JP2006230497A - Dishwasher - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the outflow of water from both a water storage tank and a feed water pump when the water storage tank filled with water is drawn out from a dishwasher which works by supplying the stored water in the water storage tank to a washing chamber. <P>SOLUTION: Opening and closing valves 23 and 27 are disposed in both a discharge pipe 238 formed at the back of the water storage tank 22 and a suction pipe 248 at the side of the feed water pump 24 in which the discharge pipe 238 is inserted when the water storage tank 22 is stored. When the water storage tank 22 is drawn out, mobile bodies 231 and 271 are mutually moved to the other to the utmost limit by the reinforcement forces of springs 233 and 273 and grommets 232 and 272 are settled at the roots of the pipes 238 and 278 to close the watercourses. When the water storage tank 22 is pushed in, the mobile bodies 231 and 271 touch and push each other and the mobile bodies 231 and 271 move against the reinforcement force of the springs 233 and 273 so that the grommets 232 and 272 separate from the valve seats. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a dishwasher that performs washing by spraying water onto dishes stored in a washing cabinet, and more particularly to a dishwasher that includes a water storage tank for preliminarily storing water used for easy washing. .

  A household dishwasher supplies water to a washing cabinet containing dishes, stores the water at the bottom of the washing cabinet, sucks the water with a washing pump, and pumps it to the nozzle arm. It has the structure which wash | cleans and rinses tableware by injecting water to the tableware from the provided water injection hole. When installing such a dishwasher in a kitchen of a general household, a branch faucet is usually attached to the pipe on the upstream side of the tap on the tap installed in the sink of the kitchen. Installation work that connects the main body with a water supply hose is required. However, for example, a dishwasher was purchased, but the installation schedule for the branch faucet installation work was not met and the installation work was not completed immediately. It may be difficult or not permitted, and there is a problem that it is impossible to use a dishwasher.

  Therefore, there is a demand from the market for a dishwasher that does not require a branch faucet construction that requires a construction faucet to be installed. As such a dishwasher, for example, as described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, a dishwasher including a water storage tank for storing water required for washing operation and rinsing operation in advance has been known. In such a dishwasher, prior to operation, the user injects the required amount of water into the water storage tank, and when the operation starts, the dishwasher body uses all the water in the water storage tank. Run the operation.

  In the dishwasher described in Patent Document 1, a cartridge-type water storage tank is installed at the lower part of a main body having a washing cabinet so as to be able to be drawn forward, and water in the water storage tank is supplied by a water supply pump arranged behind the water tank. It is configured to be sucked and supplied into the cleaning cabinet. A cylindrical water outlet is provided on the rear surface of the water tank, while a cylindrical water inlet is provided on the front surface of the water supply pump, and a check valve is provided at the water outlet of the water tank. In this state, the water outlet is closed by this check valve. When the water storage tank is pushed into the dishwasher main body, the water outlet of the water storage tank is inserted into the water supply pump, the check valve is opened, and the water storage tank and the water supply pump communicate with each other.

  According to the above configuration, even when the water storage tank is withdrawn forward when water is stored in the water storage tank, the check valve is closed, so that water can be prevented from leaking from the water outlet. However, when the water storage tank is pulled out, the water remaining in the water supply pump may flow backward from the water inlet and wet the surroundings. Also, when the water tank pulled forward is pushed into the main body, the water tank tends to rattle from side to side, but if such rattling occurs, the water outlet on the water tank side is inserted into the water inlet on the water pump side well. If you try to force it, it may be damaged. In addition, the water stopper is provided on the upper surface of the water tank so that water can be poured inside.However, even if the water tank is dirty due to water stains, it is difficult to clean and there are problems with hygiene. is there.

  On the other hand, in the dishwasher described in Patent Document 2, the upper surface of a water storage tank installed so as to be freely drawable at the lower part of the main body is open, and water can be poured from the upper surface opening without completely pulling out the water storage tank. It can be done. Further, the water supply pump is disposed above the water storage tank, and is configured to suck up water in the water storage tank through a pipe suspended from the suction port of the water supply pump into the water storage tank. Moreover, in the structure shown in FIG. 6 of the same literature, the other end of the water supply hose connected to the faucet of the water tap is connected to the front surface of the water storage tank, so that the water supply can be performed without drawing the water storage tank forward. Water can be poured into the water storage tank by opening the stopper.

  However, in such a configuration, a gap is required between the lower opening end of the pipe suspended from above in the water storage tank and the bottom surface of the water storage tank in order to suck water from the lower opening end. It is difficult to completely suck up water in the tank, and it is inevitable that water remains in the water storage tank. For this reason, after using the dishwasher, the user must perform a troublesome task of discarding the remaining water in the water storage tank. Further, if the water is left in the water storage tank, the water will adhere to the inner surface of the water storage tank and impair the cleanliness. Furthermore, the generation of residual water means that the tap water supplied to the water storage tank is not used for dishwashing, which is undesirable in terms of effective use of water and water saving. In addition, when the water tap is opened and water is poured into the water tank, the water will overflow if the user does not close the water tap even though the water tank is full. There is also the problem of getting wet around.

JP 2000-296092 A (refer to paragraphs [0019] to [0022] and FIGS. 5 to 7) JP 2003-180596 A

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its main purpose is a dishwasher equipped with a water storage tank for preliminarily storing water used for washing operation and rinsing operation. In this case, the water in the water storage tank can be used for dishwashing without waste, and it can be avoided that the water remains in the water storage tank at the end of the operation, and the water storage tank is pulled out while the water is in the water storage tank. Another object of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher that can prevent water from leaking out and getting wet.

  Another object of the present invention is to prevent rattling of the water storage tank when the drawn water storage tank is pushed into the main body, so that the flow path with the water supply pump can be reliably and satisfactorily connected. Is to provide a dishwasher.

The dishwasher according to the present invention, which has been made to solve the above problems, stores water at the bottom of a washing cabinet in which tableware is housed and sucks the water and sprays it toward the tableware. In the dishwasher for washing the dishes in
In order to store the water necessary for washing the dishes, a water storage tank is provided so as to be freely drawable below the washing cabinet, and is installed in a position aligned horizontally with the water storage tank. A water supply pump for sucking water and feeding it to the washing cabinet,
The water storage tank and the water supply pump each have a connection channel that is connected when the water storage tank is housed and separated when the water storage tank is pulled out, on the surfaces facing each other, and the water storage tank side connection channel In addition, the water supply pump side connection flow path is provided with flow path opening / closing means that opens the flow path when connected and closes the flow path when disconnected.

  In the dishwasher according to the present invention, the water supply pump that sucks water from the water storage tank and feeds it to the washing cabinet is not positioned above the water storage tank but at substantially the same height as the water storage tank. When the water storage tank in the drawn out state is pushed into the main body, the water storage tank side connection flow path and the water supply pump side connection flow path are connected, and the flow path opening / closing means provided in each is opened to connect both. The water storage tank and the water supply pump communicate with each other through the flow path. When the water supply pump is operated in this state, the stored water in the water storage tank is sucked into the water supply pump, sent into the cleaning cabinet, and collected at the bottom of the cleaning cabinet. When the user pulls out the water storage tank with water remaining in the water storage tank, the water storage tank side connection flow path is separated from the water supply pump side connection flow path, and the flow path opening / closing means provided for each is accordingly Close immediately to block the flow path.

  Therefore, according to the dishwasher according to the present invention, even if the water storage tank is pulled out in a state where water is stored in the water storage tank, the water in the water storage tank does not leak from the connection channel, but also in the water supply pump. It is also possible to prevent water remaining in the water from leaking out from the connection flow path. This prevents the surrounding water from getting wet with leaked water.

  Further, by providing the water tank side connection channel near the lowest part of the peripheral surface of the water tank, the water in the water tank can be sucked without leaving the water supply pump. Therefore, it is avoided that water remains in the water storage tank at the end of the operation, and the user is not burdened with discarding the remaining water. Moreover, it can reduce that the inside of a water storage tank becomes dirty by adhesion of scale etc. with the remaining water.

  As one aspect of the dishwasher according to the present invention, the channel opening / closing means provided in each of the water storage tank side connection channel and the water supply pump side connection channel includes a valve body that opens or closes the connection channel, A movable body attached to the valve body, biasing means for biasing the movable body in a direction in which the valve body closes the connection flow path, and a valve seat on which the valve body is seated, When the water storage tank is stored, the opposing surfaces of the movable bodies of both flow path opening / closing means come into contact with each other and press each other, so that the movable body is moved within the connection flow path against the biasing force of the biasing means. It is possible to move the valve body away from the valve seat so that water can flow.

