JP2000083886A - Dishwasher - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a dishwasher to continue operation to the end without stopping the operation at a time when an abnormal water level is detected due to an abnormal occurrence of bubbles. SOLUTION: When an abnormal water level is detected, by stopping the washing pump for a prescribed period t2 during the operation of a washing pump, if the detection of the abnormal water level is due to an abnormal occurrence of bubbles, when the washing mechanism is kept stationary, bubbles disappear and decrease and the abnormal water level is no longer detected. Therefore, subsequently the operation of the cleaning mechanism is resumed and the operation can be carried out to the end.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a dishwasher having a function of detecting an abnormal water level in a washing tank.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a dishwasher has been provided with a water level detecting device. This water level detection device has a normal water level detection function for detecting a normal water level in the cleaning tank and an abnormal water level detection function for detecting an abnormal water level higher than the normal water level in the cleaning tank. Water supply is started,
When the normal water level is detected, the water supply is terminated and the operation shifts to the washing operation. Thereafter, when an abnormal water level is detected, the operation is stopped.

[0003]

The above-mentioned abnormal water level is detected because of the failure of the normal water level detecting function of the water level detecting device, the failure of the control device for controlling the water supply based on the detection result of the water level detecting device, and the like. Malfunction, water valve failure, etc.
This is because water is supplied continuously even after the water level in the washing tank has reached the normal water level, and if such an abnormality occurs, stopping the operation is necessary as a measure against the abnormality.

On the other hand, in a dishwasher, dishes are usually washed by spraying washing water.
When a general detergent is used, the generation of bubbles is increased and the cleaning effect is reduced due to the intensity of the spraying and spraying of the cleaning water. Therefore, in a dishwasher, a dedicated (low foaming) detergent that generates less foam is used.

[0005] However, in actual use, the user may mistakenly use the detergent. In this case, a lot of bubbles are generated, and the bubbles are abnormal even though the water supply is normal. May reach water level.

On the other hand, a water level detecting device of a dishwasher generally uses a float, which is lifted by the above-mentioned abnormally generated foam and rises, and detects the foam as an abnormal water level. Would. For this reason, there is a problem that the operation is stopped as in the case of the above-described abnormality occurrence, and the subsequent operation is not performed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and accordingly, has as its object to avoid running stoppage when the abnormal water level is detected due to the occurrence of bubbles, and to complete the operation. There is to provide a dishwasher to get.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, a dishwasher according to the present invention comprises a washing tank, a washing mechanism for washing dishes by spraying washing water in the washing tank, and A normal water level detecting means for detecting a normal water level in the cleaning tank, an abnormal water level detecting means for detecting an abnormal water level higher than the normal water level in the cleaning tank, and controlling the operation of the cleaning mechanism based on the detection results. Control means, the control device, during operation of the cleaning mechanism,
The operation of the cleaning mechanism is stopped for a predetermined time when the abnormal water level is detected (the invention of claim 1).

According to this, when the detection of the abnormal water level is based on the occurrence of an abnormality of the bubbles, the bubbles disappear and decrease when the operation of the cleaning mechanism is stopped, and the abnormal water level is not detected. After that, the operation of the cleaning mechanism can be restarted to complete the operation. In this case, the control device may restart the operation of the cleaning mechanism when the abnormal water level is not detected within the time when the operation of the cleaning mechanism is stopped (the invention of claim 2).

[0010] Although the bubbles disappear and decrease as described above during the time when the operation of the cleaning mechanism is stopped, the abnormal water level is detected because the water level in the cleaning tank is caused by another abnormality. This is because the abnormal water level has actually been reached, and if such an abnormal water level is not detected, the operation of the cleaning mechanism is restarted.If the abnormal water level is not detected more reliably, the operation of the cleaning mechanism is restarted. Can be.

The control device may be configured to notify the abnormality by the abnormality notification means when an abnormal water level is detected during a period in which the operation of the cleaning mechanism is stopped.
Invention). In this case, abnormality notification can be performed based on the fact that the water level in the cleaning tank has actually reached the abnormal water level as described above.

Further, the control device may change the time for stopping the operation of the cleaning mechanism according to the number of times the abnormal water level is detected (the invention of claim 4). The reason why the abnormal water level is detected several times is considered to be a situation where bubbles are likely to be generated. In such a case, as the number of times of detecting the abnormal water level increases, the time during which the operation of the cleaning mechanism is stopped is prolonged, so that the elimination and reduction of bubbles can be performed more reliably.

On the other hand, the control device may change the temperature of the washing water in accordance with the number of times the abnormal water level is detected (the invention of claim 5). The detergent contains a surfactant, and when the temperature of the washing water is increased, the generation of bubbles is reduced.
Therefore, the generation of bubbles can be reduced by increasing the temperature of the washing water as the number of times of detection of the abnormal water level increases.

[0014] In addition, the control device may be configured to notify the abnormality by the abnormality notification means when the number of times the abnormal water level is detected reaches a predetermined number (the invention of claim 6). If the abnormal water level is detected several times, the operation time may be unnecessarily prolonged without normal operation. In such a case, by reporting the abnormality,
This can be notified to the user.

In this case, it is preferable that the abnormality notification is made after the completion of all the operations (the invention of claim 7). In this case, the abnormality is notified after the operation has been completed to the end, so that it is possible to avoid ending the operation in the middle of the operation, so-called washing.

A drain means for draining the washing water from the washing tank is provided. If an abnormal water level is detected during a period in which the control device stops the operation of the washing mechanism, the washing tank is provided with It is also possible to operate the drainage means until the water level becomes the normal water level (the invention of claim 8). In this case, when the water level in the cleaning tank has actually reached the abnormal water level as described above, the cleaning water can be reduced by drainage (the water level can be reduced to the normal water level), and the operation of the cleaning mechanism can be restarted. .

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention is applied to a built-in type dishwasher, and a first embodiment thereof is shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. First, FIG. 2 shows a kitchen cabinet 11 of a system kitchen with a built-in dishwasher, and a top plate 1 having a sink 12.
3, a lid 14 is provided, and an operation panel 15 and a door 16 of the dishwasher are provided in front of the front side of the lid 14 alongside other doors 17 and drawers 18 of the kitchen cabinet 11.

FIG. 3 shows the structure of the main body 19 of the washing machine incorporated in the operation panel 15 and the inside of the door 16 of the kitchen cabinet 11, and has a washing tank 20. The washing tank 20 has an opening 21 for taking in and out of dishes and detergents on the upper surface, and the opening 21 on the upper surface is water-tightly coupled with the opening 22 formed in the top plate 13. ing. The lid 14 is provided so as to open and close the opening 22 of the top plate 13 and, consequently, the opening 21 on the upper surface of the cleaning tank 20, and is turned up and down by, for example, folding in two.

In the washing tank 20, a heater 23 is disposed at the bottom, and a fountain arm 24 and a fountain nozzle 25 are disposed above the heater 23. In the upper part of the arm 24, a basket 26 for accommodating the above-mentioned tableware is housed so as to be able to be taken in and out from above. or,
A water supply valve 2 is provided on the back (right side in FIG. 3) of the cleaning tank 20.
The water supply valve 27 is connected to a water supply pipe 28 communicating with a water supply (not shown). Therefore, the cleaning tank 20
Inside, tap water is supplied from a water supply pipe 28 through a water supply valve 27.

A cleaning pump 29 is provided at the outer lower portion of the cleaning tank 20.
And a drain pump 30 and a forward / reversely rotatable pump motor 31 for driving the rotation thereof, and the pump motor 31 operates the cleaning pump 29 by the forward rotation thereof,
The drain pump 30 is operated by the reverse rotation. The pumps 29 and 30 may each have a dedicated pump motor.

In addition, a water storage tank 32 communicating with the inside of the washing tank 20 is provided below and outside the washing tank 20, and this is connected to the washing pump 29 and the drain pump 30, and the washing pump 29 and the fountain are connected. Arm 24 and fountain nozzle 2
5 is provided, and in this configuration, the washing pump 29 sucks water (washing water) in the washing tank 20 supplied from the water supply valve 27 from the water storage tank 32. To the fountain arm 24 and the fountain nozzle 25. The pumped water is jetted from the fountain arm 24 and the fountain nozzle 25, and the fountain arm 24 and the fountain nozzle 25 also rotate by the fountain reaction force.

Thus, the washing water is evenly sprayed on the dishes in the basket 26, and the dishes are washed (washed and rinsed). Therefore, the cleaning pump 29, the fountain arm 24, and the fountain nozzle 25 function as a cleaning mechanism.
During the washing and rinsing steps, the washing water is heated to a predetermined temperature, for example, 60 to 70 ° C. by the heater 23 generating heat.
The heater 23 is also heated to the extent that the water is heated, so that the heater 23 functions as heating means for heating the cleaning water.

On the other hand, the drain pump 30 sucks the washing water in the washing tank 20 from the water storage tank 32 and
The drainage hose 34 functions as a drainage means for discharging the water through the cleaning tank 20 as shown in FIG.
In the front part of, once raised to the top of the cleaning tank 20,
A drain pipe extending downward, further extending to the sink 12 side via a drain trap 35, and draining outdoors;
For example, a pipe connected to a drain pipe (not shown) of the sink 12 is provided.

In addition, a blower 36 is provided on the front surface of the cleaning tank 20. The blower 36 blows outside air into the washing tank 20 during the drying process, and the blown air is heated by the heater 23 to be heated and heated, and the hot air is used to dry the rinsed dishes. . Therefore, in this case, the heater 23 functions as a heating unit that also heats the air in the cleaning tank 20.

A control device 3 is provided on the front surface of the cleaning tank 20.
7 and a water level detection device 38 are also provided. this house,
The control device 37 is mainly composed of a microcomputer, and opens and closes the water supply valve 27, operates the cleaning pump 29,
It functions as control means for controlling the overall operation of the dishwasher, such as the operation of the drain pump 30 and the heat generation of the heater 23.

On the other hand, the water level detecting device 38 is
9 is provided with a normal water level detector 40 functioning as a normal water level detector and an abnormal water level detector 41 functioning as an abnormal water level detector.
As shown in detail in FIG. 5, reference numeral 0 denotes a float 42 located in the water storage case 39 and a rod 4 standing upright from the float 42 and projecting above the lid 43 on the water storage case 39.
4. A lever 4 having one end connected to the upper end of the rod 44 and pivotally supported by a stepped screw 46 on a rising portion 45 of the lid 43.
7. The micro switch 49 is mounted on the rising portion 45 of the lid 43 so that the operating button 48 is pressed against the other end of the lever 47.

On the other hand, the abnormal water level detecting section 41 includes a float 50 located in the water storage case 39 higher than the float 42, a frame 51 integrated with the float 50, and a magnet provided in the frame 51. (Not shown), guide pipe 5 for vertically guiding frame 51
2. The reed switch 53 is provided inside the guide pipe 52. The guide pipe 52 is inserted into the lid 43 of the water storage case 39 and is fixed by the nut 54.

The bottom of the water storage case 39 is shown in FIG.
The water storage tank 3 of the washing tank 20 is connected by a connection pipe 55 shown in FIG.
2 and communicate with the bottom. 3 and 4, FIG.
The washing pump 29, the drain pump 30 and the connection pipe 33
Water receiver 5 attached to the outside and lower part of washing tank 20 so as to cover
6 has a flange portion 56a at the front, and the water level detecting device 3 is provided above the flange portion 56a.
8 is located.

FIGS. 3 and 4 also show legs 57 and jacks 58 provided on the outer and lower surfaces of the water receiver 56, and are used for cleaning when the washing machine main body 19 is attached to the kitchen cabinet 11. The machine main body 19 is pushed up by the jack 58 from the state of being supported by the legs 57, and
The opening 21 on the upper surface of the top plate 13 is coupled to the opening 22 of the top plate 13. Further, FIG. 3 shows a cover 59 attached to the front of the washing tank 20 so as to cover the blower 36 (see FIG. 4), the control device 37, and the water level detecting device 38.

FIG. 6 shows an electrical configuration centered on the control device 37.
Various switch signals are input from a switch input unit 60 including various operation switches in the operation panel 15,
The normal water level detection signal is input from the micro switch 49 (normal water level detection unit 40) of the water level switch 38, the abnormal water level detection signal is input from the reed switch 53 (abnormal water level detection unit 41), and the temperature sensor 61 , A temperature detection signal is input. The temperature sensor 61 is attached to a portion of the cleaning tank 20 near the heater 23 to detect the temperature of the cleaning tank 20. As a result, the temperature of the air in the cleaning tank 20 and the temperature of the cleaning water are determined. Function as temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature.

Based on those inputs and the control program stored in advance, the control device 37
A display unit 62 on the operation panel 15 which also functions as an abnormality notification unit, a buzzer 63 functioning as an end notification unit and an abnormality notification unit, a drive for driving the water supply valve 27, the pump motor 31, the heater 23, and the blower 36. Circuit 64
Is supplied with a drive control signal.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. To wash dishes, the user first opens the lid 14 and stores the dishes to be washed in the basket 26 in the washing tank 20. Next, a detergent is added, and the lid 14 is closed. Thereafter, the start switch (of the switch input unit 60) on the operation panel 15 is operated. Then, the control device 37 executes the operation of the dishwasher based on the control program stored in advance.

FIG. 7 shows the operation of such a dishwasher, in particular, the operation of the standard course and how the temperature of the washing water changes. In this standard course, "washing process", "rinsing process 1", "rinsing process 2",
The “heating rinsing step” and the “drying step” are executed, and the hatched portions indicate the operating states of the devices in each of the steps.

More specifically, in the “washing process”, first, water is supplied. During this water supply, the water supply valve 2
The tap water is supplied into the cleaning tank 20 when the power supply 7 is energized and opened. The water (wash water) supplied to the washing tank 20 reaches the bottom of the washing tank 20 and accumulates in the water storage tank 32, and at the same time, the water storage case 39 of the water level detection device 38 from the water storage tank 32 through the connection pipe 55. The water also accumulates in the water storage case 39. Then, the stored water level in the water storage case 39 is gradually increased to the same level as the stored water level of the water remaining in the washing tank 20 from the water storage tank 32.

When the water storage level rises, the float 42 of the normal water level detection unit 40 floats in the water and rises in the water storage case 39, whereby the rod 44 moves the lever 47.
To release the pressing of the operation button 48 of the micro switch 49 at the normal specified water level (normal water level). Therefore, the micro switch 49 is operated, and it is detected that the water level in the cleaning tank 20 has reached the normal water level. Then, based on this, the water supply valve 27 is closed and the water supply is stopped.

Thereafter, by operating the cleaning pump 29, the washing is performed by uniformly spraying the washing water onto the dishes in the basket 26 as described above. At this time, the heater 23 also generates heat and raises the temperature of the cleaning water. The temperature of the washing water is detected by the temperature sensor 61. If a predetermined time (for example, 14 minutes) has elapsed from the start of washing and the detected temperature reaches 60 ° C., the washing pump 29
And the heat generation of the heater 23 is stopped, and thereafter, after a predetermined stop time, the drainage pump 30 is operated to drain the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 20 to the outside of the machine. Then, after that, water supply is performed, and then, after water supply and drainage for draining while supplying water is performed, the operation is stopped and further drainage is performed. Thus, the “washing process” is completed.

Next, in the "rinsing stroke 1", after water is supplied, the washing pump 29 is operated to perform rinsing. In this rinsing, tap water containing no detergent, that is, clear water is sprayed as washing water, and the remaining detergent attached to the tableware is dropped. After a predetermined stop time, drainage is performed. Subsequently, after water supply and water supply and drainage are performed, the operation is stopped, and further drainage is performed. As described above, the “rinsing process 1” is completed.

Next, "rinse process 2" is executed. The “rinse stroke 2” is exactly the same as the “rinse stroke 1” described above. When the “rinse stroke 2” is completed, the “heating and rinsing stroke” is executed.

In the "heating rinsing process", after water is supplied, heating rinsing is performed. In this heating rinsing, the operation of the cleaning pump 29 and the heat generation of the heater 23 are continued until the temperature of the rinsing water reaches 70 ° C. When the temperature of the rinsing water reaches 70 ° C., the operation of the cleaning pump 29 and the heat generation of the heater 23 are stopped, and after a predetermined stop time,
Drainage is performed. Thereafter, the stop and the drainage are alternately performed, for example, three times. Thus, the “heating and rinsing process” is completed.

Thereafter, a "drying process" is performed. In this “drying process”, the heater 23 is intermittently heated while the blower 36 is continuously operated, and thereby the dishes are dried.

Now, when the operation is performed as described above,
Float 50 of abnormal water level detector 41 of water level detector 18
When the magnet floats in the water or the foam in the water storage case 39 and moves closer to the reed switch 53, the reed switch 53
Is activated, and it is detected that the water level in the cleaning tank 20 has reached the abnormal water level.

FIG. 1 shows abnormalities during washing during the aforementioned “washing process”, during each of “rinsing process 1” and “rinsing process 2”, or during heating rinsing during the “heating rinsing process”. The state when the water level is detected is shown. In this case, during the operation of the cleaning pump 29 (the operation of the cleaning mechanism) and during the heat generation of the heater 23 (in each of the “rinsing process 1” and the “rinsing process 2”, the heater 2 is used.
No heat is generated in the reed switch 53 as described above.
When the abnormal water level detection signal due to the activation of the is input for a continuous time t1, for example, for 3 seconds, the controller 37 determines that the water level in the cleaning tank 20 has reached the abnormal water level.

This is to ensure the accuracy of the determination. During the operation of the cleaning pump 29, the water level in the cleaning tank 20 is in an unstable state. This is because if the determination is made, an error may occur in the determination (an instantaneous rise in the water level due to the fluctuation of the water surface is erroneously determined as an abnormal water level). If it is determined that the water level in the cleaning tank 20 has reached the abnormal water level, the control device 3
7 stops the operation of the cleaning pump 29 and the heat generation of the heater 23. This stop is performed for a predetermined time t2, for example, 6.1.
[Seconds].

During the stop time t2,
After a predetermined non-detection time t3 (for example, for 3 seconds),
Subsequent time t4 (for example, 3.
In one second, the detection of the abnormal water level in the cleaning tank 20 is performed again. Also in this case, the predetermined non-detection time t
The reason why 3 is provided is that the water level in the washing tank 20 is in an unstable state immediately after the operation of the washing pump 29 is stopped, for the same reason as the time t1 described above.

Here, the operation of the cleaning pump 29 and the detection of the abnormal water level that has stopped the heat generation of the heater 23 are due to the occurrence of abnormal bubbles, for example, due to an erroneous use of the detergent by the user. In this case, the bubbles disappear and decrease during the above-mentioned stop time t2, so that shortly after the time t1, the bubbles are not detected as abnormal water levels (FIG. 1).
Medium, point A). Therefore, even during the above-described re-detection time t4, it is not detected as an abnormal water level,
The controller 37 restarts the operation of the cleaning pump 29 and the heat generation of the heater 23 when the re-detection time t4 has elapsed.

In this case, the operation of the cleaning pump 29,
The restart of the heat generation of the heater 23 is performed at the same time, but is not limited thereto. For example, the heat generation of the heater 23 may be restarted after the operation of the cleaning pump 29 is restarted.

On the other hand, the operation of the washing pump 29 and the detection of the abnormal water level which has stopped the heat generation of the heater 23 are detected, for example, by the failure of the normal water level detecting section 40 of the water level detecting device 18, the failure of the control device 37, and the like. If the actual water level rises due to a malfunction, a failure of the water supply valve 27, or the like, the water does not disappear and decrease like the above-described bubbles. , Are also continuously detected at the re-detection time t4. Based on this, the control device 37 operates the cleaning pump 29 and the heater 23
While the heat generation of the display unit 6 is stopped, that is, further progress of the operation is stopped, the buzzer 63 is operated, and the display unit 6 is operated.
2 is displayed (only the operation of the buzzer 63 is shown) to notify the abnormality.

As described above, in the present configuration, when the abnormal water level is detected during the operation of the cleaning pump 29 (the operation of the cleaning mechanism), the operation of the cleaning pump 29 is stopped for a predetermined time t2. As described above, if the detection of the abnormal water level that led to the stop of the operation of the washing pump 29 is due to the occurrence of an abnormality of the foam, the foam disappears and decreases during the above-described stop time t2. It is no longer detected as an abnormal water level. Therefore, by restarting the operation of the washing pump 29 thereafter, the operation is reduced.
It can be completed to completion without leaving it stopped as in the prior art.

In addition, in the case of this configuration, the abnormal water level in the cleaning tank 20 is detected again during the time t2 when the operation of the cleaning pump 29 is stopped.
When the abnormal water level is not detected again, the operation of the cleaning pump 29 is restarted. Thus, in a situation where the abnormal water level is not more reliably detected, the operation of the cleaning pump 29 can be restarted, and the operation up to the end can be more reliably performed.

On the other hand, when the abnormal water level in the cleaning tank 20 is detected again during the time t2 when the operation of the cleaning pump 29 is stopped, if the abnormal water level is detected, the buzzer 6
3 and the display unit 62 notify the abnormality. Accordingly, when the water level in the cleaning tank 20 actually reaches the abnormal water level as described above, the abnormality can be reliably notified based on the fact.

9 to 13 show the second to sixth embodiments of the present invention.
The same parts as those in the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. Only different parts will be described.

[Second Embodiment] In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the control device 37 changes the time for stopping the operation of the cleaning pump 29 according to the number of times the abnormal water level is detected. I have. Specifically, while the stop time based on the first abnormal water level detection is set to t2, the stop time based on the second abnormal water level detection is set to t5 longer than that.
The stop time based on the third abnormal water level detection is set to t6 longer than that (t2 <t5 <t6).

In this case, the abnormal water level is detected many times because of the situation in which bubbles are likely to be generated, for example, when the abnormal water level is detected during the “washing process”, Even when the detergent concentration is high, or in other “rinse stroke 1”, “rinse stroke 2”, and “heat rinse stroke”, residual detergent adhered to the connection line 33 due to long-term use. It is considered that there is a situation where the components are easily eluted. In such a case, as described above, as the number of times of detecting the abnormal water level increases, the time during which the operation of the cleaning pump 29 is stopped is prolonged, so that the bubbles can be eliminated and reduced more reliably. The operation to the end of driving can be performed more reliably.

Third Embodiment In the third embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the control device 37 changes the temperature of the washing water to be heated by the heater 23 in accordance with the number of times the abnormal water level is detected. I have. Also in this case, specifically, the temperature of the washing water based on the first and second abnormal water level detections is set to 60 ° C., whereas the temperature of the washing water based on the third abnormal water level detection is set to 60 ° C. For example, it is set to 61 [° C.]. In this case, the heat generation of the heater 23 is controlled based on the result of detecting the temperature of the washing water by the temperature sensor 61.

The detergent contains a surfactant, and when the temperature of the washing water is increased, the generation of bubbles is reduced. Therefore, as described above, in a situation where the abnormal water level is detected several times, as the number of times of detecting the abnormal water level increases, by raising the temperature of the washing water, it is possible to reduce the generation of bubbles. Bubbles can be eliminated and reduced more reliably, so that the operation can be completed to the end.

In addition, during the respective stop times of the third embodiment and the previous second embodiment, the abnormal water level is re-detected as in the first embodiment. 29, and restart the heat generation of the heater 23,
When an abnormal water level is detected, further progress of the operation may be stopped to notify the abnormality. In each case, the count of the number of times of detection of the abnormal water level is based on one stroke, but may be performed on a plurality of strokes or on all strokes (all operations).

[Fourth Embodiment] In a fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the control device 37 notifies an abnormality when the number of times the abnormal water level is detected reaches a predetermined number. The detection of the abnormal water level described above is performed by interrupt processing every minute time. In this interrupt processing, in the step S1 for determining whether or not the abnormal water level is detected, no abnormal water level is detected (NO). Returns to the main routine, but an abnormal water level is detected (YES)
If the determination is made, the above-described process of stopping for a predetermined time including the re-detection of the abnormal water level (excluding the abnormality notification) is performed (step S2).

Thereafter, the number of times of detection of the abnormal water level is counted (step S3), and thereafter, it is determined whether or not the counted number has reached the above-mentioned predetermined number, for example, 10 (step S4). If it is determined that the count has not reached 10 (NO), the process returns to the main routine. If it is determined that the count has reached 10 (YES), the operation of the cleaning pump 29 and the heater While the heat generation of 23 is stopped, the buzzer 63 is operated and the display unit 62 is caused to display a notification to notify the abnormality (step S5).

If the abnormal water level is detected several times, the operation time may be unnecessarily prolonged without being able to operate normally. In such a case, by notifying the abnormality as described above, the user can be informed of the abnormality and call attention.

[Fifth Embodiment] In a fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 12, when the number of times of detection of the abnormal water level reaches a predetermined number, the abnormality is notified after the completion of all the operations. That is, when it is determined that the number of times has reached 10 (YES) in step S4 through the above-described steps S1 to S4, the process of notifying the abnormality is performed immediately instead of immediately executing the process. (Step S1
1) After returning to the main routine, the abnormality is notified after the completion of all the operations based on the set.

In this case, the abnormality is notified after the operation has been performed to the end, so that the operation can be prevented from being completed during the operation, that is, the so-called washing operation. Note that the count of the number of times of detection of the abnormal water level in the fifth embodiment and the previous fourth embodiment is set for all operations (all strokes) in each case, but for one stroke or a plurality of strokes. It is good.

[Sixth Embodiment] In the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 13, an abnormal water level is detected while the control device 37 stops the operation of the cleaning pump 29 and the heat generation of the heater 23. In such a case, the drain pump 30 is operated until the water level in the cleaning tank 20 becomes the normal water level.
In this case, the fact that the water level in the cleaning tank 20 has become the normal water level means that the output of the normal water level detection signal is output when the micro switch 49 of the normal water level detection unit 40 of the water level detection device 38 returns to the non-operating state. It is detected by disappearance.

In this case, when the water level in the cleaning tank 20 has actually reached the abnormal water level as described above, the cleaning water is reduced by drainage (the water level is lowered to the normal water level), and the operation of the cleaning pump 29 is performed. In addition, the heat generation of the heater 23 can be restarted, and the operation to the end of the operation can be performed more reliably.

In this case, if the cause of the abnormal water level is a malfunction of the control device 37 (erroneous water supply) due to noise or the like, the noise is eliminated and the water is erroneously supplied. Therefore, the above-mentioned drainage treatment is effective. However, in other cases, for example, when the cause is a failure of a water supply valve, even if the water is once drained, the water level reaches an abnormal level again, and thus the above-described drainage treatment is not effective. In such a case, that is, if the water reaches the abnormal water level again after the water is drained once, the operation may be stopped and the abnormality may be notified.

In addition, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above and shown in the drawings. For example, the water level detection method is not limited to the float type described above, but may be an electrode type, a light transmission type or a light reflection type. In addition, the dishwasher may be a floor-standing type or a table-top type other than the built-in type, and the opening of the washing tank for taking in and out the dishes and detergents is not a top surface. The present invention may be appropriately changed and implemented without departing from the gist of the present invention, such as having a front surface.

[0066]

The present invention is as described above.
The following effects are obtained. According to the dishwasher of claim 1,
When an abnormal water level is detected due to the occurrence of bubbles, the operation can be performed to the end by avoiding stopping the operation. According to the dishwasher of the second aspect, the operation of the cleaning mechanism can be restarted in a situation where the abnormal water level is not more reliably detected, and the operation up to the end can be performed more reliably.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the water level in the washing tank actually reaches the abnormal water level, the abnormality can be reliably notified based on the fact. According to the dishwasher of the fourth aspect, when an abnormal water level is detected due to the occurrence of an abnormality of the foam, the foam can be erased or reduced more reliably, whereby the operation to the end of the operation can be more reliably performed. Can be.

In the dishwasher according to the fifth aspect, when the abnormal water level is detected due to the abnormal occurrence of the foam, the erasing of the foam,
The reduction can be performed more reliably, and the completion of the operation can be performed more reliably. According to the dishwasher of claim 6, when the abnormal water level is detected several times, the operation time may be unnecessarily prolonged while the operation cannot be performed normally. Can be notified to the user through the abnormality notification to call attention.

According to the dishwasher of the present invention, when the above-mentioned abnormal water level is detected several times, the abnormality is notified after the operation is completed, and the so-called washing is performed during the operation. It is possible to avoid ending the operation with. According to the dishwasher of claim 8, the operation of the washing mechanism can be reliably restarted in a situation where the water level in the washing tank has actually reached the abnormal water level, and the operation to the end of the operation is more reliably performed. Can be.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a time chart showing a first embodiment of the present invention, focusing on detecting an abnormal water level;

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a kitchen cabinet incorporating a dishwasher.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional side view of a portion of a kitchen cabinet incorporating a dishwasher.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional front view of the same part.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a single water level detection device.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an electrical configuration.

FIG. 7 is a time chart showing the operation contents of a standard course together with a change in the temperature of washing water.

FIG. 8 is a time chart showing a situation different from the situation of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1, showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1, showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1, showing a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

19 is a washing machine body, 20 is a washing tank, 23 is a heater (heating means), 24 is a fountain arm (washing mechanism), 25 is a fountain nozzle (washing mechanism), 27 is a water supply valve, and 29 is a washing pump (washing mechanism). , 30 is a drainage pump (drainage means), 37 is a controller (controller), 38 is a water level detector, 40 is a normal water level detector (normal water level detector), 41 is an abnormal water level detector (abnormal water level detector). , 61 indicates a temperature sensor (temperature detecting means), 62 indicates a display section (abnormality notifying means), and 63 indicates a buzzer (abnormality notifying means).

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing from the front page (72) Inventor Takeshi Takeshi 991 Anata-cho, Seto-shi, Aichi F-term in Nagoya Office, Toshiba AV E Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 3B060 GC01 3B082 DA02 DB02 DC01 DC02 DC05

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A washing tank, a washing mechanism for washing dishes by spraying washing water in the washing tank, a normal water level detecting means for detecting a normal water level in the washing tank, An abnormal water level detecting means for detecting an abnormal water level higher than a normal water level, and a control means for controlling the operation of the cleaning mechanism based on the detection results, wherein the control device is operating the cleaning mechanism. A dishwasher, wherein the operation of the washing mechanism is stopped for a predetermined time when the abnormal water level is detected. 2. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the control device restarts the operation of the cleaning mechanism when the abnormal water level is not detected within a time period during which the operation of the cleaning mechanism is stopped. . 3. An abnormality notifying means, wherein when the control device detects an abnormal water level within a time period during which the operation of the cleaning mechanism is stopped, the abnormality notifying means notifies the abnormality. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein: 4. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the control device changes the time for stopping the operation of the cleaning mechanism in accordance with the number of times the abnormal water level is detected. 5. The dishwasher according to claim 1, further comprising heating means for heating the washing water, wherein the control device changes the temperature of the washing water according to the number of times the abnormal water level is detected. . 6. The system according to claim 1, further comprising an abnormality notifying unit, wherein the control unit notifies the abnormality notifying unit when the number of times the abnormal water level is detected reaches a predetermined number.
Dishwasher as described. 7. The control device according to claim 6, wherein the abnormality notification by the abnormality notification means is performed after the completion of all the operations.
Dishwasher as described. 8. A cleaning device, comprising: a drainage means for discharging cleaning water from the cleaning tank; and when the controller detects an abnormal water level within a period of time during which the operation of the cleaning mechanism is stopped, the control unit controls the operation of the cleaning tank. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the drainage unit is operated until the water level of the dishwasher becomes a normal water level.