JP2000325288A - Tableware washing and drying machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide low-cost constitution by drying tableware at a specified temperature and simplifying the peripheral of a heating element without greatly changing the constitution of a tableware washing and drying machine which washes and dries the tableware by heating washing water and air by the heating element. SOLUTION: A tableware cage 3 arranged with the tableware or the like 2 is housed in a washing tank l and the washing water pressurized by a washing pump 5 is injected from a washing nozzle 6 which is freely rotatably disposed in the washing tank l and has injection holes 7, by which the tableware 2 or the like is washed. The washing water in the washing tank 1 is discharged by a drain pump 9 and the air is blasted into the washing tank 1 by a blast fan 11. The washing water and the air are directly heated by the heating element 20. The heating element 20 is so constituted as to make self-control to prevent the temperature of the heating element 20 from rising to a prescribed temperature or above.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a dishwasher for washing and drying dishes by heating washing water and air with a heating element.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a dishwasher of this kind is shown in FIG.
It was configured as shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the configuration will be described.

[0003] As shown in the figure, a washing tub 1 is provided with a tableware basket 3 for accommodating tableware 2 therein. Cleaning tank 1
Inside, a heating element 4 is provided as a heating means for heating the washing water in the washing tank 1, a washing pump 5 is provided on the lower surface of the washing tank 1, and washing water is sprayed from an injection hole 7 of a washing nozzle 6 to wash dishes. The tableware 2 stored in the basket 3 is configured to be washed. The water supply valve 8 supplies tap water to the washing tank 1. Wash water in the washing tank 1 is drained by a drain pump 9.

[0004] The filter 10 is provided in the washing tank 1 and collects garbage (the food adhered to the tableware 2 as dirt is called garbage) in the washing step and the rinsing step. The blower fan 11 operates during the drying process to draw air from outside the machine, blow the sucked air into the cleaning tank 1, and exhaust the exhaust air from the exhaust port 12, thereby drying the dishes 2 in the cleaning tank 1. A door 13 is provided on the front surface of the cleaning tank 1 so as to be freely opened and closed.

The first temperature detecting means 14 and the second temperature detecting means 15 each detect the temperature of the heating element 4 and input its output to a control device 16. Control device 16
Controls the heating element 4 based on the outputs of the first temperature detecting means 14 and the second temperature detecting means 15 and controls the cleaning pump 5 and the drainage pump 9 to perform cleaning, rinsing,
It is configured to sequentially control a series of drying steps.

The operation of the above configuration will be described. When the user opens the door 13 forward, places the tableware 2 in the tableware basket 3, stores it in the washing tank 1 and puts in the detergent, and starts operation, First, the drain pump 9 is operated to discharge the cleaning water (called residual water) remaining in the cleaning tank 1 in the previous operation or the like to the outside of the machine.

Then, the water supply valve 8 operates to supply the cleaning water to the cleaning tank 1. When the predetermined cleaning water is supplied, the cleaning pump 5 pressurizes the cleaning water and injects the cleaning water together with the detergent from an injection hole 7 provided in the cleaning nozzle 6. Thus, the cleaning process is performed. In this cleaning process, the heating element 4 provided in the cleaning tank 1 is energized to heat the cleaning water to a predetermined cleaning temperature.

[0008] After a washing process for a predetermined time, washing water containing dirt washed off from the tableware 2 is discharged out of the machine by a drainage pump 9. Subsequently, the washing water is newly supplied, and the washing water is sprayed again from the spray hole 7 provided in the washing nozzle 6 to perform the rinsing process of the dishware 2 soiled with the detergent and the residual vegetables.

When the rinsing process is completed, the washing water is discharged outside the machine again. This rinsing process is repeated several times continuously. During the washing and rinsing steps, the garbage is collected in a filter 10 provided in the washing tank 1. After a predetermined number of rinsing steps, the drying step starts. In this process, the blower fan 11 operates and the air outside the machine is sent into the cleaning tank 1. The fed air is heated by the heating element 4, dries the tableware 2, and is discharged out of the machine through the exhaust port 12. After the drying process, the operation is terminated.

[0010]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The dishwasher / dryer having such a conventional configuration has the following problems.

The heating element 4 is constituted by a sheathed heater which can directly heat both the washing water and the air and can be used in the washing water. And the heating element 4 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, since the resistance value hardly changes with respect to the temperature of the heating element 4, when the heating element 4 is continuously energized as shown in FIG. The temperature will far exceed the maximum temperature of approximately 450 ° C., which is the maximum temperature at which the durability of the body 4 can be ensured.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13, the temperature of the washing water during the washing and rinsing steps, and the heating element 4 during the drying step,
And a first temperature detecting element 14 for detecting the temperature of the heating element 4 calculated from the temperature of the heated air and the correlation between the temperature of the heated air and the temperature of the heating element 4.

