WO2023195607A1

WO2023195607A1 - Dishwashing system

Info

Publication number: WO2023195607A1
Application number: PCT/KR2023/000796
Authority: WO
Inventors: 방정환; 이해성; 엄용환; 송명환; 김희진
Original assignee: 엘지전자 주식회사
Priority date: 2022-04-07
Filing date: 2023-01-17
Publication date: 2023-10-12
Also published as: KR20230144408A

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a dishwashing system. A dishwashing system according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a dishwasher including a tub which receives water from an external water source, and a water softener which removes ions contained in the water supplied to the tub; a controller that determines whether to use the water softener; a server that stores information about the hardness of the water supplied to the dishwasher; and a mobile device that communicates with the dishwasher and the server and displays information on the hardness of the water received from the server when the water softener is not in use, wherein the dishwashing system may recommend a user to use the water softener on the basis of the information on the hardness of the water.

Description

dishwashing system

The present disclosure relates to a dishwashing system, and more specifically, to a dishwashing system equipped with a water softener.

A dishwasher is a device that sprays washing water and steam onto the object to be cleaned contained inside a tub, thereby removing foreign substances from the object.

A dishwasher sprays tap water supplied from an external water source toward the washing object contained within the tub.

At this time, stains may remain on the cleaning object after the cleaning is completed due to ions such as calcium and magnesium contained in the tap water sprayed onto the cleaning object. Accordingly, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the dishwasher may be equipped with a water softening device that removes ions contained in tap water.

However, conventional dishwashers have the problem that it is difficult for users to recognize the cause of stains remaining on objects to be washed, and it is difficult to find a method to solve the problem.

The present disclosure aims to solve the above-described problems and other problems.

Another purpose of the present disclosure may be to provide a dishwasher that encourages users to use a water softener.

Another object of the present disclosure may be to provide a dishwasher with improved dishwashing efficiency.

Another purpose of the present disclosure may be to make users aware of the need to use a water softening device.

Another purpose of the present disclosure may be to make users aware of how to use the water softening device.

Another purpose of the present disclosure may be to simplify the manner in which the use of a water softener is recommended.

The problems of the present invention are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

A dishwashing system according to an aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above-described object includes a dishwasher equipped with a tub that receives water from an external water source and a water softening device that removes ions contained in the water supplied to the tub. do.

The dishwashing system includes a controller that determines whether to use the water softener.

The dishwashing system includes a server that stores information about the hardness of water supplied to the dishwasher.

The dishwashing system includes a mobile device that communicates with the dishwasher and the server.

The mobile device may display information on the hardness of water received from the server when the water softening device is not in use and recommend the use of the water softening device for the dishwasher.

The server may transmit information about the hardness of water in the area where the dishwasher is located to the mobile device.

The dishwasher may include a communication unit that communicates with the mobile device.

The dishwasher may include a communication unit that communicates with a location information transmitter that provides location information of the dishwasher.

The server may store the water softener usage rate in the area where the dishwasher is located.

The mobile device may display information about the water softening device usage rate received from the server.

The server may receive information from a first database that stores information on the hardness of water supplied to the dishwasher.

The server may receive information from a second database that stores information on the water softener usage rate in the area where the dishwasher is located.

The mobile device may display a method of using the water softening device along with information on the hardness of the water received from the server.

The water softening device may include a water softening filter disposed below the tub.

The water softening device may include a salt container disposed below the tub.

The salt container may be connected to the soft water filter.

The dishwasher may include a water level sensor that detects the water level inside the salt container.

The controller may determine that the water softener is not in use when the measured value of the water level sensor is less than a preset water level limit value.

The dishwasher may include a water chamber connected to the water softening device.

The dishwasher may include a valve device connecting the water softening device and the water chamber.

The valve device may switch a flow path between the water softening device and the water chamber.

The controller may determine that the water softener is not in use when the number of times the valve device is switched is less than a preset switching limit value.

