow of wash water supplied to
the third nozzle 263 according to instructions from the controller
283.
[0098] The nozzle unit 260 jets wash water supplied through the
circulation unit 250 toward various tableware accommodated on the
first and second baskets 150 and 160 and the cutlery basket
170.
[0099] The nozzle unit 260 includes the first nozzle 261 provided
below the first basket 150, the second nozzle 262 provided between
the first basket 150 and the second basket 160, and the third
nozzle 263 provided above the cutlery basket 170.
[0100] The nozzle unit 260 includes a first rotor 264 provided on
the first nozzle 261 and rotated by the pressure of wash water
supplied from the circulation unit 250, a second rotor 265 provided
on the second nozzle 262 and rotated by the pressure of wash water
supplied from the circulation unit 250, and a third rotor 266
provided on the third nozzle 264 and rotated by the pressure of
wash water supplied from the circulation unit 250.
[0101] That is, when wash water is jetted, the first nozzle 261 is
rotated by rotation of the first rotor 264, the second nozzle 262
is rotated by rotation of the second rotor 265, and the third
nozzle 263 is rotated by rotation of the third rotor 266.
[0102] Here, the first nozzle 261 is provided with a plurality of
jet holes formed on the upper surface thereof and jets wash water
in the upward direction through the plural jet holes, the second
nozzle 262 is provided with a plurality of jet holes formed on the
upper and lower surfaces thereof and jets wash water in the upward
and downward directions through the plural jet holes, and the third
nozzle 263 is provided with a plurality of jet holes formed on the
lower surface thereof and jets wash water in the downward direction
through the plural jet holes.
[0103] That is, the first nozzle 261 receives wash water supplied
through the first branch pipe 253, the second nozzle 262 receives
wash water supplied through the second branch pipe 254, and the
third nozzle 263 receives wash water supplied through the third
branch pipe 255.
[0104] The drain unit 270 discharges wash water in the sump 220 to
the outside. The drain unit 270 includes a drain pump 271 pumping
wash water in the sump 220, and a drain pipe 272 guiding the pumped
wash water to the outside. The drain unit 270 may further include a
drain valve (not shown) adjusting discharge of wash water in the
sump 220 to the outside.
[0105] FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the dish washer in
accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure. The dish
washer includes the water level detection unit 281, the temperature
detection unit 282, the controller 283, and first, second and third
driving units 284, 285 and 286.
[0106] The water level detection unit 281 detects the level of
water supplied to the sump 220 or the washing tub 130.
[0107] The temperature detection unit 282 detects the temperature
of wash water in the sump 220.
[0108] The controller 283 controls driving of the washing assembly
200 according to operation information input through the user
interface 190, thus controlling the washing operation, the rinsing
operation and the drying operation.
[0109] The controller 283 controls closing of the water supply
valve 212 based on the water level detected through the water level
detection unit 281 during the washing operation, and controls
driving of the heating unit 230 and the circulation unit 250 based
on the temperature detected through the temperature detection unit
282 so as to improve tableware cleaning efficiency.
[0110] In more detail, if the temperature of wash water is adjusted
to a temperature T2 within an active temperature range of a first
enzyme and a temperature T3 within an active temperature range of a
second enzyme, the configuration of the controller 283 will be
described below.
[0111] As shown in FIG. 4, the controller 283 controls driving of
the heating unit 230 such that wash water in the sump 220 maintains
the active temperature T2 of the first enzyme contained in a
detergent for a first designated time (M2 to M3), and controls
driving of the heating unit 230 such that wash water in the sump
220 maintains the active temperature T3 of the second enzyme
contained in the detergent for a second designated time (M4 to M5)
when the first designated time has elapsed.
[0112] Here, the first enzyme is .alpha.-amylase, the second enzyme
is protease, the active temperature of the first enzyme is a
temperature within the range of 32.degree. C. to 38.degree. C., and
the active temperature of the second enzyme is a temperature within
the range of 45.degree. C. to 55.degree. C.
