Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
  • A47L15/0002—Washing processes, i.e. machine working principles characterised by phases or operational steps
  • A47L15/0015—Washing processes, i.e. machine working principles characterised by phases or operational steps other treatment phases, e.g. steam or sterilizing phase
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
  • A47L15/42—Details
  • A47L15/4234—Steam generating arrangements
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
  • A47L15/42—Details
  • A47L15/4236—Arrangements to sterilize or disinfect dishes or washing liquids
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L2301/00—Manual input in controlling methods of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, i.e. information entered by a user
  • A47L2301/04—Operation mode, e.g. delicate washing, economy washing, reduced time, sterilizing, water softener regenerating, odor eliminating or service
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L2401/00—Automatic detection in controlling methods of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, e.g. information provided by sensors entered into controlling devices
  • A47L2401/10—Water cloudiness or dirtiness, e.g. turbidity, foaming or level of bacteria
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L2401/00—Automatic detection in controlling methods of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, e.g. information provided by sensors entered into controlling devices
  • A47L2401/22—Number of operational cycles
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L2501/00—Output in controlling method of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, i.e. quantities or components controlled, or actions performed by the controlling device executing the controlling method
  • A47L2501/14—Steam generators
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L2501/00—Output in controlling method of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, i.e. quantities or components controlled, or actions performed by the controlling device executing the controlling method
  • A47L2501/30—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
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L2601/00—Washing methods characterised by the use of a particular treatment
  • A47L2601/04—Steam

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a dishwasher.
• a dishwasher is a home appliance that sprays high-pressure wash liquid within a tub to wash and remove food residue and other impurities left on surfaces of dishes.
• a filter filters the food residue from the wash liquid to recycle the latter, and detergent is dissolved into the wash liquid to facilitate the removal of food residue.
• the following dishwasher functions have been developed.
• the present invention provides a dishwasher and a controlling method thereof that easily remove food deposits hardened on dishes, increasing the efficiency of washing dishes.
• Another object of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher and a controlling method thereof that quickly soak food deposits on dishes, so that the duration of the washing cycle of the dishwasher is reduced to provide more convenience to a user.
• a further object of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher and a controlling method thereof that improve the washing efficiency of the dishwasher.
• a still further object of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher and a controlling method thereof that increase surface active efficiency of detergent, so that dishwashing efficiency increases.
• a dishwasher including: a tub for storing dishes; a steam generator for generating steam to be supplied into the tub; and a connecting passage for connecting a discharging end of the steam generator to an inside of the tub.
• a controlling method of a dishwasher including: preparing a dishwasher including a tub for storing dishes, a steam generator for generating steam to be supplied into the tub, and a connecting passage for connecting a discharging end of the steam generator to an inside of the tub; supplying steam into the tub from the steam generator; and spraying wash liquid onto the dishes.
• a controlling method of a dishwasher including: preparing a dishwasher including a tub for storing dishes, a steam generator for generating steam to be supplied into the tub, and a connecting passage for connecting a discharging end of the steam generator to an inside of the tub; supplying steam into the tub from the steam generator; spraying wash liquid onto the dishes; spraying the wash liquid again and determining whether to repeat the supplying of the steam; and alternately repeating the spraying of the wash liquid and the supplying of the steam when the determining determines to repeat the supplying of the steam.
• a controlling method of a dishwasher including: preparing a dishwasher including a tub for storing dishes, a steam generator for generating steam to be supplied into the tub, and a connecting passage for connecting a discharging end of the steam generator to an inside of the tub; performing a main wash cycle through spraying wash liquid mixed with detergent for washing the dishes; and supplying the steam from the steam generator into the tub in at least one of a cycle before and after the main wash cycle.
• An advantage of the dishwasher and controlling method thereof according to the present invention is that they can easily remove food residue hardened on dishes to improve washing efficiency of the dishwasher.
• Another advantage of the dishwasher and controlling method thereof according to the present invention is that soaking of dishes is performed quickly so that the duration of the dishwasher's washing cycle is reduced, thereby reducing the work performed by the pump and power consumption of the dishwasher.
• a further advantage of the dishwasher and controlling method thereof according to the present invention is that they improve sterilizing efficiency of dishes for improved hygiene thereof.
• a still further advantage of the dishwasher and controlling method thereof according to the present invention is that they satisfactorily clean dishes physically, chemically, and biologically at the same time, so that food residue can be more thoroughly removed from dishes.