  In this configuration, in the state where the water storage tank is pulled out, the movable body is moved to the maximum in the direction of the other party by the urging force of the urging means in each flow path opening / closing means, and the valve body is thereby moved to the valve seat. The flow path is blocked by sitting on. When the water storage tank is pushed in, the opposed surfaces of the movable bodies of both flow path opening and closing means come into contact with each other and push each other, and the movable bodies are respectively separated from the other side in the flow path against the urging force. The valve body moves away from the valve seat and the flow path is opened. With such a configuration, when the water storage tank is pulled out, it is possible to prevent the water from leaking by quickly closing the connection channel on both sides of the water storage tank and the water supply pump.

  Further, in the dishwasher according to the present invention, preferably, the water supply pump is installed at an intermediate position in the width direction opposite to the drawing direction of the water storage tank and orthogonal to the direction, and the water storage tank is the water supply It is good to set it as the structure currently formed in the concave shape indented in the position corresponding to this water supply pump in the surface facing a pump.

  According to this configuration, when the water storage tank is stored, the water supply pump is loosely fitted into the concave recess of the water storage tank, and the protruding portions on both sides just serve as guides, so that the left and right sides of the water storage tank are Backlash is regulated. Therefore, the water storage tank can be pushed almost straight, the positional displacement between the two connected flow paths hardly occurs, the damage caused by the collision between the two connected flow paths is avoided, and the two are reliably connected. Thereby, the water storage tank and the water supply pump can be well connected to supply water from the water storage tank to the washing cabinet without any problem. Moreover, since both connection flow paths are smoothly connected, it is possible to avoid damaging or deforming the connection flow paths by forcibly pushing the water storage tank.

  Further, in the dishwasher according to the present invention, the water storage tank is sealed at the corner between the upper surface and the peripheral surface over the entire circumference, and water is poured into the water storage tank on the upper surface not hanging on the corner. It is good to set it as the structure provided with the cover body which forms the water-injection opening part for opening, and the opening for cleaning the inside, and obstruct | occludes this opening. Here, for example, the water injection port portion can be a connection port provided on the front side in the pulling-out direction of the water storage tank for connecting a hose. Moreover, the said cover body can be set as the structure screwed by the said opening through the seal for water sealing.

  In such a configuration, the corner where water sealing is difficult is originally sealed, and the opening formed on the upper surface is sealed with a lid, so that the entire water storage tank is almost sealed. Therefore, even if water injection is continued after the water storage tank is filled with water, it is possible to prevent water from leaking out of the water storage tank itself. When the user wants to clean the inside of the water storage tank, the user can pull out the water storage tank, open the lid, and expose the inside of the water storage tank for easy cleaning. Thereby, it is easy to keep the water tank clean.

  In the dishwasher according to the present invention, the water storage tank may include an overflow pipe having an overflow outlet at a position of the predetermined water level in order to discharge stored water of a predetermined water level or higher to the outside.

  The outlet of the overflow pipe is disposed so as to open into the kitchen sink via a hose or the like, for example. According to this configuration, even when water is continuously poured into the water storage tank, water above the predetermined water level is discarded from the water storage tank to the outside (for example, in the sink), so that the water storage tank is not filled more than necessary. can do.

  Since the dishwasher is originally provided with a drainage channel for discharging the water in the washing cabinet to the outside of the machine, the channel for water discharged through the overflow pipe and the drainage channel are connected to the interior of the main body. Or it is good to make it merge outside and to derive | lead-out as one pipe line. According to this, since only one drain flow path is required, the appearance is good and the hose around the place where the dishwasher is installed is not complicated.

  In addition, even if all the water in the water storage tank is used during operation, it is difficult to avoid a situation where water drops are attached to the water storage tank. Moreover, depending on the case, it may be left for a long time in the state in which water was stored in the water storage tank. Therefore, in order to keep the inside of the water storage tank clean, the water storage tank is preferably made of a material having an antibacterial action, or at least an inner surface is subjected to antibacterial treatment.

  Further, the dishwasher according to the present invention may be configured to include a latch mechanism that holds the water storage tank in its position in a state where the water storage tank is completely stored. The latch mechanism here refers to, for example, mechanically latching the water tank when the water tank is completely stored to prevent the water tank from unintentionally opening, and when the water tank is latched, the water tank It can be confirmed that the battery has been completely stored, and the latch is released when the user applies a certain amount of force or pulls the water tank while operating a predetermined member to intentionally pull out the water tank. It is what is done.

  As a result, even when a large vibration is applied to the dishwasher or the installation location is not horizontal, it is possible to prevent the properly stored water storage tank from being moved in the pulling direction against the user's intention and being opened. be able to. Further, for example, by providing a switch that is turned on / off in conjunction with the latch mechanism, the control circuit can monitor whether the water storage tank is properly stored using the detection signal of the switch. it can.

  A dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a dishwasher according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a right side longitudinal sectional view of a main part of the dishwasher.

  The dishwasher 1 has a casing 2 that forms an outer shape, and a cleaning cabinet 3 that also serves as a drying chamber is disposed inside the casing 2. An upper door 4 and a lower door 5 that are pivotally supported at the upper end and the lower end, respectively, are attached to the front opening of the cleaning cabinet 3 so as to open in a vertical direction. A door opening operation body 6 is provided at the center of the upper end of the lower door 5, and when the user pushes the door opening operation body 6 with a finger and opens the lower door 5 to the front (left side in FIG. 1), In conjunction with this, the upper door 4 opens upward. Below the lower door 5 is disposed an operation panel 7 for a user to give an operation instruction to the dishwasher.

  An enlarged plan view of the operation panel 7 is shown in FIG. On the operation panel 7, a power switch 71, a start key 72, a course selection key 73, and a drying setting key 74 are arranged as an operation unit 7a for a user to perform a pressing operation, and a course selection key is used as a display unit 7b. The course display unit 75 for displaying the operation course selected at 73, the operation monitor display unit 76 for notifying the user of the operation status at the time of operation execution, and the drying for displaying the type of the drying operation selected by the drying setting key 74 A course display unit 77 and the like are arranged.

  Returning to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the description will be continued. A tableware bowl 8 for receiving tableware is put into and out of the washing cabinet 3 with the upper door 4 and the lower door 5 opened. A nozzle arm 9 is provided at the bottom of the cleaning cabinet 3 and has a plurality of water injection holes 10 formed on the top surface thereof and is rotatable about a vertical axis. In this dishwasher, since the width of the washing cabinet 3 is larger than the depth, water does not reach the both sides of the washing cabinet 3 with only one nozzle arm. Therefore, another nozzle arm (not shown) is provided side by side at a position where it does not interfere with the nozzle arm 9 shown during rotation. A bottom 11 of the washing cabinet 3 is recessed in a step and a water reservoir 11 is formed. A top filter 12 is detachably provided on the top surface to collect the leftovers that have flowed down from the dishes. Yes.

  A washing and draining pump 13 is disposed below the bottom wall surface of the washing cabinet 3 so as to extend in the left-right direction. Although not shown, the cleaning and drainage pump 13 has a cleaning pump chamber and a drainage pump chamber partitioned by a partition wall, and the cleaning pump chamber and the drainage pump chamber are for cleaning mounted coaxially with the pump motor. An impeller and a drainage impeller are provided. The suction port 14 of the cleaning pump chamber is connected to a circulation port 15 provided in the rear wall of the water reservoir 11, and the discharge port 16 of the cleaning pump chamber is connected to a water passage 17 that extends in the left-right direction. The nozzle arm 9 communicates with the water channel of the other nozzle arm (not shown). On the other hand, although not shown, the suction port of the drainage pump chamber is connected to the drainage port 18 provided on the side wall of the water reservoir 11, and the discharge port of the drainage pump chamber communicates with the outside through the drainage hose 19. ing.

  The level of the water stored in the wash chamber 3 connects an air trap case (not shown) communicating with the water reservoir 11, a pressure sensor disposed at the lower back of the wash chamber 3, and the air trap case and the pressure sensor. It is detected by an internal water level sensor 20 made of an air hose. In addition, a loop-shaped heater 21 is provided at the bottom of the cleaning cabinet 3 to heat the water stored in the cleaning cabinet 3 and to heat the air in the cleaning cabinet 3 during drying.

