Control system for a dishwasher

Abstract

A control system for a dishwasher includes an input device operable to select a wash cycle from a plurality of wash cycles. The input device has a control panel area including a display device, and a plurality of input elements. At least one of the plurality of input elements is operable to select a soil level. A controller is provided, the controller being configured to control cycle parameters and to preselect, based on a selected soil level, a basic wash cycle from a plurality of wash cycles, and to offer different additional cycle options associated with the basic wash cycle based on the selected soil level.

1 . A control system for a dishwasher comprising:
 an input device operable to select a wash cycle from a plurality of wash cycles, the input device having a control panel area including:
 a display device; and 
 a plurality of input elements, at least one of the plurality of input elements being operable to select a soil level; and 
   a controller configured to control cycle parameters and to preselect, based on a selected soil level, a basic wash cycle from a plurality of wash cycles, and to offer different additional cycle options associated with the basic wash cycle based on the selected soil level.   
   
   
       2 . The control system as recited in  claim 1  wherein the cycle parameters include at least one of a duration and a temperature profile of individual sub-cycles. 
   
   
       3 . The control system as recited in  claim 1  wherein the plurality of input elements include a second input element operable to select cycle options. 
   
   
       4 . The control system as recited in  claim 1  wherein the soil level is divided into at least three ranges. 
   
   
       5 . The control system as recited in  claim 4  wherein the soil level is divided into six ranges. 
   
   
       6 . The control system as recited in  claim 4  wherein the soil level is divided into nine ranges. 
   
   
       7 . The control system as recited in  claim 1  wherein the at least one of the plurality of input elements includes a plus button and a minus button. 
   
   
       8 . The control system as recited in  claim 1  wherein the plurality of input elements include first, second and third input buttons operable to select cycle options. 
   
   
       9 . The control system as recited in  claim 3  wherein the plurality of input elements include first, second and third input buttons operable to select cycle options. 
   
   
       10 . The control system as recited in  claim 7  wherein the plurality of input elements include first, second and third input buttons operable to select cycle options. 
   
   
       11 . The control system as recited in  claim 1  wherein the display is configured to display device the selected soil level and a selection of further parameters. 
   
   
       12 . The control system as recited in  claim 1  wherein the display device includes a multi-line LCD display. 
   
   
       13 . The control system as recited in  claim 11  wherein the display device includes a multi-line LCD display. 
   
   
       14 . The control system as recited in  claim 1  wherein the display device is configured to display the selected soil level as a graphical bar in an upper line thereof. 
   
   
       15 . The control system as recited in  claim 11  wherein the display device is configured to display the soil level as a graphical bar in an upper line thereof. 
   
   
       16 . The control system as recited in  claim 13  wherein the display device is configured to display the soil level as a graphical bar in an upper line thereof. 
   
   
       17 . The control system as recited in  claim 3  wherein the display device is configured to display the cycle options in a lower line thereof, and wherein the second input is disposed below the display. 
   
   
       18 . The control system as recited in  claim 3  wherein the display device includes a multi-line LCD display configured to display the cycle options in a lower line thereof, and wherein the second input is disposed below the display. 
   
   
       19 . The control system as recited in  claim 1  wherein the plurality of input elements includes an information button operable to display technical information about a selected wash cycle on the display. 
   
   
       20 . The control system as recited in  claim 1  further comprising a sensor configured to acquire soil level data, and wherein the control system is configured to correct the soil level and associated basic wash cycle during a wash cycle according to the soil level data.