JP2008073132A - Dishwasher - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a safe dishwasher with excellent handleability, in which a washing tub can be automatically opened and closed. <P>SOLUTION: The dishwasher includes: the washing tub 2 provided with an opening 2a for taking dishes 3 in and out on the upper side; an outer frame 1 for holding the washing tub 2; a washing means provided in the washing tub 2; a moving means 10 for making it possible to pull out the washing tub 2 from the outer frame 1 to the front; a driving means 15 for moving the washing tub 2 in front and back directions by the moving means 10; and a foreign matter detection means 101 for detecting a foreign matter projecting from the upper end of the opening 2a. In the operation of housing the washing tub 2 in the outer frame 1 and closing it by the driving means 15, the driving means 15 is stopped by the output of the foreign matter detection means 101 and the foreign matter is prevented from being caught between the outer frame 1 and the washing tub 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an improvement of a dishwasher that draws out a washing tank from an outer frame (housing) to store and wash dishes.

  In this type of conventional dishwasher, the washing tank can be pulled forward by a slide rail, the drive motor shaft provided in the outer frame of the main body has a gear, the rack gear is provided in the washing tank, and the gear and the rack gear mesh with each other. The drive motor shaft rotates the gears, and the force that pushes the rack gear forward or pulls it back acts to move the cleaning tank in the front-rear direction. The cleaning tank is automatically pulled out and opened. Or closed by pushing.

  In this way, the operation force for pulling out or pushing in the cleaning tank is unnecessary, and the operability is improved (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2002-345712 A

  However, in the above prior art, if foreign objects such as dishes, chopsticks, and ladle protrude from the upper end of the cleaning tank opening, there is no means for detecting pinching when the cleaning tank closes. Pulling in until it is caught, there is a problem that the tableware is damaged or the kitchen is damaged.

  Also, after setting dishes in the washing tub, if a part of the table is tilted by vibration while the washing tub closes, when you put your hand in the washing tub to correct it, the washing tub will remain as it is. There is a problem that the hand is injured because the hand is pulled into the front part.

  In addition, when the cleaning tank has foreign matter caught in the front part of the outer frame, there is no catching detection means, so the cleaning tank is pulled in while trying to remove the foreign matter, so it is very dangerous. is there.

  In addition, when a foreign substance is caught in the front part of the outer frame, there is no means for detecting the pinching. There is a problem.

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an easy-to-use safe dishwasher that can automatically open and close a washing tank.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems. In claim 1, a cleaning tank provided with cleaning means provided on the upper side with an opening through which tableware is put in and out, and the cleaning tank are accommodated. An outer frame, moving means connected to the outer frame to hold the cleaning tank so that the cleaning tank can be pulled forward from the outer frame, and driving means for moving the cleaning tank in the front-rear direction while being held by the moving means; Foreign matter detection means for detecting foreign matter protruding from the upper end of the opening of the cleaning tank, and the drive means detects the foreign matter when the cleaning means is housed in the outer frame and closed. The driving means is stopped.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, a top plate is provided at an upper portion on the front side of the outer frame, and a foreign object detection means having a detection range at the front is provided at the front end of the top plate.

  Moreover, in Claim 3, the detection range of the said foreign material detection means was made into the upper part from the upper end of the opening part of the said washing tank.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, when the foreign matter detection means stops detecting the foreign matter after the foreign matter detection means stops the drive means, the drive means is restarted to store the cleaning tank in the outer frame. I made it.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, an operation unit for inputting an operation from the outside is provided, and after the driving unit is stopped by the foreign matter detection unit, the foreign matter is not detected by the foreign matter detection unit, and the operation unit When the storing operation of the cleaning tank is input, the driving means is restarted so that the cleaning tank is stored in the outer frame and closed.

  Since the dishwasher of the present invention is configured as described above, according to claim 1, in the operation of storing the cleaning tank in the outer frame by the driving means and closing it, the dish or chopsticks are opened from the upper end of the opening of the cleaning tank. , When the ladle is popping out or the hand is put in the washing tank, the drive means can be stopped by the foreign matter detection means to prevent pinching, so that tableware breakage, kitchen damage, hand injury, etc. Can be prevented.

