Dishwasher and control method thereof

Abstract

A dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise: a main body including a washing chamber; a turbidity sensor for detecting turbidity in a washing cycle or a rinsing cycle; and a processor electrically connected to the turbidity sensor. The processor may be configured to: acquire two or more turbidity values from the turbidity sensor during the washing cycle or the rinsing cycle; input the acquired turbidity values into a rinsing prediction model so as to estimate a turbidity value in a subsequent rinsing cycle; and compare the estimated turbidity value with a preset turbidity value so as to determine whether to additionally perform a rinsing cycle after the subsequent rinsing cycle.

Description

Dishwasher and control method thereof

[0001] One embodiment disclosed in this document relates to a dishwasher and a method for controlling the same.

[0002] A dishwasher is a device that automatically cleans foreign substances, such as food residue, stuck to dishes using detergent and washing water. For example, a dishwasher operates by spraying washing water at high pressure into the washing chamber where dishes are stored, and the sprayed washing water comes into contact with the dishes to clean foreign substances, such as food residue, stuck to the surface of the dishes.

[0003] A dishwasher can perform various cycles to wash dishes. For example, a dishwasher may include a washing cycle to wash away foreign matter from dishes, a rinsing cycle to rinse away foreign matter from dishes, or a drying cycle to dry dishes.

[0004] A dishwasher can sense turbidity during the wash cycle and / or rinse cycle and determine whether to perform additional rinsing based on the sensed turbidity. However, the reliability of the turbidity varies depending on the timing of turbidity sensing, such as the addition of a rinse agent, and this may lead to unnecessary rinsing cycles.

[0005] The information described above may be provided as related art for the purpose of aiding understanding of the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the foregoing may be applied as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0006] A dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body including a washing chamber, a turbidity sensor for detecting turbidity in a washing or rinsing cycle, and a processor electrically connected to the turbidity sensor. The processor may be configured to acquire two or more turbidity values ​​from the turbidity sensor during the washing or rinsing cycle, input the acquired turbidity values ​​into a rinsing prediction model to estimate the turbidity value in a subsequent rinsing cycle, compare the estimated turbidity value with a preset turbidity value, and determine whether to perform an additional rinsing cycle after the subsequent rinsing cycle.

[0007] A control method for a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: acquiring two or more turbidity values ​​from a turbidity sensor during a washing or rinsing cycle; inputting the acquired turbidity values ​​into a rinsing prediction model to estimate a turbidity value in a subsequent rinsing cycle; and comparing the estimated turbidity value with a preset turbidity value to determine whether to perform an additional rinse after a subsequent rinsing cycle.

[0008] However, the problems to be solved in this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and may be determined in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a control flowchart relating to a method for determining whether to perform additional rinsing using a rinsing prediction model according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a graph showing turbidity values ​​estimated using a rinsing prediction model and actual turbidity values ​​according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a control flowchart relating to a method for determining whether to perform additional rinsing considering drainage efficiency according to the type of foreign substance, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a graph showing the turbidity values ​​estimated and the measured turbidity values ​​for each type of foreign substance using a rinsing prediction model according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a control flowchart of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] In the following description, the attached drawings are referenced, and specific examples of implementation are illustrated within the drawings. Additionally, other examples may be used and structural modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the various examples.

[0018] The terms used in this document are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the technical features of this document. For example, a component expressed in the singular form should be understood as a concept including singular or plural components unless the context clearly indicates only the singular form.

[0019] In this document, each of the following phrases may include any one of the items listed with the corresponding phrase, or any combination thereof: "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B or C," "at least one of A, B and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C." The term "and / or" as used in this document should be understood to encompass any possible combination of one or more of the multiple items listed with the corresponding term. Terms such as "first," "second," "first," or "second" as used in this document may be used simply to distinguish a component from another component and do not limit the components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order).

[0020] Where it is stated that any (e.g., 1st) component is “coupled,” “connected,” “linked,” “coupled,” “supported,” “connected,” or “contacted” with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicationly,” it includes not only cases where the component is directly coupled, connected, linked, coupled, supported, or contacted with the other component, but also cases where it is indirectly coupled, connected, linked, coupled, supported, or contacted through a third component.

[0021] Terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this Document, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof. When a component is said to be located "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0022] As used in this document, the expression "configured to..." may be appropriately substituted depending on the context, for example, with "suitable for...", "capable of...", "designed to...", "modified to...", "made to...", or "capable of...". The term "configured to..." does not necessarily mean only that it is "specially designed" in hardware. Instead, in some situations, the expression "device configured to..." may mean that the device is "capable of..." in conjunction with other devices or components. For example, the phrase "device configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C" may refer to a device dedicated to performing the said operation, or it may refer to a general-purpose device capable of performing various operations, including the said operation.

[0023] Terms such as "upper side," "lower side," and "front-rear direction" used in this document are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and location of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0024] The description in this document is centered on specific embodiments, but this document is not limited to such specific embodiments and should be understood to encompass all various modifications, equivalents, and / or substitutions of the various embodiments described in this document. In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) may include a case (10). The case (10) may form the exterior of the dishwasher (1). The case (10) may be named the main body.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) may include a tub (20) provided inside a case (10). The tub (20) may be provided in a roughly box shape. One side of the tub (20) may be open. That is, the tub (20) may have an opening (20a). As an example, the front of the tub (20) may be open.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) may include a door (11) provided to open and close an opening (20a) of a tub (20). The door (11) may be installed in a case (10) to open and close an opening (20a) of the tub (20). The door (11) may be rotatably mounted on the case (10). The door (11) may be detachably mounted on the case (10).

[0031] According to one embodiment, a dishwasher (1) may include a water tank (WT) provided to store wash water. The dishwasher (1) may store relatively clean wash water used in the rinsing step at the end of the cycle of the dishwasher (1) in the water tank (WT) without draining it. The wash water stored in the water tank (WT) can be used in the next cycle of the dishwasher (1). As a result, the amount of wash water used by the dishwasher (1) can be reduced by recycling the previously used wash water.

[0032] According to one embodiment, a water tank (WT) may be provided between the case (10) and the tub (20). However, it is not limited thereto, and the water tank (WT) may be provided inside the tub (20) or outside the case (10).

[0033] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) may further include a basket (50) provided inside a tub (20) to store dishes.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the basket (50) may include a plurality of baskets (51, 52, 53). The plurality of baskets (51, 52, 53) may be arranged to store various tableware.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the basket (50) may include an intermediate basket (52) located in the middle in the height direction of the dishwasher (1) and a lower basket (51) located at the bottom in the height direction of the dishwasher (1). The intermediate basket (52) may be positioned to be supported by an intermediate guide rack (13b). The lower basket (51) may be positioned to be supported by a lower guide rack (13a). The intermediate guide rack (13b) and the lower guide rack (13a) may be installed on the side (20c) of the tub (20) so as to be slidable toward the opening (20a) of the tub (20). The side (20c) of the tub (20) may be a concept including the inner surface of the right wall and / or the inner surface of the left wall of the tub (20).

[0036] According to one embodiment, relatively bulky tableware can be stored in a plurality of baskets (51, 52). However, the types of tableware stored in the plurality of baskets (51, 52) are not limited to relatively bulky tableware. That is, not only relatively bulky tableware but also relatively small tableware can be stored in the plurality of baskets (51, 52).

[0037] According to one embodiment, the basket (50) may include an upper basket (53) located at the top in the height direction of the dishwasher (1). The upper basket (53) is formed in the form of a rack assembly so that relatively small tableware can be stored. For example, cooking tools or cutlery such as a ladle, knife, spatula, etc. can be stored in the upper basket (53). Small cups such as espresso cups can be stored in the upper basket (53). However, the types of tableware stored in the upper basket (53) are not limited to the above examples.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the upper basket (53) may be positioned to be supported by an upper guide rack (13c). The upper guide rack (13c) may be installed on the side (20c) of the tub (20). For example, the upper basket (53) may be slidably moved by the upper guide rack (13c) and may be introduced into or withdrawn from the washing chamber (20s).

[0039] According to one embodiment, the basket (50) is not limited to the shape shown in FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2. The basket (50) may include at least one of an upper basket (53), a middle basket (52), and a lower basket (51). For example, depending on the size of the tub (20), the upper basket (53) may not be included. That is, the basket (50) may be implemented with only the middle basket (52) and the lower basket (51). As another example, the basket (50) may include only one of the upper basket (53), the middle basket (52), and the lower basket (51). That is, the basket (50) may be provided as a single basket.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) may include a washing chamber (20s), which is a space formed inside the tub (20). The washing chamber (20s) may be defined as an inner space of the tub (20). The washing chamber (20s) may refer to a space where dishes placed in a basket (50) can be washed and dried by washing water.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) may include a spray device (40) provided to spray washing water. The spray device (40) may spray washing water into a washing chamber (20s). The spray device (40) may spray washing water toward dishes stored in a basket (50). The spray device (40) may receive washing water from a sump assembly (70) to be described later.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the injection device (40) may include at least one injection device (41, 42, 43). The injection device (40) may include one injection device or a plurality of injection devices (41, 42, 43).

[0043] According to one embodiment, a plurality of spray devices (41, 42, 43) may include a first spray device (41) positioned at the bottom of a lower basket (51) in the height direction of the dishwasher (1), a second spray device (42) positioned at the bottom of a middle basket (52) in the height direction of the dishwasher (1), and a third spray device (43) positioned at the top of an upper basket (53) in the height direction of the dishwasher (1). However, this is not limited thereto, and the plurality of spray devices may be provided in two or four or more.

[0044] According to one embodiment, each of the plurality of spray devices (41, 42, 43) may be arranged to spray cleaning water while rotating. Each of the first spray device (41), the second spray device (42), and the third spray device (43) may be arranged to spray cleaning water while rotating. The plurality of spray devices (41, 42, 43) may be referred to as a plurality of spray rotors. Each of the first spray device (41), the second spray device (42), and the third spray device (43) may be referred to as the first spray rotor (41), the second spray rotor (42), and the third spray rotor (43).