The dishwasher may include a control panel that displays operation information of the dishwasher.

The control panel can input the hardness of water supplied to the dishwasher.

The controller may determine that the water softener is not in use when the water hardness value input to the control panel is the initial value.

A dishwasher according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a tub that receives water from an external water source. The dishwasher includes a water softening device that removes ions contained in water supplied to the tub. The dishwasher includes a controller that determines whether to use the water softener. The dishwasher includes a communication unit that communicates with a server that stores information about the hardness of water supplied to the tub. The dishwasher may include a display that displays information on the hardness of the water received from the server and recommend the use of a water softening device to the user based on information on the hardness of the supplied water.

Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, washing efficiency can be improved by recommending the use of a water softener in an environment where the hardness of washing water is high.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, washing efficiency can be improved by performing different strokes of the dishwasher depending on the hardness of the washing water.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the persuasiveness of the necessity of using a water softening device can be strengthened due to information in the database.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to easily determine whether to use the water softening device based on the operation of the valve device or the water level in the salt container.

The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

1 is a perspective view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 2 is an internal structure diagram of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

3 is a portion of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

4 is a portion of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating communication of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 6 is a table explaining database information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 7 is a control block diagram of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 8 is a control block diagram of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 9 is an example of a notification according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the reference numerals, identical or similar components will be given the same reference numbers and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The suffixes “module” and “part” for components used in the following description are given or used interchangeably only for the ease of preparing the specification, and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves.

Additionally, in describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that detailed descriptions of related known technologies may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed descriptions will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are only for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical idea disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings, and all changes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure are not limited. , should be understood to include equivalents or substitutes.

Terms containing ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The above terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

When a component is said to be “connected” or “connected” to another component, it is understood that it may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but that other components may exist in between. It should be. On the other hand, when a component is said to be “directly connected” or “directly connected” to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Referring to FIG. 1, the dishwasher 1 will be described.

Dishwasher 1 may include a cabinet 10. The cabinet 10 may form the external shape of the dishwasher 1. A space may be formed inside the cabinet 10.

The dishwasher 1 may include a door 20. The door 20 may be rotatably coupled to the cabinet 10. The door 20 can open and close the interior space of the cabinet 10.

The dishwasher 1 may include a control panel 30. The control panel 30 may be movably disposed with respect to the cabinet 10 along with the door 20.

The control panel 30 may include buttons 31. The user can operate the dishwasher 1 by pressing the button 31. The user can use the water softening device 300 (see FIG. 3) by pressing the button 31. The user can press the button 31 to input the water hardness level of the washing water.

The dishwasher 1 may include a communication unit 40. The communication unit 40 can communicate with a communication capable device outside the dishwasher 1. A wireless communication module may be mounted in the communication unit 40.

The dishwasher 1 may include a tub 100. The tub 100 may be placed inside the cabinet 10.

The dishwasher 1 may include a driving unit 200. The driving unit 200 may be placed inside the cabinet 10. The driving unit 200 may be disposed on the lower side of the tub 100.

Referring to FIG. 2, the dishwasher 1 will be described.

The tub 100 accommodates a cleaning object. Washing water is sprayed into the tub 100. The tub 100 is disposed inside the cabinet 10 and forms a washing space 100S in which the washing object is accommodated.

A driving unit 200 for circulation of washing water is disposed on the lower side of the tub 100. The driving unit 200 may be placed inside the cabinet 10 . The driving unit 200 forms a driving space 200S in which structures for circulation of washing water, which will be described later, are arranged.

Inside the tub 100, an upper rack 110 on which a cleaning object is placed and a lower rack 120, which is disposed below the upper rack 110 and on which a cleaning object is placed, may be disposed.

Inside the tub 100, a plurality of

spray tubes

150, 160, and 170 may be disposed to spray washing water toward the washing object mounted on the upper rack 110 and lower rack 120.

