JP2004321466A - Dishwasher - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To quickly detect an occurrence of bubbles before hindering a normal cleaning of dishes by a large quantity of bubbles occurring in a cleaning tub, notify a user of the occurrence and discharge the bubbles outside the cleaning tub in a dishwasher cleaning dishes by jetting water pressurized with a cleaning pump from a cleaning nozzle. <P>SOLUTION: The dishwasher has an auxiliary tank 19 having a bubble detecting means detecting nearly the top faces of the bubbles caused by a detergent and communicating with the cleaning tub 4 cleaning dishes and controls the operation of the cleaning pump 8 pressurizing cleaning water containing the detergent by a pump control means 18. The pump control means 18 delivers bubbles caused by the detergent to the auxiliary tank 19 from the cleaning tub 4 by controlling the operation of the cleaning pump 8. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a dishwasher for washing dishes by injecting water pressurized by a washing pump from a washing nozzle.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, this type of dishwasher has been configured as shown in FIGS. Hereinafter, the configuration will be described.
[0003]
As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the water supply path 1 supplies tap water to the dishwasher main body 2, and the water supply is controlled by a water supply valve 3. The washing tank 4 is provided inside the dishwasher main body 2, and the inside of the washing tank 4 is provided with a water storage section 5 for storing supplied water, and an auxiliary tank provided with a water level detecting means in communication with the water storage section 5. 6 are provided.
[0004]
The water stored in the water storage unit 5 is heated by a hot water heater 7 provided in the water storage unit 5, pressurized by a cleaning pump 8, and sprayed from a plurality of cleaning nozzles 9 toward tableware in a tableware basket 10. And try to wash dishes. The drain pump 11 discharges water in the washing tank 4.
[0005]
The dishwasher main body 2 is provided with a front door 12 that can be opened and closed so that the dish basket 10 can be taken in and out. The garbage filter 13 captures the garbage attached to the tableware.
[0006]
The seal portion 14 seals the water sprayed from the washing nozzle 9 so as not to leak from the front door 12, and the dish drying heater 16 dries the dish after washing the dish. The dish drying fan heater 16 generates the dish. The heated hot air is sent to the cleaning tank 4 through the air passage 17.
[0007]
The operation of the above configuration will be described. When the tableware is placed in the tableware basket 10 and accommodated in the washing tank 4 and the operation is started, the water supply valve 3 is opened and water is supplied to the washing tank 4 through the water supply path 1. The supplied water is stored in the water storage section 5 of the cleaning tank 4. When a predetermined water level is detected by the water level detecting means in the auxiliary tank 6, the water supply valve 3 is closed to terminate the water supply, and the cleaning pump 8 is driven.
[0008]
As a result, the water stored in the water storage unit 5 is heated by the hot water heater 7 and pressurized by the cleaning pump 8 to be sprayed from the cleaning nozzle 9 toward the tableware of the tableware basket 10 to wash the tableware. When the washing is completed, the water in the washing tank 4 is discharged by the drain pump 11.
[0009]
Further, as another conventional example, bubbles are generated in the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank by a blower that suctions air from an upper part of the cleaning tank and blows air from a lower part of the cleaning tank without using a cleaning nozzle, and the bubbles are used to wash dishes. There is a configuration that performs this operation (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0010]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-60-75022 (page 3, FIG. 2)
[0011]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in such a conventional configuration, when a detergent that easily foams is used, a large amount of foam acts as a cushion on the surface of the tableware, and even if water is jetted vigorously from the cleaning nozzle 9, the tableware loses momentum. Dirt is difficult to remove, a large amount of foam is sucked into the cleaning pump 8, the discharge pressure of the cleaning pump 8 is significantly reduced, the foam is filled in the cleaning tank 4, and the sealing portion 14 of the front door 12 and the tableware are dried. In some cases, bubbles may flow out of the air passage 17 communicating with the heater 16 and the like, which may hinder normal cleaning of dishes.
