JP2004016383A

JP2004016383A - Dishwasher-dryer

Info

Publication number: JP2004016383A
Application number: JP2002173747A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Fumihiko Sasahara; 笹原　文彦; Morinori Fukuda; 福田　守記; Yutaka Taniguchi; 谷口　裕
Original assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Holdings Corp
Priority date: 2002-06-14
Filing date: 2002-06-14
Publication date: 2004-01-22
Anticipated expiration: 2022-06-14
Also published as: JP4007086B2

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce a temperature and humidity of heated air discharged from an exhaust outlet and increase drying efficiency without reducing a function of a heating means and without reducing an amount of air from an air blowing means, in a dishwasher-dryer having a function of drying dishes, etc., after washing. <P>SOLUTION: In the dishwasher-dryer, dishes 3 are dried by a heater 6 by elevating a temperature in a washing tank 11 with dishes 3 stored therein, an air blowing means 7 supplies outside air into the washing tank 11 to discharge the heated air in the washing tank 11 to the outside of the washing tank 11 from a discharge outlet 13, and the heated air in the washing tank 11 is circulated through a circulation path 14. An entrance 14a for circulating the heated air in the washing tank 11 is provided at an upper part of the washing tank 11, and an exit 14b is provided at a lower part of the washing tank 11, the entrance 14a and the exit 14b are coupled with the circulation path 14, and the circulation path 14 is thermally insulated from the washing tank 11. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、洗浄後の食器類の乾燥を行う機能を有する食器洗い乾燥機に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、この種の食器洗い乾燥機は図７に示すように構成していた。以下、その構成について説明する。
【０００３】
図７に示すように、洗浄槽１は、食器洗い乾燥機本体Ａ内に設け、この洗浄槽１内の底部の略中央に洗浄水を噴射するノズル２を回転自在に設けるとともに、洗浄槽１内に食器類３を配置する食器かご４を設けている。洗浄ポンプ５は洗浄槽１内の洗浄水を循環するものであり、ヒータ６は洗浄水を加熱して湯にするときなどに使用する加熱手段である。このヒータ６は、洗浄行程終了後の乾燥行程では洗浄水を蒸発させるために、洗浄槽１内の温度の上昇に、また、直接に食器類３を温めることに使用するようにしている。送風手段７は、洗浄槽１の外部底部に設けている。なお、８は排水ポンプである。
【０００４】
上記構成において動作を説明する。まず、食器かご４に食器類３を配置して洗浄槽１内に収容し、運転を開始すると、給水弁（図示せず）より洗浄槽１内に所定量を給水した後、洗浄ポンプ５を駆動する。洗浄槽１内の洗浄水は、洗浄ポンプ５にて排水口９から吸い込まれてノズル２に圧送され、回転するノズル２により勢いよく噴射される。
【０００５】
この洗浄水によって、食器かご４に配置した食器類３を洗浄する。その後、再び洗浄水は洗浄ポンプ５にて排水口９から吸い込まれ、上記の動作を繰り返す。この洗浄水が循環する過程で、洗浄水が洗浄槽１内に入ったとき、ヒータ６によって温水化される。洗浄水の循環の繰り返しによって食器かご４に配置した食器類３を洗浄する。
【０００６】
この洗浄行程終了後に、排水ポンプ８を運転し、排水口９から洗浄水を槽外に排出し、すすぎ行程を行った後、乾燥行程が始まる。洗浄水を排出した後、再びヒータ６を加熱することにより、洗浄槽１内の温度を上昇させ、また、直接には食器類３を温め、食器類３、食器かご４に付着した水滴、洗浄槽１内に残った水滴を蒸発させる。
【０００７】
この蒸発した水分を多量に含んだ加熱空気は、送風手段７により洗浄槽１内に外気を供給することにより、洗浄槽１外へ排気口１０から押し出される。この加熱、送風の繰り返しにより、食器類３を徐々に乾燥することができる。
【０００８】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
このような従来の食器洗い乾燥機で、洗浄後の食器類３を効率的に乾燥させるためには、ヒータ６などの加熱手段などにより、洗浄槽１内の温度を上昇させ、また、食器類３を直接温めて、食器類３、食器かご４に付着した水滴、洗浄槽１内に残った水滴の蒸発速度を高め、蒸発した水分を多量に含んだ加熱空気を送風手段７により洗浄槽１内に外気を供給し、洗浄槽１外へはやく押し出すことが必要である。
【０００９】
しかしながら、ヒータ６の能力を高くすればするほど、また、送風手段７の風量を多くすればするほど、高温の蒸気が排気口１０から一度に多量に洗浄槽１外に排出されることになる。この蒸気の温度は、約７０℃〜８０℃と高く、相対湿度も約１００％と極めて高く、高温、高湿の蒸気がでる。そのために、排気口１０から出る蒸気を多量に含んだ加熱空気の温度、湿度を下げることが必要である。
【００１０】
しかし、排気の温度、湿度を下げるために、ヒータ６の能力を低くすれば、また、送風手段７の風量を少なくすれば、逆に乾燥効率が悪くなる。
【００１１】
本発明は上記従来の課題を解決するもので、加熱手段の能力を低くしなくとも、送風手段の風量を少なくしなくとも、排気口から出る加熱空気の温度、湿度を下げ、しかも、乾燥効率を上げることを目的としている。