[0113] The controller 283 may control driving of the heating unit
230 such that the temperature of wash water is raised step by step
within the active temperature range of the first enzyme when the
washing operation is executed using wash water within the active
temperature range of the first enzyme.
[0114] The active temperature range of the first enzyme includes a
first maintenance temperature range and a second maintenance
temperature range, and, if the temperature of wash water is
adjusted to the temperature T2 within the first maintenance
temperature range and the temperature T3 within the second
maintenance temperature range, the control operation of the
controller 283 will be described below.
[0115] As shown in FIG. 5, the controller 283 controls driving of
the heating unit 230 such that wash water maintains the first
maintenance temperature T2 for a first maintenance time M2 to M3,
controls driving of the heating unit 230 such that wash water
maintains the second maintenance temperature T3 for a second
maintenance time M4 to M5, and then controls driving of the heating
unit 230 such that wash water maintains the active temperature T4
of the second enzyme for a second designated time M6 to M7.
[0116] Here, the temperature within the first temperature
maintenance range is lower than the temperature within the second
temperature maintenance range, and the first maintenance time is
longer than the second maintenance time. The reason for this will
be described below with reference to FIG. 6.
[0117] As shown in FIG. 6, it is understood that, as the reaction
temperature of an enzyme is raised from the maximum active
temperature 20.degree. C.(.box-solid.) to 30.degree. C.(*),
45.degree. C.( ), and 55.degree. C.(.diamond-solid.), the initial
reaction rate of the enzyme is increased but relative activity of
the enzyme is rapidly decreased. Therefore, it is understood that,
when the temperature is suddenly raised, initial relative activity
of the enzyme is instantaneously raised but the enzyme is
ineffective in terms of maintenance of relative activity of the
enzyme.
[0118] That is, as the temperature is higher, the initial reaction
rate of the enzyme is increased but thermo stability of the enzyme
is more rapidly reduced as time goes by, and thus relative activity
of the enzyme is more rapidly reduced at a higher temperature.
Thereby, when relative activity of the enzyme is reduced, the
contaminant decomposing performance of the enzyme is reduced
together and thus leads to reduction of cleaning performance.
[0119] Therefore, activity of .alpha.-amylase may be maximally used
by gradually increasing the temperature of wash water and allowing
maintenance time to be shorter at high temperature than at a low
temperature.
[0120] Further, control of the driving of the heating unit 230 may
be varied according to the heat insulating state of the sump 220
and the washing tub 130.
[0121] If the heat insulating state is good, the decrease rate of
the temperature of wash water for the first designated time is
small under the condition that the temperature of wash water is
within the active temperature range of the first enzyme, and thus
re-driving of the heating unit 230 for the first designated time is
not required.
[0122] On the other hand, if the heat insulating state is not good,
the decrease rate of the temperature of wash water for the first
designated time is large under the condition that the temperature
of wash water is within the active temperature range of the first
enzyme, and thus cleaning effects may be lowered and re-driving of
the heating unit 230 is required.
[0123] Therefore, if the heat insulating state is good, the
controller 283 stops driving of the heating unit 230, when the
temperature of wash water is within the active temperature range of
the first enzyme.
[0124] Further, if the heat insulating state is not good, the
controller 283 periodically detects the temperature of wash water
such that wash water continuously maintains the active temperature
range of the first enzyme, and controls driving of the heating unit
230 when the periodically detected temperature of wash water is
lower than the active temperature range.
[0125] Here, control of the driving of the heating unit 230 is
applied also, if the temperature of wash water is maintained within
the active temperature range of the second enzyme for the second
designated time.
[0126] Further, control of the heating unit 230 by the controller
283 is determined according to the heat insulating state when the
dish washer is manufactured, and is programmed.
[0127] The controller 283 controls driving of the circulation unit
250 for the first designated time such that wash water maintained
within the active temperature range of the first enzyme is
circulated and jetted, and controls driving of the circulation unit
250 for the second designated time such that wash water maintained
within the active temperature range of the second enzyme is
circulated and jetted.