  Further, a tank receiving frame 2a whose front surface is opened as a part of the housing 2 is formed at the lower part of the main body of the dishwasher 1 of the present embodiment, and a water storage tank 22 is provided in front of the tank receiving frame 2a. It is arranged so that it can be pulled out. A water supply connecting pipe 223 that connects an outlet end of a water supply hose 50 for introducing tap water that has passed through a branch water supply device 51, which will be described later, is provided as a water injection port portion in the present invention at the upper front portion of the water storage tank 22. In addition, an outlet end 226 of an overflow pipe 225 which is an overflow pipe in the present invention for discarding excess water from the water storage tank 22 is provided below the front center.

  A water supply pump 24 for sucking the water stored in the water storage tank 22 is installed at the rear of the tank receiving frame 2a. When the water supply pump 24 is operated in a state where the water storage tank 22 in which water is stored is properly stored in the tank receiving frame 2a, the water in the water storage tank 22 is sucked to the water supply port 29 at the rear of the washing cabinet 3. It is lifted and poured into the washing cabinet 3 and stored in the bottom of the washing cabinet 3 including the water reservoir 11. Detailed structures of the water storage tank 22 and the water supply pump 24 will be described later.

  In the dishwasher of this embodiment, although not shown in FIG. 1, a blower is arranged beside the washing and draining pump 13, and the heater 21 is energized during the drying operation and the fan of the blower is driven to rotate. Then, outside air is introduced into the cleaning cabinet 3 from the intake port formed on the side surface or the back surface of the housing 2, and the dishes stored in the cleaning cabinet 3 are dried with hot air heated by the heater 21. On the other hand, the air containing moisture in the cleaning cabinet 3 is discharged from the exhaust port on the front side to the outside of the machine.

  In the dishwasher of the present embodiment, the washing operation and the rinsing operation are performed in a state where water of a predetermined water level (for example, the washing water level L1 described in FIG. 2) is accumulated at the bottom of the washing cabinet 3. That is, the pump motor of the washing and draining pump 13 functions as a washing pump by being driven to rotate in the forward direction. At this time, the water sucked from the water reservoir 11 through the circulation port 15 is pumped to the nozzle arm 9 through the water channel 17 by the action of the rotating cleaning impeller. Then, water is ejected from a water injection hole 10 provided on the upper surface of the nozzle arm 9, and the nozzle arm 9 rotates in a predetermined direction around the vertical axis by the water force. The water sprayed from the water spray hole 10 hits the tableware stored in the washing cabinet 3, and removes dirt adhering to the tableware or allows detergent water to flow.

  On the other hand, the cleaning / drainage pump 13 functions as a drainage pump by rotating the pump motor of the cleaning / drainage pump 13 in the reverse direction. At this time, the water sucked from the water reservoir 11 through the drain port 18 is discharged to the outside through the drain hose 19 by the action of the rotating drain impeller.

  FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing an example of the installation state of the dishwasher 1 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the dishwasher 1 of the present embodiment is installed on a top plate 61 of a kitchen system kitchen 60. Then, a branch water supply 51 prepared as an accessory part (or as an optional accessory) of the dishwasher is attached to the faucet tip of the water tap 63 above the sink 62, and between the branch water supply 51 and the water supply connection pipe 223. Are connected by a water supply hose 50. Further, the overflow hose 52 connected to the outlet end 226 of the overflow pipe 225 is pulled to the sink 62 and the other end is opened into the sink 62. In FIG. 3, the drainage hose 19 for discharging the water in the cleaning cabinet 3 to the sink 62 is omitted. When the user needs to inject water into the water storage tank 22, the lever of the branch water supply device 51 is rotated to switch the internal water channel to the water supply hose 50 side, and the water tap 63 is opened and closed to open the water storage tank 22. Supply water.

  Next, the structure of the water storage tank 22 and the water supply pump 24 characteristic of the dishwasher of the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 to 9 in addition to FIG. 4 is an external perspective view of the water storage tank 22 and the water supply pump 24 connected to each other, FIG. 5 is a top plan view of FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is a detail of the periphery of the connection portion between the water storage tank 22 and the water supply pump 24. FIG. 7 is a transparent top view inside the pump chamber of the water supply pump 24, FIG. 8 is a detailed cross-sectional view around the connecting portion between the water storage tank 22 and the water supply pump 24, and FIG. 9 shows the water supply pump 24 and the on-off valve 23. It is an external perspective view.

  The water storage tank 22 includes a concave container member 220 that forms a bottom surface, a side surface, a front surface, and a rear surface, and an upper surface member 221 that forms an upper surface. Both are integrated by welding. A circular opening is formed at substantially the center of the upper surface member 221, and a lid 222 is provided so as to be sealed so as to close the opening. As a result, a high water-sealing property is ensured over the entire circumference of the corner formed by the side surface, the front surface, the rear surface (that is, the peripheral surface), and the upper surface of the water storage tank 22, and the water storage tank 22 is completely filled with water. Even if water is injected, water does not leak from the water storage tank 22 itself. The lid 222 is mainly provided for the user to clean the inside of the water storage tank 22, but the lid 222 is opened to inject water into the inside or to discard the water inside. It doesn't matter.

  Although this water storage tank 22 has a flat and substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole, only a part of the rear surface facing the water supply pump 24, specifically, at a position slightly offset from the center to the right rather than the end in the left-right direction, It has a recess 227 that is recessed inwardly (that is, on the front side) and has a concave shape. As will be described later, the recess 227 is provided in order to avoid interference with the water supply pump 24 fixed to the tank receiving frame 2a side.

  Circular attachment openings for attaching the water supply connection pipes 223 are respectively provided on the left and right of the front part of the upper surface member 221 of the water storage tank 22, and the L-shaped water supply connection pipes 223 are connected to either one of the right and left as appropriate. Attach and connect the outlet end of the water supply hose 50 to the end of the water supply connection pipe 223 as described above. In the example shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the water supply connection pipe 223 is attached to the left end attachment opening of the water storage tank 22, and the right end attachment opening is closed by an attached cap 224. On the other hand, in the installation example shown in FIG. 3, a water supply connection pipe 223 is attached to the attachment opening at the right end of the water storage tank 22.

  An L-shaped overflow pipe 225 is provided inside the front portion of the water storage tank 22, and its lower end extends forward from the front wall of the water storage tank 22 to form the outlet end 226 described above. The upper opening end of the overflow pipe 225 is an overflow outlet, and the height thereof becomes the overflow water level L2 of the water storage tank 22. When the water level exceeds this, water can flow out of the water storage tank 22 through the overflow pipe 225.

  The bottom wall surface 220a of the water storage tank 22 is inclined so as to be lowered from the front toward the rear as a whole, and in particular, the inner side of the recess 227 is the lowest. A cylindrical water discharge pipe 228 extends substantially horizontally toward the rear of the rear surface of the recess 227. This water discharge pipe 228 corresponds to the connecting flow path on the water storage tank 22 side. Since the water discharge pipe 228 is formed at a position where the bottom wall surface 220a is the lowest in the water storage tank 22, when the water level stored in the water storage tank 22 is lowered, the water finally becomes the water discharge pipe. 228 gathers in the vicinity of the root of the water storage tank 22 and almost no residual water is produced at the bottom of the water storage tank 22. Thereby, it is possible to prevent water from being accumulated in the water storage tank 22 at the end of the operation, and to prevent the water storage tank 22 from being in an unsanitary state such as adhesion of scale.

  The water storage tank 22 may be made of a synthetic resin. However, in order to prevent adhesion of scale and maintain hygiene, for example, a resin containing an antibacterial agent may be used. Moreover, you may perform the process which forms an antibacterial film layer in the inner surface of the water storage tank 22. FIG. In addition, at least the front surface of the water storage tank 22 is transparent or a transparent window is provided on the front surface of the water storage tank 22 so that the user can easily visually check whether water is stored in the water storage tank 22. Good.

  A tank clutch mechanism 28 that can be pulled out by pressing the latch button 282 is provided at a substantially central upper portion of the front surface of the water storage tank 22, and the user stores the water storage tank 22 in the tank receiving frame 2a. When the fully retracted position is reached, the latch by the tongue clutch mechanism 28 is automatically engaged. The tongue clutch mechanism 28 is provided with a tongue clutch switch 281. When the latch is applied, it can be detected that the tongue clutch switch 281 is turned on and latched. In the state where the latch by the tongue clutch mechanism 28 is engaged, the latch is not released even if a force such as vibration is applied, but the latch is released when the user presses the latch button 282, and water is stored while pressing the latch button 282. By pulling the tank 22, the water storage tank 22 is drawn forward.

  The water supply pump 24 is disposed at a location inside the recess 227 when the water storage tank 22 is stored in the tank receiving frame 2a. In the water supply pump 24, a pump motor 240 is provided so that the motor shaft 241 extends vertically downward, and an impeller 242 is attached to the lower end of the motor shaft 241. A flat pump chamber 245 is formed between the upper casing 243 that holds the pump motor 240 and the lower casing 244 so as to surround the impeller 242, and a suction port 246 is formed on the bottom surface of the pump chamber 245 below the impeller 242. Is open. In this way, the pump chamber 245 is formed in a flat shape and the height thereof is suppressed, so that the height of the water supply pump 24 as a whole can be suppressed and stored behind the water storage tank 22. Further, in the space formed by the upper casing 243 and the lower casing 244, the pump chamber 245 is not located at the center but is arranged at an eccentric position where the side of the water supply upright pipe 251 described later is widened.

  The lower casing 244 has a suction pipe portion 247 that extends from the suction port 246 in the direction of the water storage tank 22 and bends upward along the lower casing 244. The lower casing 244 further extends substantially horizontally from the suction pipe portion 247 toward the water storage tank 22. A cylindrical suction pipe 248 is extended. The suction pipe 248 corresponds to the connection flow path on the water supply pump side in the present invention, and the inner diameter thereof is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the water discharge pipe 228 of the water storage tank 22, and the water storage tank 22 is accommodated in the tank receiving frame 2a. The water discharge pipe 228 is inserted inside the suction pipe 248 when the water discharge pipe 228 is inserted. In the outlet pipe 228, a groove is formed in the circumferential direction at a position on the inner side by a predetermined length from the opening end face on the rear side, and an O-ring 229 made of a relatively soft material is attached to the groove. When the water discharge pipe 228 is inserted inside the suction pipe 248 as described above, the water sealing property of both contact surfaces is ensured by the O-ring 229.

  A cylindrical branch pipe 249 extending vertically upward is formed at the rear portion of the suction pipe 248. A spherical body 250 that moves up and down as the water level moves up and down is accommodated in the branch pipe 249, and an optical sensor having a pair of a light emitting unit 261 and a light receiving unit 262 is provided in the branch pipe 249 at substantially the same height. A tank full sensor 26 is provided. The tank full sensor 26 receives light emitted from the light emitting unit 261 by the light receiving unit 262, and detects that the received light intensity of the light has dropped below a predetermined threshold. That is, when the water level in the branch pipe 249 is low and the spherical body 250 is at a low position, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 261 reaches the light receiving unit 262, but the water level rises and the spherical body 250 is almost the same as the light emitting unit 261. When it rises to the height, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 261 is blocked by the spherical body 250 and does not reach the light receiving unit 262, and it can be detected that the light receiving intensity has suddenly decreased and the water level has reached that position. Here, this water level is set to the full water level L3 of the water storage tank 22, and the overflow water level L2 is set to a position slightly higher than the full water level L3.

  When the inside of the pump chamber 245 is viewed, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a wall portion 243 a is suspended from the upper casing 243 while maintaining a narrow gap with the outer periphery of the impeller 242, and the wall portion 243 a is cut off ( The cut line 243b) is connected to a wide delivery chamber 245a, and a water supply upright pipe 251 is provided extending vertically upward from the upper surface of the delivery chamber 245a. In the water supply pump 24, when the impeller 242 is rotationally driven in a predetermined direction by the pump motor 240, the impeller 242 sucks up water from the suction port 246 that opens in front of the center, that is, downward, and pushes it sideways. The extrusion basically occurs around the entire circumference of the impeller 242, but most of the periphery is surrounded by the wall portion 243a, and the pump chamber 245 is disposed at an eccentric position where the water supply upright pipe 251 is widened. The water pushed out by the impeller 242 is concentrated in the cut 243b where the wall 243a does not exist, and flows into the delivery chamber 245a with a high pressure. Then, the water that has flowed in is pushed up into the water supply upright pipe 251 and poured into the washing cabinet 3 through the water supply port 29.

  The tank full sensor 26 is located on the upstream side of the pump chamber 245, and the spherical body 250 exists in a portion branched from the flow path from the water storage tank 22 to the pump chamber 245. Does not become a load on the operation of the impeller 242 of the water supply pump 24 and does not hinder the suction operation of the water supply pump 24.

  The entire pump chamber 245 containing the impeller 242 of the water supply pump 24 is provided at a position lower than the lowest part of the bottom wall surface 220 a of the water storage tank 22. Therefore, even when all the water in the water storage tank 22 flows out to the suction pipe portion 247 by the operation of the water supply pump 24, specifically, the rotation operation of the impeller 242, the pump chamber 245 is filled with water. 24 can exhibit a sufficiently high suction capacity. Thereby, the water supply pump 24 can suck the water in the water storage tank 22 almost completely, and can prevent water that cannot be sucked from the bottom of the water storage tank 22 at the end of the operation. Since the height of the dishwasher 1 is limited, the height of the tank receiving frame 2a and the height of the space for storing the water storage tank 22 may not be sufficient. In this case, it is difficult to provide the entire pump chamber 245 at a position lower than the lowest part of the bottom wall surface 220 a of the water storage tank 22. However, if at least the bottom of the pump chamber 245, that is, the position near the suction port 246 is lower than the lowest part of the bottom wall surface 220 a of the water storage tank 22, the water supply pump 24 exhibits a high suction capacity, and the water storage tank 22 Of water can be aspirated.

  As described above, when the water storage tank 22 is housed in the tank receiving frame 2a, the water discharge pipe 228 is fitted inside the suction pipe 248, and the gap between the two is sealed with the O-ring 229. The water in the water storage tank 22 is sent to the pump chamber 245 without water leakage. On the other hand, when the water storage tank 22 is drawn forward and the pipes 228 and 248 are separated, the water stored in the water storage tank 22 and the suction pipe 248 are collected unless the pipes of the two pipes 228 and 248 are blocked. Each of the water that is flowing out. Therefore, the pipes 228 and 248 have on-off valves 23 and 27 in the present invention that open the pipe line when both are fitted and are inserted, and quickly close the pipe line when both are detached. It is provided as a channel opening / closing means. Since the basic structure of the open valve is the same, the structure of the on-off valve 23 on the water storage tank 22 side will be described.

  A spring holding part 230 is extended from the inner wall of the pipe so that water can flow in the pipe of the water outlet pipe 228, and penetrates a hole provided in the center of the spring holding part 230 so as to be a rod-like movable body. 231 is mounted so as to be movable in the axial direction of the pipe line. The rear end of the movable body 231 is a pressing portion 231a having a widened periphery, and a coil spring 233 that is an urging means in the present invention is disposed between the pressing portion 231a and the spring holding portion 230. . A packing 232 as a valve body in the present invention is provided at the front end of the movable body 231, and the periphery of the pipe line of the water discharge pipe 228 functions as a valve seat in the present invention.

  The structure of the on-off valve 27 on the water supply pump 24 side is exactly the same. As shown in FIG. 8, a spring holding portion 270 is provided inside the suction pipe 248 so as to extend from the inner wall of the pipe line, and the movable body 271, the pressing portion 271a, coil spring 273, and packing 272 are provided in the same manner as each component of the on-off valve 23.

  As shown in FIG. 8B, when the water storage tank 22 is drawn forward from the tank receiving frame 2a, the movable body 231 of the on-off valve 23 receives no force from the outside, specifically, from the rear side, The movable body 231 is moved to the maximum rearward position by the biasing force that the spring 233 tries to extend. Since the packing 232 is larger than the pipe inner diameter at the base of the water discharge pipe 228, the packing 232 closely contacts the pipe peripheral wall of the water discharge pipe 228 and closes the pipe, and the water in the water storage tank 22 leaks out. To prevent. The same applies to the on-off valve 27 on the water supply pump 24 side. When the water storage tank 22 is drawn forward, the movable body 271 does not receive a force from the outside, specifically, the front side, and the coil spring 273 tries to expand. The movable body 271 is moved to the maximum forward position by the urging force. Since the packing 272 is larger than the inner pipe inner diameter of the suction pipe 248, the packing 272 closes the pipe at this time, and the water remaining in the suction pipe 248 and the suction operation are stopped, so that the reverse flow from the water supply upright pipe 251 occurs. Prevents leaking water from leaking out.

  When the user pushes the water storage tank 22 and stores it in the tank receiving frame 2a, the water discharge pipe 228 is inserted inside the suction pipe 248, and the pressing portion 231a on the movable body 231 of the on-off valve 23 on the water storage tank 22 side When the pressing portion 271a of the movable body 271 of the open / close valve 27 on the water supply pump 24 side comes into contact, and then the water storage tank 22 is further pushed in, the movable bodies 231 and 271 exert forces on each other, and the coil springs 233 and 273 are Shrink. Accordingly, the movable body 231 on the water storage tank 22 side moves horizontally forward in the water discharge pipe 228, and conversely, the movable body 271 on the water supply pump 24 side moves horizontally rearward in the suction pipe 248. Then, the packing 232 is separated from the pipe peripheral wall (that is, the valve seat) at the base of the water discharge pipe 228, and water can pass through the gap. On the other hand, the packing 272 is separated from the pipe peripheral wall (that is, the valve seat) at the base of the suction pipe 248 so that water can pass through the gap. When the water storage tank 22 is completely stored to a predetermined position, as shown in FIG. 8A, the coil springs 233 and 273 are contracted most and there is almost no spring allowance, and the packings 232 and 272 are respectively valved. The water tank 22 and the water supply pump 24 are in communication with each other and water passes freely.

  When the water storage tank 22 is housed as described above, the water storage tank 22 protrudes rearward on both sides of the recess 227 that is loosely fitted to the water supply pump 24, so that the protruding portion functions just as a guide. The horizontal movement of the water storage tank 22 is restricted. As a result, rattling of the water storage tank 22 is suppressed, and the water storage tank 22 can be pushed rearward almost straight. If the water storage tank 22 is rattled from side to side when it is pushed in, the pipes 228 and 248 may not be inserted properly, and even if the pipes 228 and 248 are inserted, an excessive load is applied to the pipes 228 and 248 and the O-ring 229. In the dishwasher of this embodiment, since the rattling of the right and left of the water storage tank 22 is suppressed as described above, the pipes 228 and 248 can be well fitted and reliably connected.

  In the dishwasher of the present embodiment, as described above, the water storage tank 22 is stored in the tank receiving frame 2a, the tap water is stored in the water storage tank 22 and the washing operation and the drying operation are performed. The tank 22 can be pulled out and the lid 222 can be opened to clean the inside. Thereby, the inside of the water storage tank 22 can be kept clean.

  In the dishwasher of the present embodiment, it is assumed that the supply capacity of tap water to the water storage tank 22 via the water supply hose 50 is 10 [liter / min] at maximum, whereas the water supply capacity of the water supply pump 24 is 12 [ L / min]. That is, the speed at which water is sucked into the washing cabinet 3 by the water supply pump 24 is higher than the speed at which tap water is supplied to the water storage tank 22. Thereby, in the state where the water supply pump 24 is operating, even if tap water is supplied to the water storage tank 22, the amount of decrease is larger than the amount of water increase in the water storage tank 22, so the water level in the water storage tank 22 is It is guaranteed that the water will go down, and it is possible to avoid the water filling up the water storage tank 22.

  In the above description, the overflow hose 52 for discharging excess water in the water storage tank 22 to the outside of the machine and the drainage hose 19 for discharging water from the inside of the washing cabinet 3 to the outside of the machine are completely provided. Therefore, it is necessary to dispose two drainage hoses up to the sink 62. However, the structure is modified so that one hose is led out by joining both flow paths inside or outside the housing 2. May be. According to this, since there is only one drainage hose disposed from the dishwasher 1 to the sink 62, the appearance is good and the complexity of the hose arrangement is reduced, and the dishwasher 1 is installed. The degree of freedom increases.

  Next, the configuration of the control system of the dishwasher of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is an electric system configuration diagram of a main part of the dishwasher of this embodiment.

  The control unit 30 is configured around a microcomputer including a CPU, and controls the cleaning pump 131 and the drainage pump 132 via the inverter driving unit 31. Actually, since the cleaning / drainage pump 13 functions as the cleaning pump 131 or the drainage pump 132 in accordance with the rotation direction of the pump motor as described above, the inverter drive unit 31 rotates the rotation direction of the pump motor of the cleaning / drainage pump 13. And the rotation speed is controlled. Further, the control unit 30 controls the operation of the water supply pump 24 (strictly, the pump motor 240), the heater 21, and the fan motor 34 for drying air via the load driving unit 32. Furthermore, an operation unit 7 a including a power switch 71, a display unit 7 b, a buzzer 7 c, a door switch 33, an interior water level sensor 20, a tank full sensor 26, a tongue clutch switch 281, and the like are connected to the control unit 30. . The control unit 30 includes a ROM in which a control program is stored, and the CPU performs operation control as will be described later when the CPU executes the control program.

  Next, a basic procedure at the time of water supply before the start of operation in the dishwasher 1 of the present embodiment will be described. FIGS. 12 and 13 are flowcharts showing the basic flow of the operation performed by the user and the operation of this machine when water is poured into the water storage tank 22.

  First, in the initial state, it is assumed that the power cord is connected to a commercial AC power outlet and the power is off. In the dishwasher 1, when the power is turned off, the display unit 7 b is all extinguished and the power supply is apparently cut off for the user. In reality, however, the microcomputer of the control unit 30 has a drive current. For example, a predetermined process can be performed in response to a signal from the tank full sensor 26 or the like.

  From the power-off state as described above, the user presses the power switch 71 to turn on the power (step S1). Then, a desired course, for example, a standard course, a small amount course, a speedy course or the like is selected by the course selection key 73 (step S2). Thereafter, the user opens the open / close tap of the water tap 63 (step S3). Then, tap water begins to be supplied to the water storage tank 22 through the water supply hose 50 and accumulates in the water storage tank 22. As the water level in the water storage tank 22 rises, the spherical body 250 of the tank full sensor 26 also rises, and when the full water level L3 is reached, the tank full sensor 26 responds (YES in step S4). The control unit 30 receives the response from the tank full sensor 26 and operates the water supply pump 24 (step S5). As a result, the water supply pump 24 sucks the stored water in the water storage tank 22 through the connecting portion between the water discharge pipe 228 and the suction pipe 248, pushes it up to the water supply port 29 through the water supply upright pipe 251, and stores it in the washing cabinet 3. .

  As described above, since the suction speed by the water supply pump 24 is higher than the speed at which tap water flows into the water storage tank 22 as a standard, the water level in the water storage tank 22 is maintained even if water injection into the water storage tank 22 is continued. It gradually decreases. On the other hand, the water level in the washing cabinet 3 gradually rises, and the water level sensor 20 in the cabinet monitors this water level. And if the control part 30 detects that the water level in the washing | cleaning store | warehouse | chamber 3 reached | attained the predetermined washing | cleaning water level L1 by the detection signal by the chamber water level sensor 20 (it is YES at step S6), the operation | movement of the water supply pump 24 will be stopped ( Step S7). Thereby, the rise in the water level in the washing chamber 3 is stopped. At this time, the water level in the water storage tank 22 is lower than the full water level L3, but the water level in the water storage tank 22 starts to rise again when the water supply pump 24 is stopped. When the full water level L3 is reached, the tank full sensor 26 responds again (YES in step S8). At this time, the control unit 30 performs a full water notification (step S9). Specifically, the buzzer 7c is driven so as to emit a buzzer sound determined as a full water notification, and the water injection / full water display lamp in the operation monitor display unit 76 of the display unit 7b is turned on.

  The user who notices the full water notification stops the water by closing the open / close tap of the water tap 63 (step S10). Thereby, the water injection into the water storage tank 22 is stopped, and the rise of the water level is stopped. If the user does not immediately close the water tap 63 after the full water notification in step S9, as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 12, the water level in the water storage tank 22 exceeds the overflow water level L2, Water in the water storage tank 22 begins to be discharged out of the machine through the overflow pipe 225 and the overflow hose 52 (step S13). Therefore, if the overflow hose 52 is properly disposed, the water level in the water storage tank 22 does not rise above the overflow water level L2. The user closes the water tap 63 and then presses the start key 72 to start operation (step S11). The control unit 30 receives this operation and starts normal operation.

  On the other hand, consider a case where the user does not press the power switch 71 from the power-off state as described above, that is, the water tap 63 is opened while the power is off. When the user opens the water tap 63 (step S21), tap water begins to be supplied to the water storage tank 22 through the water supply hose 50 and accumulates in the water storage tank 22. The controller 30 that is operating even in the power-off state cannot detect the start of water supply, but always monitors whether the tank full sensor 26 has responded (step S22). Therefore, when the water level in the water storage tank 22 rises and reaches the full water level L3 and the tank full sensor 26 responds (YES in step S22), this is recognized and a full water notification is executed in the same manner as in step S9 (step S23). ). Therefore, if the user notices this full water notification and stops the water by closing the water tap 63 (step S24), the rise of the water level in the water storage tank 22 is stopped. On the other hand, if the closing is delayed, the outflow of water through the overflow hose 52 occurs as described above. And after that, it waits in that state until the power switch 71 is pushed (step S25).

  In this case, that is, when water is poured into the water storage tank 22 without turning on the power, the water supply pump 24 does not operate unlike when the power is turned on, so that no water is supplied into the cleaning chamber 3. Therefore, in the water supply in the power-on state, water up to the cleaning water level L1 is stored in the cleaning chamber 3, and water up to the full water level L3 is stored in the water storage tank 22. On the other hand, in the water supply in the power-off state, water up to the full water level L3 is stored only in the water storage tank 22. In this embodiment, the amount of water at the full water level L3 of the water storage tank 22 is about 6 liters, and the amount of water at the washing water level in the washing cabinet 3 is about 3 liters. When the power is turned off, a total of 6 liters of water is stored.

  If the water tap 63 remains open after the full water notification is made in step S9 or S23, the water above the overflow water level L2 is discharged outside the machine through the overflow pipe 225 and the overflow hose 52 as described above. However, if the overflow hose 52 is not properly disposed or if there is a malfunction such as the overflow pipe 225 being clogged and drainage not being performed properly, the water is supplied when the water storage tank 22 is full. From the pump chamber 245 of the pump 24, the water supply upright pipe 251 further rises and enters the cleaning cabinet 3 and accumulates. Then, when the water level in the washing cabinet 3 rises and reaches an abnormal water level set at a position higher than the washing water level L1, the cabinet water level sensor 20 detects this and the control unit 30 activates the drain pump 132. . Thereby, water begins to be discharged out of the machine from the inside of the washing cabinet 3, and the water level in the washing cabinet 3 can be prevented from rising above the abnormal water level. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a large amount of water from overflowing from the gap of the lower door 5 that is not completely sealed with water.

  Regarding the operation described above, the operation of the dishwasher 1 centering on the control unit 30 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. First, a situation where the power cord of the dishwasher 1 is disconnected from the commercial AC power outlet is considered as an initial state. That is, it is not in the power-off state described above, but in a state where no power is supplied to the apparatus. At this time, as a matter of course, all operations including the control unit 30 are stopped. When the user inserts the power cord into the commercial AC power outlet from this state, the driving power is supplied to the control unit 30 and the initial setting is executed (step S30). The standard course is set by default.

  Next, the control unit 30 determines whether the power is turned on by operating the power switch 71 or conversely, the power is turned off (step S32). If the power is off, as shown in FIG. Then, a process of turning off all the display lamps of the display unit 7b is executed (step S52), and then it is determined whether or not the tank full sensor 26 is responding (step S54). When the tank full sensor 26 is responding, it can be assumed that the user has opened the water tap 63 and injected water into the water storage tank 22 with the power off as described above. Therefore, the control unit 30 performs a full water notification notifying that the water storage tank 22 is full by the display on the display unit 7b and the ringing of the buzzer 7c (step S56), and then cleaning is performed based on the detection signal of the internal water level sensor 20. It is determined whether or not the water level in the cabinet 3 is an abnormal water level (step S58).

  As described above, when the water tap 63 is not closed even after the full water notification, and the water cannot be properly discharged through the overflow hose 52, the water is accumulated in the washing chamber 3 and reaches an abnormal water level. Therefore, when it is determined in step S58 that the water level is abnormal, the drainage pump 132 is operated via the load driving unit 32 to execute drainage from the washing cabinet 3 (step S60), and the display on the display unit 7b. And it notifies that it is an abnormal water level by ringing of the buzzer 7c (step S62), and returns to step S58. Next, if it is determined in step S58 that the water level is not abnormal, or if the water level is resolved after the drain pump 132 is operated, the operation of the drain pump 132 is stopped (step S64) and the process returns to step S32. On the other hand, if the tank full sensor 26 is not responding in step S54, the process returns to step S32.

  If it is determined in step S32 that the power switch 71 is turned on, the control unit 30 sets the course when the power was last turned off instead of the standard course set by the initial setting (step S34). For example, when the operation of the small amount course was executed last time and the power supply was shut off, the small amount course is set in step S34. Next, when the tank full notification is made, this is stopped (step S36), and it is determined whether or not the tongue clutch switch 281 is turned on (step S38). When the tank clutch switch 281 is OFF, it can be determined that the water storage tank 22 is not properly stored in the tank receiving frame 2a. Therefore, the storage error of the water storage tank 22 is caused by the display on the display unit 7b and the sound of the buzzer 7c. Is notified (step S50).

  If the tank clutch switch 281 is turned on in step S38, the water storage tank 22 is properly stored in the tank receiving frame 2a, and it is next determined whether or not the tank full sensor 26 is responding ( Step S40). For example, when the inside of the water storage tank 22 is empty, the tank full sensor 26 is not responding, so the control unit 30 determines whether or not a course setting input has been made by operating the course selection key 73 (step S42). If there is a course input, the input course is set (step S44). For example, if a small course is set in step S34 and then a standard course is selected by the course selection key 73, the setting is changed from the small course to the standard course in step S44. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the start key 72 has been pressed (step S46), and even if it is pressed, this is not accepted, and operation invalidity is notified by the ringing of the display unit 7b and the buzzer 7c (step S48). Return to S32.

  As described above, when the user opens the water tap 63 and starts water injection into the water storage tank 22 in the power-on state, water starts to accumulate in the water storage tank 22. However, since it is determined as NO in step S40 until the full water level L3 is reached, even if the process from steps S32 to S48 is repeated and the user presses the start key 72 during that time, the operation is not accepted and the operation is not started. . Then, when the water level in the water storage tank 22 rises and reaches the full water level L3, the tank full sensor 26 responds and proceeds from step S40 to step S66 shown in FIG. 16, and the course set at that time is small. Determine if it is a course.

  Here, the contents of each course will be briefly described. The standard course uses a total of 9 liters of water, and is washed once with detergent water and rinsed with normal water that does not contain detergent (including heated rinses described later) three times. The small amount course uses a total of 6 liters of water, which is less than the standard course, and performs one wash and two rinses (including heated rinses). The speedy course uses a total of 9 liters of water as in the standard course, but in order to save time, the washing is performed once and rinsed (including the heat rinse) twice as in the small course. In this case, the amount of water at the time of rinsing is increased from the standard course by the amount of rinsing less.

  If it is determined in step S66 that the course is a small amount course, since the amount of water used is originally small as described above, the water injection into the water storage tank 22 is stopped before water is supplied into the cleaning cabinet 3. Therefore, the control unit 30 immediately informs that the water storage tank 22 is full by displaying the display unit 7b and ringing the buzzer 7c (step S80).

  On the other hand, if the course is other than the small course, for example, if it is a standard course or a speedy course, the process proceeds from step S66 to S68, and the water supply pump 24 is operated via the load driving unit 32. As a result, the water in the water storage tank 22 is sucked by the water supply pump 24 and begins to be supplied into the cleaning cabinet 3. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the start key 72 has been pressed (step S70). If the start key 72 has been pressed, operation invalidity notification is executed in the same manner as in step S48 (step S74). That is, even at this time, the start key 72 is not accepted yet. Then, the internal water level sensor 20 determines whether or not the water level in the cleaning chamber 3 has reached the cleaning water level L1 (step S72), and the process returns to step S68 until the cleaning water level L1 is reached.

  The operation of the water supply pump 24 is executed regardless of whether the door switch 33 is turned on or off. That is, even if the doors 4 and 5 are opened, the water supply operation from the water storage tank 22 to the washing cabinet 3 is executed. Thereby, even when the user opens the doors 4 and 5 in order to store the dishes in the washing cabinet 3, it is possible to supply water into the washing cabinet 3 and to avoid undesirably extending the operation time.

  When the water level in the cleaning chamber 3 reaches the cleaning water level L1 while repeating steps S68 to S72, the operation of the water supply pump 24 is stopped (step S76), and the supply of water into the cleaning chamber 3 is stopped. As described above, since the water level in the water storage tank 22 is lower than the full water level L3 at this time, the state is maintained until the tank full sensor 26 responds (step S78), and the water injection into the water storage tank 22 is accompanied. When the water level in the water storage tank 22 rises and the tank full sensor 26 responds, the fact that the water storage tank 22 is full is notified as in step S56 (step S80). As described above, when the user closes the water tap 63 by notifying the full water, the water injection into the water storage tank 22 is stopped, and the water amount of the full water level L3 is stored in the water storage tank 22.

  If the set course is a small amount course by the processing from step S66 to S80, there is no water in the washing chamber 3 and water up to the vicinity of the full water level L3 is stored in the water storage tank 22, and other than the small amount course. In the case of another course, water up to the cleaning water level L1 is stored in the cleaning chamber 3, and water up to the vicinity of the full water level L3 is stored in the water storage tank 22. In other words, in cases other than the small course, about 6 liters of water is stored in the water storage tank 22, about 3 liters of water is stored in the washing chamber 3, and a total of 9 liters of water is stored. It becomes a state. On the other hand, when the course is a small amount, only about 6 liters of water is stored in the water storage tank 22. However, this is a case where the small course is set before the tank full sensor 26 responds in step S40, and the user selects the small course with the course selection key 73 after the water supply pump 24 starts to operate. Even so, the water supply is not stopped, and the same amount of water as that of the other courses such as the standard course is stored in the washing cabinet 3.

  Normally, the user notices that the water is full by the full water notification in step S80, and then closes the water tap 63, and subsequently presses the start key 72 to start the operation. The control unit 30 determines whether or not the start key 72 has been pressed (step S82), and if it has been pressed, determines whether or not the doors 4 and 5 are closed based on a detection signal from the door switch 33 (step S82). S84). When the doors 4 and 5 are closed, the full water notification is stopped (step S86). If the set course is a small course (YES in step S88), the water supply pump 24 is operated to suck the stored water in the water storage tank 22 and supply it to the cleaning cabinet 3 ( Step S90). When it is determined in step S84 that the doors 4 and 5 are not closed, a notification is made to notify that the doors 4 and 5 are open (step S92), and the process returns to step S82.

  If it is determined in step S82 that the start key 72 has not been pressed, as shown in FIG. 17, it is determined whether or not the water level in the cleaning cabinet 3 is an abnormal water level based on the detection signal of the in-house water level sensor 20. Determination is made (step S94). This is because when the start key 72 is not pressed, there is a high possibility that the water tap 63 is not closed, and there is a higher possibility that the inside of the cleaning cabinet 3 becomes an abnormal water level. If it is determined in step S94 that the water level is abnormal, the drainage pump 132 is immediately activated (step S96), and the display unit 7b and the buzzer 7c sound to notify that the water level is abnormal ( Step S98) Return to Step S94. On the other hand, if the abnormal water level is not reached or the abnormal water level is resolved after the drainage pump 132 is operated, the drainage pump 132 is stopped (step S100) and the process returns to step S82.

  When it is determined in step S88 that the course is not a small amount course, and after the water supply to the washing cabinet 3 is executed in step S90, the washing is performed according to the set course operation program as shown in FIG. Operation and rinsing operation are executed (step S102). That is, the cleaning pump 131 is operated to suck water accumulated at the bottom of the cleaning cabinet 3 and spray water from the water spray hole 10 toward the dishes.

  During this operation, the control unit 30 repeatedly checks whether or not there is an abnormality in the operation. That is, first, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the water level in the cleaning cabinet 3 is an abnormal water level by the internal water level sensor 20 (step S104), and if it is not an abnormal water level, then the tongue clutch switch 281 is turned on. It is determined whether or not (step S106). If the water storage tank 22 is properly stored and the tongue clutch switch 281 is turned on, it is next determined whether or not a water supply abnormality has occurred (step S108). For example, when the water supply pump 24 is in the activated state, it is determined that there is a water supply abnormality when the water level in the wash chamber 3 does not rise more than a predetermined value within a predetermined time.

  If it is determined in step S108 that no water supply abnormality has occurred, it is determined whether or not the predetermined washing operation and rinsing operation according to the operation program have ended (step S110). The final rinsing operation is heating rinsing using high-temperature water. When the rinsing is completed, a residual water treatment operation is performed next (step S111). At the time when the rinsing operation is finished, basically, all of the water in the water storage tank 22 should be used and not left. However, for example, when the user additionally supplies water during the operation, the rinsing operation is performed. There is a possibility that water remains in the water storage tank 22 at the end. Therefore, as a residual water treatment operation, both the water supply pump 24 and the drainage pump 132 are operated for a predetermined time, so that even if water remains in the water storage tank 22, the water is once raised into the washing cabinet 3. Then, the water storage tank 22 can be emptied by discharging it out of the machine. In the residual water treatment, there is a risk that the tableware will be sprayed when water is supplied by once supplying water into the washing cabinet 3, but the residual water treatment operation is performed after the rinsing operation is completed rather than after the drying operation. Even if the spray is applied, the tableware can be dried in the next drying operation, and the drying finish of the tableware by the drying operation can be prevented.

  After the residual water treatment operation, a predetermined drying operation according to the operation program is executed (step S112). When the drying operation is completed, a predetermined operation end operation is executed (step S113), and the operation end is notified. (Step S114) Return to step S32. Note that after the operation is completed, the auto power-off circuit is activated, and the power-off operation is automatically executed after a predetermined time even if the power-off operation is not performed by pressing the power switch 71. However, as described above, the drive current is supplied to the control unit 30 even in the power-off state, and the controller 30 is in a substantial operation state.

  When it is determined in step S108 that the water supply is abnormal, the control unit 30 temporarily stops the operation (step S116), and performs a water supply abnormality notification by ringing of the display unit 7b and the buzzer 7c (S118). And it is determined whether the tank full sensor 26 is responding (step S120), and when there is no response, it returns to step S118. For example, if a water supply abnormality occurs as a result of a shortage of water in the water storage tank 22 for some reason, the water level in the water storage tank 22 rises if the user notices the water supply abnormality and supplies water to the water storage tank 22. The full water level L3 is reached. In such a case, the process proceeds from step S120 to S122, and the control unit 30 activates the water supply pump 24 and determines whether or not the water level in the washing cabinet 3 has reached the washing water level L1 by the inside water level sensor 20. (Step S124). When the cleaning water level L1 is reached, the water supply pump 24 is stopped (step S126), and the system waits until the user presses the start key 71 (step S128). That is, even if the operation can be resumed here, the operation is not automatically resumed but the user is prompted to perform the operation of closing the water tap 63 by waiting for the operation of the start key 71 by the user. it can.

  When it is determined in step S106 that the tongue clutch switch 281 is not turned on, a situation is assumed in which the user tries to pull out the water storage tank 22 on the way. In this case, as shown in FIG. 19, the control unit 30 temporarily stops the operation (step S130), and notifies the storage error of the water storage tank 22 by the ringing of the display unit 7b and the buzzer 7c (step S132). . Thereafter, it is repeatedly determined whether or not the tongue clutch switch 281 is turned on (step S134). When the tongue clutch switch 281 is turned on, the operation is automatically restarted (step S136), and the process returns to step S102. In this case, since it is irrelevant to the opening and closing of the water tap 63, the operation is automatically restarted without depending on the operation of the start key 71.

  If it is determined in step S104 that the water level is abnormal in the cabinet, the control unit 30 temporarily stops the operation (step S138), and operates the drain pump 132 to remove the stored water in the washing cabinet 3. It begins to discharge out of the machine (step S140). Thereafter, it is determined by the internal water level sensor 20 whether or not the water level is abnormal (step S142). If the abnormal water level is resolved, the drain pump 132 is stopped (step S146), and the operation is automatically resumed. (Step S136). If the abnormal water level has not yet been resolved in step S142, the drainage abnormality notification is executed (step S144) and the process returns to step S140 to continue draining.

  As described above, in the dishwasher of the present embodiment, the dishes stored in the washing cabinet 3 are satisfactorily washed using the water stored in the water storage tank 22 prior to the start of operation. Can do. Moreover, according to the set course, specifically, it is possible to execute appropriate control in each of the small course that operates with less water and the other course.

  In addition, in the dishwasher of a present Example, when there exists residual water in the water storage tank 22 for a certain reason, this water can be forcedly discharged | emitted by performing a drying course. Of course, separately from the drying course, a key for designating a forced drainage course for forcibly discharging the water in the water storage tank 22 to the outside of the machine may be provided. In the forced drainage course, the water supply pump 24 and the drainage pump 132 may be operated for a predetermined time as in the case of the residual water treatment operation.

  Next, a dishwasher according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 20 is a side longitudinal sectional view of the dishwasher, FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing an example of the installation state of the dishwasher, and FIG. 22 is a state where both a water storage tank and a water supply pump are connected in the dishwasher. FIG.

  The difference from the dishwasher is the structure of a tank full sensor 26 for detecting the water supply location to the water storage tank 22 from the outside and the full water level in the water storage tank 22. That is, in this dishwasher, as shown in FIG. 20 and FIG. 22, the branch pipe constituting the tank full sensor in the above embodiment is the water supply pipe 40, and the water supply pipe 40 is on the side of the water supply pump 24. It extends to the rear rear of the housing 2 through the direction. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 21, the water supply hose 50 connected to the faucet of the water tap 63 is connected to the end of the water supply pipe 40 on the back side of the housing 2, and thereby the hose around the dishwasher 1 is routed. Clean up.

  A float chamber 2220b that protrudes rearward and communicates with the inside of the water storage tank 22 is formed at the rear of the water storage tank 22. A spherical body 250 is included in the float chamber 220b so as to be movable up and down. On the other hand, in the tank receiving frame 2a, a light emitting portion 261 and a light receiving portion 262 are fixedly provided facing each other at a position sandwiching the float chamber 22 when the water storage tank 22 is stored. As a result, the water storage tank 22 is accommodated in the tank receiving frame 2a, and as described above, when water is supplied into the water storage tank 22 through the water supply hose 50 and the water supply pipe 40 and the water level in the water storage tank 22 rises, Accordingly, the spherical body 250 in the float chamber 220b rises. Then, when the spherical body 250 rises to a position where the light emitted from the light emitting unit 261 is blocked, it is detected that the intensity of light received by the light receiving unit 262 suddenly decreases and the water storage tank 22 is full. Of course, the installation site of the tank full sensor 26 is not limited to this, and the configuration thereof is not limited to that described above.

  In addition, any of the above-described embodiments is merely an example of the present invention, and it is apparent that the present invention is encompassed by the present invention even if appropriate modifications, corrections or additions are made within the scope of the present invention.

1 is an external perspective view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention. The right side surface longitudinal cross-sectional view of the principal part of the dishwasher by a present Example. The perspective view which shows an example of the installation state of the dishwasher of a present Example. The external appearance perspective view of the both in the state with which the water storage tank and the water supply pump in the dishwasher of a present Example were connected. FIG. 5 is a top plan view of FIG. 4. The detailed longitudinal cross-sectional view of the connection part periphery of the water storage tank and water supply pump in the dishwasher of a present Example. The transparent top view in the pump chamber of the water supply pump in the dishwasher of a present Example. The detailed cross section of the connection part periphery of the water storage tank and water supply pump in the dishwasher of a present Example. The external appearance perspective view of the water supply pump in the dishwasher of a present Example, and an on-off valve. The electric system block diagram of the principal part of the dishwasher of a present Example. The enlarged view of the operation panel in the dishwasher of a present Example. The flowchart which shows the basic flow of operation which a user performs at the time of the water injection to a water storage tank, and operation | movement of this machine in the dishwasher of a present Example. The flowchart which shows the basic flow of operation which a user performs at the time of the water injection to a water storage tank, and operation | movement of this machine in the dishwasher of a present Example. The flowchart which shows operation | movement centering on a control part in the dishwasher of a present Example. The flowchart which shows operation | movement centering on a control part in the dishwasher of a present Example. The flowchart which shows operation | movement centering on a control part in the dishwasher of a present Example. The flowchart which shows operation | movement centering on a control part in the dishwasher of a present Example. The flowchart which shows operation | movement centering on a control part in the dishwasher of a present Example. The flowchart which shows operation | movement centering on a control part in the dishwasher of a present Example. The side surface longitudinal cross-sectional view of the dishwasher of the other Example of this invention. The perspective view which shows an example of the installation state of the dishwasher by another Example. The upper surface top view of the both in the state in which the water storage tank and the water supply pump in the dishwasher by another Example were connected.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Dishwasher 2 ... Housing 2a ... Tank receiving frame 3 ... Washing cabinet 4 ... Upper door 5 ... Lower door 6 ... Door opening operation body 7 ... Operation panel 7a ... Operation part 7b ... Display part 7c ... Buzzer 71 ... Power supply Switch 72 ... Start key 73 ... Course selection key 74 ... Dry setting key 75 ... Course display section 76 ... Driving monitor display section 77 ... Dry course display section 8 ... Dish bowl 9 ... Nozzle arm 10 ... Water injection hole 11 ... Water reservoir section 12 ... Sweet filter 13 ... Washing / drainage pump 131 ... Washing pump 132 ... Drainage pump 14 ... Suction port 15 ... Circulation port 16 ... Discharge port 17 ... Water passage 18 ... Drain port 19 ... Drain hose 20 ... In-house water level sensor 21 ... Heater 22 ... Water storage tank 220 ... Container member 220a ... Bottom wall surface 221 ... Upper surface member 222 ... Cover body 223 ... Water supply connection pipe 224 ... Cap 225 ... Overflow pipe 22 ... overflow port 227 ... concave 228 ... drain pipe 229 ... O-ring 23, 27 ... open / close valve 230,270 ... spring holding part 231,271 ... movable body 231a, 271a ... pressing part 232,272 ... packing 233,273 ... coil spring DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 24 ... Water supply pump 240 ... Pump motor 241 ... Motor shaft 242 ... Impeller 243 ... Upper casing 243a ... Wall part 243b ... Cut 244 ... Lower casing 245 ... Pump chamber 245a ... Delivery chamber 246 ... Suction port 247 ... Suction pipe 248 ... Suction Pipe 249 ... Branch pipe 250 ... Spherical body 251 ... Water supply upright pipe 26 ... Tank full sensor 261 ... Light emitting part 262 ... Light receiving part 28 ... Tan clutch mechanism 281 ... Tan clutch switch 282 ... Latch button 29 ... Water supply port 30 ... Control part 31 ... Inverter drive unit 32 ... Load drive Part 33 ... door switch 50 ... feed water hose 51 ... branch water supply equipment 52 ... Issui hose 63 ... tap L1 ... washing water level L2 ... Issui water level L3 ... full water level

Claims (8)

In the dishwasher for cleaning the dishes by storing water at the bottom of the washing cabinet in which the dishes are housed, and sucking the water and spraying it toward the dishes,
In order to store the water necessary for washing the dishes, a water storage tank is provided so as to be freely drawable below the washing cabinet, and is installed in a position aligned horizontally with the water storage tank. A water supply pump for sucking water and feeding it to the washing cabinet,
The water storage tank and the water supply pump each have a connection channel that is connected when the water storage tank is housed and separated when the water storage tank is pulled out, on the surfaces facing each other, and the water storage tank side connection channel A dishwasher characterized in that the water supply pump side connection flow path is provided with flow path opening / closing means for opening the flow path when connected and closing the flow path when detached.   The flow path opening / closing means provided in each of the water storage tank side connection flow path and the feed water pump side connection flow path includes a valve body that opens or closes the connection flow path, a movable body attached to the valve body, The valve body has an urging means for urging the movable body in a direction to close the connection flow path, and a valve seat on which the valve body is seated, and both flow paths when the water storage tank is stored. When the opposing surfaces of the movable body of the opening / closing means abut against each other and press each other, the movable body is moved within the connection flow path against the urging force of the urging means, and the valve body is moved from the valve seat. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein water can be separated from the dishwasher.   The water supply pump is installed at an intermediate position in the width direction opposite to the direction in which the water storage tank is pulled out and orthogonal to the direction, and the water storage tank corresponds to the water supply pump on a surface facing the water supply pump. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the dishwasher is formed in a concave shape recessed inward.   In the water storage tank, a corner between the upper surface and the peripheral surface is sealed over the entire periphery, and a water injection port portion for injecting water into the water storage tank is formed on the upper surface not hanging on the corner, and the inside is cleaned. The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a lid that closes the opening.   The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the water storage tank includes an overflow pipe having an overflow outlet at a position of the predetermined water level in order to discharge stored water of a predetermined water level or higher to the outside. .   The flow path of the water discharged through the overflow pipe and the drain flow path for discharging the water in the washing chamber to the outside of the apparatus are merged inside or outside the main body and led out as one pipe line. The dishwasher according to claim 5.   7. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the water storage tank is made of a material having an antibacterial action, or at least an inner surface is subjected to an antibacterial treatment. The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a latch mechanism that holds the water storage tank in its position in a state where the water storage tank is completely stored.

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