• An additional advantage of the dishwasher and controlling method thereof according to the present invention is that the spraying of wash liquid and then the supplying of steam is repeated, improving the cleanliness of dishes.
• Another added advantage of the dishwasher and controlling method thereof according to the present invention is that hot steam can be discharged during a plurality of cycles, so that the efficiency of the dishwasher increases.
• a further added advantage of the dishwasher and controlling method thereof according to the present invention is that they increase the dissolving of detergent in wash liquid to increase the efficiency of the dishwasher.
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dishwasher according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
• Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a dishwasher according to the first embodiment of the present invention with its door open.
• FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the dishwasher in Fig. 1 taken along line I-I'.
• Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing a controlling method of a dishwasher according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
• Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing a controlling method of a dishwasher according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
• Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing a controlling method of a dishwasher according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
• Fig. 7 is flowchart showing a controlling method of a dishwasher according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 8 is flowchart showing a controlling method of a dishwasher according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 9 is flowchart showing a controlling method of a dishwasher according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 10 is flowchart showing a controlling method of a dishwasher according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dishwasher according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
• a dishwasher according to the present invention includes a case
• control panel 3 includes a power switch 5 for switching power to the dishwasher on and off, a door handle 4 used to open and close the door 2, controls 7 for implementing a predetermined operation of the dishwasher according to a user's inputted commands, and a display 8 for displaying the operation of the dishwasher.
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a dishwasher according to the first embodiment of the present invention with its door open.
• a tub 18 for containing wash liquid inside the dishwasher is disposed therein, and a sump 16 disposed at the bottom of the tub 18 for collecting, filtering, and re-circulating wash liquid to be sprayed.
• the inside of the tub 18 includes an upper dish rack 11 and a lower dish rack 12 for placing dishes in, and an upper spray arm 14 and top spray nozzle 24 for spraying wash liquid towards the upper dish rack 11, and a lower spray arm 15 for spraying wash liquid towards the lower dish rack 12.
• the inner surfaces of the tub 18 have a rail 13 extending from front to rear in order to slide the upper dish rack 11 thereon.
• a filter 17 is disposed at the bottom of the tub 18 to filter impurities from wash liquid.
• a wash liquid passage 19 is provided at an inner side surface of the tub 18, for supplying wash liquid to the upper spray arm 14 and the top spray nozzle 24.
• the door 2 is coupled to the case 1 through a hinge (not shown) at the bottom of the door 2, so that a user can pivot the door about the hinge in an upward or downward direction.
• An exhaust fan 9 formed in a predetermined location on the door 2 can forcefully expel air from inside the tub 18 to the outside.
• a detergent cup 10 for holding a predetermined amount of detergent supplied therein is formed in the inner surface of the door 2, and supplies that amount of detergent during the operation of the dishwasher.
• FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the dishwasher in Fig. 1 taken along line I-I'.
• a dishwasher according to the present invention further includes a water supply pipe 22 connecting the tub 18 and a water supply outside of the dishwasher to supply water into the tub 18, a water draining pipe 23 for draining wash liquid (that has been used for dishwashing and is contaminated), a steam generator 20 for generating steam and disposed below the tub 18, and a steam supply pipe 21 for supplying the steam generated by the steam generator 20 to the inside of the tub 18.
• the steam discharger 26 for discharging steam therefrom at the bottom of the tub 18.
• the steam discharger 26 discharges steam from the bottom of the tub 18 upward.
• the steam discharged from the steam supply pipe 21 can evenly permeate throughout the entire of the tub 18.
• a predetermined sealing member (not shown) seals the space between the outer perimeter of the end of the steam supply pipe 21 entering the tub 18 and the hole in the tub 18 through which the steam supply pipe 21 passes. In this way, wash liquid is prevented from leaking through the gap between the steam supply pipe 21 and the tub 18, and affecting interior components.
• the water supply pipe 22 branches in two. In order to regulate the flow of water passing through the branched water supply pipe 22, a tub water regulating valve 40 and a steam water regulating valve 41, for opening and closing the water supply pipe 22, are formed on the respective branches.
• the tub water regulating valve 40 controls the flow of water flowing to the tub
• the steam water regulating valve 41 controls the flow of water flowing to the steam generator 20.
• the door 2 In order to wash dishes, the door 2 is opened, and dishes are placed in the upper and lower dish racks 11 and 12, after which the door 2 is closed. Of course, before the door 2 is closed, a predetermined amount of detergent, rinse, etc. may be added to the detergent cup 10.
• the display 8 By manipulating the controls 7, when a user inputs desired controls and begins the operation of the dishwasher, the display 8 displays the operating status of the dishwasher.
• wash liquid is first discharged from the upper and lower spray arms 14 and 15 and the top spray nozzle 24 to wash dishes in the upper and lower dish racks 11 and 12, after which the wash liquid descends to the sump 16 below.
• An impeller or other type of predetermined pump is installed in the sump 16, to pressurize and re-supply the wash liquid to the spray arms 14 and 15 and top spray nozzle 24. While the wash liquid circulates to the spray arms 14 and 15 and spray nozzle 24 from the sump 16, food residue is filtered by the filter 17 to prevent excessive contamination of the wash liquid and clogging of nozzles.
• steam is a gaseous form of boiled water that has hot and moist characteristics, it is suitable for improving washing efficiency of a dishwasher. Steam is especially suitable for soaking food residue dried and hardened on dishes for easy removal, and its heat is suitable for sterilizing purposes.
• FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a controlling method of a dishwasher according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
• step Sl water present in the dishwasher is first drained in an initial draining in step Sl.
• the steam generator 20 is operated and supplies steam into the tub 18 in step S2.
• the supplying of steam in step S2 is performed over a certain duration, and may be performed for a duration in which hardened food residue is adequately soaked.
• the steam may be supplied continuously into the tub 18 for at least a predetermined duration.
• the duration of supplying steam may be preset or automatically controlled. For example, when dirty dishes are put into the dishwasher after sitting for a long time, a user may enter a setting that supplies steam over a longer duration, so that the hardened food deposits have enough time to soften.
• step S2 of supplying steam wash liquid is supplied and sprayed toward the dishes by the lower and upper spray arms 14 and 15 and the top spray nozzle 24.
• the wash liquid sprayed through the spray arms and nozzle in step S3 may be sprayed at a lower pressure than normal and still easily remove food deposits that have already been softened by the steam.
• step S4 wash liquid supplied with detergent is sprayed to chemically remove grease from the dishes in step S4. This washing of dishes using wash water with detergent can be referred to as a main wash cycle, and the washing without using detergent can be referred to as a pre-wash cycle.
• step S5 fresh wash liquid is supplied and sprayed to perform a rinse cycle in step S5.
• the rinse cycle may be repeated a number of times, depending on the condition of the dishes.
• cool or hot air is forcibly blown to perform a drying cycle in step S6.
• the controlling method of a dishwasher according to the present invention performs a cycle of supplying steam to soak food residue before performing the wash cycle in which wash liquid is sprayed onto dishes. In this way, wash liquid sprayed at a lower pressure is more than adequate for washing dishes of food residue.
• FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a controlling method of a dishwasher according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
• the operation of the dishwasher is begun. Prior to this, water already in the unit undergoes an initial draining in step SIl. After the initial draining has been performed, wash liquid is supplied and sprayed towards the dishes through the lower and upper spray arms 14 and 15 and the top spray nozzle 24.
• wash liquid is supplied and sprayed towards the dishes through the lower and upper spray arms 14 and 15 and the top spray nozzle 24.
• step S 12 This wash cycle, which is not supplied with detergent, washes food residue using only wash liquid, and can therefore be called a pre-wash cycle.
• step S 13 steam is supplied into the tub in step S 13.
• the supplying of steam in step S 13 is sustained for a predetermined duration, which may extend for a period suitable to completely soak the deposits hardened on the dishes.
• the steam is continuously consumed inside the tub 18, and may be supplied continuously for at least a predetermined duration.
• the duration for supplying the steam may be preset or automatically determined. For example, when dirty dishes are put into the dishwasher after sitting for a long time, a user may enter a setting that supplies steam over a longer duration, so that the hardened food deposits have enough time to soften. This process may be referred to as a soaking steam supplying stage because the food deposits are soaked.
• the soaking steam supplying stage in step S13 soaks the food deposits, after which a main wash cycle is performed using wash liquid mixed with detergent in step S 14.
• the main wash cycle may be performed repeatedly several times depending on the state of the dishwasher operation.
• step S15 After the main wash cycle is performed, a draining cycle of the wash liquid is performed in step S15, after which steam is supplied in step S16.