[0045] However, the spray device (40) may spray cleaning water in a manner different from the example described above. For example, the first spray device (41) may be fixed to one side of the lower surface (20b) of the tub (20), unlike the second spray device (42) and the third spray device (43). In this case, the first spray device (41) is configured to spray cleaning water in an approximately horizontal direction by means of a fixed nozzle, and the cleaning water sprayed in an approximately horizontal direction from the nozzle of the first spray device (41) may be directed upward by means of a switching assembly (not shown) placed inside the cleaning chamber (20s). The switching assembly may be installed on a rail (not shown) and configured to be movable in translation along the rail. Meanwhile, although the first spray device (41) was described as an example, the second spray device (42) and the third spray device (43) may also be configured to spray cleaning water using a fixed nozzle, just as in the example described above.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) may include an auxiliary spray device (30). The auxiliary spray device (30) is positioned on one side of the lower part of the washing chamber (20s) and can spray washing water onto a portion of the washing chamber (20s). The auxiliary spray device (30) is designed to spray washing water at a relatively high pressure compared to the spray device (40) so as to intensively wash heavily soiled dishes. The auxiliary spray device (30) may be omitted.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the auxiliary spray device (30) may be detachably mounted at the bottom of the washing chamber (20s). The auxiliary spray device (30) may be detachably mounted to the sump assembly (70). In the drawings, the auxiliary spray device (30) is shown to include a circular shape, but is not limited thereto and may be provided in a shape similar to a plurality of spray devices (41, 42, 43). The auxiliary spray device (30) may be referred to as an auxiliary spray rotor (30).

[0048] In the following, the plurality of injection devices (41, 42, 43, 30) may be a concept including at least two of the first injection device (41), the second injection device (42), the third injection device (43), and the auxiliary injection device (30). Likewise, the plurality of injection rotors (41, 42, 43, 30) may be a concept including at least two of the first injection device (41), the second injection device (42), the third injection device (43), and the auxiliary injection device (30).

[0049] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) may include a sump assembly (70).

[0050] According to one embodiment, a sump assembly (70) may be arranged to receive wash water. The sump assembly (70) may collect wash water from the wash chamber (20s). For example, to facilitate the collection of wash water by the sump assembly (70), the lower surface (20b) of the tub (20) may be provided to slope downward toward the sump assembly (70). Wash water from the wash chamber (20s) may flow along the slope of the lower surface (20b) of the tub (20) and flow smoothly into the sump assembly (70).

[0051] According to one embodiment, the sump assembly (70) may include a water storage chamber (71). The water storage chamber (71) may be formed to receive wash water discharged from the wash chamber (20s). The water storage chamber (71) may be arranged to be connected to a circulation pump (not shown) and a drain pump (not shown). Wash water contained in the water storage chamber (71) may be pumped to a spray device (40) when the circulation pump is operated. Wash water contained in the water storage chamber (71) may be discharged to the outside of the dishwasher (1) when the drain pump is operated.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the sump assembly (70) may include a circulation pump (not shown) that pumps the wash water stored in the sump assembly (70) to the spray device (40). For example, the circulation pump may be referred to as a pump or a wash pump.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the circulation pump may be spaced apart from the bottom (16a) of the base frame (16) to be described later. Thus, vibrations generated by the circulation pump may not be transmitted to other components of the dishwasher (1). That is, since the circulation pump does not come into contact with the bottom (16a) of the base frame (16), vibrations generated by the circulation pump may not be transmitted to the base frame (16). Additionally, vibrations generated by the circulation pump may not be transmitted to the case (10) through the base frame (16). Thus, noise from the circulation pump can be reduced and operational stability of the circulation pump can be ensured.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the sump assembly (70) may include a drain pump (not shown) for draining washing water and / or foreign matter (e.g., food washing water residue, etc.) remaining in the sump assembly (70).

[0055] According to one embodiment, the drain pump may be spaced apart from the bottom (16a) of the base frame (16). Thus, vibrations generated from the drain pump may not be transmitted to other components of the dishwasher (1).

[0056] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) may include a machine room (L), which is a space provided below the tub (20). The machine room (L) may be a place where a configuration for circulating and / or draining wash water is placed.

[0057] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the sump assembly (70) may be placed in the machine room (L). A majority of the sump assembly (70) may be placed in the machine room (L). That is, the area of ​​the sump assembly (70) located in the washing room (20s) may be smaller than the area of ​​the sump assembly (70) located in the machine room (L). By reducing the area of ​​the sump assembly (70) occupying the washing room (20s), the area of ​​the washing room (20s) can be secured. As a result, the capacity of the washing room (20s) is increased, and dish storage capacity can be improved.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) may include a base frame (16). The base frame (16) may form a machine room (L) provided below the washing room (20s). The base frame (16) may be placed below the tub (20). The base frame (16) may be provided as part of the case (10). However, it is not limited thereto, and the base frame (16) may be provided as a separate component from the case (10). The base frame (16) may be provided to accommodate a sump assembly (70).