The output of the first temperature detecting element 14 is input to a control device 16, and the control device 16, as shown in FIG. 16, causes the cleaning water to reach a predetermined temperature in each of the washing and rinsing steps. Thus, in the drying process, the temperature of the air for drying the tableware 2 is set to a predetermined drying temperature, and when the heating element 4 is formed of a sheathed heater, the safety and the durability and reliability of the sheathed heater are ensured in the drying process. So that the maximum temperature of the sheathed heater is approximately 450 ° C
As shown in FIG. 17, the temperature control is performed by turning on and off the heating element 4.

Therefore, the first temperature detecting element 14 always detects the temperature of the heating element 4 obtained from the temperature of the air heated by the heating element 4 and the relationship between the temperature of the heated air and the temperature of the heating element 4. In addition, there is a problem that the power supply to the heating element 4 must be controlled not only in the washing and rinsing steps but also in the drying step.

In addition, in order to turn on and off the heating element 4, the air heated by the heating element 4 does not reach a constant temperature during the drying process as shown in FIG. However, there is also a problem that is not dried at a constant temperature.

Further, when the first temperature detecting element 14 breaks down during the drying process, the temperature of the heating element 4 becomes abnormally high. In order to prevent the nozzle 6 and the tableware 2 from being melted or damaged, a second temperature detecting element 15 is provided as shown in FIG. 13 to detect the temperature of the heating element 4 and control the heating element 4. I do. For this reason, in order to safely control the heating element 4, not only the first temperature detection element 14 but also the second temperature detection element 15 must be provided, and the dishwasher cannot be configured at a low cost. There are also problems.

As shown in FIG. 18, a second heating element 17 for heating air in the drying step to facilitate control of the heating element 4 in the drying step and to improve reliability.
If the second heating element 17 is composed of a PTC heater, the PTC heater controls itself so that the temperature does not exceed a predetermined temperature. Can be.

However, even in this configuration, since there are two heating elements, that is, the heating element 4 and the second heating element 17, there is a problem that the cost of the dishwasher cannot be reduced.

Further, as shown in FIG. 19, a circulation path 18 for circulating the air in the cleaning tank 1 is provided.
In the cleaning and rinsing process, the air in the cleaning tank 1 is blown into the circulation path 18 and is heated by the second heating element 17 by providing the second heating element 17 including a PTC heater therein. When the heated air is supplied into the cleaning tank 1 again, the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 1 is heated. Therefore, by adopting the configuration shown in FIG. 20, the heating element can be constituted only by the second heating element 17.

However, in this configuration, the cleaning water is not directly heated by the second heating element 17 but is heated by the second heating element 17 via air, so that the cleaning water cannot be efficiently heated. There is a problem. In addition, high-humidity air is supplied to the second heating element 17 during the washing and rinsing steps. However, when the second heating element 17 is formed of a PTC heater, the PTC heater is not supplied with water or water. Since the reliability with respect to humidity is extremely low, there is a problem that the second heating element 17 and its surroundings cannot have a safe configuration.

Furthermore, since the circulation path 18 must be newly provided, there is a problem that the configuration of the dishwasher must be largely changed.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems. In addition to drying dishes at a constant temperature, the configuration around the heating element can be made simple, safe, and without significantly changing the configuration of the dishwasher. The purpose is to achieve a low-cost configuration.

[0023]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, a dish basket in which dishes are arranged is housed in a washing tank, and the dish basket is rotatably disposed in the washing tank and has a spray hole. The washing water pressurized by the washing pump is sprayed from the nozzle to wash the dishes, the washing water in the washing tank is discharged by the drain pump, and the air is blown into the washing tank by the blower fan. The heating element is directly heated by the heating element, and the heating element is self-controlled so that the temperature of the heating element does not exceed a predetermined temperature.

Thus, the dishes can be dried at a constant temperature, and the configuration around the heating element can be made simple, safe, and inexpensive without greatly changing the configuration of the dishwasher.

[0025]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention is directed to a washing tank, a tableware in which dishes are arranged and stored in the washing tank, and a washing tank in which the washing water in the washing tank is pressurized. A pump, a cleaning nozzle rotatably disposed in the cleaning tank and having an injection hole for injecting the cleaning water, a heating element for directly heating the cleaning water and the air, and a drainage for discharging the cleaning water in the cleaning tank. A pump and a blower fan for blowing air into the cleaning tank, wherein the heating element directly heats the cleaning water and air and controls itself so that the temperature of the heating element does not exceed a predetermined temperature. By using a heating element that can directly heat washing water and air and that can self-control its own temperature, it does not greatly change the configuration of the dishwasher and One It can be dried at a temperature,
The configuration around the heating element can be made simple, safe, and low-cost.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention, a resistance value detecting element for detecting a resistance value of the heating element is provided, and at the start of the drainage stroke for discharging the washing water, during the drainage stroke. When the heating element is energized at any time after the draining process, the resistance value of the heating element is detected by the resistance value detecting element. By detecting the resistance value of the heating element with the sensing element, it is possible to detect whether or not the washing water has been normally discharged outside the machine. Therefore, a malfunction of the drainage pump and a route for discharging the washing water outside the machine can be detected. It is possible to detect poor drainage of washing water due to clogging or the like and notify the user. Therefore, it is possible to prevent in advance that the washing water is not discharged, and it is possible to prevent defective washing and drying of tableware due to not discharging the washing water in advance.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, a resistance value detecting element for detecting a resistance value of the heating element is provided, and the resistance value detecting element is used for cleaning dishes. And the resistance value of the heating element is detected at the start of each rinsing stroke, and the resistance value of the heating element is also detected at the start of the cleaning and rinsing steps by the resistance value detecting element, so that the water supply amount detecting means is detected. It is possible to detect a case where a predetermined amount of cleaning water is not supplied due to a malfunction or the like, so that it is possible to notify a user or the like in advance that the predetermined amount of cleaning water is not supplied, and to set a predetermined amount of cleaning water. Poor cleaning of tableware due to non-supply can be prevented in advance.