A plurality of

injection tubes

150, 160, and 170 include a lower injection tube 150 disposed on the lower side of the lower rack 120, and an upper injection tube disposed between the upper rack 110 and the lower rack 120 ( 160) and a top spray tube 170 disposed on the upper side of the upper rack 110.

Each of the plurality of

spray tubes

150, 160, and 170 may receive washing water from the washing pump 220. Inside the tub 100, a first injection pipe 130 and a second injection pipe 140 extending from the driving unit 200 may be disposed.

The first injection pipe 130 extends upward from the switching valve 240 and may extend toward the upper injection tube 160.

The second injection pipe 140 extends upward from the switching valve 240 and may extend toward the top injection tube 170.

The upper injection tube 160 is connected to the first injection pipe 130 and can receive washing water through the first injection pipe 130. The top spray tube 170 is connected to the second spray pipe 140 and can receive washing water through the second spray pipe 140.

The lower injection tube 150 is connected to the switching valve 240 and can receive washing water through the switching valve 240.

The lower injection tube 150 may include a plurality of lower injection nozzles 151. The lower spray nozzle 151 may be open toward the washing space 100s and may spray washing water toward the lower rack 120.

The upper injection tube 160 may include a plurality of upper injection nozzles 161. The upper injection nozzle 161 may be open toward the washing space 100s.

The top spray tube 170 can be rotatably disposed on the upper side of the tub 100 and can spray washing water toward the inside of the tub 100.

Inside the tub 100, a steam injection nozzle 180 is disposed to supply steam into the tub 100. The steam injection nozzle 180 may be placed in front of the tub 100 adjacent to the door 20. The steam injection nozzle 180 may be arranged to face the lower rack 120.

The steam injection nozzle 180 is connected to the cleaning pump 220 of the driving unit 200 and can receive steam generated by the cleaning pump 220.

The driving unit 200 includes a sump 210 that collects the washing water sprayed toward the washing space 100S, a washing pump 220 that extrudes the washing water collected in the sump 210 toward the tub 100, and a washing It may include a heater 230 connected to the pump 220 to heat the washing water flowing in the washing pump 220, and a switching valve 240 distributing the washing water extruded from the washing pump 220.

The sump 210 may include a filter 211 that filters out foreign substances contained in the collected wash water.

The washing pump 220 may be connected to the sump 210 through the pump inlet pipe 223. Washing water collected inside the sump 210 may flow into the washing pump 220 through the pump inlet pipe 223 when the washing pump 220 is operated.

The heater 230 may heat the washing water introduced into the washing pump 220 to create hot water or steam. The heater 230 may be disposed below the washing pump 220 and may be manufactured integrally with the washing pump 220.

Washing water in a hot water state heated in the washing pump 220 may flow into the switching valve 240 through the pump discharge pipe 234. Washing water flowing into the switching valve 240 may be distributed to the spray arm 150, the first distribution pipe 130, and the second distribution pipe 140. The switching valve 240 can selectively flow the incoming washing water to any one of the spray arm 150, the first distribution pipe 130, and the second distribution pipe 140.

Washing water in a steam state heated in the washing pump 220 may flow to the steam nozzle 180 through the steam nozzle inlet pipe 183. The steam nozzle 180 is connected to the cleaning pump 220 through the steam nozzle inlet pipe 183 and can receive steam from the cleaning pump 220.

Dishwasher 1 may include a controller 260. The controller 260 can control the operation of the dishwasher 1.

The sump 210 can receive water from an external water source (not shown). The sump 210 can be supplied with tap water from the area where the dishwasher 1 is located. Water supplied from an external water source (not shown) may pass through the water softener 300 (see FIG. 3) and then be supplied into the sump 210 through the sump inlet pipe 212.

Referring to FIG. 3, the dishwasher 1 will be described.

Figure 3 shows the tub 100, water chamber 280, and water softening device 300.