[0059] FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] The embodiment of FIG. 3 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

[0061] The block diagram shown in FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram for explaining the invention of the present document, and the dishwasher (1) may include various configurations in addition to the configuration shown.

[0062] The embodiment of FIG. 3 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 3, a dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment may include an input unit (80), a turbidity sensor (90), a communication unit (100), a control unit (110), a spraying device (40), and a heating device (120).

[0064] According to one embodiment, the input unit (80) may include any type of user input means for obtaining user input for controlling the dishwasher (1). The user may input power on / off and dishwashing setting information (e.g., start / stop operation, course selection, time selection, etc.) of the dishwasher (1) through the input unit (80). For example, the input unit (80) may be a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, or a touch switch, but the present document is not limited thereto. The user may input setting information remotely via a remote control, and the input setting information may be received by the input unit (80) as an infrared signal. According to one embodiment, the input unit (80) may include a microphone. Setting information based on the user's voice may be obtained through the microphone.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the turbidity sensor (90) may be configured to obtain the degree of contamination of the washing water or rinsing water in the process of the dishwasher (1).

[0066] According to one embodiment, a turbidity sensor (90) may be placed in a sump assembly (70). For example, the turbidity sensor (90) may be placed to detect the turbidity of wash water or rinse water contained within the sump assembly (70). The turbidity sensor (90) may be placed, for example, in the upper portion of the sump assembly (70), but the location of the turbidity sensor (90) is not limited thereto.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the turbidity sensor (90) may include a light-emitting part (not shown) and a light-receiving part (not shown). The light-receiving part may receive light generated by the light-emitting part. The turbidity sensor (90) may be positioned so that the light-receiving part detects the intensity of light received from the light-emitting part. The dishwasher (1) may measure turbidity based on the intensity of light detected by the light-receiving part of the turbidity sensor (90).

[0068] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (100) can exchange data with external devices such as a server device and / or a user device. For example, the dishwasher (1) can obtain an artificial intelligence model (e.g., a rinse prediction model) from the server device through the communication unit (100) or update an artificial intelligence model stored in memory (113).

[0069] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (100) may include a wired communication module that exchanges data with external devices via a wire, and a wireless communication module that exchanges data with external devices wirelessly.

[0070] A wired communication module can connect to a wired communication network and communicate with external devices through the wired communication network. For example, a wired communication module can connect to a wired communication network via Ethernet and receive data from external devices through the wired communication network.

[0071] A wireless communication module can communicate wirelessly with a base station or an access point (AP) and can connect to a wired communication network through the base station or access point. The wireless communication module can also communicate with external devices connected to the wired communication network via the base station or access point. For example, the wireless communication module can communicate wirelessly with an access point (AP) using Wi-Fi, or communicate with a base station using CDMA, WCDMA, GSM, LET (Long Term Evolution), or WiBro. The wireless communication module can also receive data from external devices via the base station or access point. Additionally, the wireless communication module can communicate directly with external devices. For example, the wireless communication module can receive data wirelessly from external devices using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or ZigBee.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (100) can transmit and receive data with external devices and can transmit the received data to the processor (111).

[0073] According to one embodiment, the heating device (120) may be configured to heat the temperature of the washing water or rinse water supplied within the stroke of the dishwasher (1). The heating device (120) may include a heater. For example, the heating device (140) may be placed at the bottom of the case (10).

[0074] According to one embodiment, the control unit (110) may be configured to control the operation of the dishwasher (1). For example, the control unit (110) may control the operation of the dishwasher (1) to perform a washing operation for washing dishes in the washing chamber (20s), a rinsing operation for rinsing off foreign substances on the dishes, or a drying operation for drying the air in the washing chamber (20s).

[0075] According to one embodiment, the control unit (110) may include one or more processors (111) and memory (113).

[0076] According to one embodiment, one or more processors (111) can process detection data of a turbidity sensor (90) and / or communication data of a communication unit (100) according to a program and / or data stored in memory (113). One or more processors (111) can generate a control signal for controlling the operation of a spraying device (40) and / or a heating device (120) based on data processing. Each of the one or more processors (111) may include one or more processing circuits.

[0077] According to one embodiment, one or more processors (111) can generate operation control commands for each component of the dishwasher (1) based on various information received from an input unit (80), a turbidity sensor (90), and / or a communication unit (100). For example, one or more processors (111) can measure the turbidity of the washing water or rinse water in real time based on a signal received from the turbidity sensor (90). For example, one or more processors (111) can input the signal received from the turbidity sensor (90) into an artificial intelligence model (e.g., a rinse prediction model) to estimate the turbidity in a subsequent rinse cycle. For example, one or more processors (111) can determine whether to perform an additional rinse based on the turbidity estimated through the artificial intelligence model. Here, an additional rinse may refer to a rinse cycle to be performed after a subsequent rinse cycle in which the estimated turbidity is expected.

[0078] According to one embodiment, one or more processors (111) may include at least one circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Microprocessor Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), APU (Accelerated Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), CP (Control Processor), AP (Application Processor), SoC (System on Chip), or IC (Integrated Circuit).

[0079] According to one embodiment, the memory (113) may be configured to store / remember programs and / or data. The memory (113) may store / remember programs and / or data. A program may include a plurality of instructions combined to perform a specific function. Data may be processed and / or manipulated by a plurality of instructions included in the program. Additionally, the program and / or data may include system programs and / or system data directly related to the operation of the dishwasher (1), and application programs and / or application data that provide convenience to the user. The program and / or data may be referred to as instructions.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the memory (113) may include a non-volatile memory for storing a program and / or data for controlling components included in the dishwasher (1) and a volatile memory for storing temporary data that occurs while controlling components included in the dishwasher (1).

[0081] Non-volatile memory can store programs and / or data electrically, magnetically, or optically, for example. Non-volatile memory may include, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory) and flash memory for storing data for a long period. Additionally, non-volatile memory may include solid disk drives (SSDs), hard disk drives (HDDs), or optical disk drives (ODDs).

[0082] Volatile memory can, for example, load programs and / or data from non-volatile memory and electrically store programs and / or data. Volatile memory may include, for example, S-RAM (Static Random Access Memory) and / or D-RAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing data.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the memory (113) can store / remember programs and data such as an operating system (OS), middleware, and applications, and can provide programs and data (hereinafter, instructions) to the processor (111) in response to a request from the processor (111).

[0084] According to one embodiment, the control unit (110) can estimate the turbidity in a subsequent stroke based on the turbidity in the current stroke obtained from the turbidity sensor (90). For example, the control unit (110) can estimate the turbidity in a subsequent stroke by inputting the detection data of the turbidity sensor (90) into an artificial intelligence model (e.g., a rinse prediction model) obtained through the memory (113) or the communication unit (100).

[0085] The artificial intelligence model may be generated through machine learning and / or deep learning. The artificial intelligence model may be generated by an external device (e.g., a server) and may be stored in the memory (113) of the dishwasher (1). The learning algorithm of the artificial intelligence model may include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to those exemplified. The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers. The artificial neural network may include a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), and / or deep Q-networks, but is not limited to those exemplified. In addition to the hardware structure, the artificial intelligence model may additionally or substantially include a software structure.

[0086] The above artificial intelligence model can be trained using training data including turbidity obtained from a turbidity sensor (90) for each administration step, a reduced turbidity value for each administration step, a reduction rate of turbidity for each administration step, the temperature of the washing water or rinsing water in each administration step, and information regarding the administration step being performed (e.g., the name of the administration step). Here, the reduction rate of turbidity for each administration step can be defined as drainage efficiency.

[0087] Hereinafter, with reference to Figure 4 and below, we will explain the estimation of turbidity using an artificial intelligence model (e.g., a rinse prediction model) and the method for determining whether to perform additional rinsing based on the estimated turbidity.

[0088] FIG. 4 is a control flowchart relating to a method for determining whether to perform additional rinsing using a rinsing prediction model according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0089] FIG. 5 is a graph showing turbidity values ​​estimated using a rinsing prediction model and actual turbidity values ​​according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0090] The embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, according to one embodiment, in operation 410, the dishwasher (1) can obtain turbidity values ​​in two or more cycles. For example, the dishwasher (1) can obtain a turbidity value (Tr1) in the main wash cycle and a turbidity value (Tr2) in the first rinse cycle through a turbidity sensor (90). For example, the dishwasher (1) can obtain a turbidity value (Tr1) in the main wash cycle, a turbidity value (Tr2) in the first rinse cycle, and a turbidity value (Tr3) in the second rinse cycle through a turbidity sensor (90). By obtaining actual turbidity values ​​in two or more cycles, the dishwasher (1) can increase the precision of the turbidity value estimated by the artificial intelligence model described below.

[0092] According to one embodiment, in operation 420, the dishwasher (1) can input two or more acquired turbidity values ​​(Tr1, Tr2, Tr3) into an artificial intelligence model (e.g., a rinse prediction model) to estimate the turbidity value in a subsequent cycle. Here, the turbidity value estimated by the artificial intelligence model may be a specific turbidity value and / or a turbidity range (or turbidity interval).

[0093] When estimating turbidity values, the dishwasher (1) can estimate the turbidity value in a future process by inputting at least one of two or more turbidity values ​​obtained, the reduction rate of turbidity by process section, the temperature of the washing water or rinsing water in each process, and information regarding the process being performed (e.g., the name of the process) into an artificial intelligence model. For example, if the process currently being performed is a first rinse process, the dishwasher (1) can estimate the turbidity value (Tp1) in a future process (e.g., a second rinse process) by inputting the turbidity values ​​(Tr1, Tr2), obtained in the main washing process and the first rinse process, into an artificial intelligence model. For example, if the current process being performed is a second rinse process, the dishwasher (1) can input turbidity values ​​(Tr1, Tr2, Tr3), etc. obtained from the main wash process, the first rinse process and / or the second rinse process into an artificial intelligence model to estimate the turbidity value (Tp2) in a subsequent process (e.g., final rinse process).

[0094] According to one embodiment, in operation 430, the dishwasher (1) may determine whether to perform additional rinsing based on whether the turbidity value in the subsequent cycle, estimated by an artificial intelligence model, satisfies the clean water condition. For example, the dishwasher (1) may determine whether to perform additional rinsing after the subsequent rinsing cycle only if the turbidity value estimated by the artificial intelligence model does not satisfy the clean water condition. The clean water condition may mean that the turbidity value estimated by the artificial intelligence model is lower than a predetermined turbidity value (or, set turbidity value) (Tset). Here, the set turbidity value may mean a turbidity value indicating a state of low contamination.

[0095] For example, if the current process being performed by the dishwasher (1) is a first rinse process, and the turbidity value (Tp1) in the subsequent rinse process (e.g., second rinse process) estimated by the artificial intelligence model is greater than the set turbidity value (Tset), it can determine that additional rinsing is required after the subsequent rinse process. For example, if the current process being performed by the dishwasher (1) is a second rinse process, and the turbidity value (Tp2) in the subsequent rinse process estimated by the artificial intelligence model is less than the set turbidity value (Tset), it can determine that additional rinsing is not required and end the rinse process with the subsequent rinse process (e.g., final rinse process).

[0096] FIG. 6 is a control flowchart relating to a method for determining whether to perform additional rinsing considering drainage efficiency according to the type of foreign substance, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0097] FIG. 7 is a graph showing the turbidity values ​​estimated and the measured turbidity values ​​for each type of foreign substance using a rinsing prediction model according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0098] The embodiments of FIGS. 6 and 7 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 5.

[0099] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, according to one embodiment, in operation 610, the dishwasher (1) can obtain turbidity values ​​in two or more cycles. For example, the dishwasher (1) can obtain a turbidity value (Ti) in the first rinse cycle and a turbidity value (Ta1, Tb1) in the second rinse cycle through a turbidity sensor (90). For example, the dishwasher (1) can obtain a turbidity value (Ti) in the first rinse cycle, a turbidity value (Ta1, Tb1) in the second rinse cycle, and a turbidity value (Ta2, Tb2) in the third rinse cycle through a turbidity sensor (90).

[0100] According to one embodiment, in operation 620, the dishwasher (1) can calculate the drainage efficiency for each stroke section based on the acquired turbidity value. The drainage efficiency may refer to the degree (or rate of reduction) of turbidity according to the stroke. When the foreign substances attached to the dishes are different (e.g., when the second foreign substance is a substance that is difficult to wash, such as grease, compared to the first foreign substance), the drainage efficiency for each stroke section may differ even when the turbidity value (Ti) in the initial stroke (e.g., first rinse stroke) is substantially the same, as shown in FIG. 7. For example, when performing the same stroke, the turbidity values ​​(Tb1, Tb2, Tb3) of the second foreign substance in each stroke may be higher than the turbidity values ​​(Ta1, Ta2, Ta3) of the first foreign substance. That is, the drainage efficiency of the second foreign substance may be worse than the drainage efficiency of the first foreign substance.

[0101] According to one embodiment, in operation 630, the dishwasher (1) can adjust operation information in subsequent operations by taking into account the drainage efficiency of the calculated foreign matter. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, in the case of a second foreign matter, the drainage efficiency is relatively poor compared to the first foreign matter, the temperature, operation time, or alternating operation of the spray device (120) in subsequent operations can be adjusted to increase the drainage efficiency of the subsequent rinsing operation (e.g., third rinsing operation).

[0102] According to one embodiment, in operation 640, the dishwasher (1) can estimate the turbidity value in the subsequent operation by inputting the turbidity value detected by the turbidity sensor (90), etc., as described above, into an artificial intelligence model based on the operation information of the adjusted subsequent operation. In addition, the dishwasher (1) can determine whether the clean water condition is satisfied based on the turbidity value estimated by the artificial intelligence model, and determine whether to perform an additional rinse after the subsequent operation according to the result of the determination.

[0103] FIG. 8 is a control flowchart of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0104] The embodiment of FIG. 8 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIG. 1 to 7.

[0105] Referring to FIG. 8, according to one embodiment, in operation 801, the dishwasher (1) can obtain a command regarding the operation of the dishwasher (1) through an input unit (80). The command regarding the operation of the dishwasher (1) may include the operation course of the dishwasher (1).

[0106] According to one embodiment, in operation 802, the dishwasher (1) can determine whether the command regarding the operation of the dishwasher (1) obtained through the input unit (80) is an AI turbidity determination course. The AI ​​turbidity determination course may correspond to a course in which an artificial intelligence model inputs a turbidity value obtained in a washing and / or rinsing cycle as described above, estimates a turbidity value in a subsequent cycle, and determines whether to perform additional rinsing based on this. The AI ​​turbidity determination course may include a course that performs both washing and rinsing cycles and a course that performs only rinsing cycles. In this disclosure, the description will be based on an AI turbidity determination course that includes both washing and rinsing cycles.

[0107] According to one embodiment, in operation 803, if the operation course of the dishwasher (1) input through the input unit (80) is not an AI turbidity judgment course, the dishwasher (1) can perform the input corresponding course.

