JP2002272664A - Dishwasher - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem of a conventional dishwasher, that a method for regenerating an ion exchanger in the dishwasher, at the time of regeneration which is determined on the basis of the amount of water passed through it, wastes the costs of regenerant and regeneration as it does not allow for differences in water hardness among different regions. SOLUTION: The dishwasher includes a washing tub for holding dishes and a washing means for washing the dishes. An ion exchanger which can be regenerated by use of a regenerant is provided in a water feed passage leading to the washing tub. A hardness measuring means for measuring the hardness of water after the water has passed through the ion exchanger is provided in the portion of the passage closer to the washing tub than to the ion exchanger. A regeneration time determining means is also provided for determining the time of regeneration on the basis of the hardness measured.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a dishwasher with a water softener, and more particularly to regeneration of an ion exchanger.

[0002]

A cleaning tank for accommodating the Related Art Tableware, in dishwashers equipped with cleaning means for cleaning the dishes, due to the use of tap water as it dishwashers, the Ca ²⁺ and tap water,
Hardness components, such as Mg ^2+, have caused the scale of tableware, reduced cleaning power, and precipitated calcium carbonate on the heater. Therefore, a method of using an ion exchanger such as an ion exchange resin for the purpose of removing those hardness components, and after using the ion exchanger for a certain period of time, regenerating with a regenerating agent or replacing with a new ion exchanger is disclosed in No. 112523. Also, a method of judging the regeneration timing based on the amount of water flow and performing regeneration is described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-11523. It is described in Kaihei 5-15410.

[0003]

However, according to the above-mentioned method for judging the regeneration timing, the hardness component concentration differs depending on the region.
In hard water areas, the number of regenerations is insufficient, and the effect of attaching the ion exchanger is not sufficiently exhibited. In soft water areas, regeneration is performed more than necessary, and thus there is a problem that the cost is increased unnecessarily. In addition, since the most efficient reproduction method cannot be selected according to the time of reproduction, the regenerating agent and the cost required for the reproduction are wasted. Further, there is little description about the configuration necessary for reproduction, and the detailed configuration was unknown. The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher with a water softener that is easy to use and has good cleaning properties.

[0004]

Means for Solving the Problems and Action / Effect To achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 comprises a washing tank for accommodating tableware, a washing means for washing tableware, and further uses a regenerant. In a dishwasher having an ion exchanger which can be regenerated and regenerated in the middle of a water supply path to a washing tank, a hardness measuring means for measuring the hardness of water after passing through the ion exchanger is provided in a water supply path on the washing tank side of the ion exchanger. It is characterized by having.

According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the scale component from adhering to the tableware due to the hardness component, to reduce the detergency, and to prevent the precipitation of calcium carbonate on the heater. Can be accurately determined,
It can be used as a material for judging the reproduction time.

Further, the invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the dishwasher is provided with a regeneration time determining means for determining a regeneration time of the ion exchanger based on a value from the hardness measuring means. .

According to the present invention, the hardness measured by the hardness measuring means indicates that the higher the hardness, the more the ion exchanger is degraded. Therefore, the regeneration time of the ion exchanger is determined by the measured hardness. It can be determined accurately.

[0008] The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that the dishwasher is configured to perform the following based on a signal from the first-period regeneration time determining means.
An automatic regeneration means for automatically regenerating the ion exchanger is provided.

According to the present invention, the higher the hardness measured by the hardness measuring means, the more deteriorated the ion exchanger is. Therefore, when the measured hardness is a certain value or more, automatic regeneration is performed. It is possible to save time and effort during reproduction.

[0010] Further, in the invention according to claim 4, the dishwasher is configured to perform the following based on a signal from the regeneration timing determination means.
It is characterized in that a notifying means for notifying a user of the regeneration time of the ion exchanger is provided.

