A dishwasher and method utilize an image-based position sensor that is positioned to sense the rotational position of a discretely directable tubular spray element driven by a tubular spray element drive.

Image-based object sensing is utilized in a dishwasher to configure a wash cycle and/or perform other operations in the dishwasher.

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 conveyor warewasher for cleaning washware includes at least one washing zone at least one rinsing zone and a conveyor apparatus for conveying the washware therethrough. A camera system is arranged above or below or to the side of the conveyor apparatus and is configured to capture at least one image of an area of the conveyor apparatus. An evaluation device is configured to evaluate and determine on the basis of the classification performed whether, at the time of the image capture, at least one of the following categories of washware was present in the area of the conveyor apparatus: cutlery or pieces of cutlery; pots, pans, or GN containers; glasses, in particular drinking glasses; trays or tray-like objects; plates, cups, or bowls; utensils; other washware; mixed washware; plastic washware; or no washware.

The present disclosure relates to a dishwasher. The dishwasher of one embodiment comprises a tub having a wash space in which a wash target is accommodated, a sump being disposed at a lower end of the tub and storing wash water, a wash pump supplying wash water that is accommodated in the sump to a nozzle, a rack being disposed in the wash space and storing a wash target, a nozzle being disposed at a lower end of the rack, being rotated by a repulsive force of wash water that is supplied from the wash pump, spraying wash water to a wash target, and having one end to which a magnetic object is coupled, a sensing module being disposed in an area that corresponds to a range in which the nozzle operates and comprising a Hall sensor that senses a magnetic force generated by the magnetic object, and a controller receiving sensing results from the sensing module and determining one or more of whether the nozzle rotates, a rotation speed of the nozzle and a rotation direction of the nozzle, based on the sensing results, to output an abnormality notification to a user or control wash water that is supplied to the nozzle through the wash pump.

Example intelligent dishwashing systems and methods are described. In one implementation, a system includes an imaging system configured to capture at least one image of an article of dishware. A processing system analyzes the at least one image to determine a presence and a location of a stain on the article of dishware. Responsive to determining the presence of a stain, a cleaning system is configured to clean the location of the stain on the article of dishware.

An automated method and apparatus for cleaning articles by direct application of concentrated product to a soiled surface of the article is disclosed. The article type is identified and a product dispensing sequence is activated to control the type of product dispensed onto the articles based on the article type and/or soil type on the article. Product, duration, and other parameters are tailored according to the article type and/or soil type during each sequence of the wash cycle. Product, wash and rinse liquids are applied at specific locations and from specific directions from within the cleaning apparatus based upon the article type and/or soil type on the article.

A dishwasher utilizes one or more sensors capable of detecting when a rack is at an operative position at which the rack is positioned within the wash tub during washing and/or an extended position at which at least a portion of the rack is extended beyond the wash tub for loading or unloading of utensils, thereby allowing image captures by a camera to be timed relative to the movement of the rack into, between and/or away from the operative and/or extended positions.

Example intelligent dishwashing systems and methods are described. In one implementation, a system includes an imaging system configured to capture at least one image of an article of dishware. A processing system analyzes the at least one image to determine a presence and a location of a stain on the article of dishware. Responsive to determining the presence of a stain, a cleaning system is configured to clean the location of the stain on the article of dishware.

A dishwasher includes a case, injection arms, a sump including an injection flow path coupling portion, a washing pump for supplying washing water stored in the sump to the injection arms, and a switching valve including a flow path distributor for distributing washing water to injection arms. The flow path distributor defines distribution holes. When the flow path distributor is in a reference position, the distribution holes are positioned so that all of the injection arm supply holes are opened, and, when the flow path distributor is rotated by a first angle from a reference position, the distribution holes are positioned so that any one of the injection arm supply holes is opened. The injection flow path coupling portion includes a plurality of support ribs protruded toward the flow path distributor and including a support rib corresponding to at least one of the distribution holes.