  Further, in claim 2, by setting the detection range of the foreign matter detection means to be the detection range in front of the outer frame, it is possible to reliably detect an object protruding from the upper end of the opening of the cleaning tank. Can be prevented.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the detection range of the foreign matter detection means is set from the upper end to the upper side of the cleaning tank, so that the user can be reliably prevented from being caught.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the movement of closing the cleaning tank is stopped during the removal of the foreign matter, it is easy to remove the foreign matter and the work can be performed safely.

  Further, according to the fifth aspect, after removing the foreign matter, the cleaning tank can be restarted by operating at a timing intended by the user, so that the user can be given a sense of security and is very convenient.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 is a side sectional view showing a state in which a washing tub of a dishwasher according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is pulled out from an outer frame, FIG. 2 is a layout diagram of detection means for detecting the position of the washing tub, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the dishwasher showing a state in which the washing tank is pulled out from the outer frame, and FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing the washing mechanism of the dishwasher. FIGS. 6 and 6 are perspective views showing the driving means provided in the cleaning tank, FIG. 7A is a diagram showing the relationship between the position and speed of the opening of the cleaning tank, and FIG.
FIG. 8B is a diagram showing the relationship between the position and speed of the operation for closing the cleaning tank, FIG. 8A is a flow chart for controlling the position and speed of the operation for opening the cleaning tank, and FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the position and speed control. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the relationship between the position and speed of the cleaning tank when the cleaning tank is sandwiched. FIG. 10 is the same when the cleaning tank is closed. It is a control flowchart figure of the position and speed of a washing tank.

  The dishwasher according to the present invention is incorporated as a part of a system kitchen, and a washing tub 2 having an opening 2a on the upper side of an outer frame 1 to be incorporated in the kitchen is accommodated in a horizontal direction so as to be freely taken in and out. The cleaning tank 2 can be pulled out to the front and the upper surface can be opened to set or remove the tableware 3.

  A basket 4 for setting tableware 3 is housed in the cleaning tank 2, and a cleaning means such as a rotating nozzle 5 that rotates while spraying cleaning water upward is provided below the basket 4. Yes. The washing water sprayed from the rotary nozzle 5 is used to wash the dishes 3, and then is discharged from the washing tank 2 and pressurized by a cleaning mechanism 6 such as a pump, and is sprayed from the rotary nozzle 5 again to circulate the dishes. This is a configuration in which the class 3 is washed.

  When the cleaning of the tableware 3 is completed, the cleaning water is drained from the dishwasher main body 7 via a drain hose (not shown) by opening a valve (not shown).

  The front side of the cleaning tank 2 includes a door portion 8 that is pulled out to the front side, and a front end of the door portion 8 includes an operation portion 40.

  The operation unit 40 includes an open button 41 that is pressed when the cleaning tank 2 is opened, a close button 42 that is pressed when the cleaning tank 2 is closed, a fast button 43 for time selection, and a slow button 44, each of which is controlled. Connected to means 24.

  The ceiling portion of the outer frame 1 is provided with a water sealing inner lid 9 to prevent water leakage from between the inner lid 9 and the cleaning tank 2.

  The cleaning tank 2 is placed on a moving means 10 supported so as to be movable back and forth, and is configured such that the cleaning tank 2 can be pulled out to the front side or pushed into the back side.

  The moving means 10 that enables the cleaning tank 2 to move includes a slide rail fixing portion 11 provided on the outer frame 1 and a slide rail sliding portion 12 that is slidably supported with respect to the slide rail fixing portion 11. If the operating range is larger than the dimension of the cleaning tank 2, the upper surface of the cleaning tank 2 is opened when the cleaning tank 2 is pulled out. Is done.