[0128] The controller 283 controls opening and closing of the
first, second and third valves 256 such that the amount of wash
water jetted through the first nozzle 261 from among the first,
second and third nozzles 261, 262 and 263 is greatest during
control of the circulation unit 250 for the first designated
time.
[0129] That is, since tableware accommodated in the first basket
150 may be bowls having a strong possibility of being contaminated
with contaminants, such as starch, the first nozzle 261 jets wash
water in which .alpha.-amylase is activated to the first basket
150, thereby improving the cleaning performance to the tableware
accommodated in the first basket 150.
[0130] Further, the controller 283 controls opening and closing of
the first, second and third valves 256 such that the amount of wash
water jetted through the second nozzle 262 from among the first,
second and third nozzles 261, 262 and 263 is greatest during
control of the circulation unit 250 for the second designated
time.
[0131] That is, since tableware accommodated in the second basket
160 may be cups having a strong possibility of being contaminated
with contaminants, for example a protein such as milk, the second
nozzle 262 jets wash water in which protease is activated to the
second basket 160, thereby improving the cleaning performance to
the tableware accommodated in the second basket 160.
[0132] The controller 283 drives the circulation pump 251 and
controls opening of the first, second and third valves 256, 257 and
258 such that wash water is jetted through the first, second and
third nozzles 261, 262 and 263 when the detected temperature of
wash water is not within the active temperature range of the first
enzyme. Here, the controller 283 simultaneously opens and closes
the first, second and third valves 256, 257 and 258, or alternately
opens and closes the first, second and third valves 256, 257 and
258 in a predetermined sequence.
[0133] Further, when the first, second and third valves 256, 257
and 258 are alternately opened and closed, pairs of valves may be
alternately opened and closed. For example, opening of the first
and second valves 256 and 257, opening of the second and third
valves 257 and 258, and opening of the third and first valves 258
and 256 may be sequentially carried out.
[0134] Further, the controller 283 may open only the second valve
257 such that washing water is jetted only through the second
nozzle 262 when the detected temperature of wash water is not
within the active temperature range of the first enzyme.
[0135] The controller 283 controls opening and closing of the
first, second and third valves 256, 257 and 258 such that a first
jet pattern of jetting wash water through the first, second and
third nozzles 261, 262 and 263 and a second jet pattern of jetting
wash water through the first nozzle 261 are alternately executed
when the detected temperature of wash water is within the active
temperature range of the first enzyme.
[0136] During control of the first jet pattern, the controller 283
simultaneously opens the first, second and third valves 256, 257
and 258, or alternately opens the first, second and third valves
256, 257 and 258 in predetermined sequence.
[0137] The controller 283 is electrically connected to the user
interface 190, and thus receives operation information for washing
tableware through the user interface 190 and controls display of
the operation information of the dish washer.
[0138] The first driving unit 284 drives at least one of the water
supply valve 211, the first valve 256, the second valve 257 and the
third valve 258 according to a driving control signal from the
controller 283.
[0139] The second driving unit 285 drives the heating unit 280
according to a driving control signal from the controller 283.
[0140] The third driving unit 286 drives at least one of the
circulation pump 251 and the drain pump 271 according to a driving
control signal from the controller 283.
[0141] FIGS. 7A and 7B are flowcharts illustrating a control method
of the dish washer in accordance with the embodiment of the present
disclosure, and the control method of the dish washer will be
described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 8A, 8B and 8C.
[0142] First, as shown in FIG. 7A, the dish washer receives water
supplied from the external water supply source by opening the water
supply valve 212 of the water supply unit 210 (Operation 301).
[0143] Thereafter, the dish washer stores water supplied through
the water supply pipe 211 in the sump 220. A detergent is dissolved
in water in the sump 220, and water containing the detergent serves
as wash water.
[0144] The dish washer detects the level of water in the sump 220
or the washing tub 130, compares the detected water level with a
reference water level, and closes the water supply valve 212 when
the detected water level is more than the reference water
level.