Water supplied from an external water source (not shown) may flow into the water softening device 300 through the water chamber 280. However, when the water softener 300 is not used, water supplied from an external water source (not shown) may flow directly into the sump 210 through the water chamber 280.

Water supplied from an external water source (not shown) may flow into the sump 210 through the water softener 300. The dishwasher 1 can be supplied with tap water from the area where the dishwasher 1 is located.

The tub 100 may include a tub lower wall 101 coupled to the sump 210. The tub lower wall 101 may form the lower boundary of the washing space 100s. Washing water in the washing space (100s) may be collected into the sump (210) through the sump hole (213).

The tub 100 may include a tub side wall 102. The tub side wall 102 may extend upward from the tub lower wall 101. The tub side wall 102 may form a lateral boundary of the washing space 100s.

The water softening device 300 may be placed below the tub 100. The water softening device 300 may include a water softening filter 310 and a salt container 320. The soft water filter 310 may be disposed on the lower side of the tub lower wall 101. The salt container 320 may be placed on the lower side of the tub lower wall 101.

The water chamber 280 may be placed on the lateral side of the tub side wall 102. The water chamber 280 may be connected to the water softening device 300.

The water softening device 300 may include a water softening filter 310. The soft water filter 310 can remove ions (eg, calcium and magnesium) contained in water supplied from an external water source (not shown).

The water chamber 280 may be connected to the water supply pipe 270. The water supply pipe 270 may be connected to an external water source (not shown). The water chamber 280 can receive tap water through the water supply pipe 270.

The water chamber 280 may include a water supply port 281. The water supply port 281 may be connected to the water supply pipe 270.

The water chamber 280 may include a water supply passage 282. Water flowing in through the water supply port 281 may flow within the water supply passage 282.

The water chamber 280 may include a flow meter 283. The flow meter 283 can control the flow rate within the water supply passage 282.

The water chamber 280 may include a storage space 284. Water flowing in through the water supply port 281 may be stored in the storage space 284. The supplied water (M) may be stored in the storage space 284.

The water softening device 300 may include a salt container 320. The salt container 320 may be connected to the soft water filter 310. The salt water flowing into the softened water filter 310 from the salt tank 320 can regenerate the water softener in the softened water filter 310.

The salt container 320 may form a space within which salt is stored. The salt container 320 may include an input hole 324 that communicates with the internal space of the salt container 320. The input hole 324 may be open toward the washing space 100s. The salt container 320 may include a salt input portion 325 that protrudes toward the upper side of the tub lower wall 101. The input hole 324 may be formed inside the salt input portion 325. The user can replenish salt into the salt container 320 through the input hole 324.

The salt shaker 320 may include a water level sensor 327. The water level sensor 327 can measure the water level in the inner space of the salt container 320.

The dishwasher 1 may include a valve device 330. The valve device 330 can connect the water chamber 280 and the water softening device 300. The valve device 330 can switch the flow path between the water chamber 280 and the water softening device 300.

The valve device 330 may include a supply pipe 331. Water stored in the storage space 284 may flow into the sump 210 through the supply pipe 331.

The valve device 330 may include a water softener discharge pipe 332. Water softened in the water softener 300 may be stored in the storage space 284 through the water softener discharge pipe 332. The softened water may be supplied into the sump 210 through the supply pipe 331 within the storage space 284.

The valve device 330 may include a water softener inlet pipe 333. Water stored in the storage space 284 may flow into the water softening device 300 through the water softening device inlet pipe 333. Water flowing into the water softener 300 through the water softener inlet pipe 333 may be softened by the water softener filter 310.

The valve device 330 may include a supply valve 334. The supply valve 334 can control the flow rate of water in the supply pipe 331.

The valve device 330 may include a discharge pipe valve 335. The discharge pipe valve 335 can control the flow rate of water in the water softener discharge pipe 332.

The valve device 330 may include an inlet pipe valve 336. The inlet pipe valve 336 can control the flow rate of water in the water softener inlet pipe 333.