Between the slide rail fixing part 11 of the moving means 10 and the slide rail sliding part 12, a ball bearing that operates linearly is provided, and the frictional load is reduced to move the slide rail sliding part 12. It is light enough to withstand the load even when the washing tub 2 is pulled out from the outer frame 1 with the weight of the washing tub 2 and the load of the tableware 3 and water applied. Have

  A concave bearing 13 is provided at one end of the slide rail sliding portion 12 that is pulled out from the outer frame 1 to the forefront, and the shaft 14 provided at the front portion of the cleaning tank 2 is engaged, The cleaning tank 2 is fixed to the slide rail sliding portion 12.

  A driving means 15 is provided at the rear part of the cleaning tank 2, and the driving means 15 transmits the driving force of the motor 16, the motor base 17 that fixes the motor 16, the axle 18, and the axle 18 and the driving force of the motor 16. A means (for example, a gear) 19, an axle bearing 20 that receives the axle 18, a bearing fixture 21, and a tire 22 that is fixed to the axle 18 are configured. The tire 22 travels straight on a road surface 23 fixed to the outer frame 1 in the vicinity of the moving means 10.

  Thus, the shaft 14 provided at the front portion of the cleaning tank 2 is configured to be fitted to the bearing 13 provided at one end of the slide rail sliding portion 12, and the tire provided at the rear portion of the cleaning tank 2. Reference numeral 22 denotes a configuration in which the washing tank 2 is placed on the upper surface of the road surface 23 fixed to the outer frame 1 by its own weight. The road surface 23 is provided along the slide rail fixing portion 11, and the length of the road surface 23 is larger than the moving distance of the slide rail sliding portion 12, that is, the distance that the cleaning tank 2 moves in the front-rear direction. It is comprised so that it may become. And the washing tank 2 is comprised so that the tire 22 of the drive means 15 fixed to the washing tank 2 may rotate and it may self-run.

  Therefore, the configuration is very simple, and the outer frame 1 is only ridden by the weight of the washing tub 2 on the tire 22, so that the accuracy in assembly can be roughly managed and can be manufactured at low cost.

Further, the weight of the washing tub 2 and the loads of the tableware 3 and water are such that the load applied to the moving means 10 from the shaft 14 at the front portion of the washing tub 2 via the bearing 13 and the rear portion of the washing tub 2. Since the load applied to the road surface 23 of the outer frame 1 via the tire 22 of the driving means 15 is dispersed, the load applied to the moving means 10 is reduced, and the moving means 10 can reduce the load resistance and thus reduce the cost. be able to.

  In addition, since the driving force of the cleaning tank 2 is moved forward and backward by the tire 22 of the driving means 15, even if the cleaning tank 2 is caught between the outer frame 1 and the cleaning tank 2 can be easily operated by the user. Because it can be pulled out and avoided, it is excellent in safety.

  Further, since the driving means 15 is fixed to the washing tank 2 and does not greatly affect the outer frame 1, it is easy to divert the washing tank 2 portion to an inexpensive dishwasher that does not have the driving means 15. This is possible and can be shared, so the cost can be reduced.

  The control unit 24 controls an input signal of the operation unit 40, energization of the motor 16 of the driving unit 15, and the like. Further, since the control unit 24 includes a power source, it supplies power to the drive unit 15, the operation unit 40, and the detection unit 26 described later. The connection cable 25 that connects the drive unit 15 and the control unit 24 is connected with a slack that is greater than the amount of movement of the cleaning tank 2 in the front-rear direction.

  The detection means 26 is arranged to detect the position of the cleaning tank 2 in all steps in which the cleaning tank 2 in the outer frame 1 moves. The detection means 26 includes a full-close detection means 27 for detecting that the cleaning tank 2 is housed in the outer frame 1 and the upper opening is closed, and a full-open detection means 28 for detecting that the upper opening is fully opened. And the first detection means 29 disposed between the fully open position and the fully closed position to the fully closed point, for example, about 20 to 30 mm, and the distance between the fully opened position and the fully closed position. Includes, for example, a second detection means 30 disposed about 20 to 30 mm in front.