[0108] According to one embodiment, in operation 804, the dishwasher (1) can perform a washing cycle. For example, in the washing cycle, the dishwasher (1) can wash away foreign substances attached to the dishes by controlling the spraying device (30, 40) and / or the heating device (120). A detergent for washing away foreign substances may be used in the washing cycle.

[0109] According to one embodiment, in operation 805, the dishwasher (1) can obtain a turbidity value during the washing cycle through a turbidity sensor (90). For example, the dishwasher (1) can obtain a primary turbidity value during the washing cycle through the turbidity sensor (90).

[0110] According to one embodiment, in operation 806, the dishwasher (1) may perform a rinsing operation after the completion of the washing operation. For example, in the rinsing operation, the dishwasher (1) may wash away foreign matter attached to the dishes by adjusting the spraying device (30, 40) and / or the heating device (120). In the rinsing operation, the spraying device (30, 40) may operate at a lower pressure than in the washing operation, and the heating device (120) may operate at a lower temperature than in the washing operation.

[0111] According to one embodiment, in operation 807, the dishwasher (1) can obtain additional turbidity values ​​through the turbidity sensor (90). For example, the dishwasher (1) can obtain a turbidity value in the rinsing cycle (e.g., a secondary turbidity value) in addition to the turbidity value in the washing cycle through the turbidity sensor (90).

[0112] According to one embodiment, in operation 808, the dishwasher (1) can estimate the turbidity value in a subsequent cycle. For example, the dishwasher (1) can estimate the turbidity value in the next rinse cycle by inputting the turbidity value in the washing cycle and the turbidity value in the rinsing cycle into an artificial intelligence model (e.g., a rinse prediction model).

[0113] According to one embodiment, in operation 809, the dishwasher (1) may determine whether to perform additional rinsing based on the estimated turbidity value in the subsequent stroke. For example, the dishwasher (1) may determine whether to perform additional rinsing after the subsequent stroke by comparing the estimated turbidity value in the subsequent stroke with the aforementioned set turbidity value (Tset). For example, if the estimated turbidity value in the subsequent stroke exceeds the set turbidity value, the dishwasher (1) may determine that additional rinsing after the subsequent stroke is necessary. For example, if the estimated turbidity value in the subsequent stroke is less than the set turbidity value, the dishwasher (1) may determine that additional rinsing after the subsequent stroke is not necessary.

[0114] According to one embodiment, in operation 810, if it is determined that additional rinsing is not necessary, the dishwasher (1) may end the rinsing process with a subsequent process (perform a final rinsing process). The final rinsing process may also perform a drying process in addition to the aforementioned rinsing process. A rinse agent may be used in the final rinsing process.

[0115] According to one embodiment, in operation 811, the dishwasher (1) can count how many rinse cycles the next cycle is when it is determined that additional rinsing is needed.

[0116] According to one embodiment, in operation 812, the dishwasher (1) can determine whether the counted subsequent rinse cycle has reached the maximum number of rinses. The maximum number of rinses is a value set to prevent unrestricted additional rinsing, and may correspond to a number of rinses pre-set by a user, etc.

[0117] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) may end the rinsing process after the subsequent rinsing process reaches the maximum number of rinsing cycles when the subsequent rinsing process reaches the maximum number of rinsing cycles.

[0118] According to one embodiment, in operation 813, the dishwasher (1) may perform an additional rinsing operation if the subsequent rinsing operation has not reached the maximum number of rinses. Afterwards, the dishwasher (1) may further obtain a turbidity value and continue to determine whether to perform additional rinsing by re-estimating the turbidity value in the operation after the subsequent rinsing operation through an artificial intelligence model.

[0119] The above-described operations 811 and 812 may be omitted as necessary, in which case the dishwasher (1) may continue to perform the above-described operations until the estimated turbidity value satisfies the clean water condition.

[0120] A dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body (10) including a washing chamber (20s), a turbidity sensor (90) for detecting turbidity in a washing or rinsing cycle, and a processor (111) electrically connected to the turbidity sensor (90). The processor (111) may be configured to obtain two or more turbidity values ​​from the turbidity sensor (90) during the washing or rinsing cycle, input the obtained turbidity values ​​into a rinsing prediction model to estimate the turbidity value in a subsequent rinsing cycle, compare the estimated turbidity value with a preset turbidity value, and determine whether to perform an additional rinsing cycle after the subsequent rinsing cycle.

[0121] According to one embodiment, the processor (111) may be configured to calculate drainage efficiency based on two or more turbidity values ​​obtained when estimating the turbidity value, and to change operation information regarding a subsequent rinsing process based on the calculated drainage efficiency.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the drainage efficiency may be the rate of reduction of the turbidity value between strokes.

[0123] According to one embodiment, the operation information regarding the rinsing stroke may include information regarding the stroke temperature, stroke time, or alternating operation of the spraying device (30, 40).

[0124] According to one embodiment, the processor (111) may be configured to perform additional rinsing if the estimated turbidity value is greater than or equal to a preset turbidity value.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the processor (111) may be configured to count the number of rinsing cycles and perform additional rinsing if the estimated turbidity value is greater than or equal to a preset turbidity value.

[0126] According to one embodiment, the processor (111) may be configured to perform a final rinse when the counted number of rinse cycles reaches a preset maximum number of rinse cycles.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the processor (111) may be configured to perform a final rinse if the estimated turbidity value is less than a preset turbidity value.

[0128] According to one embodiment, the rinsing prediction model may use turbidity values ​​by stroke, drainage efficiency between strokes, the corresponding stroke temperature, or the corresponding stroke name as training data.

[0129] A control method for a dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include, during a washing or rinsing cycle, acquiring two or more turbidity values ​​from a turbidity sensor (90), inputting the acquired turbidity values ​​into a rinsing prediction model to estimate the turbidity value in a subsequent rinsing cycle, and comparing the estimated turbidity value with a preset turbidity value to determine whether to perform an additional rinse after a subsequent rinsing cycle.

[0130] According to one embodiment, the control method of the dishwasher (1) may include an operation of calculating drainage efficiency based on two or more turbidity values ​​obtained when estimating the turbidity value, and an operation of changing operation information regarding a subsequent rinsing operation based on the calculated drainage efficiency.

[0131] According to one embodiment, the control method of the dishwasher (1) may include an operation of performing additional rinsing if the estimated turbidity value is greater than or equal to a preset turbidity value.

[0132] According to one embodiment, the control method of the dishwasher (1) may include the operation of counting the number of rinse cycles and performing additional rinses when the estimated turbidity value is greater than or equal to a preset turbidity value.

[0133] According to one embodiment, the control method of the dishwasher (1) may include an operation of performing a final rinse when the counted number of rinse cycles reaches a preset maximum number of rinse cycles.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the control method of the dishwasher (1) may include the operation of performing a final rinse when the estimated turbidity value is less than a preset turbidity value.

Claims

1. In a dishwasher (1), Main body (10) including a washing chamber (20s); A turbidity sensor (90) for detecting turbidity in a washing or rinsing cycle; and It includes a processor (111) electrically connected to the above turbidity sensor (90), and The above processor (111) is, During the washing or rinsing process, two or more turbidity values ​​are obtained from the turbidity sensor (90), and The above-mentioned turbidity value is input into a rinse prediction model to estimate the turbidity value during a subsequent rinse cycle, and A dishwasher configured to determine whether to perform an additional rinse cycle after a subsequent rinse cycle by comparing the above-mentioned estimated turbidity value with a preset turbidity value.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above processor (111) is, A dishwasher configured to calculate drainage efficiency based on two or more acquired turbidity values ​​when estimating the above turbidity values, and to change operation information regarding a subsequent rinsing process based on the calculated drainage efficiency.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above drainage efficiency is a dishwasher, which is the rate of reduction of turbidity values ​​between strokes.

4. In Paragraph 2 or 3, The operation information regarding the above rinsing process is, A dishwasher including information regarding the stroke temperature, stroke time, or alternating operation of the spray device (30, 40).

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 4, The above processor (111) is, A dishwasher configured to perform an additional rinse if the estimated turbidity value is greater than or equal to a preset turbidity value.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 5, The above processor (111) is, A dishwasher configured to count the number of rinse cycles and perform an additional rinse if the estimated turbidity value is greater than or equal to a preset turbidity value.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above processor (111) is, A dishwasher configured to perform a final rinse when the counted number of rinse cycles reaches a preset maximum number of rinse cycles.

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 7, The above processor (111) is, A dishwasher configured to perform a final rinse if the above-mentioned estimated turbidity value is less than a preset turbidity value.

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 8, The above rinsing prediction model includes turbidity values ​​per stroke, drainage efficiency between strokes, and the corresponding stroke A dishwasher that uses temperature, or the corresponding administrative name, as training data.

10. A method for controlling a dishwasher (1), An operation of obtaining two or more turbidity values ​​from a turbidity sensor (90) during a washing or rinsing operation; The operation of inputting the above-mentioned turbidity value into a rinse prediction model to estimate the turbidity value in a subsequent rinse cycle; and A method comprising comparing the above-mentioned estimated turbidity value with a preset turbidity value to determine whether to perform an additional rinse after a subsequent rinse operation.

11. In Paragraph 10, When estimating the above turbidity value, the operation of calculating drainage efficiency based on two or more acquired turbidity values; and A method comprising an operation to change operation information regarding a subsequent rinsing process based on calculated drainage efficiency.

12. In Paragraph 10 or 11, A method comprising the action of performing additional rinsing if the estimated turbidity value is greater than or equal to a preset turbidity value.

13. In any one of paragraphs 10 through 12, A method comprising the operation of counting the number of rinsing strokes and performing additional rinsing when the estimated turbidity value is greater than or equal to a preset turbidity value.

14. In Paragraph 13, A method comprising the action of performing a final rinse when the counted number of rinse cycles reaches a preset maximum number of rinse cycles.

15. In any one of paragraphs 10 through 14, A method comprising the action of performing a final rinse if the estimated turbidity value is less than a preset turbidity value.

Images