Referring to FIG. 4, the dishwasher 1 will be described.

Figure 4 shows a water softening device 300.

Salt (S) may be stored inside the salt container 320. The user can fill the salt (S) into the salt container 320 by opening the cap 326 that opens and closes the input hole 324.

The water softening filter 310 may include an inlet pipe 311 connected to the water softener inlet pipe 333.

The water softening filter 310 may include a water outlet pipe 312 connected to the water softener discharge pipe 332.

The water flowing in through the water intake pipe 311 may be softened by the water softener in the water softening filter 310 and then flow into the water chamber 280 through the water outlet pipe 312.

The soft water filter 310 and the salt container 320 may be connected. Although not shown in the drawing, the soft water filter 310 and the salt container 320 may be connected through a regeneration pipe (not shown). The water softening device 300 may include a regeneration valve (not shown) that controls the flow rate in the regeneration pipe (not shown). Water flowing into the water softening filter 310 through a regeneration pipe (not shown) can regenerate the water softener in the water softening filter 310.

The operation of the valve device 330 will be described. The controller 260 can operate the water softener 300 in a water softening mode or a non-softening mode. The controller 260 can control the operation of the valve device 330. The controller 260 can control the operation of the supply valve 334, the discharge pipe valve 335, and the inlet pipe valve 336. The water softening mode may be a mode in which water supplied from an external water source (not shown) is softened and supplied to the sump 210. The non-softened water mode may be a mode in which water flowing into the water chamber 280 is directly supplied to the sump 210 without passing through the water softening device 300.

In the soft water mode, the controller 260 may open the supply valve 334 and the discharge pipe valve 335 and the inlet pipe valve 336. Accordingly, the water in the water chamber 280 may be softened through the water softening device 300 and then supplied to the sump 210 through the supply pipe 331.

In the non-soft water mode, the controller 260 may open the supply valve 334 and close the discharge pipe valve 335 and the inlet pipe valve 336. Accordingly, water flowing into the water chamber 280 may flow directly into the sump 210 through the supply pipe 331 without passing through the water softening device 300.

The controller 260 can switch the flow path of the valve device 330. In the soft water mode, the controller 260 may open the supply valve 334 and the discharge pipe valve 335 and the inlet pipe valve 336. In the non-soft water mode, the controller 260 may open the supply valve 334 and close the discharge pipe valve 335 and the inlet pipe valve 336. The controller 260 can switch the opening and closing of the supply valve 334, the discharge pipe valve 335, and the inlet pipe valve 336.

Referring to FIG. 5, the dishwasher 1 will be described.

Figure 5 is a block diagram explaining the communication connection of the dishwasher 1.

The dishwasher 1 may include a communication unit 40 equipped with a wireless communication module. The communication unit 40 may communicate with the controller 260 disposed inside the dishwasher 1.

The dishwasher (1) can communicate with the location information transmitter (G). The location information transmitter (G) can determine the location information of the dishwasher (1). The location information transmitter (G) may be a device equipped with GPS.

The dishwasher 1 can communicate with a mobile device (MD). A mobile device (MD) may be a device that a user can carry. The mobile device (MD) can communicate with the location information transmitter (G). The mobile device (MD) can receive location information of the dishwasher (1) from the location information transmitter (G). The location information transmitter (G) can determine the location information of the mobile device (MD). The mobile device (MD) can receive information on whether the water softener 300 of the dishwasher 1 is used.

The mobile device (MD) can communicate with the server (SV). The server (SV) can transmit information about the use of the water softening device to the mobile device (MD). The mobile device (MD) can transmit the location information of the dishwasher (1) to the server (SV). Alternatively, the server SV may receive the location information of the dishwasher 1 directly from the location information transmitter G.

The server SV may communicate with the first database D1. The first database D1 may include information on the hardness of tap water for each region.