[0012]
Further, in a configuration in which dishes are washed with bubbles generated without using a washing nozzle, there is a problem that the washing ability of the dishes is far inferior to that using a washing nozzle, and commercialization is difficult. .
[0013]
The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and even if a large amount of foam is generated in a washing tank, the generation of foam is quickly detected before hindering normal washing of tableware, and a The purpose is to realize a dishwasher that can provide notification and discharge bubbles out of the washing tank.
[0014]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a washing tank for washing dishes, which is connected to an auxiliary tank having a foam detecting means for detecting a substantially upper surface of foam generated by the detergent, and pressurizes washing water containing the detergent. The operation of the pump is controlled by the pump control means, and the pump control means controls the operation of the cleaning pump to feed bubbles generated by the detergent from the cleaning tank to the auxiliary tank.
[0015]
With this, even if a large amount of foam is generated in the washing tank, it is possible to quickly detect the occurrence of foam before hindering normal washing of tableware, and to notify the user or The foam can be discharged out of the washing tank.
[0016]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention comprises a washing tank for washing dishes, a washing pump for pressurizing washing water containing a detergent, a foam detecting means for detecting a substantially upper surface of foam generated by the detergent, and the foam An auxiliary tank having detection means and communicating with the cleaning tank; and a pump control means for controlling the operation of the cleaning pump. The pump control means controls the operation of the cleaning pump to generate bubbles generated by the detergent. Is sent from the washing tank to the auxiliary tank.Even if a large amount of bubbles are generated in the washing tank, the simple structure can be used to reduce the occurrence of bubbles before it interferes with washing the dishes normally. The detection can be performed quickly, and the user can be notified and the bubbles can be discharged out of the cleaning tank.
[0017]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the pump control means is configured to turn on and off the power supply to the cleaning pump at a predetermined interval in an early stage of the cleaning operation. By turning on and off the power to the cleaning pump at predetermined intervals, bubbles generated by the detergent can be sent from the cleaning tank to the auxiliary tank, and the generation of bubbles can be detected in a short time with a simple structure.
[0018]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the pump control means turns on / off the power supply to the cleaning pump at a predetermined interval in an early stage of the cleaning operation, and further at an interval different from the predetermined interval. It is configured to turn on and off the power supply to the cleaning pump. After the bubbles are generated efficiently, the bubbles can be sent from the cleaning tank to the auxiliary tank, and the generation of the bubbles can be detected in a shorter time. .
[0019]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the pump control means is configured to repeat the strength of the operation of the cleaning pump at predetermined intervals in the initial stage of the cleaning operation. The generation of bubbles can be detected in a short time with a simple structure without stopping the injection.
[0020]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, the pump control means is configured to stop the washing pump while the foam detecting means detects the substantially upper surface of the foam. Thus, the detection accuracy of the bubble detecting means can be improved, and the generation of bubbles can be reliably detected in a short time.
[0021]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, the pump control means is configured to stop the cleaning pump for a predetermined time immediately after the foam detecting means detects a substantially upper surface of the foam. Thus, the detection accuracy of the bubble detecting means can be further improved, and the generation of bubbles can be reliably detected in a short time.
[0022]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the first to sixth aspects, the foam detecting means is configured to detect a water level of the washing tank, and detects the foam and the water level with one sensor. As a result, the entire device can be downsized.
[0023]
【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.
[0024]
(Example 1)
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pump control means 18 includes a microcomputer, a bidirectional thyristor (switching means), and controls the operation of the cleaning pump 8. Cleaning water is sprayed from a cleaning nozzle 9 provided inside.
[0025]
The auxiliary tank 19 communicates with the washing tank 4 by a water channel 19 a, and the water channel 19 a is inclined upward as going from the water storage section 5 to the auxiliary tank 19. As shown in FIG. 3, the auxiliary tank 19 has a water level detecting means 20 for detecting a water level of the cleaning tank 4 and a foam detecting means 21 for detecting a substantially upper surface of bubbles generated in the cleaning tank 4. .
[0026]
The water level detecting means 20 includes a float 22, a lever 23, and a microswitch 24. The float 22 rises in accordance with the rise of the water level in the auxiliary tank 19, and turns on and off the microswitch 24 via the lever 23. Detect. The bubble detecting means 21 includes a pair of electrodes 25 to which a voltage is applied, and is sent from the cleaning tank 4 to the auxiliary tank 19, and the substantially upper surface of the foam deposited on the upper surface of the water in the auxiliary tank 19 is a pair of electrodes 25. In this configuration, the upper surface of the bubble is detected by contact with the electrode 25 and conduction between the electrodes 25.
[0027]
Here, the pump control means 18 controls the operation of the cleaning pump 8 by turning on and off the power supply to the cleaning pump 8 at predetermined intervals at the beginning of the cleaning operation, and sends bubbles generated by the detergent from the cleaning tank 4 to the auxiliary tank 19. It is configured as follows.
[0028]
The operation of the above configuration will be described. When the tableware is placed in the dish basket 10 and accommodated in the washing tank 4 and the detergent is put into the washing tank 4 and the operation is started, the water supply valve 3 is opened and water is supplied to the washing tank 4 through the water supply path 1. The supplied water is stored in the water storage section 5 in the washing tank 4, and when a predetermined water level is detected by the water level detection means 20 in the auxiliary tank 19, the water supply valve 3 is closed to terminate the water supply, and the pump control means 18 The washing pump 8 is driven to wash the dishes arranged in the dish basket 10.
[0029]
Now, a case where the cleaning pump 8 is continuously operated will be described for reference. In this case, the water stored in the water storage unit 5 is pressurized by the cleaning pump 8, is injected from the cleaning nozzle 9 toward the tableware in the tableware basket 10, and circulates in a path returning to the water storage unit 5. At this time, bubbles are generated in the cleaning water due to the effects of the injection at the cleaning nozzle 9 and the pressure feeding by the cleaning pump 8.
[0030]
When the washing pump 8 is operated continuously, a negative pressure acts on the inside of the water channel 19 a in the direction of the water reservoir 5 by the suction force of the washing pump 8, and the generated bubbles are easily sent to the auxiliary tank 19. Does not arrive, and it is difficult to detect the bubbles generated by the bubble detecting means 21.
[0031]
The amount of foam generated is significantly affected by the type of detergent.However, in the case of a detergent that easily foams, a large amount of foam is generated only by running for a few minutes, and the amount of foam attached to the tableware surface is affected by the large amount of foam. The force of the cleaning water injected from the nozzle 8 is weakened, and the cleaning performance is reduced. Further, a large amount of generated bubbles are sucked by the cleaning pump 8, and the cleaning pump 8 is in an idling operation state, so that the discharge pressure is remarkably reduced, thereby further reducing the cleaning ability.
[0032]
Further, if the washing is continued while leaving a large amount of bubbles generated in the washing tank 4, bubbles will eventually overflow from the washing tank 4, and an air passage leading to the seal portion 14 of the front door 12 and the dish heater fan heater 16. 17 leaks out of the dishwasher main body 2.
[0033]
Therefore, in this embodiment, the pump control means 18 controls the operation of the cleaning pump 8 by turning on and off the power supply to the cleaning pump 8 at a predetermined interval in the initial stage of the cleaning operation, thereby suctioning the cleaning pump 8 in the water channel 19a. Is adjusted to make it easier for the generated foam to reach the inside of the auxiliary tank 19.
[0034]
The charts shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B express the relationship between the operation state of the washing pump 8 and the water level in the auxiliary tank 19 or the substantially upper surface position of the generated foam by taking the horizontal axis of time.
[0035]
FIG. 4A shows a state in which the cleaning pump 8 is continuously operated, where P is the operating state of the pump, m is the water level when the cleaning pump 8 is operating, and n is the state in which the cleaning pump 8 is stopped. , O indicates the water level when water is first supplied, and o indicates the water level when the electrode 25 of the bubble detecting means 21 is conducted or the position of the substantially upper surface of the bubble. T is a time on the time axis.
[0036]
When the operation of the dishwasher is started, water is supplied to a water level n. During this time, the cleaning pump 8 is in a stopped state. Here, when the cleaning pump 8 starts operating at time t1, the water level in the auxiliary tank 19 starts to decrease from time t2 due to the negative pressure due to the suction force of the cleaning pump 8. The reason why the time t2 is slightly delayed from the time t1 is that a large suction force is not immediately generated even when the cleaning pump 8 is activated, and that the suction force does not readily act due to the influence of the pressure loss in the water channel 19a.
[0037]
The water level gradually increases, but this is because the generated bubbles are gradually accumulating in the auxiliary tank 19, and even if the suction force of the cleaning pump 8 is acting in the water channel 19a, the bubbles are gradually increased. It can be seen that it reaches the inside of the tank 19. However, in this increasing method, it takes too much time to detect bubbles, and a large amount of bubbles is generated in the cleaning tank 4.
[0038]
Next, FIG. 4B shows a state in which the operation of the cleaning pump 8 is controlled by turning on / off the power supply to the cleaning pump 8 at predetermined intervals at an initial stage of the cleaning operation by the pump control means 18. 4 (a).
[0039]
After the operation of the cleaning pump 8 is started at the time t1, and the operation of the cleaning pump 8 is stopped at the time t3, the water level that has dropped from the water level n to the water level m at the time t2 turns to increase at the time t4. When the operation of the washing pump 8 is started at the time t5, the water level starts to decrease at a slightly delayed time t6, but the water level at the time t6 slightly exceeds the water level n. This is because the foam generated in the cleaning tank 4 reaches the auxiliary tank 19 through the water channel 19a with the stop of the operation of the cleaning pump 8. This is because when the washing pump 8 stops and the suction power is lost, bubbles flow into the auxiliary tank 19 along the slope of the water channel 19a.
[0040]
Further, the water level that has dropped at the time t6 is slightly higher than the water level m, but this is due to bubbles remaining in the auxiliary tank 6. This is because even if a suction force is generated by the washing pump 8, it is not possible to suck up bubbles even on the water surface in the auxiliary tank 19. When the washing pump 8 is stopped at time t7, the water level starts to rise from time t8, and at time t9, the water level starts to decrease from time t10, which is shortly after the washing pump 8 is stopped, but the water level at time t10 is much lower than the previous time. It is high, indicating that the foam has further increased in the auxiliary tank 19.
[0041]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the pump control unit 18 controls the operation of the cleaning pump 8 by turning on and off the power supply to the cleaning pump 8 at predetermined intervals in the initial stage of the cleaning operation, thereby reducing the bubbles generated by the detergent. It can be efficiently sent from the washing tank 4 to the auxiliary tank 19, and the bubbles can be detected in a short time. Even if a large amount of bubbles are generated in the washing tank 4, it is difficult to wash the dishes normally. It is possible to quickly detect the occurrence of bubbles before the occurrence of the warning, notify the user, or discharge the bubbles out of the washing tank.
[0042]
(Example 2)
The pump control means 18 shown in FIG. 1 is configured to turn on / off the power supply to the cleaning pump 8 at a predetermined interval in the initial stage of the cleaning operation, and then to turn on / off the power supply to the cleaning pump 8 at an interval different from the predetermined interval. I have. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.
[0043]
The operation of the above configuration will be described. Note that the basic operation of the cleaning step is the same as that of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.
[0044]
The chart shown in FIG. 5 expresses the relationship between the operation state of the washing pump 8 and the water level in the auxiliary tank 19 or the substantially upper surface position of the generated foam by taking a horizontal axis of time. The reference numerals are the same as those in FIG.
[0045]
As in FIG. 4B, the operation and stop of the cleaning pump 8 are repeated, but the first two operation times t1 to t3 ′ and t5 ′ to t7 ′ of the cleaning pump 8 are shown in FIG. Are set longer than the operation times t1 to t3 and t5 to t7 of the cleaning pump 8 of FIG. Conversely, the operation times t9 'to t11' are set shorter than the operation times t9 to t11, and this is repeated.
[0046]
At this time, the time for detecting bubbles is shorter in the case of FIG. Because, in the first two sections, the operation time of the cleaning pump 8 is longer in the case of FIG. 5 than in the case of FIG. 4B, the bubbles generated in the cleaning tank 4 are higher in the case of FIG. Increase in a short time. Next, by repeatedly operating and stopping the washing pump 8 at short intervals, suction force acts intermittently into the water channel 19a, and accordingly, the direction of the water storage unit 5 and the direction of the auxiliary tank 19 in the water channel 19a. At the same time, a water flow is generated such that water moves back and forth, and bubbles generated in the cleaning tank 4 by multiplying the water flow easily reach the auxiliary tank 19. Since a large amount of foam is generated first and the foam is efficiently sent to the auxiliary tank 19, the foam in the case of FIG. 5 can be detected in a shorter time.
[0047]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the pump control unit 18 turns on and off the power supply to the cleaning pump 8 at a predetermined interval in the initial stage of the cleaning operation, and then further supplies the power to the cleaning pump 8 at an interval different from the predetermined interval. Since it is configured to be turned on and off, after the bubbles are generated efficiently, the bubbles can be sent from the cleaning tank 4 to the auxiliary tank 19, and the generation of the bubbles can be detected in a shorter time.
[0048]
(Example 3)
The pump control means 18 shown in FIG. 1 is configured to stop the cleaning pump 8 while the foam detecting means 21 detects the substantially upper surface of the foam. Other configurations are the same as those in the first or second embodiment.
[0049]
The operation of the above configuration will be described. Note that the basic operation of the cleaning step is the same as that of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.
[0050]
4 (a), (b) and FIG. 5, the time during which the water level reaches the highest level in each section where the cleaning pump 8 is stopped is short. If this time is short, the time during which the electrode 24 is conducting becomes short, and erroneous detection is likely to occur. In order to prevent this, it is necessary to lengthen the time during which the electrode 24 is conducting. However, if the stop time of the washing pump 8 is extended and the operation and the stop are repeated, the time required for washing the dishes becomes longer. Would. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the cleaning pump 8 is stopped while the electrode 24 is conducting by bubbles.
[0051]
As shown in FIG. 6, when the cleaning pump 8 is stopped at the time t15, the water level o is reached at the time t18 and the electrode 24 is turned on. At the same time, the cleaning pump 8 already started to operate at the time t17 is stopped again. By the operation of the cleaning pump 8 during the period from the time t17 to the time t18, the water level falls at the time t19, so that the conduction of the electrode 24 is stopped, and at the same time, the cleaning pump 8 is operated.
[0052]
With the stop of the cleaning pump 8 in the section from the time t18 to the time t19, the water level rises again from the time t19, and the electrode 24 becomes conductive at the time t20. The highest level of the water level at the time t19 is higher than the water level at the time t18. This is due to the fact that the bubbles easily reach the auxiliary tank 19 by multiplying the water flow generated in the above-mentioned water channel 19a.
[0053]
The operation of the cleaning pump 8 during the period from the time t19 to the time t20 causes the water level to start falling again. However, even if the water level falls, the water level is higher than the water level o, so that the electrode 24 is in a conductive state, and the cleaning pump 8 is stopped. Therefore, after time t21, the water level does not drop, the conduction time of the electrode 24 becomes sufficiently long, and erroneous detection is eliminated and highly reliable bubble detection can be performed.
[0054]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the pump control unit 18 is configured to stop the cleaning pump 8 while the foam detection unit 21 detects the substantially upper surface of the foam. Detection accuracy can be improved, and the generation of bubbles can be reliably detected in a short time. In addition, the stoppage time of the washing pump 8 increases after the electrode 24 is once turned on, so that the time for washing the dishes does not increase.
[0055]
(Example 4)
The pump control means 18 shown in FIG. 1 is configured to stop the cleaning pump 8 for a predetermined time or more immediately after the foam detecting means 21 detects the substantially upper surface of the foam. Other configurations are the same as those of the first to third embodiments.
[0056]
The operation of the above configuration will be described. Note that the basic operation of the cleaning step is the same as that of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.
[0057]
As shown in FIG. 7, when the cleaning pump 8 is stopped at the time t22, the water level o is reached at the time t25, and the electrode 24 is turned on. At the same time, the cleaning pump 8 already started to operate at the time t24 is stopped for a predetermined time tm. . The water level falls at time t26 due to the operation of the cleaning pump in the section from time t24 to time t25, and the conduction of the electrode 24 is temporarily stopped. However, since the cleaning pump 8 is in a stopped state, the water level is directly increased and at time t27. The electrode 24 conducts again.
[0058]
Since the electrode 24 is turned on, the cleaning pump 8 is stopped again for a predetermined time tm from time t27, and the cleaning pump 8 is stopped all the time from time t25. Therefore, bubbles can be detected in a shorter time than in the case of the third embodiment.
[0059]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the pump control unit 18 is configured to stop the cleaning pump 8 for a predetermined time immediately after the bubble detecting unit 21 detects the substantially upper surface of the foam. Can be further improved, and the generation of bubbles can be reliably detected in a short time.
[0060]
(Example 5)
The pump control means 18 shown in FIG. 1 has a voltage control means when the motor for driving the cleaning pump 8 is an inverter type, and has a phase control means when the motor is an induction motor. The pump 8 is configured to repeat the strength of operation. Other configurations are the same as those in the first to fourth embodiments.
[0061]
The operation of the above configuration will be described. Note that the basic operation of the cleaning step is the same as that of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.
[0062]
In the initial stage of the cleaning operation, the operation of the cleaning pump 8 is repeated at predetermined intervals without stopping the cleaning pump 8, and when the operation of the cleaning pump 8 is weakened, the cleaning tank 4 is moved along the inclination of the water channel 19a. By operating the cleaning pump 8 so as to generate only a suction force weaker than the force generated by the bubbles generated in the above, the bubbles generated in the cleaning tank 4 reach the auxiliary tank 19 through the water channel 19a, Foam can be detected by the foam detecting means 21.
[0063]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the pump control means 18 is configured to repeat the strength of the operation of the cleaning pump 8 at a predetermined interval in the initial stage of the cleaning operation, the cleaning pump 8 is maintained in the operating state. Yes, it is possible to detect the generation of bubbles in a short time with a simple structure without stopping the injection from the washing nozzle 8, and since the water is constantly injected from the washing nozzle 9, the time for washing the dishes can be shortened. can do.
[0064]
Further, the pump control means 18 has a voltage control means when the motor for driving the cleaning pump 8 is an inverter type, and has a phase control means when the motor is an induction motor, so that optimum pump control can be performed at low cost. Can be.
[0065]
(Example 6)
As shown in FIG. 8, the auxiliary tank 26 is in communication with a cleaning tank (not shown) by a water channel 26a, and includes a water level detecting unit 27 for detecting a water level in the cleaning tank. The water level detecting means 27 includes a float 22, a lever 23, and a micro switch 28. The micro switch 28 has two contacts, outputs two types of outputs according to the height of the float 22, and outputs the water level in the auxiliary tank 26. The float 22 rises in response to the rise of water, and the micro switch 28 is turned on and off via the lever 23, thereby detecting the water level n and the water level o of the foam when the water is first supplied with the washing pump 8 stopped. It is configured to Here, m is a water level when the cleaning pump 8 is operating. Other configurations are the same as those in the first to fifth embodiments.
[0066]
The operation of the above configuration will be described. Note that the basic operation of the cleaning step is the same as that of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.
[0067]
When the operation is started, the water supply valve is opened to supply water to the washing tank, the supplied water enters the auxiliary tank 26, the float 22 in the auxiliary tank 26 rises, and a predetermined water level n is detected by the water level detection means 27. Then, the water supply valve is closed to terminate the water supply, and the cleaning pump is driven to clean the tableware arranged in the tableware basket.
[0068]
The bubbles generated by the operation of the cleaning pump enter the auxiliary tank 26 as in the first to fifth embodiments, and the float 22 rises due to the bubbles. When the float 22 rises to the water level o, the bubbles can be detected. It is possible to notify the user and discharge the foam out of the washing tank.
[0069]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the bubbles are detected by the water level detecting means 27 for detecting the water level of the cleaning tank, the bubbles and the water level can be detected by one sensor, so that the auxiliary tank 26 can be downsized. The size of the dishwasher can be reduced.
[0070]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the invention described in claim 1 of the present invention, the washing tank for washing dishes is connected to the auxiliary tank having the foam detecting means for detecting the substantially upper surface of the foam generated by the detergent, and the detergent is supplied. The operation of the cleaning pump for pressurizing the cleaning water is controlled by the pump control means, and the pump control means controls the operation of the cleaning pump to feed bubbles generated by the detergent from the cleaning tank to the auxiliary tank. Therefore, even if a large amount of foam is generated in the washing tank, it is possible to quickly detect the occurrence of foam before hindering normal washing of tableware and notify the user. The foam can be discharged out of the washing tank.
[Brief description of the drawings]
1 is a side sectional view of a dishwasher according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the dishwasher; FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of an auxiliary tank of the dishwasher; (A) A time chart showing the water level change in the auxiliary tank when the washing pump of the dishwasher is continuously operated. (B) The water level change in the auxiliary tank when the washing pump of the dishwasher is turned on and off. FIG. 5 is a time chart showing a change in the water level in the auxiliary tank of the dishwasher according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the water level in the auxiliary tank of the dishwasher according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a time chart showing a water level change in the auxiliary tank of the dishwasher according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a time chart showing a water dish change in the sixth embodiment of the present invention. Sectional view of auxiliary tank [Figure 9] Side sectional view of conventional dishwasher [ 10 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional dishwasher EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
4 Cleaning tank 8 Cleaning pump 18 Pump control means 19 Auxiliary tank 21 Foam detection means

Claims (7)

A washing tank for washing dishes, a washing pump for pressurizing washing water containing detergent, foam detecting means for detecting a substantially upper surface of foam generated by the detergent, and an auxiliary tank having the foam detecting means and communicating with the washing tank And tableware comprising pump control means for controlling the operation of the cleaning pump, wherein the pump control means controls the operation of the cleaning pump to feed bubbles generated by the detergent from the cleaning tank to the auxiliary tank. washing machine. 2. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the pump control means is configured to turn on and off the power supply to the washing pump at predetermined intervals in an early stage of the washing operation. 2. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the pump controller turns on and off the power supply to the cleaning pump at a predetermined interval in an early stage of the cleaning operation, and then turns on and off power supply to the cleaning pump at an interval different from the predetermined interval. . 2. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the pump control means is configured to repeat the intensity of the operation of the cleaning pump at predetermined intervals in an early stage of the cleaning operation. The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pump control means is configured to stop the cleaning pump while the foam detection means detects a substantially upper surface of the foam. The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pump control means is configured to stop the cleaning pump for a predetermined time immediately after the foam detection means detects a substantially upper surface of the foam. The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the foam detecting means is configured to detect a water level of the washing tank.

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