According to the present invention, the higher the hardness measured by the hardness measuring means, the more deteriorated the ion exchanger is. Therefore, when the measured hardness is a certain value or more, the regeneration is notified. This allows the user to know exactly when to regenerate the ion exchanger.

Further, the invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that the dishwasher is provided with a flow rate control means for limiting a flow rate flowing into the ion exchanger according to a signal from the hardness measurement means. .

According to the present invention, it is shown that the higher the hardness measured by the hardness measuring means, the more the ion exchanger is deteriorated. By limiting, the ratio of the hardness component that can be removed by the ion exchanger can be increased to reduce the number of times the ion exchanger is regenerated.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the dishwasher includes an inflow hardness measuring means for measuring the hardness of water before passing through the ion exchanger and a flow rate calculating means in the water supply path, and The timing determining means determines the regeneration timing based on the measured hardness before and after the passage of the ion exchanger and the hardness removal rate calculated by the hardness removal rate calculating means from the flow rate.

According to the present invention, by calculating the hardness removal rate from the hardness before and after the ion exchanger, it is possible to take into account the difference in the hardness of the supply water depending on the region, and the hardness removal rate varies with the flow rate. Thus, the regeneration time can be determined more accurately by considering both the flow rate and the hardness removal rate calculated by the flow rate calculation means.

[0016] In the invention according to claim 7, the dishwasher is configured to perform the following based on a signal from the first-period regeneration time determination means.
An automatic regeneration means for automatically regenerating the ion exchanger is provided.

According to the present invention, by calculating the hardness removal rate from the hardness before and after the ion exchanger, it is possible to take into account the difference in hardness of the supply water depending on the region, and the hardness removal rate varies depending on the flow rate. Therefore, the automatic regeneration can be performed at a more appropriate timing in consideration of the flow rate calculated by the flow rate calculation means. Also, by automatically playing,
It is possible to save time and effort for reproduction.

The invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that the dishwasher is configured to perform the following operations based on a signal from the regeneration timing determining means.
It is characterized in that a notifying means for notifying a user of the regeneration time of the ion exchanger is provided.

According to the present invention, by calculating the hardness removal rate from the hardness before and after the ion exchanger, it is possible to take into account the difference in the hardness of the supply water depending on the region, and the hardness removal rate varies depending on the flow rate. Thus, the regeneration timing can be notified at a more appropriate timing in consideration of the flow rate calculated by the flow rate calculation means. Further, by providing the notification means, the user can know the reproduction time accurately.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the dishwasher is provided with a flow rate control means for limiting a flow rate flowing into the ion exchanger according to a signal from the hardness measurement means. .

According to the present invention, by calculating the hardness removal rate from the hardness before and after the ion exchanger, it is possible to take into account the difference in hardness of the supply water depending on the region, and the hardness removal rate varies depending on the flow rate. Thus, the flow rate can be more accurately limited in consideration of the flow rate calculated by the flow rate calculation means. In addition, by limiting the flow rate, the hardness removal rate can be increased and the number of times of reproduction can be reduced.

[0022] According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing tank for accommodating tableware, washing means for washing the tableware, and further comprising an ion exchanger which can be regenerated using a regenerant in the water supply path to the washing tank. The dishwasher having the above feature is characterized by comprising a water-passing type regenerating means for continuously passing the regenerant solution through the ion exchanger, washing with water and regenerating.

According to the present invention, since the high-concentration regenerant solution is continuously supplied, the ion exchanger can be regenerated in a short time.

Further, the invention according to claim 11 is provided with a washing tank for accommodating tableware, a washing means for washing the tableware, and further comprising an ion exchanger which can be regenerated by using a regenerant in the water supply path to the washing tank. The dishwasher has a immersion-type regenerating means for regenerating the ion exchanger by immersing the ion exchanger in a regenerant solution for a certain period of time and then rinsing with water.

According to the present invention, since it is possible to regenerate with a low concentration of the regenerant by taking time, the ion exchanger can be regenerated with a small amount of the regenerant.

Further, the invention according to claim 12 is provided with a washing tank for accommodating tableware, a washing means for washing the tableware, and further comprising an ion exchanger which can be regenerated with a regenerant in the water supply path to the washing tank. In the dishwasher having, as a method for regenerating the ion exchanger, a regenerating method in which the regenerant solution is continuously passed and then washed with water, and a regenerating method in which the ion exchanger is dipped in the regenerant solution for a certain period of time and then washed with water. A selection means for selecting is provided.

According to the present invention, the regeneration method can be selected according to the situation at that time, leading to a reduction in running costs.

The invention according to claim 13 is characterized in that the dishwasher is provided with a drain pipe for discharging the regenerant solution to the outside and a valve for opening and closing the drain pipe.

According to the present invention, the regenerant solution can be drained without flowing into the washing tank of the dishwasher.

Further, in the invention according to claim 14, the dishwasher is provided with a measuring means for measuring an ion concentration in a drain passage of the drain pipe, and when the ion exchanger is washed with water, the ion concentration becomes a specified concentration. It is characterized by passing water until it falls below.

According to the present invention, the regenerant does not remain at a high concentration in the ion exchanger.

The invention according to claim 15 is characterized in that the dishwasher is connected to a pipe for draining washing water for washing dishes from a washing tank and the drain pipe.

According to the present invention, it becomes possible to dilute and flow the regenerant by the washing water for washing dishes.
This can lead to the effect of preventing corrosion of piping.

Further, the invention according to claim 16 is characterized in that the dishwasher is connected to a drain pipe for discharging a regenerant solution and a drain pipe for draining water from a sink.

According to the present invention, since the regenerant can be drained without flowing to the sink, corrosion of the sink can be prevented.

Further, the invention according to claim 17 is provided with a washing tank for accommodating tableware, washing means using washing water supplied to the washing tank for washing tableware, and a steam generator for generating steam, Further, in a dishwasher having an ion exchanger that can be regenerated using a regenerant in the water supply path to the washing tank, water after passing the ion exchanger can be supplied to the steam generator.

According to the present invention, since steam is generated from water from which the hardness component has been removed, it is possible to prevent calcium carbonate from depositing on the heater.

Further, the invention according to claim 18 is provided with a washing tank for accommodating tableware, a washing means for washing the tableware, and further comprising an ion exchanger which can be regenerated with a regenerant in the water supply path to the washing tank. In the dishwasher having the above feature, the regenerant supply port is provided inside the washing tank of the dishwasher.

According to the present invention, even if the regenerant is spilled when the regenerant is supplied, the regenerant falls into the cleaning tank, so that the outside is not contaminated.

[0040]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In FIG. 1, 1 is a washing tank, 2 is a water supply valve for supplying washing water for washing dishes to the washing tank 1, 3 is a nozzle for ejecting washing water for washing dishes, and is provided with an injection port 4. . Reference numeral 5 denotes a cleaning pump for circulating cleaning water, and reference numeral 6 denotes a drainage pump for draining the cleaning water. Reference numeral 7 denotes an ion exchange device in which an ion exchanger is housed. Reference numeral 8 denotes hardness measuring means for measuring the hardness of water after passing through the ion exchanger. Regeneration time determining means 9 for determining a regeneration time based on a value from the hardness measuring means; Means 11 are provided.

During normal use of the dishwasher, when the washing water supplied from the water supply valve 2 accumulates at the bottom of the washing tank 1 and reaches a specified water amount by a water level sensor (not shown), the washing pump 5 is operated. Then, the washing water is circulated, and at the same time, the washing water is vigorously sprayed onto the dishes from the ejection port 4 provided in the washing nozzle 3 to wash the dishes. After the completion of the washing, the washing water in the washing tank 1 is drained by the drainage pump 6, and the washing is repeated several times to complete the operation.

The operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In FIG. 2, the supply water supplied from the water supply valve 2 passes through the ion exchange device 7 so that the hardness component contained in the water is removed. Next, the hardness of the supply water is measured by the hardness measurement means 8, and the water is supplied to the cleaning tank 1. As the hardness measuring means 8, a method in which an electrode is provided in a water supply path, an ion concentration is measured from a resistance between the electrodes, and a hardness is estimated therefrom is considered. Thereafter, the regeneration timing determining means 9 or the flow rate controlling means 11 is operated by a signal from the hardness measuring means. A detailed operation flow of the reproduction timing determination means 9 will be described with reference to FIG. By the signal from the hardness measuring means,
When the hardness is equal to or more than the specified value, it is determined that the reproduction is performed, and when the hardness is equal to or less than the specified value, it is determined that the reproduction is not performed. If it is determined that the reproduction is to be further performed, the notification unit 10 and the automatic reproduction unit 15 operate based on the signal from the reproduction time determination unit 9,
Reproduction notification to the user and automatic reproduction are performed. Also,
The notification means 10 and the automatic reproduction means 15 can operate independently. Further, as the notification means, it is conceivable to notify by a buzzer, image display, or the like. As the automatic regenerating means, a method of installing a tank (not shown) for storing the regenerating agent liquid, and regenerating the regenerating agent liquid by automatically supplying it from the control means (not shown) is considered. Can be

The operation flow of the flow control means 11 will be described with reference to FIG. According to the signal from the hardness measuring means 8, the flow rate control means 11 does not operate when the hardness is equal to or less than the specified value, and the flow rate control means 11 operates when the hardness is equal to or more than the specified value.
Restrict flow by closing some valves. However, the predetermined value may be set in advance or selected by the user.

Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 14 denotes a valve. The supply water supplied from the water supply valve 2 is supplied to the cleaning tank 1 after passing through the ion exchange device or directly to the cleaning tank 1 by controlling the valve 110 by control means (not shown). Can switch. Subsequent operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, but by being able to switch, the soft water and the tap water can be selectively used as needed, and the life of the ion exchanger can be extended. For example, soft water is used for washing glass cups in which water stains are conspicuous, and tap water is used for washing ceramics. Alternatively, it is desirable to use soft water only in the final rinsing step that is susceptible to the hardness component, and to use tap water for the other steps.

Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In FIG. 3, 12 is a flow rate calculating means, 8 and 13 are hardness measuring means, and 14 is a hardness removing rate calculating means for calculating a hardness removing rate based on the values of the hardness measuring means 8 and 13. The supply water supplied from the water supply valve 2 passes through the flow rate calculation means 12, and the supply water reaches the ion exchange device 7 after passing through the hardness measurement means 13. The supply water from which the hardness component has been removed by passing through the ion exchange device 7 passes through the hardness measuring means 8 and is supplied to the cleaning tank 1. Further, the regeneration timing determining means 9 or the flow rate controlling means 11 is operated by signals from the hardness removal rate calculating means and the flow rate calculating means. Referring to FIG. 19, a detailed operation flow of the regeneration timing determination means 9 will be described. Hardness measuring means 3,
The hardness removal rate is calculated using the signal from 8 using the hardness removal rate calculation means 14. Further, the flow rate is calculated by the flow rate calculating means 11. The specified hardness removal rate at each flow rate is set in advance, and it is determined that the regeneration is performed when the hardness removal rate is equal to or less than the specified hardness removal rate at the calculated flow rate, and it is determined that the regeneration is not performed when the hardness removal rate is equal to or more than the specified hardness removal rate. . If it is determined that the reproduction is to be further performed, based on the signal from the reproduction time determination means 9, the notifying means 10 is operated to notify the user of the reproduction, and the automatic reproduction means 15 is operated to perform the automatic reproduction. Further, the notification means 10 and the automatic reproduction means 15 can operate independently. Also, the flow rate calculating means 11
For example, a method of counting the time of water supply to the washing tank and determining the average flow rate since the amount of water supplied at one time is always constant, and a method of directly measuring the flow rate with a flow meter are conceivable.

Referring to FIG. 20, a detailed operation flow of the flow control means will be described. When the hardness removal rate calculated by the hardness removal rate calculation means 14 in the above process is equal to or greater than a specified value, the flow rate control means 11 does not operate. Restrict the flow rate by closing it.

Referring to FIG. 21, a detailed operation flow of the regeneration timing determining means and the flow rate controlling means will be described. Flow rate calculation means 1
When the calculated flow rate is equal to or greater than the specified value, the flow rate is controlled by partially closing the valve by the flow rate control means. Further, it is more desirable to always keep the flow rate constant in order to stably remove the hardness component. Next, when the flow rate is equal to or less than the specified amount and the hardness removal rate calculated by using the hardness removal rate calculation means 14 is not less than the specified value, it is determined that the regeneration is not performed. When the flow rate is equal to or less than the specified amount and the hardness removal rate is equal to or less than the predetermined value, it is determined that the regeneration is performed. When it is determined that the reproduction is to be further performed, the notifying unit 10 is operated based on the signal from the reproduction time determining unit 9 to notify the user of the reproduction, and the automatic reproducing unit is further operated.
Automatic playback is performed. Further, the notification means 10 and the automatic reproduction means 15 can operate independently.

An operation example of the regeneration timing determining means 9, the notifying means 10, and the flow rate controlling means 11 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. A prescribed hardness removal rate curve indicating the relationship between the flow rate and the hardness removal rate is set in advance. For example, the prescribed hardness removal rate at the flow rate V1 is S1. When the hardness removal rate at the flow rate V1 exceeds S1, the regeneration timing determining means 9 determines that regeneration is not performed. Informing means 10,
At this time, the flow control means 11 and the automatic regeneration means 15 do not operate. However, when the hardness removal rate at the flow rate V1 is lower than S1, the regeneration timing determination means 9 determines to perform regeneration. Alternatively, a notification means 10 such as a buzzer or an image display
Is activated to notify the user. Alternatively, the automatic regeneration means 15 operates to automatically regenerate the ion exchanger.
Alternatively, the flow rate is controlled by operating the flow rate control means and partially closing the valve. The flow rate is the maximum specified flow rate Vm.
If it is larger than the value, the flow rate control means operates regardless of the value of the hardness removal rate, and the flow rate can be limited. Further, it is desirable to control the flow rate to be always constant by the flow rate control means. Further, the automatic regeneration of the ion exchanger can be always activated after the washing operation of the dishwasher is completed.

An embodiment of the present invention at the time of regeneration of the ion exchange apparatus will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figures 4 and 5
Shows details of the ion exchange device and the water passage near the device. 4 and 5, 100 is a regenerating agent, 101 is an ion exchanger, and 102, 103, and 120 are valves. As a method for regenerating the ion exchanger 101, a water-pass type regenerating means for continuously regenerating the regenerant solution by washing with water after passing the regenerant solution, and rinsing the ion exchanger in the regenerant solution for a certain period of time and washing with water An immersion-type regenerating means for regenerating by means of the above method can be considered.

As a first regeneration method, a description will be given of a water-flow type regeneration means with reference to FIG. The valves 102 and 103 are controlled by a control means (not shown) so as to pass through the path 1, and the water supplied by the water supply valve 2 dissolves the regenerant 100 and becomes a regenerant liquid (not shown). And is discharged outside while regenerating the ion exchanger 101. After passing the regenerant through the specified time, the valves 102 and 103 pass through the route 2
Controlled by control means (not shown) so as to pass through,
The regenerant solution is washed away by passing water for a certain period of time. At this time, salt or the like is used as the regenerant, and the salt solution concentration at that time is desirably 10% or more.

As a second regenerating method, an immersion type regenerating means will be described with reference to FIG. The valves 102 and 103 pass through the path 1 and are controlled by control means (not shown) so that the valve 120 is closed. Water supplied by the water supply valve 2 dissolves the regenerant 100 and is shown in FIG. When the regenerant solution reaches the ion exchanger 101 and the amount of the regenerant solution reaches a specified amount, water supply is stopped and the regenerated agent solution is left for a specified time. 102, 103, 1 after reaching the specified time
20 is controlled by a control means (not shown) so that the supplied water passes through the path 2, and the regenerant solution is washed out by passing water for a certain time.

Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In FIG. 6, 200 is a valve, 201 is a drain pipe for discharging the regenerant,
Reference numeral 202 denotes a path connecting the ion exchange device 7 and the washing tank 1, and reference numeral 204 denotes a drain pipe for draining washing water for washing dishes. As a method of discharging the regenerant solution, a route 20
2, a method of draining water from the washing tank 1 through the drain pipe 204 and a method of draining water through the drain pipe 201 are conceivable.

Hereinafter, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drainage method, when the drainage is performed by the first method, once entering the cleaning tank, the washing water for cleaning the dishes and the regenerant solution are mixed, and the regenerant concentration is reduced and then discharged. Although it is possible to prevent corrosion of the sink, corrosion of the cleaning tank is a problem.
When the discharge is performed by the second method, corrosion of the cleaning tank can be prevented, but corrosion of the sink is a problem. In FIG. 7, a drain pipe 204 for draining washing water for washing dishes and a drain pipe 201 for discharging a regenerant solution are connected. During regeneration of the ion exchanger, the supply water supplied from the water supply valve 2 is drained to the outside from the drain pipe 204 via the drain pipe 201 by controlling the valve 200. By having such a structure, the regenerating agent liquid is diluted by controlling the valve 200 by a control unit (not shown) when draining the washing water in accordance with the washing operation state of the dishwasher, and discharging the regenerating agent liquid. It can be drained, and there is no need to put the regenerant solution in the washing tank.

Hereinafter, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In FIG. 8, reference numeral 301 denotes an ion concentration measuring means, which is provided in the path of the drain pipe 201. At the time of regeneration, the ionic concentration of water is measured when the regenerant solution is drained or the regenerant solution is passed through to flush the regenerant solution, and the concentration of the regenerant can be estimated therefrom. For example, when the regenerant is salt, the Na ⁺ and Cl ⁻ concentrations can be measured. When the ion concentration falls below a predetermined value, valve 2,
Stop draining by controlling 200. This makes it possible to prevent the regenerant from remaining in the ion exchanger and wastefully draining water. It is conceivable that the ion concentration measuring means is provided with an electrode and obtains the ion concentration from the resistance between the electrodes.

Hereinafter, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Of the above two types of regeneration methods, the water-flow type can be regenerated in a short time, but requires a large amount of salt and thus requires a running cost. The immersion regeneration method requires a long time, but the amount of salt required is small,
Low running cost. In FIG. 9, reference numeral 300 denotes a regenerating method selecting means. For example, if there is no time such as regenerating during cleaning or performing two consecutive cleanings, there is time such as regenerating at night using a water-flow regenerating means. In such a case, it is possible to select such as using an immersion type regenerating means.
As a method of selecting the regeneration method, a method in which the user selects with a switch or the like, or when the dishwasher is performing the washing operation, there is no time until the next water supply, and the washing operation is performed by the water flow type, and the washing operation is not performed. Since there is time until the next water supply, there is a method of automatically selecting such as immersion type.

Hereinafter, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In FIG. 10, reference numeral 500 denotes a sink, and reference numeral 501 denotes a drain pipe for draining water from the sink. By directly connecting the drain pipe 201 for discharging the regenerating agent liquid to the drain pipe for draining water from the sink, it is possible to prevent the sink from corroding by flowing the drain agent into the sink. Also,
When discharging the regenerant solution from a drain pipe for draining washing water for washing dishes, it is conceivable to connect the drain pipe to a drain pipe 501 for draining water from a sink. Alternatively, by increasing the length of the drain pipe 201 for discharging the regenerant solution,
It is also conceivable to insert the drain pipe 201 into a drain pipe 501 that drains water from the sink.

Hereinafter, a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In FIG. 11, 600, 6
02 and 603 are valves, and 601 is a steam generator. The water supplied from the water supply valve 2 passes through the ion exchange device 7 to remove the hardness component, and the valves 600, 602, and 603 are controlled by control means (not shown),
One part is supplied to the cleaning tank 1 and one part is supplied to the steam generator 601. The steam generated by the steam generator 601 is supplied to the cleaning tank 1. As a result, it is possible to prevent calcium carbonate from depositing on the heater for generating steam installed in the steam generation device.

Hereinafter, a tenth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In FIG. 12, reference numeral 700 denotes a regenerant input port capable of replenishing a regenerant, and 701 denotes a lid thereof. Since the regenerant supply port 700 capable of replenishing the regenerant in the ion exchange device 7 is provided in the cleaning tank 2, it is possible to prevent the regenerant from being spilled to the outside and contaminated when replenishing the regenerant. Also,
A lid 701 is provided at the regenerating agent inlet 700 to prevent the regenerating agent from melting during cleaning. 13, 14 and 15 show examples of the lid.

[0059]

According to the present invention, a means for determining the regeneration time is provided in consideration of the difference in the concentration of the hardness component and the difference in the flow rate at the time of supply depending on the region, so that the regeneration time can be known more accurately. You can now select the playback method. As a result, the cost for reproduction can be reduced. Also, the configuration required for playback,
The detailed configuration could be clarified. From the above results, it is possible to provide a dishwasher with a water softener that is easy to use and has good cleaning properties.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front sectional view showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front sectional view showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front sectional view showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view showing an ion exchange device of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view showing an ion exchange device of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a front sectional view showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a front sectional view showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an external perspective view showing a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a front sectional view showing a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic sectional view showing an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a front sectional view showing a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an external perspective view showing a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an external perspective view showing an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an external perspective view showing a twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is an external perspective view showing a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a graph showing an operation example of the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of a regeneration timing determining unit and a flow control unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Cleaning tank 2 ... Water supply valve 3 ... Nozzle 4 ... Injection port 5 ... Cleaning pump 6 ... Drainage pump 7 ... Ion exchange apparatus 8 ... Hardness measuring means 1 9 ... Regeneration timing determination means 10 ... Notification means 11 ... Flow control means 12 ... Flow calculation means 13 ... Hardness measurement means 2 14 ... Hardness removal rate calculation means 15 ... Automatic regeneration means 100 ... Regeneration 101 ... Ion exchanger 102 ... Valve 103 ... Valve 120 ... Valve 200 ... Valve 201 ... Drain pipe 202 ... Path 204 ... drain pipe 300 ... regeneration method selection means 301 ... ion concentration measurement means 500 ... sink 501 ... drain pipe 600 ... valve 601 ... steam generator 602 ... valve 603 ... valve 700 ... regenerant inlet 701 ... lid

Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Aiko Mitsu 2-1-1 Nakajima, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka F-term (reference) in TOTO Kiki Co., Ltd. 3B082 BD01 DB00 DC01

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. A dishwasher having a washing tank for accommodating tableware, washing means for washing the tableware, and further comprising an ion exchanger reproducible using a regenerant in the water supply path to the washing tank. A dishwasher characterized by comprising a hardness measuring means for measuring the hardness of water after passing through the ion exchanger in a water supply path on a washing tank side of a body. 2. The dishwasher according to claim 1, further comprising a regeneration time determining means for determining a regeneration time of said ion exchanger based on a value from said hardness measuring means. 3. The dishwasher according to claim 2, further comprising an automatic regeneration unit for automatically regenerating the ion exchanger based on a signal from the regeneration timing determination unit. . 4. The dishwasher according to claim 2, further comprising a notifying means for notifying a user of a regeneration time of the ion exchanger based on a signal from the regeneration time determination means. Dishwasher. 5. The dishwasher according to claim 1, further comprising a flow rate control means for limiting a flow rate flowing into said ion exchanger according to a signal from said hardness measuring means. 6. The dishwasher according to claim 2, wherein said water supply path is provided with an inflow hardness measuring means for measuring the hardness of water before passing through said ion exchanger and a flow rate calculating means, and said regeneration timing determining means is provided. A dishwasher characterized in that a regeneration time is determined based on the hardness removal rate calculated by the hardness removal rate calculation means from the measured hardness of water before and after passage of the ion exchanger and the flow rate. 7. The dishwasher according to claim 6, further comprising an automatic regenerating means for automatically regenerating the ion exchanger based on a signal from the regenerating time determining means. . 8. The dishwasher according to claim 6, further comprising a notifying means for notifying a user of a regenerating time of the ion exchanger based on a signal from the regenerating time determining means. Dishwasher. 9. The dishwasher according to claim 1, further comprising a flow control means for restricting a flow rate flowing into said ion exchanger according to a signal from said hardness measuring means. Machine. 10. A dishwasher having a washing tank for accommodating tableware, washing means for washing the tableware, and further comprising an ion exchanger reproducible using a regenerant in the water supply path to the washing tank. A dishwasher comprising a water-passing type regenerating means for continuously regenerating a regenerant solution after passing it through an exchanger, followed by washing with water and regenerating. 11. A dishwasher provided with a washing tank for accommodating tableware, washing means for washing the tableware, and further comprising an ion exchanger reproducible using a regenerant in the water supply path to the washing tank. A dishwasher comprising: an immersion-type regenerating means for regenerating a body by immersing the body in a regenerant solution for a certain time and then washing the body with water. 12. A dishwasher comprising a washing tank for accommodating tableware, washing means for washing the tableware, and further comprising an ion exchanger reproducible using a regenerant in the water supply path to the washing tank. Water-flow type regenerating means for continuously washing and regenerating the regenerant solution after passing through the exchanger, and immersion type regenerating means for regenerating by regenerating by immersing the ion exchanger in the regenerant solution for a certain time and then washing with water. And a selection means for selecting between the water-flow type regeneration means and the immersion type regeneration means. 13. The dishwasher according to claim 10, further comprising a drain pipe for discharging the regenerant solution to the outside and a valve for opening and closing the drain pipe. 14. The dishwasher according to claim 13, further comprising a measuring means for measuring an ion concentration in a drain passage of the drain pipe, and when the ion exchanger is washed with water, until the ion concentration falls below a specified concentration. A dishwasher characterized by passing water. 15. The dishwasher according to claim 13, wherein a pipe for draining washing water for washing dishes from a washing tank is connected to the drain pipe. 16. The dishwasher according to claim 13, wherein a drainpipe for discharging a regenerant solution and a drainpipe for draining water of a sink are connected. 17. A cleaning tank for storing tableware, cleaning means using cleaning water supplied to the cleaning tank for cleaning tableware,
In a dishwasher equipped with a steam generating device for generating steam and further having an ion exchanger reproducible using a regenerant in the water supply path to the washing tank, supplying water after passing the ion exchanger to the steam generating device A dishwasher characterized by being made possible. 18. A dishwasher having a washing tank for accommodating tableware, washing means for washing the tableware, and further comprising an ion exchanger which can be regenerated with a regenerant in the water supply path to the washing tank. A dishwasher characterized in that an inlet is provided inside a washing tank of the dishwasher.