【００１２】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明は上記の目的を達成するために、食器類を収容した洗浄槽内の温度を加熱手段により上昇させて食器類を乾燥させ、送風手段により外気を洗浄槽内に供給して洗浄槽内の加熱空気を排気口より洗浄槽外へ排出し、洗浄槽内の加熱空気を循環通路により循環させるよう構成し、洗浄槽内の加熱空気を循環させる入口を洗浄槽の上部に設けるとともに出口を洗浄槽の下部に設け、入口と出口の間を循環通路で連結し、循環通路は洗浄槽と熱絶縁して構成したものである。
【００１３】
これにより、加熱手段の能力を低くしなくとも、送風手段の風量を少なくしなくとも、排気口から出る加熱空気の温度、湿度を下げることができ、しかも、乾燥効率を上げることができる。
【００１４】
【発明の実施の形態】
本発明の請求項１に記載の発明は、食器類を収容した洗浄槽と、前記洗浄槽内の温度を上昇させ食器類の乾燥を行う加熱手段と、前記洗浄槽内に外気を供給する送風手段と、前記洗浄槽内の加熱空気を洗浄槽外へ排出する排気口と、前記洗浄槽内の加熱空気を循環させる循環通路とを備え、前記洗浄槽内の加熱空気を循環させる入口を洗浄槽の上部に設けるとともに出口を洗浄槽の下部に設け、前記入口と出口の間を前記循環通路で連結し、前記循環通路は前記洗浄槽と熱絶縁して構成したものであり、蒸気を多量に含んだ加熱空気の一部が細長い循環通路に流れ、循環通路を通過する間に循環通路の壁と熱交換して加熱空気の温度を下げることができ、しかも、加熱空気の温度が下がることにより、飽和水分量が低くなるので、加熱空気の水分の一部が結露して循環通路に残るため、この結露水と加熱空気との間でも新たに熱交換が生じ、加熱空気の温度が一層下がり、しかも絶対湿度も下げることができ、排気口からでる加熱空気の温度、湿度を下げることができる。また、循環通路を長くすれば熱交換の能力が上がり、加熱手段の能力を高くしても、送風手段の風量を多くしても、排気口から出る加熱空気の温度、湿度を一層下げることができる。このことは、循環通路を流れる加熱空気の量も多くなり、洗浄槽内の湿度を低くしながら排気をすることになり、乾燥効率を上げることができる。
【００１５】
請求項２に記載の発明は、上記請求項１に記載の発明において、循環通路は、洗浄槽と分離して食器洗い乾燥機本体の外壁との間に空間を有する構成としたものであり、熱交換するために、循環通路を洗浄槽と熱絶縁する耐熱シートなどの特別な部材を新たに使用しなくとも、洗浄槽から分離することにより空気絶縁ができ、熱交換の効果を得ることができる。
【００１６】
請求項３に記載の発明は、上記請求項１または２に記載の発明において、洗浄槽内の加熱空気を循環させる出口を、前記洗浄槽内に外気を供給する送風手段の入口の近傍に設けたものであり、送風手段によって取り込まれた外気と洗浄槽内循環通路の出口付近の加熱空気の温度差が大きいため、より一層、循環通路内の流れを引き込む流れを作ることができる。
【００１７】
請求項４に記載の発明は、上記請求項１〜３に記載の発明において、洗浄槽内の加熱空気を循環させる入口と出口を、前記洗浄槽の対角に位置するように設け、前記入口と出口の間を循環通路で連結し、かつ、加熱空気循環の入口は、前記洗浄槽の上部に設けたものであり、洗浄槽内の加熱空気がショートパスすることなく、洗浄槽内を流れ、また、加熱空気の循環する入口を上部に設けたことにより、暖かい空気は上部に流れるという対流の効果も得られるので、より一層洗浄槽内の加熱空気の循環効率と熱交換の効率をよくすることができる。よって、より一層排気口から出る加熱空気の温度、湿度を下げることができる。
【００１８】
請求項５に記載の発明は、上記請求項１〜４に記載の発明において、循環通路の途中に、第２の送風手段を設けたものであり、洗浄槽内の循環通路の入口と出口付近の温度差によって、洗浄槽内で洗浄槽下部から上部に向けての自然対流が生じ、同時に第２の送風手段によって、洗浄槽内に供給される流れが加わり、そのために循環通路の入口では流れの動圧により、さらに循環通路内に押される流れが生じ、出口では洗浄槽内に引き込まれる流れが生じ、この結果、循環通路内で生じていた流れを強制的に作ることができる。この循環通路内の流れは自然対流、流れの動圧の効果による流れで、非常に遅いが、第２の送風手段により流れを作ることで、速くすることができる。よって、循環される加熱空気の量が多くなり、加熱空気の温度、湿度を下げる効果が高くなる。
【００１９】
請求項６に記載の発明は、上記請求項１〜５に記載の発明において、循環通路の途中に、熱交換器を設けたものであり、循環通路と加熱空気が行っていた熱交換の能力に加え、熱交換器で加熱空気の温度、湿度を下げる効果が加わるので、より一層、加熱空気の温度、湿度を下げる効果が高くなる。しかも、この循環通路を断面が小さく細長い通路にすれば、熱交換器に一度に入る量を少なくできるので、熱交換器の能力も高く維持できる。
【００２０】
請求項７に記載の発明は、上記請求項１〜６に記載の発明において、細長い循環通路を経路の途中で分岐させ、一方を排気口と連結する構成としたものであり、循環通路で熱交換されず、直接排気される加熱空気をなくすことができる。よって、排気される蒸気は必ず一度は循環通路を通り、熱交換して温度、湿度が下がることになるので、より一層排気口から出る加熱空気の湿度を下げることができる。
【００２１】
【実施例】
以下、本発明の実施例について、図面を参照しながら説明する。なお、従来例と同じ構成のものは同一符号を付して説明を省略する。
【００２２】
（実施例１）
図１に示すように、洗浄槽１１は、食器洗い乾燥機本体１２内に設け、この洗浄槽１１内に食器類３を配置する食器かご４を設けている。ヒータ６は洗浄水を加熱して湯にするときなどに使用する加熱手段で、このヒータ６は、洗浄行程終了後の乾燥行程では洗浄水を蒸発させるために、洗浄槽１１内の温度の上昇に使用し、また、直接に食器類３を温めることに使用するようにしている。
【００２３】
送風手段７は、洗浄槽１１の外部底部に設け、第１の送風路７ａを通して外気を洗浄槽１１内に供給するようにしている。排気口１３は、洗浄槽１１内の加熱空気を槽外へ排出するものである。洗浄槽１１には洗浄槽１１内の加熱空気を循環させる循環通路１４を設け、洗浄槽１１内の加熱空気を循環させる入口１４ａを洗浄槽１１の上部に設け、出口１４ｂを洗浄槽１１の下部に設け、入口１４ａと出口１４ｂの間を循環通路１４で連結している。ここで、入口１４ａと出口１４ｂを、図２に示すように、洗浄槽１１の対角に位置するように設けている。また、この循環通路１４は洗浄槽１１と熱絶縁して構成している。
【００２４】
上記構成において動作を説明する。まず、食器かご４に食器類３の配置して洗浄槽１１内に収容し、運転を開始すると、給水弁（図示せず）より洗浄槽１１内に所定量の水を給水した後、洗浄ポンプ５を駆動する。洗浄槽１１内の洗浄水は、洗浄ポンプ５にて排水口９から吸い込まれてノズル２に圧送され、回転するノズル２により勢いよく噴射される。
【００２５】
この洗浄水によって、食器かご４に配置した食器類３を洗浄する。その後、再び洗浄水は洗浄ポンプ５にて排水口９から吸い込まれ、上記の動作を繰り返す。この洗浄水が循環する過程で、洗浄水が洗浄槽１１内に入ったとき、ヒータ６などの加熱手段によって温水化され、洗浄水の循環の繰り返しによって食器かご４に配置した食器類３等を洗浄する。
【００２６】
この洗浄行程終了後に、排水ポンプ８を運転し、排水口９から洗浄水を槽外に排出し、すすぎ行程の後、乾燥行程が始まる。乾燥行程では再びヒータ６を加熱することにより、洗浄槽１１内の温度を上昇させ、また、直接には食器類３を温め、食器類３、食器かご４に付着した水滴、洗浄槽１１内に残った水滴を蒸発させる。
【００２７】
この蒸発した水分を多量に含んだ加熱空気の一部は、送風手段７により洗浄槽１１内に第１の送風路７ａを通って外気を供給することにより、洗浄槽１１外へ排気口１３から押し出される。このとき、外気は洗浄槽１１内へは外気を供給する入口１１ａから入り、加熱空気は洗浄槽１１内からは加熱空気を排出する排出口１１ｂより出る。この加熱空気により、食器類３を徐々に乾燥することができる。
【００２８】
また、この乾燥行程において、加熱空気の一部は循環通路１４に流れる。この循環通路１４内の流れは、洗浄槽１１内の循環通路１４の入口１４ａと出口１４ｂ付近の温度差によって、洗浄槽１１内で、洗浄槽１１の下部から上部に向けての自然対流が生じる。洗浄槽１１の下部に加熱手段６を設けているため、洗浄槽１１の下部の加熱空気の温度が高い。
【００２９】
このとき、同時に送風手段７によって、洗浄槽内１１に供給される流れが加わる。そのために循環通路１４の入口１４ａでは流れの動圧により、循環通路１４内に押し出される流れが生じ、出口１４ｂでは洗浄槽１１内に引き込まれる流れが生じ、この結果、循環通路１４内で流れが生じる。この循環通路１４内では、蒸気を多量に含んだ加熱空気が、循環通路１４を通過する間に、循環通路１４の壁面と熱交換して加熱空気の温度が下がる。
【００３０】
また、この循環通路１４内で温度が下がるということは、循環通路１４の入口１４ａと出口１４ｂの温度差も継続して確保できることになる。このとき、送風手段７によって取り込まれた外気は洗浄槽１１内の加熱空気に比べて冷たいので、この作用により、同じく循環通路１４内の流れを引き込む流れも作る。
【００３１】
しかも、循環通路１４を洗浄槽１１と熱絶縁して細長い通路にすれば、熱交換するために、加熱空気と接する循環通路１４の壁面の面積は、通路長×外周で表されるので非常に大きく確保できる。食器洗い乾燥機本体１２の省スペースでも、断面が大きい場合に比べて、通路長を確保できる。よって、熱交換能力を大きくすることができる。これにより、蒸気を多量に含んだ加熱空気が、細長い循環通路１４を通過する間に、循環通路１４の壁面と熱交換して加熱空気の温度が下がる。
【００３２】
さらに、循環通路１４の材質を熱容量の高いものにすれば、循環通路１４がある食器洗い乾燥機本体の１２温度が高くても、循環通路１４自身が熱交換し、コンデンサーの役目をし、熱量を蓄えることになる。逆に、熱容量の低いものにすると熱量がすぐに蓄えられる。この蓄えられた熱量は加熱空気の温度と循環通路１４の温度差がなくなったときに、ヒータ６をオフすることによって、循環通路１４の壁から熱量が放熱され、乾燥時のエネギーの省エネにもなる。
【００３３】
しかも、この循環通路１４内で温度が下がるということは、洗浄槽１１内の循環通路１４の入口１４ａと出口１４ｂ付近の温度差も継続して確保できることになり、循環通路１４の出口１４ｂより排出された加熱空気をヒータ６によって、加熱し、再び、自然対流を引き起こすことになる。
【００３４】
このように、循環通路１４は多くの熱量を蓄えることができるので、その効果は高くなる。この熱交換は、加熱空気の温度が７０℃〜８０℃と高く、循環通路１４は常温であるために、大きな温度差ができて可能となる。したがって、循環通路１４は洗浄槽１１と熱絶縁することが必要である。
【００３５】
しかも、加熱空気の温度が下がることにより、飽和水分量が低くなるので、加熱空気の水分の一部が結露して循環通路１４に残る。この結露水と加熱空気との間でも新たに熱交換が生じ、効果は一層高くなる。このことにより、加熱空気の結露が生じ、湿度も下げることができる。
【００３６】
よって、洗浄槽１１内に戻った加熱空気は、循環通路１４に入る前に比べて、温度、湿度が下がっている。それ故、排気口１３から出る加熱空気の温度、湿度を下げることができる。
【００３７】
また、排気口１３の開口面積を循環通路１４の開口面積に比べて小さくすれば、入口の抵抗（圧力）差により、循環通路１４に流れる加熱空気の量が多くなる。よって、直接、排出される加熱空気の量が少なくなり、熱交換によって温度、湿度が下がった加熱空気の排出量が多くなる。それ故、一層、排気口１３から出る加熱空気の温度、湿度を下げることができる。
【００３８】
また、循環通路１４を長くすれば、熱交換の能力が上がり、ヒータ６などの加熱手段の能力を高くしても、送風手段７の風量を多くしても、排気口１３から出る加熱空気の温度、湿度を一層下げることができ、しかも、乾燥効率も上げることができる。
【００３９】
しかも、乾燥時に排気口１３より排出される蒸気は一回の運転でも約１００ｍｌと非常に多いため、住まいの湿気の問題も引き起こす。しかし、本実施例では加熱空気の湿度も下げることができるので、湿気の問題も改善される。
【００４０】
また、加熱空気を循環させる循環通路１４の入口１４ａと出口１４ｂを洗浄槽１１の対角に位置するように設けたことにより、洗浄槽１１内の加熱空気がショートパスすることなく、洗浄槽１１内を端から端まで流れ、また、加熱空気を循環する入口１４ａを上部に設けたことにより、暖かい空気は上部に流れるという対流の効果も得られるので、より一層洗浄槽１１内の加熱空気の循環効率と熱交換の効率をよくすることができる。よって、より一層排気口１３から出る加熱空気の温度、湿度を下げることができる。
【００４１】
また、本実施例のように、循環通路１４を洗浄槽１１と分離して設ければ、これにより熱交換するために、循環通路１４を洗浄槽１１と熱絶縁する耐熱シートなどの特別な部材を新たに使用しなくとも、洗浄槽１１から分離することにより、空気絶縁ができ、熱交換の効果を得ることができる。
【００４２】
また、本実施例のように、加熱空気を循環させるための出口１４ｂを、外気を洗浄槽１１内に供給する送風手段７の入口１１ａの近傍に設けた構成としたことにより、送風手段７によって取り込まれた外気と洗浄槽１１内の循環通路１４の出口１４ｂ付近の加熱空気の温度差も大きい。よって、より一層、循環通路１４内の流れを引き込む流れを作ることができる。
【００４３】
図３は、循環通路１４を用いた本実施例（点線）と、従来例（実線）の排気口１３の出口の温度変化を示した実験結果のグラフである。図２より明らかなように、従来例に比べ排気の温度が下がっている。
【００４４】
（実施例２）
図４に示すように、循環通路１５は、洗浄槽（図示せず）内の加熱空気を循環させるもので、この循環通路１５の途中に、第２の送風手段１６を設けている。他の構成は上記実施例１と同じである。
【００４５】
上記構成において動作を説明する。循環通路１５の途中に第２の送風手段１６を設けることにより、洗浄槽内の循環通路１４の入口と出口付近の温度差によって、洗浄槽内で自然対流が生じ、同時に送風手段によって、洗浄槽内に供給される流れが加わり、そのために循環通路１５の入口では流れの動圧により、さらに循環通路内１５に押し出される流れが生じ、出口では洗浄槽内に引き込まれる流れが生じ、この結果、循環通路１５内で生じていた流れを強制的に作ることができる。
【００４６】
この循環通路１５内の流れは自然対流、流れの動圧の効果による流れで、非常に遅いが、第２の送風手段１６により流れを作ることで、速くすることができる。よって、循環される加熱空気の量が多くなり、加熱空気の温度、湿度を下げる効果が高くなる。また、洗浄槽内の湿度が速く下がるので、食器類、洗浄槽内の乾燥性能をよくすることができる。
【００４７】
（実施例３）
図５に示すように、循環通路１７は、洗浄槽（図示せず）内の加熱空気を循環させるもので、この循環通路１７の途中に、熱交換器１８を設けている。他の構成は上記実施例１と同じである。
【００４８】
上記構成において動作を説明する。循環通路１７の途中に熱交換器１８を設けることにより、循環通路１７と加熱空気が行っていた熱交換の能力に加え、熱交換器１８で、加熱空気の温度、湿度を下げる効果が加わるので、より一層、加熱空気の温度、湿度を下げる効果が高くなる。しかも、この循環通路１７を断面が小さく細長い通路にすれば、熱交換器１８に一度に入る量を少なくできるので、熱交換器１８の能力も高く維持できる。
【００４９】
しかも、熱交換器１８により、加熱空気の湿度が循環通路１７だけに比べて大きく下がるので、洗浄槽内の食器類、食器かご等の乾燥性能をよくすることができる。
【００５０】
（実施例４）
図６に示すように、循環通路１９は、洗浄槽１１内の加熱空気を循環させるもので、洗浄槽１１内の加熱空気を循環させる入口１９ａを洗浄槽１１の上部に設け、出口１９ｂを洗浄槽１１の下部に設け、入口１９ａと出口１９ｂの間を循環通路１９で連結している。この循環通路１９を途中で分岐し、排気口１３と連結する構成としている。他の構成は上記実施例１と同じであり、同一符号を付して説明を省略する。
【００５１】
上記構成において動作を説明する。細長い循環通路１９を途中で分岐し、一方を排気口１３と連結する構成とし、他方はそのまま洗浄槽１１に設けた循環通路１９の出口１９ｂと連結している。この構成により、加熱空気が排出されるときは、必ず循環通路１９を通り排出される。したがって、循環通路１９で熱交換されず、直接排気される加熱空気をなくすことができる。
【００５２】
よって、加熱空気は必ず一度は循環通路１９を通り、熱交換して温度、湿度が下がることになる。それ故、より一層排気口１３から出る加熱空気の温度、湿度を下げることができる。
【００５３】
また、循環通路１９の排気口１３と連結する循環通路１９の断面と、洗浄槽１１の循環通路１９の出口１９ｂの断面との面積比を変えることにより、一層加熱空気の温度、湿度を下げることもでき、乾燥性能をよくすることもできる。前者を目指す場合は、排気口１３と連結する循環通路１９の断面を小さくし、後者を目指す場合は大きくするとよい。
【００５４】
【発明の効果】
以上のように本発明の請求項１に記載の発明によれば、食器類を収容した洗浄槽と、前記洗浄槽内の温度を上昇させ食器類の乾燥を行う加熱手段と、前記洗浄槽内に外気を供給する送風手段と、前記洗浄槽内の加熱空気を洗浄槽外へ排出する排気口と、前記洗浄槽内の加熱空気を循環させる循環通路とを備え、前記洗浄槽内の加熱空気を循環させる入口を洗浄槽の上部に設けるとともに出口を洗浄槽の下部に設け、前記入口と出口の間を前記循環通路で連結し、前記循環通路は前記洗浄槽と熱絶縁して構成したから、蒸気を多量に含んだ加熱空気の一部が細長い循環通路に流れ、循環通路を通過する間に循環通路の壁と熱交換して加熱空気の温度を下げることができ、しかも、加熱空気の温度が下がることにより、飽和水分量が低くなるので、加熱空気の水分の一部が結露して循環通路に残るため、この結露水と加熱空気との間でも新たに熱交換が生じ、加熱空気の温度が一層下がり、しかも絶対湿度も下げることができ、排気口からでる加熱空気の温度、湿度を下げることができる。また、循環通路を長くすれば熱交換の能力が上がり、加熱手段の能力を高くしても、送風手段の風量を多くしても、排気口から出る加熱空気の温度、湿度を一層下げることができる。このことは、循環通路を流れる加熱空気の量も多くなり、洗浄槽内の湿度を低くしながら排気をすることになり、乾燥効率を上げることができる。
【００５５】
また、請求項２に記載の発明によれば、循環通路は、洗浄槽と分離して食器洗い乾燥機本体の外壁との間に空間を有する構成としたから、熱交換するために、循環通路を洗浄槽と熱絶縁する耐熱シートなどの特別な部材を新たに使用しなくとも、洗浄槽から分離することにより空気絶縁ができ、熱交換の効果を得ることができる。
【００５６】
また、請求項３に記載の発明によれば、洗浄槽内の加熱空気を循環させる出口を、前記洗浄槽内に外気を供給する送風手段の入口の近傍に設けたから、送風手段によって取り込まれた外気と洗浄槽内循環通路の出口付近の加熱空気の温度差が大きいため、より一層、循環通路内の流れを引き込む流れを作ることができる。
【００５７】
また、請求項４に記載の発明によれば、洗浄槽内の加熱空気を循環させる入口と出口を、前記洗浄槽の対角に位置するように設け、前記入口と出口の間を循環通路で連結し、かつ、加熱空気循環の入口は、前記洗浄槽の上部に設けたから、洗浄槽内の加熱空気がショートパスすることなく、洗浄槽内を流れ、また、加熱空気の循環する入口を上部に設けたことにより、暖かい空気は上部に流れるという対流の効果も得られるので、より一層洗浄槽内の加熱空気の循環効率と熱交換の効率をよくすることができる。よって、より一層排気口から出る加熱空気の温度、湿度を下げることができる。
【００５８】
また、請求項５に記載の発明によれば、循環通路の途中に、第２の送風手段を設けたから、洗浄槽内の循環通路の入口と出口付近の温度差によって、洗浄槽内で洗浄槽下部から上部に向けての自然対流が生じ、同時に第２の送風手段によって、洗浄槽内に供給される流れが加わり、そのために循環通路の入口では流れの動圧により、さらに循環通路内に押される流れが生じ、出口では洗浄槽内に引き込まれる流れが生じ、この結果、循環通路内で生じていた流れを強制的に作ることができる。この循環通路内の流れは自然対流、流れの動圧の効果による流れで、非常に遅いが、第２の送風手段により流れを作ることで、速くすることができる。よって、循環される加熱空気の量が多くなり、加熱空気の温度、湿度を下げる効果が高くなる。
【００５９】
また、請求項６に記載の発明によれば、循環通路の途中に、熱交換器を設けたから、循環通路と加熱空気が行っていた熱交換の能力に加え、熱交換器で加熱空気の温度、湿度を下げる効果が加わるので、より一層、加熱空気の温度、湿度を下げる効果が高くなる。しかも、この循環通路を断面が小さく細長い通路にすれば、熱交換器に一度に入る量を少なくできるので、熱交換器の能力も高く維持できる。
【００６０】
また、請求項７に記載の発明によれば、細長い循環通路を経路の途中で分岐させ、一方を排気口と連結する構成としたから、循環通路で熱交換されず、直接排気される加熱空気をなくすことができる。よって、排気される蒸気は必ず一度は循環通路を通り、熱交換して温度、湿度が下がることになるので、より一層排気口から出る加熱空気の湿度を下げることができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１の実施例の食器洗い乾燥機の断面図
【図２】同食器洗い乾燥機の一部切欠した斜視図
【図３】同食器洗い乾燥機と従来例の排気口の温度変化を示すタイムチャート
【図４】本発明の第２の実施例の食器洗い乾燥機の要部側面図
【図５】本発明の第３の実施例の食器洗い乾燥機の要部断面図
【図６】本発明の第４の実施例の食器洗い乾燥機の断面図
【図７】従来の食器洗い機の断面図
【符号の説明】
３　食器類
６　ヒータ（加熱手段）
７　送風手段
１１　洗浄槽
１３　排気口
１４　循環通路
１４ａ　入口
１４ｂ　出口[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a dishwasher having a function of drying dishes after washing.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, this type of dishwasher / dryer has been configured as shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the configuration will be described.
[0003]
As shown in FIG. 7, the washing tank 1 is provided in a dishwasher main body A, and a nozzle 2 for injecting washing water is rotatably provided substantially at the center of the bottom of the washing tank 1. Is provided with a tableware basket 4 in which tableware 3 is arranged. The cleaning pump 5 circulates the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 1, and the heater 6 is a heating means used when the cleaning water is heated into hot water. The heater 6 is used for elevating the temperature in the washing tank 1 and for directly warming the dishes 3 in order to evaporate the washing water in the drying step after the washing step. The blowing means 7 is provided on the outer bottom of the cleaning tank 1. In addition, 8 is a drainage pump.
[0004]
The operation of the above configuration will be described. First, the tableware 3 is placed in the tableware basket 4, accommodated in the washing tank 1, and when the operation is started, a predetermined amount of water is supplied into the washing tank 1 from a water supply valve (not shown). Drive. The cleaning water in the cleaning tank 1 is sucked from the drain port 9 by the cleaning pump 5, is pressure-fed to the nozzle 2, and is jetted vigorously by the rotating nozzle 2.
[0005]
The tableware 3 arranged in the tableware basket 4 is washed with the washing water. Thereafter, the cleaning water is sucked again from the drain port 9 by the cleaning pump 5, and the above operation is repeated. When the cleaning water enters the cleaning tank 1 in the process of circulating the cleaning water, the cleaning water is heated by the heater 6. The tableware 3 arranged in the tableware basket 4 is washed by repeating the circulation of the washing water.
[0006]
After the completion of the washing step, the drainage pump 8 is operated, the washing water is discharged from the drain port 9 to the outside of the tank, a rinsing step is performed, and then a drying step is started. After the washing water is discharged, the heater 6 is heated again to raise the temperature in the washing tank 1, and the dishes 3 are directly heated, and the water drops adhered to the dishes 3 and the dish basket 4, The water droplets remaining in the tank 1 are evaporated.
[0007]
The heated air containing a large amount of evaporated water is pushed out of the cleaning tank 1 from the exhaust port 10 by supplying outside air into the cleaning tank 1 by the blowing means 7. By repeating this heating and blowing, the tableware 3 can be gradually dried.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In order to efficiently dry the dishware 3 after washing with such a conventional dishwasher / dryer, the temperature in the washing tank 1 is increased by a heating means such as a heater 6 or the like. Is directly heated to increase the evaporation rate of water drops adhering to the dishes 3 and the dish basket 4 and water drops remaining in the washing tank 1, and heating air containing a large amount of evaporated water is blown into the washing tank 1 by the blowing means 7. It is necessary to supply outside air to the washing tank 1 and quickly push it out of the washing tank 1.
[0009]
However, as the capacity of the heater 6 is increased and the air volume of the blower 7 is increased, a large amount of high-temperature steam is discharged from the exhaust port 10 to the outside of the cleaning tank 1 at a time. . The temperature of this steam is as high as about 70 ° C. to 80 ° C., the relative humidity is also as extremely high as about 100%, and high-temperature, high-humidity steam is generated. For this purpose, it is necessary to lower the temperature and humidity of the heated air containing a large amount of steam coming out of the exhaust port 10.
[0010]
However, if the capacity of the heater 6 is reduced to reduce the temperature and humidity of the exhaust gas, or if the air volume of the blowing means 7 is reduced, the drying efficiency is adversely affected.
[0011]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and reduces the temperature and humidity of the heated air exiting from the exhaust port without reducing the capacity of the heating means and without reducing the air volume of the blowing means, and furthermore, the drying efficiency. The aim is to raise.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention raises the temperature in the washing tank containing the dishes by heating means, dries the dishes, and supplies outside air into the washing tank by the blowing means to remove the inside of the washing tank. The heated air in the cleaning tank is discharged from the cleaning tank through the exhaust port, and the heated air in the cleaning tank is circulated through the circulation passage.The inlet for circulating the heated air in the cleaning tank is provided at the top of the cleaning tank and the outlet is provided. It is provided at the lower part of the washing tank, and the inlet and the outlet are connected by a circulation passage, and the circulation passage is configured to be thermally insulated from the washing tank.
[0013]
This makes it possible to lower the temperature and humidity of the heated air flowing out of the exhaust port without increasing the capacity of the heating means and the air volume of the blowing means, and to increase the drying efficiency.
[0014]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention provides a cleaning tank containing tableware, heating means for increasing the temperature in the cleaning tank to dry the tableware, and a blower for supplying outside air to the cleaning tank. Means, an exhaust port for discharging heated air in the cleaning tank to the outside of the cleaning tank, and a circulation passage for circulating the heated air in the cleaning tank, and cleaning an inlet for circulating the heated air in the cleaning tank. It is provided at the upper part of the tank and the outlet is provided at the lower part of the washing tank, the inlet and the outlet are connected by the circulation passage, and the circulation passage is configured to be thermally insulated from the washing tank. Part of the heating air contained in the air flows into the elongated circulation passage, and while passing through the circulation passage, heat exchange with the wall of the circulation passage can reduce the temperature of the heating air, and the temperature of the heating air also decreases. As a result, the saturated water content decreases, Because part of the water is condensed and remains in the circulation passage, a new heat exchange occurs between the condensed water and the heated air, further reducing the temperature of the heated air and lowering the absolute humidity. The temperature and humidity of the heated air can be reduced. In addition, the longer the circulation passage, the higher the heat exchange capacity.Even if the capacity of the heating means is increased or the air volume of the blowing means is increased, the temperature and humidity of the heated air exiting from the exhaust port can be further reduced. it can. As a result, the amount of heated air flowing through the circulation passage increases, and exhaust is performed while lowering the humidity in the cleaning tank, thereby improving the drying efficiency.
[0015]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the circulation passage is configured to have a space between the washing tank and the outer wall of the dishwasher body separately. Even if it is not necessary to newly use a special member such as a heat-resistant sheet that thermally insulates the circulation passage from the cleaning tank for replacement, air insulation can be achieved by separating from the cleaning tank, and the effect of heat exchange can be obtained. .
[0016]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, an outlet for circulating the heated air in the cleaning tank is provided near an inlet of a blowing means for supplying outside air into the cleaning tank. Since the temperature difference between the outside air taken in by the air blowing means and the heated air near the outlet of the circulation passage in the cleaning tank is large, a flow that draws the flow in the circulation passage can be further created.
[0017]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first to third aspects of the present invention, an inlet and an outlet for circulating heated air in the cleaning tank are provided so as to be located diagonally to the cleaning tank. And the outlet are connected by a circulation passage, and the inlet of the heated air circulation is provided at the upper part of the washing tank, and the heated air in the washing tank flows through the washing tank without a short path. In addition, the provision of an inlet for circulating heated air at the upper portion also provides a convection effect that warm air flows to the upper portion, so that the efficiency of circulating heated air in the cleaning tank and the efficiency of heat exchange are further improved. can do. Therefore, the temperature and humidity of the heated air flowing out of the exhaust port can be further reduced.
[0018]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, a second blowing means is provided in the middle of the circulation passage, and the vicinity of the entrance and the exit of the circulation passage in the cleaning tank is provided. , A natural convection from the lower part to the upper part of the washing tank occurs in the washing tank, and at the same time, the flow supplied into the washing tank by the second blowing means is added. Due to the dynamic pressure, a flow that is further pushed into the circulation passage is generated, and a flow that is drawn into the cleaning tank is generated at the outlet. As a result, the flow that has been generated in the circulation passage can be forcibly created. The flow in the circulation passage is a natural convection and a flow due to the effect of the dynamic pressure of the flow, and is very slow, but can be made faster by creating the flow by the second blowing means. Therefore, the amount of circulating heated air increases, and the effect of lowering the temperature and humidity of the heated air increases.
[0019]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, a heat exchanger is provided in the middle of the circulation passage, and the heat exchange capacity of the circulation passage and the heated air is provided. In addition to this, the effect of lowering the temperature and humidity of the heated air by the heat exchanger is added, so that the effect of lowering the temperature and humidity of the heated air is further enhanced. In addition, when the circulation passage is formed to be a slender passage having a small cross section, the amount that enters the heat exchanger at one time can be reduced, so that the capacity of the heat exchanger can be maintained high.
[0020]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, the elongated circulation passage is branched in the middle of the path and one of the passages is connected to the exhaust port. It is possible to eliminate heated air which is not exchanged and is directly exhausted. Therefore, the steam to be exhausted always passes through the circulation passage once and exchanges heat to lower the temperature and humidity, so that the humidity of the heated air coming out of the exhaust port can be further reduced.
[0021]
【Example】
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Components having the same configuration as the conventional example are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.
[0022]
(Example 1)
As shown in FIG. 1, the washing tub 11 is provided in a dishwasher main body 12, and a dish basket 4 in which the dishes 3 are arranged in the washing tub 11 is provided. The heater 6 is a heating means used to heat the cleaning water into hot water. The heater 6 increases the temperature in the cleaning tank 11 in order to evaporate the cleaning water in a drying process after the cleaning process. And for directly heating the tableware 3.
[0023]
The blowing means 7 is provided at the outer bottom of the cleaning tank 11 and supplies outside air into the cleaning tank 11 through the first blowing path 7a. The exhaust port 13 is for discharging the heated air in the cleaning tank 11 out of the tank. The cleaning tank 11 is provided with a circulation passage 14 for circulating the heated air in the cleaning tank 11, an inlet 14a for circulating the heated air in the cleaning tank 11 is provided above the cleaning tank 11, and an outlet 14b is provided below the cleaning tank 11. And an inlet 14a and an outlet 14b are connected by a circulation passage 14. Here, the inlet 14a and the outlet 14b are provided so as to be located diagonally to the cleaning tank 11, as shown in FIG. The circulation passage 14 is configured to be thermally insulated from the cleaning tank 11.
[0024]
The operation of the above configuration will be described. First, the tableware 3 is placed in the tableware basket 4, housed in the washing tank 11, and when the operation is started, a predetermined amount of water is supplied into the washing tank 11 from a water supply valve (not shown), and then the washing pump is supplied. 5 is driven. The cleaning water in the cleaning tank 11 is sucked from the drain port 9 by the cleaning pump 5, is pressure-fed to the nozzle 2, and is vigorously jetted by the rotating nozzle 2.
[0025]
The tableware 3 arranged in the tableware basket 4 is washed with the washing water. Thereafter, the cleaning water is sucked again from the drain port 9 by the cleaning pump 5, and the above operation is repeated. When the cleaning water enters the cleaning tank 11 in the process of circulating the cleaning water, the cleaning water is heated by a heating means such as the heater 6 and the tableware 3 and the like arranged in the tableware basket 4 by repeating the circulation of the cleaning water. Wash.
[0026]
After the completion of the washing step, the drainage pump 8 is operated to discharge the washing water from the drain port 9 to the outside of the tank. After the rinsing step, the drying step starts. In the drying process, the heater 6 is heated again to raise the temperature in the washing tank 11, and the dishes 3 are directly heated, and the water drops adhering to the dishes 3 and the basket 4, and the water in the washing tank 11. Evaporate the remaining water droplets.
[0027]
A part of the heated air containing a large amount of the evaporated water is supplied from the exhaust port 13 to the outside of the cleaning tank 11 by supplying outside air into the cleaning tank 11 by the blowing means 7 through the first air passage 7a. Extruded. At this time, the outside air enters the cleaning tank 11 from an inlet 11a for supplying the outside air, and the heating air exits from the cleaning tank 11 through an outlet 11b for discharging the heating air. The tableware 3 can be gradually dried by the heated air.
[0028]
In the drying process, a part of the heated air flows into the circulation passage 14. Due to the temperature difference between the inlet 14a and the outlet 14b of the circulation passage 14 in the cleaning tank 11, a natural convection from the lower part to the upper part of the cleaning tank 11 occurs in the flow in the circulation path 14. . Since the heating means 6 is provided in the lower part of the cleaning tank 11, the temperature of the heated air in the lower part of the cleaning tank 11 is high.
[0029]
At this time, a flow supplied to the inside of the cleaning tank 11 is simultaneously applied by the blowing means 7. Therefore, at the inlet 14a of the circulation passage 14, a flow pushed out into the circulation passage 14 is generated by the dynamic pressure of the flow, and at the outlet 14b, a flow drawn into the cleaning tank 11 is generated. As a result, the flow within the circulation passage 14 is reduced. Occurs. In the circulation passage 14, the heated air containing a large amount of steam exchanges heat with the wall surface of the circulation passage 14 while passing through the circulation passage 14, and the temperature of the heated air decreases.
[0030]
In addition, the fact that the temperature decreases in the circulation passage 14 means that the temperature difference between the inlet 14a and the outlet 14b of the circulation passage 14 can be maintained continuously. At this time, since the outside air taken in by the blowing means 7 is cooler than the heated air in the cleaning tank 11, this action also creates a flow that draws the flow in the circulation passage 14.
[0031]
Moreover, if the circulation passage 14 is formed into a slender passage by thermally insulating it from the cleaning tank 11, the area of the wall surface of the circulation passage 14 in contact with the heated air for heat exchange is represented by the length of the passage x the outer periphery. Can be secured large. Even in the space saving of the dishwasher main body 12, the passage length can be secured as compared with the case where the cross section is large. Therefore, the heat exchange capacity can be increased. As a result, the heating air containing a large amount of steam exchanges heat with the wall surface of the circulation passage 14 while passing through the elongated circulation passage 14, and the temperature of the heating air decreases.
[0032]
Furthermore, if the material of the circulation passage 14 is made of a material having a high heat capacity, even if the temperature of the dishwasher body 12 having the circulation passage 14 is high, the circulation passage 14 itself exchanges heat and acts as a condenser, thereby reducing the amount of heat. Will be stored. Conversely, when the heat capacity is low, the amount of heat is stored immediately. By turning off the heater 6 when the temperature difference between the temperature of the heated air and the temperature of the circulation passage 14 disappears, the stored heat dissipates heat from the wall of the circulation passage 14 and saves energy during drying. Become.
[0033]
In addition, the fact that the temperature is lowered in the circulation passage 14 means that the temperature difference between the inlet 14a and the outlet 14b of the circulation passage 14 in the cleaning tank 11 can be continuously maintained, and the discharge from the outlet 14b of the circulation passage 14 is performed. The heated air thus heated is heated by the heater 6 to cause natural convection again.
[0034]
As described above, since the circulation passage 14 can store a large amount of heat, its effect is enhanced. This heat exchange is possible because the temperature of the heated air is as high as 70 ° C. to 80 ° C. and the circulation passage 14 is at room temperature, so that there is a large temperature difference. Therefore, the circulation passage 14 needs to be thermally insulated from the cleaning tank 11.
[0035]
Moreover, since the saturated water content is reduced by lowering the temperature of the heated air, a part of the water in the heated air is dewed and remains in the circulation passage 14. A new heat exchange occurs between the condensed water and the heated air, and the effect is further enhanced. As a result, dew condensation of the heated air occurs, and the humidity can be reduced.
[0036]
Therefore, the temperature and humidity of the heated air that has returned to the cleaning tank 11 are lower than before entering the circulation passage 14. Therefore, the temperature and humidity of the heated air flowing out of the exhaust port 13 can be reduced.
[0037]
Further, if the opening area of the exhaust port 13 is made smaller than the opening area of the circulation passage 14, the amount of heated air flowing through the circulation passage 14 increases due to the difference in resistance (pressure) at the inlet. Therefore, the amount of the heated air directly discharged is reduced, and the discharged amount of the heated air whose temperature and humidity are lowered by the heat exchange is increased. Therefore, the temperature and humidity of the heated air flowing out from the exhaust port 13 can be further reduced.
[0038]
In addition, if the circulation passage 14 is lengthened, the heat exchange capacity is increased, and even if the capacity of the heating means such as the heater 6 is increased, or even if the air volume of the blowing means 7 is increased, the heating air flowing out of the exhaust port 13 is reduced. The temperature and humidity can be further reduced, and the drying efficiency can be increased.
[0039]
In addition, the amount of steam discharged from the exhaust port 13 during drying is as much as about 100 ml even in one operation, which causes a problem of dampness in a house. However, in this embodiment, since the humidity of the heated air can be reduced, the problem of moisture is also improved.
[0040]
Further, by providing the inlet 14a and the outlet 14b of the circulation passage 14 for circulating the heated air so as to be located diagonally to the cleaning tank 11, the heating air in the cleaning tank 11 does not short-path, and By providing an inlet 14a at the upper part that flows from one end to the other and circulates the heated air, the effect of convection that warm air flows upward can also be obtained. The circulation efficiency and the heat exchange efficiency can be improved. Therefore, the temperature and humidity of the heated air flowing out of the exhaust port 13 can be further reduced.
[0041]
If the circulation passage 14 is provided separately from the cleaning tank 11 as in the present embodiment, a special member such as a heat-resistant sheet that thermally insulates the circulation passage 14 from the cleaning tank 11 can be used for heat exchange. Even if is not newly used, the air can be isolated from the washing tank 11 and the effect of heat exchange can be obtained.
[0042]
Further, as in the present embodiment, the outlet 14b for circulating the heated air is provided near the inlet 11a of the blower 7 for supplying outside air into the cleaning tank 11, so that the blower 7 The temperature difference between the taken-in outside air and the heated air near the outlet 14b of the circulation passage 14 in the cleaning tank 11 is also large. Therefore, a flow that draws the flow in the circulation passage 14 can be created even more.
[0043]
FIG. 3 is a graph of experimental results showing the temperature change at the outlet of the exhaust port 13 in the present embodiment (dotted line) using the circulation passage 14 and the conventional example (solid line). As is clear from FIG. 2, the exhaust gas temperature is lower than that of the conventional example.
[0044]
(Example 2)
As shown in FIG. 4, the circulation passage 15 circulates heated air in a cleaning tank (not shown), and a second blowing unit 16 is provided in the circulation passage 15. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.
[0045]
The operation of the above configuration will be described. By providing the second air blowing means 16 in the middle of the circulation passage 15, a natural convection occurs in the cleaning tank due to a temperature difference between the inlet and the outlet of the circulation passage 14 in the cleaning tank. The flow supplied to the inside of the circulation passage 15 is added, so that at the inlet of the circulation passage 15, a flow is further pushed out into the circulation passage 15 by the dynamic pressure of the flow, and at the outlet, a flow is drawn into the washing tank, and as a result, The flow occurring in the circulation passage 15 can be forcibly created.
[0046]
The flow in the circulation passage 15 is very slow due to natural convection and the effect of the dynamic pressure of the flow, but can be made faster by creating the flow by the second blowing means 16. Therefore, the amount of circulating heated air increases, and the effect of lowering the temperature and humidity of the heated air increases. In addition, since the humidity in the washing tank rapidly decreases, the drying performance in the dishes and the washing tank can be improved.
[0047]
(Example 3)
As shown in FIG. 5, the circulation passage 17 circulates heated air in a cleaning tank (not shown). A heat exchanger 18 is provided in the circulation passage 17. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.
[0048]
The operation of the above configuration will be described. By providing the heat exchanger 18 in the middle of the circulation passage 17, in addition to the heat exchange capacity of the circulation passage 17 and the heated air, the heat exchanger 18 has an effect of lowering the temperature and humidity of the heated air. The effect of lowering the temperature and humidity of the heated air is further enhanced. Moreover, if the circulation passage 17 is formed to have a small cross section and an elongated passage, the amount of the circulation passage 17 that enters the heat exchanger 18 at a time can be reduced, and the capacity of the heat exchanger 18 can be maintained high.
[0049]
In addition, since the heat exchanger 18 lowers the humidity of the heated air much more than the circulation passage 17 alone, it is possible to improve the drying performance of the dishes and the dish basket in the washing tank.
[0050]
(Example 4)
As shown in FIG. 6, the circulation passage 19 circulates the heated air in the cleaning tank 11, and an inlet 19a for circulating the heated air in the cleaning tank 11 is provided above the cleaning tank 11, and an outlet 19b is cleaned. It is provided at the lower part of the tank 11 and is connected between the inlet 19a and the outlet 19b by the circulation passage 19. The circulation passage 19 branches off in the middle and is connected to the exhaust port 13. The other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given and the description is omitted.
[0051]
The operation of the above configuration will be described. The elongated circulation passage 19 branches off in the middle, and one is connected to the exhaust port 13, and the other is directly connected to the outlet 19 b of the circulation passage 19 provided in the washing tank 11. With this configuration, when the heated air is discharged, the heated air is always discharged through the circulation passage 19. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate heated air that is not directly exchanged in the circulation passage 19 but is directly exhausted.
[0052]
Therefore, the heated air always passes through the circulation passage 19 once and exchanges heat to lower the temperature and the humidity. Therefore, the temperature and humidity of the heated air flowing out of the exhaust port 13 can be further reduced.
[0053]
Further, by changing the area ratio between the cross section of the circulation passage 19 connected to the exhaust port 13 of the circulation passage 19 and the cross section of the exit 19b of the circulation passage 19 of the cleaning tank 11, the temperature and humidity of the heated air can be further reduced. And drying performance can be improved. When aiming at the former, the cross section of the circulation passage 19 connected to the exhaust port 13 may be made smaller, and when aiming at the latter, it may be made larger.
[0054]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the invention of claim 1 of the present invention, a washing tank containing tableware, heating means for increasing the temperature in the washing tank to dry the tableware, Air supply means for supplying outside air to the washing tank, an exhaust port for discharging heated air in the washing tank to the outside of the washing tank, and a circulation passage for circulating the heated air in the washing tank, wherein the heated air in the washing tank is provided. An inlet for circulating is provided at the upper part of the washing tank and an outlet is provided at the lower part of the washing tank, and the inlet and the outlet are connected by the circulation passage, and the circulation passage is configured to be thermally insulated from the washing tank. A part of the heating air containing a large amount of steam flows into the elongated circulation passage, and while passing through the circulation passage, exchanges heat with the wall of the circulation passage to reduce the temperature of the heating air. As the temperature decreases, the saturated water content decreases. Part of the moisture in the heated air is condensed and remains in the circulation passage, so new heat exchange occurs between the condensed water and the heated air, further reducing the temperature of the heated air and reducing the absolute humidity. The temperature and humidity of the heated air coming out of the exhaust port can be reduced. In addition, the longer the circulation passage, the higher the heat exchange capacity.Even if the capacity of the heating means is increased or the air volume of the blowing means is increased, the temperature and humidity of the heated air exiting from the exhaust port can be further reduced. it can. As a result, the amount of heated air flowing through the circulation passage also increases, and exhaust is performed while lowering the humidity in the cleaning tank, thereby improving drying efficiency.
[0055]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the circulation passage is configured to have a space between the washing tank and the outer wall of the dishwasher main body, the circulation passage is provided for heat exchange. Even if a special member such as a heat-resistant sheet that thermally insulates the cleaning tank is not used, air insulation can be achieved by separating the cleaning tank from the cleaning tank, and the effect of heat exchange can be obtained.
[0056]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the outlet for circulating the heated air in the cleaning tank is provided near the inlet of the blowing means for supplying outside air into the cleaning tank, the outlet is taken in by the blowing means. Since the temperature difference between the outside air and the heated air near the outlet of the circulation passage in the cleaning tank is large, a flow that draws the flow in the circulation passage can be further created.
[0057]
According to the invention as set forth in claim 4, an inlet and an outlet for circulating the heated air in the cleaning tank are provided so as to be located diagonally to the cleaning tank, and a circulation passage is provided between the inlet and the outlet. Since the connection and the inlet of the heated air circulation are provided at the upper part of the washing tank, the heated air in the washing tank flows through the washing tank without short-passing, and the inlet through which the heated air circulates is provided at the upper part. In this case, the effect of convection that warm air flows upward can be obtained, so that the efficiency of circulation and heat exchange of the heated air in the cleaning tank can be further improved. Therefore, the temperature and humidity of the heated air flowing out of the exhaust port can be further reduced.
[0058]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the second air blowing means is provided in the middle of the circulation passage, the temperature of the circulation passage in the cleaning tank varies depending on the temperature difference between the inlet and the outlet. Natural convection from the lower part to the upper part occurs, and at the same time, the flow supplied into the cleaning tank is added by the second blowing means. Therefore, at the inlet of the circulation passage, the flow is further pressed into the circulation passage by the dynamic pressure of the flow. A flow is generated, and at the outlet, a flow is drawn into the washing tank, so that the flow that has occurred in the circulation passage can be forcibly created. The flow in the circulation passage is a natural convection and a flow due to the effect of the dynamic pressure of the flow, and is very slow, but can be made faster by creating the flow by the second blowing means. Therefore, the amount of circulating heated air increases, and the effect of lowering the temperature and humidity of the heated air increases.
[0059]
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the heat exchanger is provided in the middle of the circulation passage, in addition to the heat exchange capability of the circulation passage and the heated air, the temperature of the heated air is also reduced by the heat exchanger. Since the effect of lowering the humidity is added, the effect of lowering the temperature and humidity of the heated air is further enhanced. In addition, when the circulation passage is formed to be a slender passage having a small cross section, the amount that enters the heat exchanger at one time can be reduced, so that the capacity of the heat exchanger can be maintained high.
[0060]
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since the elongated circulation passage is branched in the middle of the passage, and one of the passages is connected to the exhaust port, the heated air is directly exhausted without heat exchange in the circulation passage. Can be eliminated. Therefore, the steam to be exhausted always passes through the circulation passage once and exchanges heat to lower the temperature and humidity, so that the humidity of the heated air coming out of the exhaust port can be further reduced.
[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 a partially cutaway perspective view of the dishwasher.
FIG. 3 is a time chart showing a temperature change of the exhaust port of the dishwasher and the conventional example.
FIG. 4 is a side view of a main portion of a dishwasher according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a main part of a dishwasher according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a dishwasher according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a conventional dishwasher.
[Explanation of symbols]
3 tableware
6 heater (heating means)
7 Blowing means
11 Cleaning tank
13 Exhaust port
14 Circulation passage
14a entrance
14b exit

Claims

A washing tank containing tableware, heating means for increasing the temperature in the washing tank to dry the dishes, blowing means for supplying outside air to the washing tank, and cleaning heated air in the washing tank; An exhaust port for exhausting the cleaning tank, a circulation passage for circulating heated air in the cleaning tank, an inlet for circulating heated air in the cleaning tank provided at an upper part of the cleaning tank, and an outlet at a lower part of the cleaning tank. A dishwasher, wherein the inlet and the outlet are connected by the circulation passage, and the circulation passage is thermally insulated from the washing tank.

The dishwasher / dryer according to claim 1, wherein the circulation passage has a space between the washing tank and the outer wall of the dishwasher / dryer body.

The dishwasher / dryer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an outlet for circulating heated air in the washing tank is provided near an inlet of a blowing means for supplying outside air into the washing tank.

An inlet and an outlet for circulating heated air in the cleaning tank are provided so as to be located at diagonals of the cleaning tank, a connection between the inlet and the outlet is provided by a circulation passage, and an inlet for heated air circulation is The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the dishwasher is provided on an upper portion of the washing tank.

The dishwasher / dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a second blowing means is provided in the middle of the circulation passage.

The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a heat exchanger is provided in the middle of the circulation passage.

The dishwasher / dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the elongated circulation passage is branched in the middle of the path, and one is connected to an exhaust port.