• the hot steam that is supplied contacts the surfaces of the dishes and kills germs thereon, thus performing sterilizing.
• the steam supplied in step S 16 may be controlled, based on the quantity and types of dishes stored, and a user's direct input. For example, when items such as wash cloths and cutting boards that require a longer sterilizing time are being sterilized, a longer sterilizing setting may be inputted. Because hot steam is used for sterilizing in step S 16, this stage may be referred to as a sterilizing steam supplying stage.
• step S 16 After the sterilizing steam supplying stage in step S 16 is performed, fresh wash liquid is supplied and sprayed to perform a rinse cycle in step S 17.
• the rinse cycle may be repeated several times, depending on the condition of the dishes.
• the controlling method of a dishwasher according to the present invention supplies steam after the main wash cycle is completed, so that germs that may be present on the surfaces of dishes are killed, thereby increasing the level of sanitation of the dishes.
• steam is supplied in the stage before the rinsing cycle to perform sterilization, so that the removed germs can be discharged to the outside along with the wash liquid.
• steam is supplied again, the soaking of food residue is more efficient.
• the soaking steam supplying in step S 13 and the sterilizing steam supplying in step S 16 may be selectively performed according to specific operating conditions, in order to prevent over supplying of steam and energy waste.
• FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a controlling method of a dishwasher according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
• dishes are stored within the dishwasher, after which the dishwasher is activated. Prior to this, water already in the unit undergoes an initial draining in step S21. After the initial draining has been performed, wash liquid is supplied and sprayed towards the dishes through the lower and upper spray arms 14 and 15 and the top spray nozzle 24.
• This wash cycle which is not supplied with detergent, washes food residue using only wash liquid, and can therefore be called a pre-wash cycle.
• step S33 steam is supplied into the tub 18 in step S33.
• the supplying of steam in step S23 is sustained for a predetermined duration, which may extend for a period suitable to completely soak the deposits hardened on the dishes.
• the steam is continuously consumed inside the tub 18, and may be supplied continuously for at least a predetermined duration.
• the duration for supplying the steam may be preset or automatically determined. For example, when dirty dishes are put into the dishwasher after sitting for a long time, a user may enter a setting that supplies steam over a longer duration, so that the hardened food deposits have enough time to soften.
• the soaking steam supplying stage in step S23 soaks the food deposits, after which a determining of whether to repeatedly perform the spraying of wash liquid in step S22 and the supplying of steam in step S23, based on the turbidity of the wash liquid and/or the stage of the wash course and/or a user's direct input, is performed in step S24.
• step S24 If it is determined in step S24 that previous steps should be repeated, the spraying of wash liquid in step S22 and the supplying of steam in step S23 is repeatedly performed. Of course, after steps S22 and S23 are both repeated once, step S24 is again performed to determine whether to repeat the steps again. Furthermore, by adding detergent to the sprayed wash liquid in at least one of the repetitions of step S22 during the repeated performing of steps S22 and S23, the wash liquid may be sprayed with detergent mixed therein, so that it can completely clean grease from the dishes. Also, the wash liquid may be drained at a point during the repeating cycles, according to the condition of the wash liquid.
• the number of repeated cycles may be varied according to relevant conditions. For example, if glutinous rice should be hardened and stuck firmly on the dishes, requiring a vigorous wash cycle, a plurality of spraying cycles of wash liquid may be implemented without using detergent.
• step S24 when it is determined in step S24 that the repeated cycles are no longer needed, steam is again supplied in step S25 to completely sterilize the dishes. Fresh rinse water is sprayed on the dishes in a rinse cycle in step S26, and cool or hot air is supplied in step S27 in for drying.
• the repeated supplying of steam in step S25 may selectively be performed as required.
• the steam supplied by the controlling method of a dishwasher according to the present invention may be varied, based on the quantity and types of dishes stored, and a user's direct input. For example, when items such as wash cloths and cutting boards that require a longer sterilizing time are being sterilized, a longer sterilizing setting may be inputted. It also follows that the larger the quantity of dishes, the longer the sterilizing may be performed.
• the controlling method of a dishwasher according to the present invention continuously supplies steam after the spraying of wash liquid is completed (in other words, the supplying of steam is alternately performed with the spraying of wash liquid), thereby increasing the level of sanitation of the dishes. That is to say, the supplying of steam soaks food residue to increase the cleanliness of the dishes from a physical standpoint.
• steam is supplied once more to further sterilize the dishes.
• FIG. 7 is flowchart showing a controlling method of a dishwasher according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
• dishes are stored within the dishwasher, after which the dishwasher is activated. Prior to this, water already in the unit undergoes an initial draining in step S31. After the initial draining has been performed, wash liquid is supplied and sprayed towards the dishes through the lower and upper spray arms 14 and 15 and the top spray nozzle 24.
• This wash cycle which is not supplied with detergent, washes food residue using only wash liquid, and can therefore be called a pre-wash cycle.
• step S33 steam is supplied into the tub 18 in step S33.
• the supplying of steam in step S33 is performed by supplying the steam generated by the steam generator 20 through the steam supply pipe 21 into the tub 18.
• the supplying of steam in step S33 is sustained for a predetermined duration, which may extend variably, depending on the quantity and state of cleanliness of dishes stored in the tub 18. For example, a setting that supplies steam over a longer duration may be used for glutinous rice that is hardened and stuck on dishes.
• step S34 After the supplying of steam in step S33, fresh wash liquid with detergent mixed therein is supplied and sprayed into the tub 18 in a main wash cycle in step S34.
• step S35 After the supplying of steam in step S33 and the spraying of wash liquid in step S 34 soaks food deposits to a certain degree, it is determined in step S35 whether to repeat steps S34 and S33, according to the wash course settings and/or a user's inputs. Thus, the repeated number of times that wash liquid is sprayed in step S 34 and steam is supplied in step S33 is compared to a preset number, and if the numbers are unequal, the steps S 34 and S33 are repeated.
• step S36 After the main wash cycle is completed, the wash liquid is drained in step S36, a rinse cycle is performed in step S37 using clean water, and a drying cycle is performed in step S38 using cool or hot blown air.
• the steam supplied by the controlling method of a dishwasher according to the present invention may be varied, based on the quantity and types of dishes stored, and a user's direct input. For example, the larger the quantity of dishes, the more steam should be supplied.
• the controlling method of a dishwasher according to the present invention continuously sprays wash liquid and supplies steam in the main wash cycle. That is to say, the supplying of steam soaks food residue to increase the cleanliness of the dishes from a physical standpoint. Furthermore, because the wash liquid spraying and steam supplying are alternatingly repeated, the dishes are cleaned that much more efficiently.
• FIG. 8 is flowchart showing a controlling method of a dishwasher according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
• dishes are stored within the dishwasher, after which the dishwasher is activated.
• water already in the unit undergoes an initial draining in step S41.
• steam is supplied into the tub 18 in step S42.
• the supplying of steam in step S42 is performed by supplying the steam generated by the steam generator 20 through the steam supply pipe 21 into the tub 18.
• the supplying of steam in step S42 is sustained for a predetermined duration, which may extend variably, depending on the quantity and state of cleanliness of dishes stored in the tub 18. For example, a setting that supplies steam over a longer duration may be used for glutinous rice that is hardened and stuck on dishes.
• wash liquid is supplied and sprayed towards the dishes through the lower and upper spray arms 14 and 15 and the top spray nozzle 24.
• This wash cycle which is not supplied with detergent, washes food residue using only wash liquid, and can therefore be called a pre-wash cycle.
• step S44 After a one-time supplying of steam in step S42 that soaks food deposits to a certain degree and the spraying of wash liquid in step S43, it is determined in step S44 whether to repeat steps S43 and S42, according to the wash course settings and/or a user's inputs. The number of times the spraying of wash liquid in step S43 and the supplying of steam in S42 are repeated is compared to a preset number, and if the numbers are unequal, the steps S43 and S42 are repeated.
• step S43 By alternating and repeating the spraying of wash liquid in step S43 and the supplying of steam in step S42, food residue can be more reliably removed, thereby increasing the cleaning efficiency of dishes.
• step S45 wash liquid with detergent mixed therein is sprayed in the main wash cycle in step S45.
• fresh rinsing water is sprayed on the dishes in a rinse cycle in step S46, and then a drying cycle is implemented in step S47 using cool or hot blown air.
• the steam supplied by the controlling method of a dishwasher according to the present invention may be varied, based on the quantity and types of dishes stored, and a user's direct input. For example, the larger the quantity of dishes, the more steam should be supplied.