  These detection means 26 are, for example, switches such as microswitches, or light detection elements in which a light emitting element and a light receiving element are arranged to face each other, and are predetermined while the cleaning tank 2 moves from a closed state to an open state. For example, a plate-shaped light blocking member provided in the cleaning tank 2 may block the light of the light detection element when the position reaches the position.

  A plurality of foreign matter detection means 101 are provided at the front end of the top plate 1a provided at the upper part on the front side of the outer frame 1, and the front of the top plate 1a is set as a detection range 102 and connected to the control means 24 for cleaning. A foreign object such as a dish, chopsticks, or a ladle protrudes from the upper end of the opening 2a of the tank 2 or can be reliably detected when the user puts his / her hand in the cleaning tank.

  The foreign object detection means 101 is configured to detect a change in the amount of received infrared light reflected from an object by projecting an infrared beam, for example. If there is no object to be reflected, the output is low (Low), and if there is an object to be reflected. A high (Hi) output is output and sent to the control means 24 for control.

  The detection range 102 of the foreign matter detection means 101 has a width that is substantially the same as that of the cleaning tank 2, a depth that is approximately half the distance when the cleaning tank 2 is pulled out from the front end of the top plate 1 a, and a height from the top of the cleaning tank 2. Up to about 50 mm above. This is because, by setting the detection range from the upper end of the opening 2a of the cleaning tank 2 to approximately 50 mm above, when the user tries to put his hand into the cleaning tank, it is detected early to prevent pinching. Note that the detection range 102 that is approximately 50 mm above the upper end of the cleaning tank 2 may be set to a value that maximizes the effect of preventing pinching depending on the size of the cleaning tank 2, the moving speed of the cleaning tank, and the like. .

  Next, the effect | action by the above structure is demonstrated.

  When the user presses the open button 41 in the state where the fully closed detection means 27 detects that the cleaning tank 2 is closed and in the fully closed position, the control means 24 energizes the drive means 15 to rotate the tire 22. Therefore, the tire 22 performs an operation of moving and opening on the road surface 23 in the direction in which the cleaning tank 2 is opened. As shown in FIG. 7A, the moving speed at this time is adjusted by adjusting the voltage applied to the motor 16 to start at a speed V2, and proceeds at the position of the first detecting means 29. When the signal is detected, the speed is increased so that the speed becomes V3, and when the signal of the second detection means 30 is detected at the position of the second detection means 30, the speed is lowered to V1 and the full open detection means 28 is detected. When the signal of the fully-open detection means 28 is detected at the position, the energization of the drive means 15 is stopped. By setting the speed at this time to V3> V1, V3> V2, since it starts slowly and stops slowly, it is possible to achieve both quietness and agility when the washing tank 2 moves.

  Moreover, since it starts slowly at the time of the movement of the washing tank 2, and stops slowly, the contact between the tableware 3 can be prevented and damage can be prevented.

  Further, by setting the speed to V2> V1, the speed at the end of the movement is made slower than the speed at the start of the movement, thereby creating a safe feeling and impressing a sense of quality.

When the cleaning tank 2 is closed, when the user presses the close button 42 while the signal of the full open detection means 28 is being input, it starts to advance to a speed V2 as shown in FIG. When the signal of the second detector 30 is detected at the position of the second detector 30, the speed is increased to V3, and when the signal of the first detector 29 is detected at the position of the first detector 29, the speed is increased. When the signal of the full-close detection means 27 is detected at the position of the full-close detection means 27, the energization of the drive means 15 is stopped. By setting the speed at this time to V3> V1, V3> V2, since it starts slowly and stops slowly, it is possible to achieve both quietness and agility when the washing tank 2 moves.

  Moreover, since it starts slowly at the time of the movement of the washing tank 2, and stops slowly, it can prevent contact between tableware and can prevent damage.

  In addition, by setting the speed to V2> V1, the speed at the end of the movement is slowly decelerated from the speed at the start of the movement, thereby creating a safe feeling and impressing a sense of quality.

  Next, a case where there is a pinch or the like during the operation of closing the cleaning tank 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. If the user presses the close button 42 when the full-open detection means 28 is being input, the drive means 15 is energized so that the speed V2 is reached as shown in FIG. 2 When the signal from the detection means 30 is detected, the speed is increased to V3. At this time, when a hand or the like is inserted into the opening 2a of the cleaning tank 2, the foreign object detection means 101 detects the foreign object and outputs a Hi output. Thus, the control means 24 stops the energization of the driving means 15 and temporarily stops. If the hand inserted into the opening 2a of the cleaning tank 2 is retracted and the Lo output is in a state where the foreign matter detection means 101 is not detecting the foreign matter, the process proceeds to the next step. If the foreign matter detection means 101 continues to detect foreign matter and outputs Hi, it stops until no foreign matter is detected.

  In the next step, the driving means 15 is energized and restarted so that the speed V1 is reached, and the process proceeds through the first detection means 29 while maintaining the speed V1 so as to fully close the cleaning tank 2, and the fully closed detection means 27 is reached. When the signal of the fully-closed detecting means 27 is detected at the position, the energization of the driving means 15 is stopped.

  In the above description, the case where the foreign matter is detected during the operation at the speed V3 has been described. However, if the foreign matter detection means 101 detects the foreign matter at any stage during the operation of closing the cleaning tank 2, the control means 24 is driven. When the energization of the means 15 is stopped and temporarily stopped, and the Lo output is in a state where the foreign matter detection means 101 does not detect the foreign matter, the drive means 15 is energized and restarted so that the speed V1 is reached, and the cleaning tank 2 Is fully closed at a speed V1 so as to be fully closed.

  As described above, when the tableware 3 is set in the washing tub 2 and the washing tub 2 is housed in the outer frame 1 and closed, the tableware 3 protruding from the upper end of the opening for taking in and out the ware in the washing tub 2 is removed. It is possible to reliably detect and stop the driving means 15, so that foreign matter can be prevented from being caught between the outer frame 1 and the cleaning tank 2.

In addition, when a part of the tableware 3 is tilted during the operation of storing the cleaning tank 2 in the outer frame 1 and the hand is put into the cleaning tank so as to correct it into a bowl, the detection range of the foreign matter detection means is the cleaning tank. Since it is in the range of 50 mm upward from the upper end of the head, it is possible to detect the hand at an early stage and to prevent pinching with certainty, so that the hand can be used safely without being injured.

  Although the structure of the dishwasher of Example 2 is the same as Example 1, it differs in operation | movement when there exists pinching etc. during the operation | movement which the washing tank 2 closes, and it demonstrates with reference to FIG. 11, FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the relationship between the position and speed of the washing tub when it is sandwiched during the operation of closing the washing tub of the dishwasher according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. It is a control flowchart figure of the position and speed | rate of a washing tank in the case of a case.

  When the cleaning tank 2 is closed, when the signal of the full open detection means 28 is input, when the user presses the close button 42, the start is advanced to the speed V2 as shown in FIG. When the signal of the second detection means 30 is detected at the position of the second detection means 30, the speed is increased to V3, and at this time, if a hand or the like is inserted into the opening 2a of the cleaning tank 2, foreign matter detection is performed. When the means 101 detects a foreign substance and outputs a Hi output, the control means 24 stops energization of the driving means 15 and temporarily stops. If the hand inserted into the opening 2a of the cleaning tank 2 is retracted and the Lo output is in a state where the foreign matter detection means 101 has not detected the foreign matter, the process proceeds to the next step. If the foreign matter detection means 101 continues to detect foreign matter and outputs Hi, it stops until no foreign matter is detected.

In the next step, if the close button 41 is kept pressed, the washing tank 2 is closed. In this case, when the speed is restarted at V1 and the close button 42 is continuously turned on to reach the position of the fully closed detection means 27. The signal of the fully closed detection means 27 is detected and stopped. And since the speed V1 at which the washing tank 2 moves while the push button 42 is kept pressed moves slowly, even if the close button 42 is arranged on the door 8 of the washing tank 2 that moves, the finger can be released. Absent.

  As described above, when the foreign matter detecting means 101 detects that a hand or the like has been inserted into the opening 2a of the cleaning tank 2 and the cleaning tank is stopped, the movement of the cleaning tank is stopped while the foreign matter is being removed. So it is easy to remove and very safe.

  Further, when the foreign matter is removed, the washing tank can be restarted by operating the close button 42 at a timing intended by the user, so that the user can be provided with a sense of security and is very convenient.

  In this embodiment, the moving speed of the cleaning tank 2 is shown in three stages of V1, V2, and V3. However, the speed is not limited to three stages, and the impact at the start and stop of the cleaning tank 2 is not limited. The number of steps may be increased so that the number can be reduced, or the speed may be gradually changed in an analog manner.

It is side surface sectional drawing which shows the state which pulled out the washing tank of the dishwasher concerning Example 1 of this invention from the outer frame. It is the arrangement drawing of the detection means which detects the position of a washing tank similarly. It is a perspective view which similarly shows the front operation part of a dishwasher. It is a perspective view of the dishwasher which similarly shows the state which pulled out the washing tank from the outer frame. It is a fragmentary sectional perspective view which similarly shows the washing | cleaning mechanism of a dishwasher. It is a perspective view which shows the drive means similarly comprised in a washing tank. (A) is the relationship diagram of the position and speed of the operation | movement which opens a washing tank similarly, (b) is the relationship diagram of the position and speed of the operation | movement which closes a washing tank similarly. (A) is the control flowchart figure of the position and speed of the operation | movement which opens a washing tank similarly, (b) is the control flowchart figure of the position and speed | rate of the operation | movement which similarly closes a washing tank. It is a related figure of the position and speed | rate of a washing tank at the time of being pinched during the operation | movement which similarly closes a washing tank. It is a control flowchart figure of the position and speed | rate of a washing tank at the time of being pinched during operation | movement which similarly closes a washing tank. It is a relationship figure of the position and speed of a washing tank at the time of being pinched | interposed during the operation | movement which closes the washing tank of the dishwasher concerning Example 2 of this invention. It is a control flowchart figure of the position and speed | rate of a washing tank at the time of being pinched during operation | movement which similarly closes a washing tank.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Outer frame 1a Top plate 2 Washing tank 2a Opening part 3 Tableware 10 Moving means 15 Driving means 40 Operation part 101 Foreign object detection means

Claims (5)

  A cleaning tank provided with cleaning means provided on the upper side with an opening for taking in and out tableware, an outer frame for storing the cleaning tank, and connected to the outer frame to pull the cleaning tank forward from the outer frame A movable means for holding the cleaning tank, a driving means for moving the cleaning tank in the front-rear direction while being held by the moving means, and a foreign substance detection means for detecting a foreign substance protruding from the upper end of the opening of the cleaning tank, The drive means is a dishwasher that stops the drive means when the foreign matter detection means detects a foreign matter when the washing tank is housed in the outer frame and closed.   2. A dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein a top plate is provided at an upper portion on the front side of the outer frame, and a foreign object detection means having a front detection range is provided at a front end of the top plate.   The dishwasher according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the detection range of the foreign matter detection means is from the upper end to the upper side of the opening of the washing tank.   The said washing | cleaning tank is accommodated in the said outer frame by restarting the said drive means, when the foreign material detection means stops detecting the foreign material after stopping the said drive means by the said foreign material detection means. Dishwasher.   An operation unit for inputting an operation from the outside is provided, and after the driving unit is stopped by the foreign matter detection unit, the foreign matter is not detected by the foreign matter detection unit, and the operation unit is stored in the operation unit. 2. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein when the signal is input, the driving means is restarted so that the washing tub is accommodated in the outer frame and closed.

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