FILTER DETECTION SYSTEM FOR A DISHWASHING APPLIANCE
A system is provided for detecting whether a filter is properly installed in a dishwashing appliance and for using such detection in the operation of the appliance. For example, the present invention provides for determining whether a filter is present or properly seated and, if not, provides for a notification to the user of the appliance. The present invention can also provide for modifying the operation of the dishwashing appliance if a filter is not properly detected. Additionally, the present invention can provide notification to the user of the appliance that a filter needs replacement after a predetermined period of use.
1 . A dishwashing appliance, comprising:
a cabinet defining a wash chamber for the receipt of articles for washing;
a pump configured for the receipt of a fluid to be recirculated into the wash chamber of said cabinet, said pump having an inlet;
a filter receptacle configured to receive a filter for the filtering of fluid from the wash chamber prior to feeding such fluid to the inlet of said pump; and
a sensor positioned with said filter receptacle and configured for providing a signal if said filter is not detected by said sensor.
2 . A dishwashing appliance as in claim 1 , further comprising:
a controller configured for
receiving the signal provided by said sensor; and
providing a notification for a user of the appliance so as to indicate that the filter was not detected by said sensor.
3 . A dishwashing appliance as in claim 1 , further comprising:
a controller configured for
receiving the signal provided by said sensor; and
measuring an elapsed interval of time, T INT , after receiving the signal from said sensor;
ascertaining whether T INT exceeds a predetermined value, T MAX , and, if so, then,
providing a notification to a user of the appliance to indicate that the filter should be replaced.
4 . A dishwashing appliance as in claim 1 , further comprising:
a controller configured for
receiving the signal created by said sensor; and
measuring an elapsed interval of time, T INT , after receiving the signal from said sensor;
ascertaining whether T INT exceeds a predetermined value, T MAX , and, if so, then,
modifying the operation of the appliance.
5 . A dishwashing appliance as in claim 4 , wherein said modifying comprises selecting a special cleaning cycle.
6 . A dishwashing appliance as in claim 1 , further comprising:
a controller configured for
receiving the signal created by said sensor; and
measuring an elapsed interval of time, T INT , after receiving the signal from said sensor;
ascertaining whether T INT exceeds a predetermined value, T MAX , and, if so, then,
providing a notification to a user of the appliance to indicate that the filter should be replaced, and
modifying the operation of the appliance.
7 . A dishwashing appliance as in claim 6 , wherein said modifying comprises selecting a special cleaning cycle.
8 . A dishwashing appliance as in claim 1 , further comprising:
a controller configured for
receiving the signal created by said sensor; and
modifying the operation of the appliance to account for the absence of the filter or improper placement of the filter.
9 . A dishwashing appliance as in claim 1 , further comprising:
a controller configured for
receiving the signal created by said sensor; and
prompting the user to select a special cleaning cycle of the appliance.
10 . A dishwashing appliance as in claim 1 , further comprising:
a controller configured for
receiving the signal created by said sensor; and
storing information regarding the time at which the signal was received so that the frequency of cleaning of the filter may be determined.
11 . A dishwashing appliance as in claim 1 , further comprising:
a filter received into said filter receptacle.
12 . A method for operating a dishwashing appliance, comprising the steps of:
detecting a replacement of a fluid filter of the appliance;
measuring an elapsed interval of time, T INT , after said step of detecting;
ascertaining whether T INT exceeds a predetermined value, T MAX , and, if so, then,
providing a notification to a user of the appliance that the fluid filter should be replaced.
13 . A method for operating a dishwashing appliance as in claim 12 , further comprising the step of modifying the operation of the appliance until the fluid filter is replaced.
14 . A method for operating a dishwashing appliance as in claim 12 , further comprising the step of prompting the user to select a special cleaning cycle of the appliance.
15 . A method for operating a dishwashing appliance as in claim 12 , further comprising the step of operating the appliance in a special cleaning cycle until the fluid filter is replaced.
16 . A method for operating a dishwashing appliance, comprising the steps of:
detecting a removal or improper positioning of a fluid filter of an appliance;
providing a notification for a user of the appliance that a fluid filter for the appliance needs servicing; and
prompting the user to select a special cycle of the appliance until the fluid filter is either replaced or properly positioned.
17 . A method for operating a dishwashing appliance as in claim 16 , further comprising the step of operating the appliance in a special cleaning cycle.