• the controlling method of a dishwasher according to the present invention supplies steam in a prewash cycle and sprays wash liquid, alternating the two steps. That is to say, because the wash liquid spraying and steam supplying are al- ternatingly repeated, the dishes are cleaned that much more efficiently.
• the supplying of steam soaks food residue to increase the cleanliness of the dishes from a physical standpoint. Furthermore, because the wash liquid spraying and steam supplying are alternatingly repeated, the dishes are cleaned that much more efficiently.
• FIG. 9 is flowchart showing a controlling method of a dishwasher according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
• dishes are stored within the dishwasher, after which the dishwasher is activated.
• water already in the unit undergoes an initial draining in step S51.
• steam is supplied into the tub 18 in step S52.
• the supplying of steam in step S52 is performed by supplying the steam generated by the steam generator 20 through the steam supply pipe 21 into the tub 18.
• the supplying of steam in step S52 is sustained for a predetermined duration, which may extend variably, depending on the quantity and state of cleanliness of dishes stored in the tub 18. For example, a setting that supplies steam over a longer duration may be used for glutinous rice that is hardened and stuck on dishes.
• step S52 After the steam is supplied over a certain duration in step S52, wash liquid is sprayed in step S53 towards the dishes. Even when the wash liquid is sprayed at a lower pressure, it can easily remove food residue that has already been soaked by the steam.
• step S54 After a one-time supplying of steam in step S52 and a spraying of wash liquid in step S53, it is determined in step S54 whether to repeat steps S53 and S52, according to the wash course settings and/or a user's inputs. The number of times the spraying of wash liquid in step S53 and the supplying of steam in S52 are repeated is compared to a preset number, and if the numbers are unequal, steps S53 and S52 are repeated.
• the wash liquid may be sprayed with detergent mixed therein, so that it can completely clean grease from the dishes.
• At least one rinse cycle without using detergent may be performed during the repeating wash liquid spraying in step S53 and the supplying of steam in step S52 as a final rinsing cycle, in order to prevent detergent from remaining on dishes.
• the steam supplied by the controlling method of a dishwasher according to the present invention may be varied, based on the quantity and types of dishes stored, and a user's direct input. For example, the larger the quantity of dishes, the more steam should be supplied.
• the controlling method of a dishwasher according to the present invention supplies steam to soak food residue and sprays wash liquid, alternating the two steps. That is to say, because the wash liquid spraying and steam supplying are al- ternatingly repeated, the dishes are cleaned that much more efficiently. In other words, the supplying of steam soaks food residue to allow easy washing of the residue from dishes, and sterilizes germs on the surfaces of dishes through the hot steam.
• FIG. 10 is flowchart showing a controlling method of a dishwasher according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.
• the pre-wash cycle in step S62 is a cycle that uses water without detergent mixed in to wash comparatively large food particles from dishes.
• the wash liquid is drained, and fresh wash liquid is supplied and mixed with detergent in step S63.
• the detergent is sprayed with the wash liquid onto the dishes, and steam is supplied to activate the detergent in step S64.
• Steam is supplied into the tub 18 and contacts the detergent, activating the detergent.
• the amount of steam supplied to the tub 18 may be adjusted depending on the cleanliness of dishes and other factors. For example, in the case of dishes with lots of grease on their surfaces, the duration of supplying steam may be extended. Needless to say, the steam may be supplied in the tub for a preset duration.
• step S66 When the steam is supplied over a predetermined duration, the detergent is activated, and wash liquid is sprayed in step S66, eliminating impurities.
• the dishes can be cleaned more thoroughly.
• the wash liquid is drained in step S67, and fresh wash liquid is supplied and sprayed to perform a rinse cycle in step S68.
• the rinse cycle may be performed a plurality of times, depending on the state of the dishes.
• the controlling method of a dishwasher according to the present invention discharges steam into the tub 18 over a predetermined duration after detergent is sprayed on dishes. Because the steam activates the detergent on the dishes, the dishwashing efficiency increases.
• the hot steam acts to sterilize dishes.
• a further embodiment according to the present invention does not spray wash liquid with detergent before supplying steam, but supplies steam for a predetermined period first in order to activate the detergent.
• the important factor is how long steam is supplied after detergent is deposited on the dishes.
• the dishwasher and the controlling method thereof according to the present invention improve dishwashing efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and improve sanitation of dishes, for a high industrial applicability.

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Applications Claiming Priority (8)

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Family

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