[0028] The invention described in claim 4 is the above-mentioned claim 1-
3. The invention according to 3, further comprising a resistance value detecting element for detecting a resistance value of the heating element, wherein the resistance value detecting element detects the resistance value of the heating element during each process of washing and rinsing the dishes. During the washing and rinsing processes, the resistance value of the heating element is constantly detected by the resistance value detecting element, so that the washing water leaks from the washing tank or the washing water is discharged due to malfunction of the drain pump, etc. The user can be notified by detecting that the washing water has run out of the washing tank. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the washing and rinsing of tableware due to drainage of washing water from the washing tank due to water leakage or malfunction of the drainage pump.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the present invention, the heating element is disposed above the water level of the cleaning water. When not circulating in the cleaning tank, the resistance value of the heating element rapidly increases and the temperature detected by the temperature detecting element does not change rapidly, so that a malfunction of the cleaning pump or the like can be detected. Therefore, it is possible to notify the user of the operation failure of the cleaning pump and the like, and it is possible to prevent the cleaning and rinsing of tableware due to the operation failure of the cleaning pump and the like in advance.

[0030] The invention according to claim 6 provides the above-mentioned claims 1 to
In the invention described in Item 4, the cleaning pump has a function of pressurizing and discharging the cleaning water, and includes a function of pressurizing and discharging the cleaning water, for example, a switching valve. In the cleaning and rinsing steps, the resistance value of the heating element is detected by the resistance value detecting element to detect a malfunction or the like of the switching valve provided in the cleaning pump. It is possible to notify the user of the discharge to the outside of the machine, and to prevent the washing and rinsing failure due to the malfunction of the switching valve in the washing pump or the like in advance.

The invention described in claim 7 is the above-described claim 1 to claim 1.
6. The invention according to 6, further comprising a resistance value detecting element for detecting a resistance value of the heating element, wherein the resistance value detecting element is configured to detect a resistance value of the heating element during a process of drying tableware. Yes, in the drying process, the resistance of the heating element is detected by the resistance value detection element, so that it is possible to detect that air outside the machine is not being supplied to the heating element. Can be notified to the user, and it is possible to prevent defective drying of tableware due to defective operation of the blower fan in advance.

[0032] The invention described in claim 8 provides the above-mentioned claims 1 to
7. The invention according to item 7, further comprising a program control means capable of arbitrarily changing a time for performing a step of drying the dishes, wherein the dishes are generated from the heating element due to the fact that the outside air is not blown. Since the shortage of the amount of heat to be supplied causes the heat to be received from the heating element for an extended period of time, a predetermined drying performance can be obtained even when air outside the apparatus is not supplied to the heating element. Therefore, not only is it possible to detect that outside air is not supplied to the heating element to prevent poor drying of the dishes, but also to obtain a predetermined drying performance of the dishes by extending the drying time by the program control means. Can be.

[0033]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The same components as those in the conventional example are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

(Example 1) As shown in FIG.
0 directly heats the washing water in the washing tank 1 in the washing and rinsing steps, and directly heats the air in the drying step.
As shown in FIG. 2, a heating wire 21, an electrical insulator 22, and a metal protection tube 23 are provided in substantially the same manner as a sheathed heater used in many dishwashers and dryers.

Further, in the case of a sheathed heater, the heating wire 2
1 is made of an alloy of nickel-chromium type, iron-chromium-aluminum type or the like (for example, as components, nickel 80% -chromium 20%, iron 70% -chromium 25%-
As shown by the characteristic a in FIG. 3, the resistance of the sheathed heater hardly changes with the temperature of the sheathed heater.

On the other hand, the heating element 20 includes a heating wire 21
Is made of a nickel-iron alloy or the like (72% nickel-28% iron as a component). When the temperature of the heating element 20 changes, its resistance value also changes, as shown by the characteristic b in FIG. However, as the temperature rises, the resistance value of the heating element 20 itself increases, and self-control can be performed so that the temperature does not exceed a certain temperature even when continuous energization is performed.

For this reason, comparing the heating element 20 and the sheathed heater, when the heating element 20 and the sheathed heater are continuously energized, the temperature of the sheathed heater increases with the lapse of time, as shown by the characteristic a in FIG. Predetermined temperature T0 of heating element
Much higher than that. On the other hand, the heating element 20
As shown by the characteristic "b" in FIG. 4, the degree of the temperature rise decreases with the lapse of time, and does not exceed the predetermined temperature T0 of the heating element.

The temperature detecting element 24 detects the temperature of the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 1, and the resistance detecting element 25 detects the resistance value of the heating element 20. The water supply amount detecting means 26 detects the supply amount of the washing water.

The operation of the above configuration will be described. A predetermined amount of detergent is put into the washing tank 1, and the dishes 2 are arranged in the dish basket 3 and stored in the washing tank 1. After storing the tableware 2, the operation is started. When the operation starts, first, the drainage pump 9 operates to discharge remaining water remaining in the washing tank 1 to the outside of the machine. Then, when the water supply valve 8 is energized, the cleaning water is supplied. When a predetermined amount of cleaning water is supplied, the cleaning pump 43 is driven to pressurize the cleaning water. The pressurized washing water is supplied to the washing nozzle 6 and is ejected from an ejection hole 7 provided in the washing nozzle 6. Then, the washing water is supplied to the washing tank 1 and the dishes 2. Thus, the washing process of washing the tableware 2 is performed.

In this cleaning step, the heating element 20 is energized,
The temperature of the washing water is detected by the temperature detecting element 24, and the detected temperature is input to the control device 16 to control the temperature. As a result, as shown in FIG. ° C). After a lapse of a predetermined time of the washing process, the drain pump 9 operates to perform a drain process of discharging washing water containing dirt and the like washed out of the tableware 2 to the outside of the machine.

Then, new washing water is supplied, and washing water is sprayed from the spray holes 7 provided in the washing nozzle 6 to rinse the dishes 2 contaminated with detergent, residual vegetables and the like, thereby performing a rinsing process.
After the end of this step, the washing water is discharged outside the machine again. This rinsing process is repeated several times continuously. Then, in the final rinsing step, as shown in FIG. 5, the cleaning water is heated to a predetermined temperature Tr (for example, 70 ° C.) in the rinsing step. Residual vegetables are collected in a filter 10 provided in the washing tank 1.

After the rinsing process is completed, a drying process is started. In the drying process, the air outside the machine is sent into the cleaning tank 1 by operating the blower fan 11. As shown in FIG. 5, the air sent into the cleaning tank 1 is heated by the heating element 20 so as to reach a predetermined temperature Td (for example, 80 ° C.) in the drying process, and is supplied to the tableware 2 and the tableware 2. Allow to dry. The air that has dried the tableware 2 is discharged from the exhaust port 12 to the outside of the machine. After the end of the predetermined drying time, the operation is ended.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the heating element 20
In the cleaning and rinsing steps, the cleaning water is directly heated, and in the drying step, the air is directly heated. On the other hand, the self-control is performed so that the resistance value increases as the temperature rises and does not exceed a predetermined temperature. By setting the heating element 20 so as not to be higher than the predetermined temperature T0 of the heating element (for example, 450 ° C.), the heating element 20 is kept in the drying process even if the heating element 20 is continuously energized. It does not exceed the predetermined temperature T0.

Therefore, the temperature of the heating element 20 and the heating element 20
It is not necessary to detect the temperature of the air heated by the heating, and the heating element 20 is energized or de-energized to control the heating element 20 and the air heated by the heating element 20 to a predetermined drying temperature or less. There is no need to do. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, since the temperature of the heating element 20 is constant, the temperature of the air heated by the heating element 20 is always constant,
The temperature in the cleaning tank 1 also becomes constant.

Therefore, the heating element 20 can be configured to be able to heat the washing water and the air in substantially the same manner as the sheathed heater used in many dishwashers and dryers. Temperature and heating element 2
It is not necessary to provide an element for detecting the temperature of the air heated by 0, and it is not necessary to control the heating element 20. Therefore, even if the heating element 20 that directly heats the cleaning water and air and performs self-control is used, The configuration around the heating element 20 can be made simple and low-cost without changing the configuration of the dishwasher.

Furthermore, even if the heating element 20 is continuously energized, the temperature of the heating element 20 does not become higher than the predetermined drying temperature of the heating element 20, so that the durability reliability of the heating element 20 is reduced or the cleaning is performed. The nozzle 6 and the tableware 2 are not melted. Therefore, the configuration around the heating element 20 can be made a safe configuration. Further, in the drying process, the air heated by the heating element 20 always has a constant temperature, so that the tableware 2 can be dried at a constant temperature.

As described above, by using the heating element 20 capable of directly heating the washing water and the air and controlling its own temperature, the configuration of the dishwasher is not largely changed, and The tableware 2 can be dried at a constant temperature, and the configuration around the heating element 20 can be made simple, safe, and low-cost.

(Embodiment 2) The heating element 20 shown in FIG.
The washing process, the rinsing process and the draining process performed before the start of the drying process are completed, and power is supplied before the cleaning water is supplied,
The resistance value of the heating element 20 at that time is detected by the resistance value detecting element 25. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.
Is the same as

The operation of the above configuration will be described. When the drainage process performed before the start of the cleaning process, the rinsing process, and the drying process is completed, the cleaning tank 1 is in a state where no cleaning water exists. At that time, when the heating element 20 is energized, the temperature rise of the heating element 20 increases as shown by the characteristic A in FIG.
As at the beginning of the drying process, the rise is faster,
The resistance value of the heating element 20 detected by the resistance value detecting element 25 is:
As shown by the characteristic A in FIG.

However, in the drainage process, if the drainage pump 9 malfunctions or the cleaning water discharge path is clogged or the like, and the cleaning water is not discharged to the outside of the apparatus normally, the cleaning tank 1 may be placed in the cleaning tank 1. The heating element 20 is present in the existing washing water. For this reason, even if the heating element 20 is energized after the drainage process, the washing water and the heating element 20 perform heat exchange, and the temperature rise of the heating element 20 increases as shown in the characteristic B of FIG. Since the rise is gradual, the resistance value of the heating element 20 detected by the resistance value detecting element 25 also changes as shown in FIG.
As shown by the characteristic B in FIG.

As described above, after the end of the draining process, the heating element 20 is energized, and the resistance value of the heating element 20 is detected by the resistance value detecting element 25, thereby detecting whether or not the washing water is normally discharged outside the machine. can do. Therefore, it is possible to detect a malfunction of the drainage pump 9 or a malfunction of the washing water drainage due to clogging of a path for discharging the washing water to the outside of the machine, and notify the user.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent in advance that the washing water is not discharged, and it is possible to prevent in advance the poor cleaning and the poor drying of the tableware 2 due to the fact that the cleaning water is not discharged.

Even when the heating element 20 is energized at the start of the draining process or during the draining process so that the resistance value detecting element 25 detects the resistance value of the heating element 20, the washing water is normally discharged outside the machine. When the cleaning water is not discharged normally, the resistance value gradually increases when the cleaning water is not discharged normally. . Therefore, it can be detected whether or not the washing water has been normally discharged out of the machine.

(Embodiment 3) The resistance value detecting element 2 shown in FIG.
5 is a heating element 20 at the start of the washing and rinsing steps.
Is detected. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

The operation of the above configuration will be described. At the start of the washing and rinsing steps performed after the washing water is supplied into the washing tank 1, the heating element 20 and the washing pump 5 are also energized. At this time, if a predetermined amount of washing water is supplied, the washing water and the heating element 20 perform heat exchange.
The temperature rise of the heating element 20 is gradual, and the resistance value of the heating element 20 at that time also becomes gradual.

However, due to a malfunction of the water supply amount detecting means 26 or the like, the cleaning water is pressurized by the cleaning pump 5, sprayed from the injection holes 7, and circulated in the cleaning tank 1. When only the cleaning water is supplied into the cleaning tank 1, the heating element 20 cannot contact the cleaning water to perform heat exchange. Therefore, the temperature of the heating element 20 rises rapidly, and the resistance value of the heating element 20 also decreases. It will increase sharply.

Therefore, by detecting the resistance value of the heating element 20 at the start of the cleaning step and the rinsing step by the resistance value detecting element 25, a predetermined amount of cleaning water is supplied due to malfunction of the water supply amount detecting means 26 and the like. Since it is possible to detect the absence of the predetermined amount of washing water, it is possible to notify the user or the like in advance that the predetermined amount of washing water is not supplied. Can be prevented.

At the start of the washing and rinsing steps,
If the cleaning pump 5 is not energized and only the heating element 20 is energized, and the resistance value detecting element 25 detects the resistance value of the heating element 20 at that time, the water supply amount detecting means 26 may malfunction. When the supply amount of the cleaning water is insufficient and the water level of the cleaning water is lower than the heating element 20, the resistance value of the heating element 20 rapidly increases. It can be detected that the washing water is not supplied.

(Embodiment 4) Resistance detecting element 2 shown in FIG.
Reference numeral 5 indicates that the resistance value of the heating element 20 is always detected during the cleaning step and the rinsing step. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

The operation of the above configuration will be described. During the washing step and the rinsing step performed after the washing water is supplied into the washing tank 1, the heating element 20 and the washing pump 5 are also energized. At this time, if the cleaning water is pressurized by the cleaning pump 5 and circulates in the cleaning tank 1, the cleaning water and the heating element 20 come into contact with each other to exchange heat, so that the temperature of the heating element 20 rises slowly. At that time, the resistance value of the heating element 20 also increases slowly.

However, during the washing process and the rinsing process, if the washing water leaks from the washing tank 1 or the drainage pump 9 malfunctions and discharges the washing water, the amount of the washing water is reduced. Is insufficient, the cleaning pump 5 cannot pressurize the cleaning water, and the cleaning water does not circulate in the cleaning tank 1. Therefore, the cleaning water and the heating element 20 do not exchange heat, and the temperature of the heating element 20 rises sharply. And the resistance value of the heating element 20 also increases rapidly.

Therefore, the resistance value of the heating element 20 is constantly detected by the resistance value detecting element 25 during the cleaning step and the rinsing step, so that the cleaning water is leaked from the cleaning tank 1 or the drainage pump 9 malfunctions. Due to the discharge of water, etc.
It is possible to detect that the washing water has disappeared from the washing tank 1 and notify the user. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the washing and rinsing of the tableware 2 due to the drainage of the washing water from the washing tank 1 due to the water leak or the malfunction of the drainage pump 9.

(Embodiment 5) As shown in FIG.
0 is disposed above the water level P of the washing water. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

The operation of the above configuration will be described. Since the heating element 20 is disposed above the water level P of the cleaning water, the cleaning pump 5 is not used in the cleaning process and the rinsing process.
Cleaning water is not pressurized due to malfunction of
If the cleaning water is not injected, the cleaning water does not circulate in the cleaning tank 1, so that the cleaning water does not come into contact with the heating element 20 and no heat exchange is performed. Therefore, the temperature of the heating element 20 rises rapidly, and the resistance value of the heating element 20 also increases rapidly.

On the other hand, since the cleaning water exists around the temperature detecting element 24 for detecting the temperature of the cleaning water, the temperature detected by the temperature detecting element 24 does not change rapidly. therefore,
When the cleaning water does not circulate in the cleaning tank 1 due to a malfunction of the cleaning pump 5 or the like, the resistance value of the heating element 20 rapidly increases and the temperature detected by the temperature detecting element 24 does not change rapidly. Can be detected.

Therefore, the user can be notified of the malfunction of the cleaning pump 5 and the like, and it is possible to prevent the washing and rinsing of the tableware 2 due to the malfunction of the cleaning pump 5 and the like in advance.

(Embodiment 6) As shown in FIG. 8, the cleaning pump 5a is provided with a switching valve 27 inside. Further, the cleaning pump 5 can rotate forward and reverse, and in the case of normal rotation, as shown in FIG. Can be sent to the washing nozzle 6 and the injection hole 7, and when it is reversed,
As shown in FIG. 8B, the switching valve 27 closes a path for supplying the cleaning water to the cleaning nozzle 6, so that the cleaning water can be discharged to the outside of the machine. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

The operation of the above configuration will be described. In the cleaning and rinsing steps, as shown in FIG. 8A, when the switching valve 27 completely blocks the path for discharging the cleaning water, the cleaning water is not discharged out of the machine. Therefore, the cleaning water is present in the cleaning tank 1, and the cleaning pump 5 a pressurizes the cleaning water to circulate the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 1.
Gradually rises in temperature, and the resistance value detected by the resistance value detecting element 25 also gradually increases.

Next, as shown in FIG. 9, when the switching valve 27 cannot completely block the path for discharging the washing water due to a malfunction of the switching valve 27 or the like, the washing water is discharged outside the machine. Would. At this time, the amount of the washing water in the washing tank 1 decreases, and the heating element 20 and the washing water come into contact with each other so that heat cannot be exchanged. The resistance value detected by 25 also sharply increases.

Therefore, in the cleaning step and the rinsing step, the resistance value of the heating element 20 is detected by the resistance value detecting element 25, so that a malfunction of the switching valve 27 provided in the cleaning pump 5a can be detected. , The user is notified that the washing water is discharged outside the machine, and the washing pump 5a
Cleaning and rinsing failure due to a malfunction of the switching valve 27 in the inside can be prevented in advance.

The switching valve 27 includes a solenoid, a spring,
An operation may be performed to switch between a path for supplying cleaning water to the cleaning nozzle 6 and a path for discharging the cleaning water to the outside of the machine by an external force using an elastic body such as rubber and an elastomer.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10, in the cleaning pump 5b provided with both the cleaning impeller 28 and the drain impeller 29 without using the switching valve 27, the cleaning pump 5b is not used during the cleaning step and the rinsing step. The same effect can be obtained even when the washing water is drained in reverse.
Erroneous operation of the cleaning pump 5b can be prevented.

(Embodiment 7) The resistance value detecting element 2 shown in FIG.
5 detects the resistance value of the heating element 20 during the process of drying the tableware 2. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.
Is the same as

The operation of the above configuration will be described. In the drying process, the heating element 20 heats the outside air supplied by the blower fan 11, the heated air dries the dishes 2, and then is discharged from the exhaust port 12. At this time, if the outside air is not supplied to the heating element 20 due to malfunction of the blower fan 11 or the like, the heating element 20 does not exchange heat with the outside air. As shown by the characteristic A in FIG.
It becomes steeper than when the air outside the machine is supplied to the heating element 20 (characteristic B). Therefore, as shown by the characteristic A in FIG.
It increases more rapidly than when it is supplied to 0 (characteristic B).

Therefore, in the drying process, the heating element 20
Is detected by the resistance value detecting element 25, it is possible to detect that the air outside the apparatus is not supplied to the heating element 20, so that the user is notified of a malfunction of the blower fan 11 or the like. Thus, it is possible to prevent in advance the poor drying of the tableware 2 due to the malfunction of the blower fan 11.

(Embodiment 8) The control device 16 shown in FIG.
There is provided a program control means capable of arbitrarily changing the time of the drying process for drying the dishes 2. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

The operation of the above configuration will be described. In the drying process, if air outside the machine is not supplied to the heating element 20 due to malfunction of the blower fan 11, etc., the heating element 20
11A and FIG. 11B, as shown by the characteristic A in FIG. 11A and FIG. It becomes steeper than when the outside air is supplied to the heating element 20 (characteristic B).

At this time, by detecting the resistance value of the heating element 20 by the resistance value detecting element 25, it is possible to detect that air outside the machine is not supplied to the heating element 20. Extends the time of the drying stroke in the standard operation program from the predetermined time t1 shown in FIG. 12A to t2 shown in FIG. 12B. FIG. 12 shows the temperature in the cleaning tank 1 when the drying process time is t1 and t2.

For this reason, the tableware 2 receives the heat from the heating element 20 by extending the time by the shortage of the amount of heat supplied from the heating element 20 due to the fact that the air outside the machine is not blown. In addition, a predetermined drying performance can be obtained even when air outside the machine is not supplied to the heating element 20.

Therefore, not only is it possible to detect that outside air is not supplied to the heating element 20 to prevent poor drying of the dishes 2, but also to extend the drying time by the program Can be obtained.

[0081]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a washing tub, a tableware in which dishes are arranged and stored in the washing tub, and washing water in the washing tub are provided. A cleaning pump for pressurizing, a cleaning nozzle rotatably disposed in the cleaning tank and having an injection hole for injecting the cleaning water, a heating element for directly heating the cleaning water and the air, and a cleaning water in the cleaning tank. And a blower fan for blowing air into the washing tank. The heating element directly heats the washing water and air, and controls the heating element so that the temperature of the heating element does not exceed a predetermined temperature. Because it is configured to control, it can directly heat the wash water and air,
By using a heating element that can control its own temperature, dishes can be dried at a constant temperature without greatly changing the configuration of the dishwasher, and the configuration around the heating element can be simplified. In addition, a safe, low-cost configuration can be achieved.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a resistance value detecting element for detecting the resistance value of the heating element, and at the start, during, and after the drainage process for discharging the washing water. Either the heating element is energized, and the resistance value of the heating element is detected by the resistance detection element. After the draining process, the heating element is energized and the resistance value of the heating element is detected by the resistance detection element. Can detect whether or not the washing water has been normally discharged out of the machine.Therefore, it is possible to detect the malfunction of the drain pump or clogging of the path for discharging the washing water out of the machine. Drainage failure can be detected and reported to the user. Therefore, it can be prevented in advance that the washing water is not discharged,
Insufficient washing and drying of tableware due to no discharge of washing water can be prevented in advance.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a resistance value detecting element for detecting a resistance value of the heating element, wherein the resistance value detecting element generates heat at the start of each process of washing and rinsing tableware. Since the resistance value of the body is detected, the resistance value of the heating element is also detected at the start of the washing and rinsing process by the resistance value detecting element. Can be detected, the user can be notified in advance that the predetermined amount of cleaning water is not supplied to the user, etc., and the cleaning of tableware due to the predetermined amount of cleaning water not being supplied. Defects can be prevented in advance.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a resistance value detecting element for detecting a resistance value of the heating element, wherein the resistance value detecting element is used for cleaning and rinsing tableware during each process. The resistance value of the heating element is constantly detected by the resistance value detection element during the cleaning and rinsing steps, resulting in leakage of cleaning water from the cleaning tank and malfunction of the drain pump. Due to washing water discharge, etc.
The user can be notified by detecting that the washing water has run out of the washing tank. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the washing and rinsing of tableware due to drainage of washing water from the washing tank due to water leakage or malfunction of the drainage pump.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the heating element is disposed above the water level of the cleaning water. Therefore, when the cleaning water does not circulate in the cleaning tank due to a malfunction of the cleaning pump or the like. Since the resistance value of the heating element rapidly increases and the temperature detected by the temperature detecting element does not change rapidly, it is possible to detect a malfunction of the cleaning pump or the like. Therefore,
The user can be notified of the malfunction of the washing pump and the like, and the washing and rinsing of the tableware caused by the malfunction of the washing pump and the like can be prevented in advance.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the cleaning pump has the function of pressurizing and discharging the cleaning water, it is possible to pressurize and discharge the cleaning water. When the function that can be performed is performed by a switching valve, for example,
In the washing and rinsing steps, by detecting the resistance value of the heating element by the resistance value detecting element, it is possible to detect a malfunction of the switching valve provided in the cleaning pump,
It is possible to notify the user that the washing water is discharged out of the machine, and to prevent a washing and rinsing failure due to a malfunction of the switching valve in the washing pump or the like in advance.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a resistance value detecting element for detecting the resistance value of the heating element, wherein the resistance value detecting element detects the resistance value of the heating element during a process of drying the dishes. Since the resistance value of the heating element is detected by the resistance value detecting element during the drying process, it is possible to detect that air outside the machine is not supplied to the heating element. It is possible to notify the user of a malfunction of the fan and the like, and it is possible to prevent in advance a poor drying of tableware due to a malfunction of the blower fan.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, since the program control means capable of arbitrarily changing the time for performing the step of drying the dishes is provided, the dishes are not blown by the outside air. Due to the shortage of the amount of heat supplied from the heating element, heat is received from the heating element by extending the time, so that a predetermined drying performance can be obtained even when air outside the machine is not supplied to the heating element. . Therefore, not only is it possible to detect that outside air is not supplied to the heating element to prevent poor drying of the dishes, but also to obtain a predetermined drying performance of the dishes by extending the drying time by the program control means. Can be.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a dishwasher according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of a heating element of the dishwasher;

FIG. 3 is a temperature-resistance characteristic diagram of a heating element and a sheath heater of the dishwasher.

FIG. 4 is a view showing temperature changes of a heating element and a sheath heater of the dishwasher.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a temperature change in a washing tank of the dishwasher / dryer.

FIG. 6 (a) is a diagram showing a change in a heating element temperature according to the presence / absence of washing water in the dishwasher / dryer according to the second embodiment of the present invention; Diagram showing changes in

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a dishwasher according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 (a) is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a dishwasher according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention at the time of normal rotation of a cleaning pump. (A) A main part cross-sectional view of the dishwasher at the time of reverse rotation of a cleaning pump.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a main part of the dishwasher when the switching valve is malfunctioning.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a main part of another example of the dishwasher / dryer.

FIG. 11 (a) is a diagram showing a change in the temperature of a heating element due to the presence or absence of air supply from outside the dishwasher / dryer according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. (B) Air supply from outside the dishwasher / dryer. Diagram showing change in resistance of heating element due to presence or absence

FIG. 12 (a) is a diagram showing a temperature change in the washing tank when the time of the drying process of the dishwasher according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention is t1. (B) The time of the drying process of the dishwasher. Figure showing temperature change in the cleaning tank when is extended to t2

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional dishwasher and dryer.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a change in resistance with respect to a temperature of a sheathed heater of the dishwasher.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a temperature change of a sheath heater of the dishwasher.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a temperature change in a washing tank in the dishwasher.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the energized and de-energized states of the heating element with respect to the operation time of the dishwasher

FIG. 18 is a sectional view of another example of the conventional dishwasher / dryer.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view of another example of the conventional dishwasher / dryer.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Cleaning tank 2 Tableware 3 Tableware basket 5 Cleaning pump 6 Cleaning nozzle 7 Injection hole 9 Drain pump 11 Blow fan 20 Heating element

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Takashi Miyauchi 1006 Kazuma Kadoma, Kadoma-shi, Osaka Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Masaki Yura 1006 Kadoma Kadoma, Kadoma-shi, Osaka Matsushita Electric Industrial F Term (reference) 3B082 DB00 DC04 DC05

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A washing tank, a tableware in which dishes are arranged and stored in the washing tank, a washing pump for pressurizing washing water in the washing tank, and a washing pump rotatably arranged in the washing tank. A washing nozzle having an injection hole for injecting washing water, a heating element for directly heating the washing water and air, a drainage pump for discharging washing water in the washing tank, and a blower fan for blowing air into the washing tank Wherein the heating element directly heats the washing water and air, and is self-controlled so that the temperature of the heating element does not exceed a predetermined temperature. 2. A heating element comprising a resistance value detecting element for detecting a resistance value of the heating element, wherein the heating element is energized at any of a start of a drainage step for discharging the washing water, during the drainage step, and after the end of the drainage step. 2. The dishwasher / dryer according to claim 1, wherein the resistance value of the heating element is detected by a resistance value detecting element. 3. A resistance value detecting element for detecting a resistance value of a heating element, wherein the resistance value detecting element detects a resistance value of the heating element at the start of each step of washing and rinsing the dishes. Item 6. A dishwasher / dryer according to item 1 or 2. 4. A resistance value detecting element for detecting a resistance value of a heating element, wherein the resistance value detecting element detects a resistance value of the heating element during each of washing and rinsing of dishes. The dishwasher / dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 3. 5. The dishwasher according to claim 4, wherein the heating element is disposed above a level of the washing water. 6. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the washing pump has a function of pressurizing and discharging the washing water. 7. A resistance value detecting element for detecting a resistance value of a heating element, wherein the resistance value detecting element detects a resistance value of the heating element during a process of drying tableware.
The dishwasher / dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 6. 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a program control means capable of arbitrarily changing a time for performing a step of drying the dishes.
The dishwasher / dryer according to any one of claims 7 to 10.