The server (SV) may communicate with the second database (D2). The second database D2 may include information on the usage rate of water softening devices for dishwashers by region.

The server (SV) can transmit information received from the first database (D1) and the second database (D2) to the mobile device (MD).

The mobile device (MD) may display a notification as shown in FIG. 9 based on information received from the server (SV) and information on whether or not the water softener 300 of the dishwasher 1 is used.

The dishwasher 1, mobile device (MD), server (SV), and first and second databases (D1, D2) shown in FIG. 5 may be collectively referred to as a “dishwashing system.” The dishwashing system may be a concept that includes components related to the operation of the dishwasher 1. The dishwashing system may include a dishwasher (1), a mobile device (MD), a server (SV), and first and second databases (D1, D2).

Referring to FIG. 6, the dishwasher 1 will be described.

FIG. 6 is a table showing examples of information stored in the server SV and the first and second databases D1 and D2 shown in FIG. 5.

The server (SV) can receive information from the first and second databases (D1 and D2). The server (SV) can store information on the water softening device usage rate by region. The server (SV) can store information on water hardness for each region. The server (SV) can transmit information about the water softening device usage rate and water hardness in a specific area to the mobile device (MD).

For example, if the mobile device (MD) transmits information to the server (SV) that the dishwasher (1) is located in “Seoul,” the server (SV) informs the mobile device (MD) that the water softener device in the “Seoul” area is located in Seoul. Information that the usage rate is 54% and the water hardness is 58 can be transmitted to the mobile device (MD).

Referring to FIG. 7, the dishwasher 1 will be described.

The dishwasher 1 can determine whether to use the water softener 300 (S100). The controller 260 can determine whether to use the water softener 300 (S100). The controller 260 may transmit information about whether the water softener 300 is in use to the communication unit 40.

When the dishwasher 1 is not using the water softener 300, the processes described later (S200, S300, S400, S500, S600, and S700) may proceed.

The location information transmitter (G) can determine the location information of the dishwasher (1) (S200). The location information transmitter (G) can determine the location information of the dishwasher (1) through communication with the communication unit (40). Alternatively, the location information transmitter (G) may regard the location of the mobile device (MD) as the location of the dishwasher (1). The location information transmitter (G) can transmit the location information of the dishwasher (1) to the mobile device (MD). The mobile device (MD) can transmit the location information of the dishwasher (1) to the server (SV).

The server (SV) can search for water hardness in the area where the dishwasher (1) is located (S300). The server SV may transmit the water hardness of the area where the dishwasher 1 is located to the mobile device MD based on information stored in the first database D1.

The server (SV) can search for the water softener usage rate in the area where the dishwasher (1) is located (S400). The server (SV) can transmit the water softener usage rate in the area where the dishwasher 1 is located to the mobile device (MD) based on the information stored in the second database (D2).

The server (SV) can compare the water hardness in the area where the dishwasher 1 is located with the preset hardness limit value (P) (S500). When the water hardness in the area where the dishwasher 1 is located is greater than the hardness limit value (P), the server (SV) may send a notification recommending the use of the water softener 300 to the mobile device (MD) (S700).

The server (SV) can compare the water softener usage rate in the area where the dishwasher (1) is located with the preset rate limit value (Q) (S600). When the water softener usage rate in the area where the dishwasher 1 is located is greater than the rate limit value (Q), the server (SV) may send a notification recommending the use of the water softener 300 to the mobile device (MD) (S700 ).

Referring to FIG. 8, the dishwasher 1 will be described.

FIG. 8 breaks down the step (S100) of determining whether to use the water softener 300 of the dishwasher 1 shown in FIG. 7.

The controller 260 can determine whether to use the water softener 300 of the dishwasher 1. The controller 260 may be electrically connected to the communication unit 40. The controller 260 may transmit information about whether the water softener 300 is in use to the communication unit 40.

