JP2001340281A - Dish washer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent proliferation of bacteria and bad smell thereby in a dish washer tank and to solve the problem that bacteria such as O-157 are easy to proliferate during storing dishes having no antibacterial power. SOLUTION: This dish washer having plural-time washing processes for washing the tableware and washing the tableware by using wash water supplied with respective times of the plural-time washing processes, is provided with a silver ion adding unit for adding a silver ion to the wash water, and is characterized by supplying silver ion water as the wash water in the final time (a rinsing process) of the plural-time washing processes.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a dishwasher using silver ion water containing silver ions generated by electrolysis and a dishwasher for controlling a dishwasher tank.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A dishwasher for disinfection using sodium hypochlorite is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 57-500048. A dishwasher for producing and sterilizing acidic electrolyzed water is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-70381.

[0003]

The sodium hypochlorite and electrolyzed water exhibiting acidity disinfect the dishes and the dishwasher tub, but their bacteriostatic power is short, and the water in the dishwasher tub is reduced over a long period of time. If the tableware is left unchecked, bacteria will grow in the dishwasher tank,
There was a problem of stinking. In recent years, food poisoning such as O-157 has become a problem. However, since antibacterial activity is not imparted to the dishes themselves, there is a possibility that bacterial contamination may occur while the washed dishes are left.

[0004]

Means for Solving the Problems and Action / Effect The invention according to the first aspect of the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and comprises a dishwasher having a silver ion addition unit for adding silver ions to washing water. It is characterized by. When the present inventor added silver ions to tap water used in the washing step, silver ions remained in the water remaining in the dishwashing tank, and the residual water, the inner wall of the dishwasher and the garnish filter were sterilized. Was done.
In addition, the antibacterial properties of conventional antibacterial products into which an antibacterial agent has been incorporated have been reduced with use. However, according to the present invention, each time the dishes are washed, the surfaces of the dishes are coated with silver and subjected to antibacterial treatment. That is, antibacterial treatment is performed every time dishwashing is performed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, which has been made to solve the above problems, in the dishwasher according to the first aspect,
In the final rinsing step of the washing step, silver ion water is supplied as washing water. When the inventor added silver ions to tap water used in the final round of the washing process (rinsing process), silver ions remained in the water remaining in the dishwashing tank, resulting in residual water and the inner wall of the dishwasher. And the garbage filter was sterilized. In addition, the antibacterial properties of conventional antibacterial products in which an antibacterial agent is kneaded decreased with use, but according to the present invention,
Each time the dishes are washed, the surface of the dishes is coated with silver and treated with antibacterial treatment. That is, antibacterial treatment is performed every time dishwashing is performed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dishwasher according to the first or second aspect, wherein the silver ion adding unit comprises: an electrolytic cell comprising a silver electrode; It is characterized by comprising a control unit for controlling. According to the present invention, when silver ions are to be added, the silver ions can be added only by applying electrolytic power between the silver electrodes at the timing when silver is to be added without switching the flow path. Also, by controlling the electrolytic power between the silver electrodes, the concentration of silver ions added is kept constant, so that highly reliable antibacterial activity can be obtained.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dishwasher according to the third aspect.
The electrolytic cell is disposed in the middle of a flow path for supplying tap water to the dishwasher tank, and power is applied to the electrolytic cell in synchronization with a timing at which the tap water flows, to generate silver ion water. According to the present invention, since the electrolytic cell is disposed in the flow path for introducing tap water into the dishwasher tank, the washing water for washing the dishes does not come into contact with the washing water, and the electrode surface is not stained.
Water with a stable silver ion concentration is produced.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dishwasher comprising:
The dishwasher is configured to stop supplying the washing water when the washing water supplied to and stored in the dishwashing tank reaches a predetermined water amount, and the electrolytic tank has a preset supply time of the washing water. The electrolysis is stopped when the predetermined time is reached. The amount of water (= flow velocity) per unit time flowing into the dishwasher varies daily, and the time required to reach a predetermined amount of water required for washing varies daily. By the way, the present inventor examined that when the electrolysis was controlled at a constant current or a constant voltage, the flow rate of tap water flowing through the electrolytic cell hardly affected the silver ion addition amount per unit time. Therefore, the amount of silver ions added when electrolysis is performed for a preset time is constant. Since the predetermined amount of water is supplied into the dishwashing tank, the silver ion concentration of the washing water stored in the dishwasher always has a constant value. As a result, it is possible to control to an appropriate silver ion concentration showing antibacterial ability.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dishwasher according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the silver concentration of silver ion water used for the washing is 3 ppb or more. It is not more than 50 ppb. As a result of the study by the present inventors, antibacterial effects were observed in dishes and dishwasher tanks when the silver ion concentration was 3 ppb or more. When the silver ion concentration was 50 ppm or more, there was a tendency that a black discolored substance derived from a silver compound adhered. Therefore,
It was considered that the silver ion concentration was desirably 3 ppb or more and 50 ppb or less.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dishwasher according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the dishwasher is washed with silver ion water and then rinsed with tap water containing no silver ions. It is characterized by washing. When the inventor rinsed with tap water containing no silver ion water after washing with silver ion water, the tendency of the black discolored matter derived from the silver compound to adhere was further reduced, and the antibacterial property was maintained.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dishwasher according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, which selects whether or not a washing step with silver ion water is employed. A switch is provided.
In rare cases, they may be allergic to silver. In this case, it is necessary to prevent silver ions from adhering to tableware and the like. According to the present invention, it is possible to eliminate the adhesion of silver ions to tableware by using a switch for selecting to cancel the washing step with silver ion water.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dishwasher as set forth in any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the washing water inside the dishwasher is silver ion water. A display unit for indicating whether or not the washing water is silver ion water is displayed when the washing water is silver ion water. In rare cases, they may be allergic to silver. Whether or not the washing water is silver ion water cannot be visually determined. If there is means for indicating that the water is silver ion water, it can be visually recognized that the water is silver ion water.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dishwasher as set forth in any one of the first to ninth aspects, further comprising a display unit for displaying that the dishwasher has been washed with silver ion water. When the washing with silver ion water is completed, it is displayed that washing with silver ion water is displayed. It is not possible to determine visually whether the sample has been washed with silver ion water and subjected to antibacterial treatment. If it is displayed that washing has been performed with silver ion water, it is possible to visually confirm that washing has been performed with silver ion water.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the dishwashing apparatus A includes a silver ion water generator B and a washing tank 140. A silver ion water generator B is connected to a water tap 100 via a relief valve 110. Line 15 extending from switching device 150
1 is connected to the washing water pump 170. Wash water pump 17
A pipe 152 extending from 0 is provided with a plurality of spray nozzles 142a directed obliquely upward from the cleaning water spray body 142, and is installed immediately below the appliance storage basket 141. A water reservoir 143 is formed below the cleaning tank 140. A strainer (not shown) is provided in the water reservoir 143. In the cleaning tank 140,
An instrument storage basket 141 is provided. Water reservoir of cleaning tank 140
A conduit 153 extending from 143 is connected to a drain pump 180. A conduit 154 extends from the drain pump 180 to the drain.
A heater 160 is provided adjacent to a portion of the pipe 151 downstream of the washing water pump. The dishwasher A is constituted by the silver ion water generator B and the drainage pump 180.

As shown in FIG. 2, the silver ion water generator B comprises a cathode 121 and an anode 122, and has a flow sensor 210 connected by a water pipe 290b. The silver ion water generator B further includes a control unit 240 having a variable power DC power supply circuit including a switching power supply circuit and a microcomputer programmed to control the switching power supply circuit. Control unit 240
The flow signal is input from the flow sensor 210 to the electrolytic cell 2
60 is supplied with electrolysis power.

The operation of the dishwasher A will be described below. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, tap water supplied from the faucet 100 and squeezed to a predetermined flow rate by the relief valve 110 is supplied to the water supply pipe 2.
It flows into the silver ion water generator B through 90b, and flows through the flow rate sensor 210 and the water pipe 290a. The flow rate is detected by the flow rate sensor 210, and the control unit 240
The flow signal is output to Electrolysis is performed by applying a predetermined voltage and current of electrolytic power controlled by the control unit 240 in accordance with the flow rate of tap water flowing through the water pipe 290a detected by the flow rate sensor 210.

[0018]

EXAMPLE 1 Based on the examples shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, dishwashing evaluation was performed using silver ionized water obtained by electrolysis. Preparation of silver ion water Structural specifications of electrolytic cell: Electrode material Silver Electrode size 2cm × 2cm Electrode spacing 10mm Electrolytic condition: Electrolytic voltage 13V Electrolytic current 0mA to 3mA Flow rate: 10L / min Flow rate used for one wash 3L Silver obtained Silver ion concentration of ion water: 0 to 200 ppb

Washing Conditions The stains applied to the dishes based on the stain sample preparation method based on the BL standard were put into a dishwasher based on the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 and washed in the following washing steps. (Washing process) Pre-washing process 60 ° C tap water 3L Washing time 5 minutes Main washing process 60 ° C tap water 3L Washing time 13 minutes Rinse 1 step 60 ° C tap water 3L Washing time 1 minute 30 seconds Rinse 2 step 60 ° C silver ion water 3L washing time 5 minutes

Evaluation method of antibacterial property of tableware The qualitative evaluation method (measurement of halo) of JIS L1902 (1998) was carried out under the following conditions. Bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus (Staphylococcus aureus) Klebsiella pneumoniae (Klebsiella pneumoniae) Test procedure: Add 100,000 CFU of bacterial solution to normal agar medium
/ M and coagulated in a Petri dish, and
The test piece is brought into close contact with the center of the culture medium after being left for 0 minutes. Culture conditions: 37 ° C., 24-48 hours culture Evaluation: Measure the width of the halo Halo width 1 mm or more: antibacterial ○ ○ 1 mm or less: no antibacterial ×

Evaluation method of antibacterial property in dishwasher After washing under each washing condition, leaving it as it was for one day and night at room temperature, the bacterial contamination inside the dishwasher was evaluated under the following conditions. Bacteria: General bacteria Test method: Press the inside of the dishwasher once with a food stamp made of ordinary agar medium Culture method: 37 ° C for 24 hours Evaluation: Count the number of colonies

FIG. 3 shows the obtained antibacterial property evaluation. The following was found from FIG. -When the Ag ion concentration is 3 ppb or more, the antibacterial property of the dish is recognized, and the proliferation of bacteria in the dishwasher is suppressed. -As a result of a repetitive test for one year, adhesion of black deposits of silver occurred when the amount became 50 ppb or more, though slightly.

In this embodiment, silver ion water was used for two rinsing steps. As a result, the effect shown in FIG. 3 was obtained. No effect was observed when silver ion water was used for pre-washing or main washing. Further, in this example, when the rinsing was completed in two steps, adhesion of a black precipitate shown in FIG. 3 was recognized. If the rinsing step with tap water is added after the two rinsing steps, the antibacterial performance will be slightly reduced,
It was possible to reduce the formation of black precipitates while maintaining the antibacterial properties.

FIG. 4 shows the effect of the flow rate on the concentration of silver ions generated by the electrolysis according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, even if the flow rate varies between 10 L and 20 L, the silver concentration shows a stable value between 20 and 22 ppb.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a selection function unit of the operation program according to the embodiment of the present invention. Operation program selection function unit 50
In the case of 0, when the power is turned on by the power switch 501, the LED 502 in the power-on state is turned on, and the cleaning operation program can be selected by the cleaning operation program selection switch 503. Cleaning operation course display LE when power is turned on
The “standard course” LED in the D group 504 is turned on, and every time the selection switch 503 is operated, it is possible to select a cleaning operation program of “speedy course”, “thorough course”, and “drying only”. With the same operation, the presence or absence of the antibacterial processing function can be selected by the antibacterial processing function selection switch 505, and the function selected by the antibacterial processing function selection display LED group 506 is displayed. When the operation is started by the operation start switch 507, the corresponding process LED in the process display LED group 509 of the process display unit 508 blinks, and the process in progress is displayed. When the antibacterial treatment function is selected, when the driving is completed, the “antibacterial treatment completed” display LED 510 blinks,
An indication that antimicrobial treatment has been performed is performed.

FIG. 6 is another block diagram of the dishwashing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIGS.
Shows the control block. An object to be cleaned is loaded on a predetermined position of the basket 602 stored in a predetermined position of the cleaning tank 601, and is placed in a predetermined position such as a recess provided on the inner surface of the detergent dispensing device 603 or the cleaning tank door 604. After the exclusive detergent is set, when the power is turned on by the power switch 501 of the cleaning operation program selection means 605, the drainage means 6 for discharging the cleaning water remaining in the cleaning tank is discharged.
The “initial draining operation” is performed by the timed operation of No. 13.
When the operation program to be executed is selected, the operation is started by the start switch 61, and the “stagnant water drainage operation of the piping” is performed to discharge the stagnant water in the piping between the hot water supply source such as a water heater and an electric water heater and the dishwasher. Is implemented.

In the cleaning step shown in FIG. 7, a predetermined amount of cleaning water is stored in a cleaning tank 601 by a water supply means (water supply valve) 607 and a water amount detection means (water level switch) 608, and then the cleaning pump 609 and the cleaning water are supplied. The water heating means (hot water heater) 610 is driven. The washing water stored in the washing tank 601 passes through the garbage filter 612,
It is ejected from the nozzle 611. In the apparatus having a detergent feeding device, the detergent feeding device 603 is driven after a predetermined time (t1) has elapsed, and the detergent is fed into the washing water.
For those without a detergent injection device, the cleaning pump 6
By the jet of 09, the detergent in the door concave portion is introduced into the washing water. The value measured by the water temperature detection means 615 is equal to the predetermined water temperature (T
When the time reaches 15), the heating means is stopped, and when the elapsed time from the start of driving of the cleaning pump has reached a predetermined time (t2), the cleaning pump 609 is stopped and the drainage means (drainage pump) 613 is timed. As a result, the cleaning water in the cleaning tank is discharged, and the cleaning process is completed.

The rinsing step shown in FIG.
7, a predetermined amount of washing water is stored in the washing tank 601 by the water amount detecting means 608, a timed operation of the washing pump is performed for a predetermined time (t3), and then the washing water in the washing tank is discharged. , A series of operations are performed a predetermined number of times (N times).

Next, the silver ion water washing step shown in FIG. 9 will be described. The silver ion water washing step is performed when the antibacterial treatment function selection switch 505 provided in the operation program selection function unit 500 is operated to select the antibacterial treatment. If the antibacterial treatment has not been selected, the final rinsing process shown in FIG. 10 described below is executed from the rinsing process shown in FIG.

When the silver ion water washing step is started, first, the LED corresponding to the antibacterial treatment on the step display section 508 starts blinking, and the user is informed that the washing water inside the dishwasher is silver ion water. You can let them know. Then, the water supply valve is turned on to start supplying the cleaning water into the cleaning tank 601.
Then, the flow switch provided in the electrolytic cell 616 is turned on by the flow of the washing water, and electricity is supplied to the electrolytic cell 616 to turn on the electrolysis. The energization of the electrolytic cell 616 is performed by constant current or constant voltage control.

Then, when a predetermined time (t4) elapses, the electrolysis is turned off. Here, since the electrolysis control is a constant current or constant voltage control, the addition amount of all silver ions supplied to the inside of the cleaning tank 601 is constant without being affected by the flow rate. After that, the supply of the cleaning water is continued until the water level switch 608 is turned on.
A predetermined amount of water is stored in 01. Therefore, the silver ion concentration of the washing water stored in the washing tank always has a constant value, and can be controlled to an appropriate silver ion concentration showing antibacterial ability. Then, after performing the timed operation of the cleaning pump for a predetermined time (t5), the silver ion water in the cleaning tank is discharged.

In the final rinsing step shown in FIG.
Similarly to the cleaning step, the cleaning pump 609 and the cleaning water heating unit 610 are driven, and the cleaning water is heated until a predetermined water temperature (T3) is reached, and the cleaning pump 609 is operated until a predetermined time (t6) elapses. Driven. The drying step shown in FIG. 11 is executed by operating the drying means 614 for a predetermined time (t7) at a predetermined temperature in the cleaning tank (T4).

According to the present embodiment, after washing with silver ion water and rinsing with tap water not containing silver ion water, the tendency of black discolored substances derived from silver compounds to adhere is further reduced,
And antibacterial properties are maintained. In addition, the presence of the means for indicating that the water is silver ion water makes it possible to visually recognize that the water is silver ion water. In addition, since the washing with the silver ion water is displayed, the washing with the silver ion water can be visually confirmed. On the other hand, if the person is allergic to silver, it is possible to eliminate the adhesion of silver ions to tableware by using a switch for selecting to cancel the washing step with silver ion water.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, a silver electrode may be arranged in the washing water storage section below the washing tank. Alternatively, it may be provided in the middle of a circulation channel (not shown) in the washing machine.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a dishwashing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a cleaning liquid generation device included in the dishwashing device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows evaluation results of silver ion concentration and antibacterial performance according to an example of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows the influence on the flow rate of the electrolytic cell according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of an operation program selection function unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is another configuration diagram of the dishwashing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a program relating to a washing process in the dishwashing apparatus of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a program relating to a rinsing step in the dishwashing apparatus of FIG. 6;

9 is a program related to a silver ion water washing step in the dishwashing apparatus of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a program relating to a final rinsing step in the dishwashing apparatus of FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 is a program relating to a drying process in the dishwasher of FIG. 6;

FIG. 12 is a control block according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 A: Cleaning device B: Cleaning liquid generating device 100: Water tap 110: Relief valve 121: Cathode side water tank 122: Anode side water tank 123 ... Electrolyzer 140 ... Cleaning tank 141 ... Tableware storage basket 142 ... Cleaning water injection Body 150 Switching device 160 Heater 170 Wash water pump 180 Drain pump 210 Flow sensor 240 Control unit 260 Electrolyzer

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) C02F 1/50 531 C02F 1/50 540B 540 550C 550 550D 560F 560 1/46 101Z

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A dishwasher comprising a silver ion addition unit for adding silver ions to washing water. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein silver ion water is supplied as washing water in the final rinsing step of the washing step.
Dishwasher as described. 3. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the silver ion adding unit comprises an electrolytic cell comprising a silver electrode and a control unit for controlling power of the silver electrode. 4. The electrolytic cell is disposed in the middle of a flow path for introducing tap water into a dishwasher tank, and power is applied to the electrolytic cell in synchronism with the flow of tap water to generate silver ion water. The dishwasher according to claim 3, characterized in that: 5. The dishwasher is configured to stop the supply of the washing water when the washing water supplied to and stored in the dishwashing tank reaches a predetermined water amount, and the electrolytic tank is configured to stop the supply of the washing water. 5. The dishwasher according to claim 4, wherein the electrolysis is stopped when the supply time reaches a predetermined time set in advance. 6. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the silver concentration of silver ionized water used for the washing is 3 ppb or more and 50 ppb or less. 7. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein after washing with silver ion water, rinsing is performed with tap water containing no silver ions. 8. The dishwasher according to claim 1, further comprising a switch for selecting whether to employ a washing process with silver ion water. 9. A display unit for displaying whether or not the washing water inside the dishwasher is silver ion water, and displaying that the washing water is silver ion water when the washing water is silver ion water. The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: 10. A display unit for displaying that washing with silver ion water is performed, wherein when washing with silver ion water is completed, it is displayed that washing with silver ion water is displayed. Dishwasher according to any of the above.