[0145] The dish washer drives the heating unit 230 to heat wash
water in the sump 220, drives the circulation pump 251 to pump wash
water in the sump 220, and opens the first to third valves 256, 257
and 258 to jet wash water in the sump 220 to the first and second
baskets 150 and 160 and the cutlery basket 170 in the washing tub
130 through the first, second and third nozzles 261, 262 and 263,
thereby washing tableware accommodated in the first and second
baskets 150 and 160 and the cutlery basket 170 (Operation 302).
[0146] Here, opening of the first to third valves 256, 257 and 258
includes periodically opening and closing of the first to third
valves 256, 257 and 258, as shown in FIG. 8C, and particularly
includes simultaneously opening of the first to third valves 256,
257 and 258. Thereby, wash water is simultaneously jetted through
the first, second and third nozzles 261, 262 and 263.
[0147] Further, opening of the first to third valves 256, 257 and
258 may include alternately opening of the first to third valves
256, 257 and 258 in predetermined sequence.
[0148] Further, opening of the first to third valves 256, 257 and
258 may include opening of only the second valve 257 while closing
of the first and third valves 256 and 258 so as to jet wash water
only through the second nozzle 262.
[0149] Thereafter, the dish washer detects the temperature of wash
water through the temperature detection unit 282 (Operation 303),
and judges whether or not the detected temperature of wash water is
within the active temperature range of the first enzyme by
comparing the detected temperature of wash water with the active
temperature range of the first enzyme (Operation 304).
[0150] When the detected temperature of wash water is lower than
the active temperature range of the first enzyme, i.e., when the
temperature of wash water is not within the active temperature
range of the first enzyme, jet of wash water through the first,
second and third nozzles 261, 262 and 263 is maintained.
[0151] On the other hand, when the detected temperature of wash
water is within the active temperature range of the first enzyme,
the dish washer stops driving of the heating unit 230 to stop
heating of wash water (Operation 305), drives the circulation pump
251 for a first designated time to pump wash water in the sump 220
and controls opening and closing of the first, second and third
valves 256, 257 and 258 to jet wash water to the first and second
baskets 150 and 160 and the cutlery basket 170 in the washing tub
130 (Operation 306). Here, the first designated time is optimally 5
to 15 minutes, but may be adjusted to time more than or less than
such time.
[0152] Here, the first and second valves 256 and 257 may be opened
such that a large amount of wash water is jetted to the first
basket 150 through the first nozzle 261 and the second nozzle 262,
as shown in FIG. 8B.
[0153] Further, the first jet pattern of jetting wash water through
the first, second and third nozzles 261, 262 and 263 and the second
jet pattern of jetting wash water through the first nozzle 261 may
be alternately executed.
[0154] Here, the first jet pattern is used to simultaneously open
the first, second and third valves 256, 257 and 258, or to
alternately open the first, second and third valves 256, 257 and
258 in predetermined sequence.
[0155] That is, this is to jet the greatest amount of wash water
through the first nozzle 261 from among the first, second and third
nozzles 261, 262 and 263.
[0156] The reason for this is that the amount of .alpha.-amylase in
an active state contacting tableware is increased by increasing the
amount of wash water jetted toward the first basket 150 in which
tableware, such as bowls, is accommodated. Thereby, the cleaning
performance to the tableware may be improved.
[0157] Further, the dish washer may control opening and closing of
the first, second and third valves 256, 257 and 258 such that the
amount of wash water jetted through the first nozzle 261 is greater
than the amount of wash water jetted through the second and third
nozzles 262 and 263 during driving of the circulation unit 250 for
the first designated time. Here, the dish washer may control
opening and closing of the second and third valves 257 and 258 such
that the amount of wash water jetted through the second nozzle 262
is greater than the amount of wash water jetted through the third
nozzle 263.
[0158] Control of opening and closing of the first, second and
third valves 256, 257 and 258 includes control of at least one of
opening degrees, opening times and the numbers of opening
frequencies of the first, second and third valves 256, 257 and
258.
[0159] Further, the dish washer may periodically detect the
temperature of wash water such that wash water continuously is
maintained within the active temperature range of the first enzyme,
and drive the heating unit 230 when the periodically detected
temperature of wash water is lower than the active temperature
range of the first enzyme, during driving of the circulation unit
250 for the first designated time.
[0160] Thereafter, the dish washer judges whether or not the first
designated time has elapsed (Operation 307), and, upon judging that
the first designated time has elapsed, drives the heating unit 230
to reheat wash water, drives the circulation pump 251 to pump wash
water in the sump 220, controls opening and closing of the first,
second and third valves 256, 257 and 258 to supply wash water to
the respective nozzles through the circulation pipes, thereby
jetting wash water toward the first and second baskets 150 and 160
and the cutlery basket 170 in the washing tub 130.
[0161] Thereafter, the dish washer detects the temperature of wash
water reheated through the temperature detection unit 282
(Operation 308), and judges whether or not the temperature of
reheated wash water is within the active temperature range of the
second enzyme by comparing the temperature of reheated wash water
with the active temperature range of the second enzyme (Operation
309).
[0162] Here, the first enzyme is .alpha.-amylase, the second enzyme
is protease, the active temperature range of the first enzyme is
32.degree. C. to 38.degree. C., and the active temperature range of
the second enzyme is 45.degree. C. to 55.degree. C.
[0163] Thereafter, if the temperature of reheated wash water is
lower than the active temperature range of the second enzyme, the
dish washer judges that the temperature of reheated wash water is
not within the active temperature range of the first enzyme and
maintains the process of pumping wash water through the circulation
pump 251 and jetting wash water.
[0164] On the other hand, if the temperature of reheated wash water
is within the active temperature range of the second enzyme, the
dish washer stops driving of the heating unit 230 to stop reheating
of wash water (Operation 310), drives the circulation pump 251 to
pump wash water in the sump 220, and controls opening and closing
of the first, second and third valves 256, 257 and 258 to supply
wash water to the respective nozzles, thereby jetting wash water to
the first and second baskets 150 and 160 and the cutlery basket 170
in the washing tub 130 (Operation 311). That is, the circulation
unit 250 is driven for the second designated time.
[0165] As shown in FIG. 8C, the amount of wash water jetted through
the second and third nozzles is increased more than the amount of
wash water jetted through the first nozzle such that a large amount
of wash water is jetted to the second basket 160.
[0166] That is, at least one of the numbers of opening frequencies,
opening degrees and opening times of the first, second and third
valves 256, 257 and 258 are adjusted such that the amount of wash
water jetted through the second and third nozzles 262 and 263 is
greater than the amount of wash water jetted through the first
nozzle 261.
[0167] Further, at least one of the numbers of opening frequencies,
opening degrees and opening times of the second and third valves
257 and 258 may be adjusted such that the amount of wash water
jetted through the second nozzle 262 is greater than the amount of
wash water jetted through the third nozzle 263.
[0168] That is, this is to jet the greatest amount of wash water
through the second nozzle 262 from among the first, second and
third nozzles 261, 262 and 263. The reason for this is that the
amount of protease in an active state contacting tableware is
increased by increasing the amount of wash water jetted toward the
second basket 160 in which tableware, such as cups, is
accommodated. Thereby, the cleaning performance to the tableware
may be improved.
[0169] Thereafter, the dish washer judges whether or not the second
designated time has elapsed (Operation 312), and, upon judging that
the second designated time has elapsed, controls driving of the
drain pump 271 to discharge wash water in the washing tub 130 and
the sump 220 to the outside and terminates the washing
operation.
[0170] Further, time required to increase the temperature of wash
water to the active temperature range of the first enzyme and time
required to increase the temperature of wash water to the active
temperature range of the second enzyme may be respectively
predetermined, without the temperature detection unit, and the
heating unit 230 may be driven for the respective predetermined
times.
[0171] Active temperatures to maximize activity of contaminant
decomposing components, such as enzymes and a surface active agent
contained in the detergent, and the most effective maintenance
times set according to active features of the detergent are applied
to a tableware washing profile, thereby maximizing contaminant
decomposing performance of the enzymes and improving tableware
cleaning performance.
[0172] Further, since tableware cleaning efficiency is improved as
activity of the enzyme is maximized, the maximum temperature of
wash water during washing of tableware may be lowered, and thus
energy consumed during washing of tableware may be reduced.
[0173] Further, since a position from wash water is jetted and the
amount of wash water are adjusted according to the kind of enzyme,
the contact amount of the enzyme decomposing a target contaminating
component may be maximized based on the target contaminating
component according to the kind of tableware, and thus tableware
cleaning efficiency may be improved.
[0174] When wash water within the active temperature range of the
first enzyme is pumped and jetted to wash tableware, the dish water
may wash the tableware while raising the temperature of wash water
step by step within the active temperature range of the first
enzyme. This will be described with reference to FIG. 7B.
[0175] As shown in FIG. 7B, the dish washer drives the heating unit
230 to heat wash water in the sump 220, drives the circulation pump
251 and opens the first to third valves 256, 257 and 258 to jet
wash water in the sump 220 to the first and second baskets 150 and
160 and the cutlery basket 170 in the washing tub 130 through the
first, second and third nozzles 261, 262 and 263.
[0176] Here, the dish washer detects the temperature of wash water,
and opens the first, second and third valves 256, 257 and 258 to
jet wash water through the first, second and third nozzles 261, 262
and 263, if the temperature of wash water is not within the active
temperature range of the first enzyme. The first, second and third
valves 256, 257 and 258 are simultaneously opened and closed, or
are alternately opened and closed in predetermined sequence.
[0177] Further, only the second valve 257 may be opened to jet wash
water only through the second nozzle 262.
[0178] On the other hand, if the detected temperature of wash water
is within the active temperature range of the first enzyme, the
dish washer judges whether or not the detected temperature of wash
water is within the first maintenance temperature range from among
the active temperature range of the first enzyme (Operation
306a).
[0179] Upon judging that the temperature of wash water is within
the first maintenance temperature range, the dish washer drives the
circulation pump 251 for a first maintenance time to pump wash
water in the sump 220, and controls opening of the first, second
and third valves to jet pumped wash water through the first, second
and third nozzles (Operation 306b).
[0180] Thereafter, the dish washer judges whether or not the first
maintenance time has elapsed (Operation 306c), and drives the
heating unit 230 to reheat wash water and detect the temperature of
reheated wash water, upon judging that the first maintenance time
has elapsed (Operation 306d).
[0181] Thereafter, the dish washer judges whether or not the
detected temperature of wash water is within a second maintenance
temperature range from among the active temperature range of the
first enzyme by comparing the detected temperature of wash water
with the second maintenance temperature range (Operation 306e).
[0182] Upon judging that the detected temperature of wash water is
within the second maintenance temperature range, the dish washer
stops driving of the heating unit 230 to stop heating of wash water
(Operation 306f), drives the circulation pump 251 for a second
maintenance time to pump wash water in the sump 220, and controls
opening of the first, second and third valves to jet pumped wash
water through the first, second and third nozzles (Operation
306g).
[0183] The dish washer executes control of the circulation unit 250
within the active temperature range of the first enzyme for the
first and second maintenance times.
[0184] That is, the dish washer drives the circulation pump 251 to
pump wash water in the sump 220, and controls opening of the first,
second and third valves such that the amount of wash water jetted
through the first nozzle 261 from among the first, second and third
nozzles 261, 262 and 263 is greatest.
[0185] For example, the dish washer increases the opening degree of
the first valve more than the opening degrees of the second and
third valves, increases the number of opening frequencies of the
first valve more than the numbers of opening frequencies of the
second and third valves, and increases the opening time of the
first valve longer than the opening times of the second and third
valves.
[0186] Thereafter, the dish washer judges whether or not the second
maintenance time has elapsed (Operation 306h), and drives the
heating unit 230 to heat wash water to the active temperature range
of the second enzyme, upon judging that the second maintenance time
has elapsed.
[0187] While wash water is heated to the active temperature range
of the second enzyme, the dish washer executes control of the
circulation unit 250 at an inactive temperature of the first
enzyme. That is, the dish washer drives the circulation pump 251 to
pump wash water in the sump, and simultaneously or alternately
opens the first, second and third valves to simultaneously or
alternately jet pumped wash water through the first, second and
third nozzles.
[0188] Here, the sum of the first maintenance time and the second
maintenance time is the first designated time.
[0189] Further, during executing washing while raising the
temperature of wash water step by step within the active
temperature range of the first enzyme, the sum of the first
maintenance time and the second maintenance time may be longer than
the first designated time.
[0190] When the temperature of wash water is raised step by step
within the active temperature range of the first enzyme in this
way, component decomposition using the enzyme is promoted, thus
improving cleaning performance.
[0191] In more detail, since the second maintenance temperature
range is a temperature zone where exhibits maximum activity at an
early stage but is rapidly reduced in activity due to lowered
stability, if wash water is heated to the second maintenance
temperature range without heating to the first maintenance
temperature range, thermo stability of .alpha.-amylase is lowered
and activity of .alpha.-amylase is not maintained for a long time
and is rapidly reduced.
[0192] Thereby, after .alpha.-amylase absorbs sufficient energy
within the first maintenance temperature range and is activated,
.alpha.-amylase is immediately raised to a temperature within the
second maintenance temperature range higher than the first
maintenance temperature range so that activity of .alpha.-amylase
is maximized without deformation. Thus, contaminant decomposing
capacity of .alpha.-amylase may be maximally brought out until
contaminant decomposing capacity of .alpha.-amylase disappears.
[0193] FIGS. 9, 10A and 10B are graphs illustrating cleaning
performance when the temperature of wash water is adjusted to the
active temperature range of the first enzyme.
[0194] FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating cleaning performances with
respect to oatmeal, spinach and milk according to adjustment of the
active temperature range of the first enzyme and the final
temperature.
[0195] Prior art represents conventional cleaning performance,
detergent activation 1 and detergent activation 2 represent
cleaning performances when the temperature of wash water is
maintained in one step within the active temperature range of the
first enzyme, and 2 step detergent activation 1 and 2 step
detergent activation 2 represent cleaning performances when the
temperature of wash water is maintained in two steps within the
active temperature range of the first enzyme.
[0196] The final temperatures of wash water at detergent activation
1 and 2 step detergent activation 1 are lower than the final
temperatures of wash water at detergent activation 2 and 2 step
detergent activation 2.
[0197] In each test, as a result of the cleaning performances with
respect to oatmeal, spinach and milk, it is understood that
cleaning performance when tableware is washed by activating an
enzyme is higher than conventional cleaning performance.
[0198] Further, it is understood that cleaning performance at
detergent activation 2 having the higher final temperature than at
detergent activation 1 is higher and cleaning performance at 2 step
detergent activation 2 having the higher final temperature than 2
step detergent activation 1 is higher, and it is understood that
cleaning performance if the temperature of wash water is maintained
in two steps within the active temperature range of the first
enzyme is higher than cleaning performance if the temperature of
wash water is maintained in one step within the active temperature
range of the first enzyme.
[0199] FIG. 10A is a graph illustrating cleaning performance
according to the final temperature of wash water. It is understood
that, cleaning performance if tableware is washed under the
condition that the enzyme is activated, is more excellent even in a
state in which the final temperature of wash water is lower then
conventional cleaning performance.
[0200] FIG. 10B is a graph illustrating cleaning performance
according to the active temperature range of the first enzyme, the
final temperature, and change of the nozzle to jet wash water.
[0201] Prior art represents conventional cleaning performance,
detergent activations 1, 2, two step detergent activation 1 and two
step detergent activation 2 represent cleaning performances when
the temperature of wash water is maintained in one step within the
active temperature range of the first enzyme, and 2 step detergent
activation represents cleaning performances when the temperature of
wash water is maintained in two steps within the active temperature
range of the first enzyme.
[0202] Further, detergent activations 1, 2, two step detergent
activation 1 and two step detergent activation 2 represent cleaning
performances if the amounts of wash water jetted through the first,
second and third nozzles are varied. Detergent activations 1 and
two step detergent activation 1 represent cleaning performances if
wash water is intensively jetted through the first nozzle, and
detergent activations 2 and two step detergent activation 2
represent cleaning performances if wash water is intensively jetted
through the third nozzle. Further, detergent activations 1 and 2
represent cleaning performances if wash water is jetted alternately
through different nozzles.
[0203] As shown in FIG. 10B, it is understood that, if the final
temperature of wash water is set to 43.degree. C., cleaning
performance when tableware is washed under the condition that the
temperature of wash water is maintained in one step within the
active temperature range of the first enzyme is more excellent than
conventional cleaning performance.
[0204] Further, it is understood that, if the final temperature of
wash water is set to 44.degree. C., cleaning performance when
tableware is washed under the condition that the temperature of
wash water is maintained in one step or two steps within the active
temperature range of the first enzyme is more excellent than
conventional cleaning performance.
[0205] Here, it is understood that cleaning performance when
tableware is washed under the condition that the temperature of
wash water is maintained in two steps within the active temperature
range of the first enzyme is most excellent.
[0206] Further, it is understood that, if the final temperature of
wash water is set to 50.degree. C., cleaning performance when
tableware is washed under the condition that the temperature of
wash water is maintained in one step or two steps within the active
temperature range of the first enzyme is more excellent than
conventional cleaning performance.
[0207] Here, it is understood that, under the condition that the
temperature of wash water is maintained in one step within the
active temperature range of the first enzyme, cleaning performance
if wash water is jetted alternately through the first, second and
third nozzles is more excellent than cleaning performance if wash
water is jetted through one nozzle (the first nozzle or the third
nozzle).
[0208] Further, it is understood that, in case that wash water is
jetted alternately through the first, second and third nozzles,
cleaning performance if wash water is intensively jetted to the
first basket through the first nozzle is more excellent than
cleaning performance if wash water is intensively jetted to the
second basket and the cutlery through the third nozzle.
[0209] However, if the final temperature of wash water is set to
47.degree. C., it is understood that cleaning performances are
almost similar.
[0210] As described above, when tableware is washed under the
condition that an enzyme contained in a detergent is activated, if
the final temperature of wash water becomes lower than the
conventional final temperature, more effective cleaning performance
may be exhibited.
[0211] That is, by washing the tableware under the condition that
the enzyme contained in the detergent is activated, cleaning
performance may be improved and the final temperature of wash water
may be lowered, thereby reducing energy consumption.
[0212] As is apparent from the above description, in a dish washer
and a control method thereof in accordance with one embodiment of
the present disclosure, active temperatures to maximize activity of
contaminant decomposing components, such as enzymes and a surface
active agent contained in a detergent, and the most effective
maintenance times set according to active features of the detergent
are applied to a tableware washing profile, thereby maximizing
contaminant decomposing performance of the enzymes and improving
tableware cleaning performance.
[0213] Further, since tableware cleaning efficiency is improved as
activity of the enzyme is maximized, the maximum temperature of
wash water during washing of tableware may be lowered, and thus
energy consumed during washing of tableware may be reduced.
[0214] Further, since a position from wash water is jetted and the
amount of wash water are adjusted according to the kind of enzyme,
the contact amount of the enzyme decomposing a target contaminating
component may be maximized based on the target contaminating
component according to the kind of tableware, and thus tableware
cleaning efficiency may be improved.
[0215] Although a few embodiments of the present disclosure have
been shown and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled
in the art that changes may be made in these embodiments without
departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the
scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *