JP2002000536A - Dishwasher - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To eliminate such problems that when two water levels, a washing water level by which washing is performed, and an abnormal water level at the time of an abnormal water supply are tried to be detected, a float, a magnet and a magnetism- detecting device are respectively required at two locations, and e.g. in a dishwasher equipped with the setting for two water levels for washing, another set of the float, the magnet and the magnetism-detecting device are required, and therefore, the number of parts increases, and a space to house those parts is required as well. SOLUTION: This dishwasher is equipped with a washing water feeding means, a washing tank, a water level-detecting means, and a control section. In the case, the washing water feeding means feeds washing water. The washing tank stores the washing water which is fed from the washing water feeding means. The water level- detecting means detects the water level of the washing water stored in the washing tank by one float and a plurality of float location-detecting means. The control section performs turning on/off of the washing water feeding means in response to a water level signal from the water level-detecting means. The float is arranged in such a manner as to be raised together with the increase of the washing water stored in the washing tank. Then, the float location-detecting means is arranged in such a manner as to output a location-detecting signal when the float is raised exceeding a prescribed location.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a water level detecting means for a dishwasher.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An example of a conventional dishwasher is shown in FIG.
After the user arranges the dishes in the dish basket 51 housed inside the washing tank 50, the dishwasher is operated by the water level detecting means 52.
The washing water is stored in the washing tank 50 by the washing water supply means 53 up to a predetermined washing water level, and the washing water pumped by the washing pump 54 is sprayed from the washing nozzle 55 toward the dishes to wash the dishes. It is to be washed. FIG. 6 shows an example of the conventional water level detecting means. The water level detecting means comprises two floats 60 and 61 and a magnet 62 respectively.
63, a magnetic water level detecting means for detecting the predetermined cleaning water level by the float 60, the magnet 62, and the magnetic magnetic field detecting means 64; and the float 61, the magnet 63, and the magnetic magnetic field detecting means 65. This constitutes an abnormal water level detecting means for detecting an abnormal water level at the time of abnormal water supply due to a failure of the cleaning water level detecting means, the cleaning water supply means, or the like. In the above-described conventional configuration, to detect two water levels, i.e., a cleaning water level for cleaning and an abnormal water level in abnormal water supply, two floats, two magnets, and two magnetic detection devices are required. In a dishwasher equipped with a standard, another set of floats, magnets, and magnetic detectors is required, and the number of parts is increased, and a space for accommodating those parts is required.

[0003]

An object of the present invention is to make it possible to detect a plurality of water levels by reducing the number of parts, that is, the space for storing parts.

[0004]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cleaning water supply means for supplying cleaning water, a cleaning tank for storing cleaning water supplied from the cleaning water supply means, and a cleaning tank. A control unit for turning on / off the washing water supply unit according to a water level signal from the water level detection unit and the water level detection unit that detects the level of the stored washing water with one float and a plurality of float position detection units. Wherein the float is arranged to rise with the rise of the washing water stored in the washing tank, and the float position detecting means is arranged to output a position detection signal when the float rises from a predetermined position. According to a second aspect of the present invention, the float position detecting means includes a magnet arranged so that the position of the magnet changes with the change of the position of the float, and a float detecting device for detecting the position of the magnet. Characterized by being configured to 置検 detecting means

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the dishwasher which performs the operation of supplying the washing water to the washing tank a plurality of times, the washing water supply is performed based on a time difference between the position detection signals output from the plurality of position detecting means at the first time of supplying the washing water. Assuming the supply amount of washing water supplied from the means, detecting abnormalities in the supply of washing water after the second time

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the dishwasher which performs the operation of supplying the washing water to the washing tank a plurality of times, the washing water supply means is provided by the time difference between the position detection signals output from the plurality of position detection means at the first time of supplying the washing water. Assuming the supply amount of the wash water supplied from the above, it has been made possible to store the wash water in the second and subsequent times at a water level other than the water level set by the plurality of float position detecting means. Features.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an abnormal water level detecting means for detecting a water level immediately before overflow of washing water from a washing tank, separately from a water level detecting means for detecting by one float and a plurality of float position detecting means. In the sixth aspect, an electrode is used as the abnormal water level detecting means.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the washing water communication passage from the washing tank to the abnormal water level detecting means mounting portion where the abnormal water level detecting means is disposed is a water level detecting means that detects one float and a plurality of float position detecting means. Characterized in that it is provided separately from the water level detection means mounting part where the means is arranged

According to the present invention, when the washing water for washing is stored in the washing tank, the washing water is prevented from flowing into a lower portion of the abnormal water level detecting means mounting portion where the abnormal water level detecting means is disposed. It is characterized by the following.

According to a ninth aspect, a structure is provided in which a water level is detected by an electrode sensor, and a rib is provided between the electrodes of the electrode mounting portion in order to prevent erroneous detection due to adhesion of moisture.

In a tenth aspect, the float is provided with a magnet,
What has a water level detecting device which detects a position of a float with a magnetic detecting device, It is characterized by having provided a metal plate for preventing malfunction of a float and a magnetic detecting device by the influence of an external magnetic force.

[0012]

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a water level detecting means of a dishwasher according to the present invention. The structure of the water level detecting means of the dishwasher is the same as that of the conventional dishwasher of FIG. Therefore, the description is omitted. A communication port 1 is provided at a lower portion of the water level detecting means in FIG. 1, and the communication port is connected to a washing tank of the dishwasher, and is configured so that the water level in the float chamber rises as the water level of the washing tank rises. I have.
A float 3 is provided inside the float chamber 2 so that the float 3 rises in position as the water level of the float chamber 2 rises, and a magnet 4 is provided above the float 3. Above the float 3, for example, a magnetic detecting device such as a reed switch that turns on an internal contact when a predetermined magnetic force or more (lower)
5, a magnetic detection device (upper) 6;
6 are arranged at predetermined intervals. Reference numeral 7 denotes an electrode which is arranged so as to protrude into the float chamber 2.

The operation of each water level detecting means in accordance with the rise of the water level in the float chamber according to the configuration shown in FIG. 1 will be described. When the water level rises to the position A in FIG. 1, the magnetic detection device (lower) 5 turns from off to on, and remains on even if the water level continues to rise thereafter. Also,
When the water level rises to the position B in FIG. 1, the magnetic detection device (upper) 6 turns from off to on, and remains on even if the water level continues to rise thereafter. When the water level rises to the position C in FIG. 1, the electrode 7 is turned on from off, and remains on even if the water level continues to rise thereafter. As for the operation of the dishwasher, when washing with a small amount of water, water is supplied to a level at which the magnetic detection device (lower) 5 is turned on, and then washing is performed. Means that the water is supplied to the level at which the magnetic detection device (upper) 6 is turned on, and then the washing is performed. When the electrode 7 is turned on from off, the water level immediately before the overflow of the washing water from the washing tank is detected, and the abnormality is detected. The notification is performed. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the operation of the magnetic detection device (lower) 5, the magnetic detection device (upper) 6, and the electrode 7 as the water level rises.

As is clear from the above description, such a configuration enables two floats to be detected by one float and two magnetic detectors. Further, in the present embodiment, a configuration has been described in which one float and two magnetic detection devices can detect two water levels. However, by providing three or more magnetic detection devices, one float and two magnetic detection devices are similarly provided. Two magnetic levels can be detected by two magnetic detectors. In addition, a configuration is possible in which one float can detect three or more water levels. Further, in the present embodiment, the description has been given of the case where the magnet and the magnetism detecting device are used as the float position detecting means, but the optical sensor, the limit switch and the like can be similarly configured.

In the first embodiment, it has been described that water is supplied to the water level detected by the two float position detecting devices, that is, the water level at which the signal of the float position detecting device changes, and cleaning is performed. A second embodiment in which water is supplied to a water level other than the water level detected by the two float position detection devices and cleaning is performed will be described.

In a dishwasher, washing and rinsing a plurality of times are usually performed in one washing, and water is supplied a plurality of times. At the time of the first water supply, ie, washing, water is supplied to the magnetic detector (upper) 6 and the output of the magnetic detector (upper) 6 changes only after the output of the magnetic detector (lower) 5 changes. The amount of water supplied to the washing tank per unit time can be estimated based on how much time is required. For example, the output of the magnetic detection device (upper) 6 when the washing water is supplied is changed as follows. If it takes 10 seconds after the output of the magnetic detection device (lower) 5 changes, in this case, water is supplied for 5 seconds from the next water supply after the output of the magnetic detection device (lower) 5 changes. By doing so, the magnetic detection device (lower) 5
It is also possible to supply water up to the water level between the magnetic detection device (upper) 6.

The reason why the output of the magnetic detector (upper) 6 changed during the water supply for washing is that the magnetic detector (lower) 5
Assuming that it takes 10 seconds after the output of the magnetic detection device changes, the magnetic detection device (upper) may have a certain margin, for example, 20 seconds after the output of the magnetic detection device (lower) 5 changes at the next water supply. If there is no change in the output of No. 6, it can be detected that some abnormality has occurred.

As described in the first and second embodiments, 1
Although a plurality of water levels can be detected with one float, the water level can be configured with a small mounting space. However, if the space is further reduced, as shown in FIG.
It is necessary to form a water level detecting means in a gap as small as possible between the cleaning tank 50 and the cleaning tank 50, and by doing so, the exterior plate 11, the magnet 12, and the magnetic detection device 13 necessarily come close to each other. When the exterior plate 11 comes close to the magnet 12 and the magnetic detection device 13, it becomes susceptible to external magnetism. For example, when the magnet 14 is brought close from the outside as shown in FIG. It is conceivable that the magnet detection device malfunctions or the float 15 does not operate despite the fact that the magnet 12 of the float 15 is attracted by the magnetic force and the water level rises. In order to prevent such a malfunction, the metal plate 16 having a thickness
By inserting the magnetic path between the magnet 1 and the magnet 14 and the magnetism detecting device 13, the magnetic path by the external magnetic force can be configured so as not to affect the magnet 14 and the magnetism detecting device 13.

In the present embodiment, a configuration in which a plurality of water levels can be detected with one float is described. Electrodes are provided in a separate system as means for detecting an abnormal water level. By including an abnormal water level in a proper water level, a configuration that requires only a small storage space is possible. However, if the normal water level and the abnormal water level are configured in the same system, it is impossible to detect the abnormal water level, for example, when the float does not rise despite the rise in the water level, and the washing water overflows from the washing tank. As a means for detecting an abnormal water level, an electrode is provided in a separate system to provide a highly reliable dishwasher with redundancy. Further, a similar highly reliable dishwasher can be provided as a water level detection device other than the electrode for detecting the abnormal water level in the separate system.

Next, the structure of the electrode mounting portion will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, a portion 8 located below the electrode mounting portion of the float chamber 7 is provided with a step higher than a portion where the float is stored, and does not climb over the step at a normal washing water level. . That is, when the cleaning water comes to the lower part of the electrode mounting portion, it is limited only when an abnormality occurs and the water level rises. Less likely. In this embodiment, the float and the electrode are housed in a single float chamber. However, the electrode chamber is provided as a completely separate component for housing the electrode, and the electrode chamber is usually provided with washing water. By adopting a configuration in which no entry occurs, a highly reliable electrode sensor can be configured.

Further, since the upper and lower ribs 9 are provided between the two electrodes as shown in FIG. 1, a structure for preventing malfunction due to adhesion of steam and dew water is provided, as shown in FIG. Since it is configured to be positioned by the rib 20 integrated with the cleaning tank 50 in which the cleaning water is stored, in a structure in which another part is mounted on the cleaning tank and the electrode is mounted thereon, the variation in the mounting may cause the water level detection. Variation points can be improved, and the water level can be detected accurately.

[0022]

As is apparent from the above description, the present invention is characterized in that in claims 1 and 2, the water level of the washing water stored in the washing tank is detected by one float and a plurality of float position detecting means. By providing the detecting means, the number of components can be reduced, and the mounting space can be reduced.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the dishwasher which performs the operation of supplying the washing water to the washing tank a plurality of times, the washing water supply is performed based on a time difference between the position detection signals output from the plurality of position detecting means at the first time of supplying the washing water. A highly reliable dishwasher can be provided by assuming the supply amount of the wash water supplied from the means and detecting an abnormality at the time of the second or subsequent supply of the wash water.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the dishwasher which performs the operation of supplying the washing water to the washing tank a plurality of times, the supply of the washing water is performed based on the time difference between the position detection signals output from the plurality of position detecting means at the first time of supplying the washing water. Assuming the supply amount of cleaning water supplied from the means, the number of parts is reduced by storing the water level of the second and subsequent cleaning water at a water level other than the water level set by the plurality of float position detecting means. Enables washing at a fine washing water level.

