A wash-aid dispenser (20) for dispensing dishwasher detergent and rinse-aid employs a DC motor (46) and drive train (43) to separately actuate a door (23) for the release of detergent and a valve (21) for the release of rinse-aid allowing reduced noise and reduce energy operation using a single electric actuator.

A flood detection sensor for a dishwasher appliance is provided. The flood detection sensor includes features that allow for detection of flood events or tub overfills without sacrificing performance or efficiency of the dishwasher during normal operating conditions and for secure mounting to a tub lip of the dishwasher.

A water-conducting domestic appliance includes a washing container, a door which is pivotably mounted to the washing container to define with the washing container a washing chamber for washing items, and a door opening module configured to automatically open the door. A detector detects a presence of a living being in a defined area in front of the domestic appliance. In the event the presence of a living being has been detected by the detector in the defined area, a control device prevents the door opening module from automatically opening the door.

A dishwasher and method utilize a cam-based position sensor that is configured to sense multiple rotational positions for a discretely directable tubular spray element driven by a tubular spray element drive.

A dishwashing appliance includes a tub defining a wash chamber and a door rotatably mounted to the tub. The door is configured to rotate between an open position and a closed position. A user interface mounted on the door, and a controller is in signal communication with the user interface. A pulley is mounted to the tub and a cord is coupled to the door. The cord configured to rotate the pulley when the door is rotated between the open position and the closed position. A magnet is mounted to the pulley. The magnet is configured to rotate with the pulley as the door is rotated. A sensor is mounted to the tub proximate the pulley. The sensor is configured to detect the position of the magnet, and the controller is configured to disable the user interface based at least in part on the position of the magnet.

A detergent dispenser may be positioned to dispense detergent into a wash tub of a household appliance. The detergent dispenser may include a detergent cartridge. The detergent cartridge may include a detergent strip having a plurality of detergents. One or more ejection mechanisms may be used to expel the detergent from the detergent strip through an outlet of the detergent cartridge.

Systems, methods, and software program products for dispensing chemical products to a washing machine. A dispenser receives a conductivity signal from a conductivity circuit having input terminals coupled to a probe in a tank of the washing machine. The dispenser may compare the conductivity signal to a threshold indicative of a low level of conductivity between input terminals of the conductivity circuit. In response to the conductivity signal breaching the threshold, the dispenser may determine the tank of the washing machine is being drained of a washing solution. In response to the conductivity signal subsequently breaching another threshold indicative of a high level of conductivity between the input terminals, the dispenser may determine the tank is being filled, and dispense a predetermined amount of the chemical product into the tank.

A dishwasher, in which a reservoir provided with an electrolyzer is connected to a water collector via a flow path change valve, and wash water in the reservoir is electrolyzed by the electrolyzer during non-operation of the wash water, to generate sterilizing water and to circulate the sterilizing water into the dishwasher, thereby achieving an enhancement in sterilizability of the dishwasher. A method for controlling a dishwasher makes it possible to suppress propagation of microorganisms left in the dishwasher and to remove organic substances, using a sterilizing agent or high-temperature water. It is also possible to reduce generation of offensive odor caused by decomposition of bacteria, through a reduction in the amount of bacteria in the dishwasher. Since sterilization of the dishwasher is automatically carried out, enhanced user convenience is provided.

Systems and methods for identifying relay contact position within an appliance. In one embodiment, an appliance includes a first motor, a second motor, and a relay. The relay can be configured to be adjusted between at least a first position associated with a first circuit of the first motor and a second position associated with a second circuit of the second motor. The appliance can also include one or more control device(s) configured to identify the position of the relay within the appliance. For instance, the control device(s) can provide a test signal to the relay and detect an output signal that is based at least in part on the input signal. The output signal can be associated with the second circuit. The control device(s) can determine whether the relay is in the first position or the second position based at least in part on the output signal.

A method of controlling a dishwasher is disclosed. The method includes supplying water to a sump, driving a wash pump using a wash motor, introducing a detergent into a tub, and determining whether the amount of bubbles is excessive based on the value of current applied to the wash motor. The determining whether the amount of bubbles is excessive is performed after a lapse of a predetermined period of time since the start of the introducing the detergent into the tub.