The controller 260 can determine whether to use the water softener 300 based on the hardness value input to the control panel 30 (S110). The controller 260 may be electrically connected to the control panel 30. The user can press the button 31 on the control panel 30 to input the hardness value of the water supplied to the dishwasher 1. When the user does not input any information about the hardness value into the control panel 30, the initial value (H0) for the hardness value may be entered into the control panel 30. Alternatively, the user may press the button 31 to input the hardness value of the supplied water as the initial value (H0). The initial value (H0) may mean that the hardness of the supplied water is 0. When the hardness value input to the control panel 30 is equal to the initial value (H0), the controller 260 may determine that the water softener 300 is not in use (S150). If the hardness value input to the control panel 30 is not the initial value (H0), the controller 260 may determine that the water softener 300 is in use (S140).

The controller 260 can determine whether to use the water softener 300 based on the number of times the valve device 330 is switched (S120). The controller 260 may be electrically connected to the valve device 330. As described with reference to FIG. 4, the water softening device 300 may be operated in a water softening mode and a non-softening mode. In each of the soft water mode and the non-soft water mode, the valve device 330 can switch the opening and closing of the supply valve 334, the discharge pipe valve 335, and the inlet pipe valve 336. The controller 260 may compare the switching number of the valve device 330 with a preset switching limit value (N) (S120). When the switching number of the valve device 330 is less than the switching limit value (N), the controller 260 may determine that the water softener 300 is not in use (S150). The controller 260 may determine that the water softener 300 is in use when the switching number of the valve device 330 is greater than the switching limit value (N) (S140). Alternatively, the controller 260 may determine whether to use the water softener 300 based on whether the

valves

334, 335, and 336 are opened or closed. In this case, the controller 260 may determine that the water softener 300 is not in use when the discharge pipe valve 335 and the inlet pipe valve 336 are closed (S150). Additionally, in this case, the controller 260 may determine that the water softener 300 is in use when the discharge pipe valve 335 and the inlet pipe valve 336 are open (S140).

The controller 260 can determine whether to use the water softener 300 based on the water level inside the salt container 320 (S130). The controller 260 may be electrically connected to the water level sensor 327 disposed inside the salt container 320. When the water level inside the salt container 320 is lower than the preset water level limit value (L), the controller 260 may determine that the water softener 300 is not in use (S150). When the water level inside the salt container 320 is greater than the water level limit value (L), the controller 260 may determine that the water softener 300 is in use (S140).

The controller 260 may determine that the water softener 300 is not in use when at least one condition among the above-described determination processes of S110, S120, and S130 is satisfied (S150). When the conditions of all of the above-described judgment processes of S110, S120, and S130 are not satisfied, the controller 260 may determine that the water softener 300 is in use (S140).

Referring to FIG. 9, the dishwasher 1 will be described.

Figure 9 shows an example of a notification displayed on a mobile device (MD).

The mobile device (MD) may display a notification as shown in FIG. 9 when the water softening device 300 is not in use and information on water hardness and water softening device usage rate is received from the server (SV).

The mobile device (MD) can provide the user with an indication of the water hardness (a) in the area where the dishwasher (1) is located and an indication of the water softener usage ratio (b).

The mobile device (MD) can provide the user with a notification link (c) containing information on how to use the water softener 300 and how to charge salt (S) in the salt container 320. When the user pushes the notification (c), the mobile device (MD) may display a method of using the water softener 300 and a method of charging salt (S) in the salt container 320.

However, the notification shown in FIG. 9 is not necessarily displayed only on the mobile device (MD). For example, the notification shown in FIG. 9 may also be displayed on the door 20 or control panel 30 of the dishwasher 1. In this case, the communication unit 40 of the dishwasher 1 can communicate with the location information transmitter (G), the mobile device (MD), the server (SV), and the first and second databases (D1 and D2). The communication unit 40 of the dishwasher 1 can receive information about the water hardness and water softener usage rate in the area where the dishwasher 1 is located, and sends the received information to the door 20 or the control panel 30. ) can be displayed. In this case, the dishwasher 1 may be equipped with a display (not shown) that displays information about the water hardness and water softener usage rate in the area where the dishwasher 1 is located. The display may be placed on the door 20 or the control panel 30.

In the above, preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, but the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and can be used in the technical field to which the invention pertains without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the patent claims. Of course, various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art, and these modifications should not be understood individually from the technical idea or perspective of the present invention.

The present disclosure may be modified and implemented in various forms, and its scope is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Therefore, if the modified embodiment includes elements of the claims of the present disclosure, it should be regarded as falling within the scope of the present disclosure.

Any or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not exclusive or distinct from each other. In certain embodiments or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above, each configuration or function may be used in combination or combined.

For example, this means that configuration A described in a particular embodiment and/or drawing may be combined with configuration B described in other embodiments and/or drawings. In other words, even if the combination between components is not directly explained, it means that combination is possible, except in cases where it is explained that combination is impossible.

The above detailed description should not be construed as restrictive in any respect and should be considered illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

A dishwasher equipped with a tub that receives water from an external water source and a water softening device that removes ions contained in the water supplied to the tub;

A controller that determines whether to use the water softening device;

a server that stores information about the hardness of water supplied to the dishwasher; and

A dishwashing system comprising a mobile device that communicates with the dishwasher and the server and displays information about the hardness of water received from the server when the water softener is not in use.
According to claim 1,

The server is,

A dishwashing system that transmits information about the hardness of water in the area where the dishwasher is located to the mobile device.
According to claim 1,

The dishwasher,

A dishwashing system comprising a communication unit that communicates with a location information transmitter that provides location information of the mobile device and the dishwasher.
According to claim 1,

The server is,

Stores the water softening device usage rate in the area where the dishwasher is located,

The mobile device is,

A dishwashing system that displays information about the water softener usage rate received from the server.
According to claim 1,

The server is,

A dishwashing system that receives information from a first database storing information on the hardness of water supplied to the dishwasher and a second database storing information on the water softener usage rate in the area where the dishwasher is located.
According to claim 1,

The mobile device is,

A dishwashing system that displays information on the hardness of water received from the server and how to use the water softener.
According to claim 1,

The mobile device is,

A dishwashing system that displays how to use the water softener when the hardness of the water delivered from the server is greater than a preset hardness limit value.
According to claim 1,

The server is,

Stores the water softening device usage rate in the area where the dishwasher is located,

The mobile device is,

A dishwashing system that displays a method of using the water softening device when the water softening device usage rate received from the server is greater than a preset rate limit value.
According to claim 1,

The water softening device is,

A water softening filter disposed below the tub; and

A dishwashing system disposed below the tub and including a salt container connected to the soft water filter.
According to clause 9,

The dishwasher,

It further includes a water level sensor that detects the water level inside the salt container,

The controller is,

A dishwashing system that determines that the water softener is not in use when the measured value of the water level sensor is less than a preset water level limit value.
According to clause 9,

The dishwasher,

a water chamber disposed on a side of the tub and connected to the water softening device; and

A dishwashing system comprising a valve device that connects the water softening device and the water chamber and switches a flow path between the water softening device and the water chamber.
According to claim 11,

The controller is,

A dishwashing system that determines that the water softening device is not in use when the number of times the valve device is switched is less than a preset switching limit value.
According to claim 1,

The dishwasher,

A control panel that displays driving information of the dishwasher and inputs the hardness of water supplied to the dishwasher,

The controller is,

A dishwashing system that determines that the water softener is not in use when the water hardness value input to the control panel is the initial value.
A tub that receives water from an external water source;

A water softening device that removes ions contained in the water supplied to the tub;

A controller that determines whether to use the water softening device;

a communication unit that communicates with a server that stores information on the hardness of water supplied to the tub; and

A dishwasher including a display that displays information about the hardness of water received from the server.