According to the fifth to ninth aspects, it is possible to provide a highly reliable abnormal water level detecting means which does not malfunction the abnormal water level detecting means provided separately from the water level detecting means for detecting the washing water level.

According to the tenth aspect, it is possible to prevent the float and the magnetic detection device from malfunctioning due to the influence of an external magnetic force.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a detailed view of a water level detecting means according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an output signal of a water level detecting unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a water level detecting means in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a detailed view of a water level detecting means in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a structural diagram of a dishwasher according to a conventional embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a detailed view of a water level detecting means in a conventional embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Communication port 2 ... Float chamber 3 ... Float 4 ... Magnet 5 ... Magnetic detection device (bottom) 6 ... Magnetic detection device (top) 7 ... Electrode 9 ... Rib between electrodes 16 ... Magnetic shield metal plate 50 ... Cleaning tank 51 ... Tableware Basket 53: Water supply means 54: Pump 55: Cleaning nozzle

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing from the front page (72) Inventor Shoichi Mukai 2-1-1 Nakajima, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka F-term (reference) in TOTO Kiki Co., Ltd. 3B082 BD01 BD05 DB02 DC01 DC02 DC06

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A cleaning water supply means for supplying cleaning water, a cleaning tank for storing the cleaning water supplied from the cleaning water supply means, a level of the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank and a float and a plurality of float positions. A control unit for turning on / off the washing water supply means in response to a water level detection means and a water level signal from the water level detection means, wherein the float is used for washing water stored in a washing tank. A dishwasher, wherein the float position detecting means is arranged so as to rise with the rise and is arranged so as to output a position detection signal when the float rises from a predetermined position. 2. A float position detecting means comprising a magnet arranged so that the position of the magnet changes with the change of the position of the float, and a magnetic detecting element for detecting the position of the magnet. Dishwasher according to 1. 3. A dishwasher for supplying washing water to a washing tank a plurality of times, wherein the washing water is supplied from the washing water supply means based on a time difference between position detection signals output from the plurality of position detection means at the first time of supplying the washing water. 3. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein a supply amount of the washing water to be supplied is assumed, and an abnormality at the time of the second or subsequent supply of the washing water is detected. 4. A dishwasher for supplying washing water to a washing tank a plurality of times, wherein the washing water is supplied from the washing water supply means based on a time difference between position detection signals output from the plurality of position detection means at the first time of supplying the washing water. Assuming the supply amount of washing water to be supplied, it is possible to store the washing water at a water level other than the water level set by the plurality of float position detecting means for the second and subsequent washing water levels. 4. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein 5. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein an abnormal water level detecting means is provided separately from the water level detecting means detected by one float and a plurality of float position detecting means. 6. The dishwasher according to claim 5, wherein an electrode is used as an abnormal water level detecting means to detect a water level immediately before the overflow of the washing water from the washing tank. 7. A washing water communication passage from a washing tank to an abnormal water level detecting means mounting portion in which the abnormal water level detecting means is arranged,
7. The dishwasher according to claim 5, wherein a water level detecting means mounting portion in which a water level detecting means for detecting one float and a plurality of float position detecting means is disposed. 8. When the washing water for washing is stored in the washing tank, the washing water is prevented from flowing into a lower portion of the abnormal water level detecting means mounting portion where the abnormal water level detecting means is disposed. And dishwasher. 9. A dishwasher comprising a structure for detecting a water level by an electrode sensor, and a rib provided between electrodes of an electrode mounting portion to prevent erroneous detection due to adhesion of moisture. 10. A metal plate for providing a float with a magnet and a water level detection device for detecting the position of the float with a magnetic detection device, wherein the float and the magnetic detection device are prevented from malfunctioning due to the influence of an external magnetic force. A dishwasher comprising: