JP2009273754A - Dishwasher - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To detect the dishes put in a cleaning tub with high accuracy by enabling the detection of transparent glass dishes. <P>SOLUTION: The dishwasher is provided with a dish detecting means which detects objects to be washed which are put in the cleaning tub 12 and a control means 16 which controls a washing pump 14 in accordance with the output of the dish detecting means. The dish detecting means consists of an infrared imaging means 26. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a dishwasher for washing dishes stored in a washing tank.

Conventionally, this type of dishwasher detects the tableware stored in the washing tank by the image detection means in order to perform the optimum washing operation according to the shape, position, amount, etc. of the tableware stored in the washing tank. (For example, refer patent document 1). As shown in FIG. 12, the dishwasher described in Patent Document 1 captures an image of tableware in the tableware basket 3 by the image detection means 2 attached to the upper part in the washing cabinet 1, and the amount of the tableware, It is designed to detect the place of placement.
JP 2003-235781 A

  However, the conventional configuration has a problem that the tableware cannot be detected accurately. In other words, the tableware is set in the tableware basket 3 drawn out from the washing cabinet 1 and stored in the washing cabinet 1, and the tableware in the tableware basket 3 is imaged by the image detection means 2. Therefore, when the tableware is detected as an image, the interior of the washing cabinet 1 is closed and dark, and imaging is difficult. In addition, it is conceivable to light up the light at the time of imaging, but there is a problem that it is difficult to detect transparent glass tableware as an image.

  In addition, dirty dishes may be added after the start of operation. If the amount of tableware added is large, a difference from the amount of tableware detected when the operation is started increases, and there is a problem that a predetermined cleaning effect cannot be obtained by the cleaning operation set at the initial stage. Further, if the added tableware is a transparent glass tableware, it is difficult to detect that the tableware has been added.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to enable detection of transparent glass tableware and accurately detect tableware stored in a washing cabinet.

  In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, the dishwasher of the present invention includes a tableware detection unit that detects an object to be cleaned accommodated in a cleaning tank, and a control unit that controls a washing pump based on the output of the tableware detection unit. And the tableware detection means is constituted by infrared light imaging means.

  Accordingly, it is possible to detect tableware stored in a dark washing tank, and it is also possible to detect transparent glass tableware as an image.

  The dishwasher of the present invention can detect dishes stored in a dark washing tank and can also detect transparent glass tableware as an image, so the amount and position of the stored dishes can be accurately determined. Can be detected well.

1st invention is a tableware basket which accommodates to-be-washed objects, such as tableware, a washing tub which stores a to-be-washed object freely, an opening provided in the washing tub, and a lid which opens and closes the opening A cleaning pump for pressurizing the cleaning water, a cleaning nozzle for injecting the cleaning water pressurized by the cleaning pump into the cleaning tank, and a tableware detecting means for detecting an object to be cleaned contained in the cleaning tank And a control means for controlling the washing pump based on the output of the tableware detection means, and the tableware detection means is constituted by an infrared light imaging means, so that it is accommodated in a dark washing tank before the washing step. Tableware can be detected, and transparent glass tableware can also be detected as an image, so that the amount and position of the stored tableware can be detected accurately and accurately.

  In particular, the second invention has a casing for storing the cleaning tank of the first invention, the cleaning tank is provided so as to be able to be pulled out from the casing, and an infrared light imaging means is provided in the cleaning tank. By providing a lid that closes the opening formed in the upper part of the case when it is stored in the case, it is possible to image all the tableware stored from above the washing tank, and it is sealed watertight with the inside of the washing tank. The waterproof structure of the infrared light imaging means can be realized with a simple configuration. Further, since the table is not pulled out every time the table is taken in and out, it can be protected from an impact at the time of taking in and out, and the focal length is not shifted.

  In particular, the third invention is provided with a storage detection means for detecting the storage of the cleaning tank in the housing of the first or second invention, and an operation unit for inputting the operation of the operation. By detecting that the operation can be started by means, and when the operation start operation is performed by the operation unit, by detecting the object to be cleaned by the tableware detection means, When the operation is started, it is possible to confirm the completion of the setting of the tableware and the storage of the washing tank, and the tableware in the washing tank can be detected to perform the optimum operation.

  In particular, the fourth invention is provided with an opening / closing detection means for detecting opening / closing of the opening of the first invention and an operation section for inputting an operation of the operation, and the control means is in a state where the operation can be started by the opening / closing detection means. When the operation start operation is performed by the operation unit, the tableware detection means detects the object to be cleaned and starts the operation. The completion of closing of the set and the opening can be confirmed, and it is possible to detect the tableware in the washing tank and perform the optimum operation.

  According to a fifth aspect of the invention, in particular, the tableware detection means of any one of the first to fourth aspects includes a first imaging output in a state where an object to be cleaned is not stored in the tableware basket, and the tableware basket being cleaned. Compared with the second imaging output in the state where an object is put in, the amount of the object to be cleaned is detected, so the amount and position of the tableware stored before the start of cleaning is detected, and the optimum operation Can perform actions.

  The sixth aspect of the invention is particularly provided with an operation unit for inputting the operation of the operation of any one of the first to fifth aspects, and a temporary stop unit of the operation, and the control unit is configured to start operation by the operation unit. After the operation is performed, the operation is temporarily stopped, and then when the operation is resumed, the tableware detection means detects the object to be cleaned and resumes the operation. Even if dirty dishes are added afterwards, it is possible to reset and reset the initial cleaning operation according to changes in the amount and position of the tableware when it is resumed, optimal cleaning It can be resumed by driving. Moreover, even when the added tableware is a transparent glass tableware, it can detect reliably.

  Further, in the operation method of the dishwasher, a detection step of acquiring image data in the washing tank, a determination step of determining the amount and position of the tableware after the detection step, and feeding back the determination result, the dishwashing A program for causing a computer to execute at least a part of a cleaning / rinsing process for controlling the machine is provided.

Since these control methods are programs, it is possible to easily realize at least a part of the operation method of the dishwasher of the present invention by cooperating hardware resources such as electrical / information equipment, computers, and servers. Also, by recording the program on a recording medium or distributing the program using a communication line, the program can be easily distributed / updated and installed.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited by this embodiment.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1: shows the schematic structure schematic diagram when the cross section when the dishwasher in the 1st Embodiment of this invention is cut | disconnected by the vertical surface along the front-back direction is seen from the right side.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 denotes a tableware basket for storing dishes 11 or the like to be cleaned, 12 denotes a cleaning tank for storing the tableware basket 10, and 13 sprays cleaning water pressurized by a cleaning pump 14 onto the tableware 11 or the like. It is a cleaning nozzle. The cleaning nozzle 13 is provided with a plurality of cleaning nozzles 13a that rotate around the revolution axis, and water for cleaning is sprayed from the rotating cleaning nozzles 13a. Inside the cleaning nozzle 13, there is provided a water distribution mechanism (not shown) for switching the cleaning nozzle 13a to which the cleaning water is supplied. By this water distribution mechanism, the cleaning nozzle 13a from which the cleaning water is jetted can be switched. it can.

  26 is an infrared imaging means capable of imaging the tableware 11 accommodated in the washing tank 12, and is constituted by an infrared image sensor. 15 is a determination means for processing image data from the infrared imaging means 26, 16 is a control means for controlling each process of washing and rinsing, 17 is a water supply means for putting water into the washing tank 12, and 18 is water for the washing tank 12. The draining means 19 for discharging is an automatic detergent introduction means for automatically measuring the detergent and putting it in the washing tank 12.

  In the lower part of the cleaning tank 12, cleaning nozzles 13 and 13a constituting cleaning means are arranged. The cleaning nozzles 13 and 13 a are configured to inject upward the cleaning water pressurized by the cleaning pump 14 disposed below the cleaning tank 12. A heater as a heating means 21 is disposed at the bottom of the cleaning tank 12 so as to be positioned below the cleaning nozzles 13 and 13a. As the heater 21, a heater that can control the amount of heat generated by an applied voltage is used. In the washing tank 12, the tableware basket 10 which comprises a tableware mounting body is accommodated so that it can put in and out, and is located above the washing nozzles 13 and 13a. The tableware 11 which is an object to be cleaned is placed on the tableware basket 10.

  The discharge port of the cleaning pump 14 communicates with the cleaning nozzles 13 and 13a and water passages of other cleaning nozzles (not shown) through a water passage 22 that extends in the lateral direction. On the other hand, although not shown, the suction port of the drainage means 18 is connected to the drainage port provided on the side wall of the cleaning pump 14, and the discharge port of the drainage means 18 communicates with the outside through the drainage hose 18a. .

  That is, when the cleaning pump 14 is driven to rotate in the forward direction while water is stored in the bottom of the cleaning tank 12, the water sucked through the circulation port is pumped to the cleaning nozzles 13 and 13a through the water channel 21. Then, water is injected from the injection hole provided on the upper surface of the cleaning nozzle 13a. The washing nozzle 13a is rotated in a predetermined direction around a vertical axis by the water flow of the jet.

  The water sprayed from the spray hole hits the tableware 11 stored in the washing tub 12, and removes dirt adhering to the tableware or flushes the detergent water. On the other hand, when the cleaning pump 14 is driven to rotate in the reverse direction, the cleaning pump 14 discharges the water sucked through the drain port to the outside through the drain hose 18a of the drain means 18.

Although not shown, the water sprayed from the cleaning nozzle 13 a via the cleaning pump 14 is partially branched and sprayed into the cleaning tank 12 from the side surface or the upper part of the cleaning tank 12. Furthermore, this washing tub 12 has an opening 23 on the entire upper surface, and after the washing tub 12 is pulled out from the casing 24 constituting the main body of the dishwasher, the tableware 11 can be put in from this opening 23. The washing tank 12 in which the tableware 11 is put can be stored in the housing 23. The stored washing tank 12 is sealed by a lid body 25 that can close the opening 23 so that washing water does not come out of the washing tank 12 during washing. In this way, the cleaning process can be entered.

  An image sensor constituting infrared light imaging means 26, which is one of the features of the dishwasher of the present embodiment, is attached to the upper center of the washing tub 12. This image sensor 26 is an image sensor for infrared light that can be visually recognized even in the dark cleaning tank 12. When the tableware 11 is put into the cleaning tank 12 and then stored in the housing 24, the image sensor 26 can obtain the image data of the tableware 11 by looking inside the cleaning tank 12.

  For example, when an image sensor for infrared light of 100 × 100 and 10,000 pixels is attached to the top of the transparent lid 25 as an image sensor and the inside of the cleaning tank 12 is viewed, the darkness stored in the housing 24 is obtained. Tableware can be visually recognized inside the washing tank 12, and even transparent glass tableware such as a glass cup, which is usually difficult to visually recognize, can be easily detected. Further, since the image sensor 26 is installed on the top of the transparent lid 25, the image sensor 26 does not get wet with the cleaning water at the time of cleaning, and can be used as a waterproof structure without adverse effects due to water wetting.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the dishwasher used in the embodiment as viewed from the lid 25 side after the tableware is loaded. An image sensor 26 for infrared light is installed on an upper portion of a transparent lid 25 that opens and closes by opening and closing an opening 23 provided on the upper surface of the cleaning tank 12. Tableware 11 such as a dish, a teacup, and a cup thrown in is detected. In particular, since this image sensor 26 can detect infrared rays, a glass cup or glass tableware that is transparent tableware can be easily visually recognized.

  First, the tableware 11 is stored in the cleaning tank 12, and the cleaning tank 12 is stored in the housing 24 using the opening / closing part 27. Although not shown, when the operation button on the operation unit provided on the surface of the opening / closing unit 27 is pressed, the image sensor 26 is turned on, and the image data of the storage state of the tableware 11 set in the cleaning tank 12 is displayed. The obtained image data is compared with the image data without the tableware as an initial value, and the amount and position of the tableware, which is the difference between them, can be detected.

  That is, the dirty tableware 11 is put in the washing tub 12, and before the cleaning is started, the image data from the image sensor 26 is used to compare the image data with the initial value of the tableware-free state. The amount and position can be determined by the determining means 15. For example, when a tableware with a certain dirt is put into the washing tank 12, image data is acquired before washing, and the tableware detection area is determined by comparison with the initial image data, the area of three stages of small, medium and large The level and the installation position of these dishes can be detected.

  Thus, by installing the image sensor 26 at the substantially central portion on the upper surface side of the transparent lid 25 of the cleaning tank 12, the amount and position of the tableware 11 before cleaning can be accurately determined. It is possible to perform a washing process set to a detergent amount, temperature, time, and water amount suitable for the dishwashing machine, and improve the reliability of the dishwasher.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, by installing a tableware detection means comprising an infrared image sensor in the center of the lid upper part in the cleaning tank, by determining the amount and position of the tableware before the cleaning process Based on the information on the amount and position of the dishes, the conditions, temperature, time, amount of water, and water distribution during the washing and rinsing process, which is the basic operation of the dishwasher, are optimized to match the amount and position of the dishes. It is possible to improve the energy saving and reliability of the dishwasher.

The image sensor 26 may be installed at any location other than the upper center of the lid 25 of the cleaning tank 12 as long as it is above the transparent lid 25 of the cleaning tank 12, as long as it is transparent and waterproof. Either is acceptable.

  The present invention may be a table-type dishwasher other than the built-in type dishwasher, and can also be applied to a dishwasher provided with a drying means.

  As described above, according to the configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention, the tableware detecting means including the image sensor for detecting infrared light is installed at the upper center of the transparent lid in the cleaning tank, and before the cleaning process. By binarizing and subtracting the image data with and without tableware, the amount and position of the tableware can be determined, so that the required amount of detergent can be automatically weighed and loaded. Based on the information on the amount of dishwashing, the conditions, temperature, time, and amount of water during the washing and rinsing process, which are the basic operations of the dishwasher, can be optimized according to the amount of tableware. Reliability can be improved reliably.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, the dishwasher of Embodiment 2 of this invention is demonstrated, referring drawings. FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a cross-section of the dishwasher used in the present embodiment as viewed from the right side when cut in a vertical plane along the front-rear direction. The configuration in the present embodiment will be described below. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the structure which carries out the same effect | action as FIG. 1, and the thing of Embodiment 1 is used for concrete description.

  The difference from the first embodiment is that an image sensor 26 serving as tableware detection means is installed in a housing 24 above the transparent lid 25. Since the lid 25 is a transparent body such as glass or synthetic resin, for example, the inside of the cleaning tank 12 can be easily and visually recognized from the image sensor 26 installed in the housing 24. The image data of the tableware installation can be accurately acquired without getting wet with the washing water at the time of washing.

  The washing tub 12 can be pulled out from the housing 24 which is the main body of the dishwasher, and can be stored in the housing 24 after the tableware is inserted. It can be closed.

  Next, the operation of the present invention in the dishwasher shown in FIG. 3 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the dishwasher according to the embodiment. The flow in the present embodiment will be described below.

  First, in the dishwasher as shown in FIG. 3, one image sensor 26 for infrared light as an infrared light imaging means is installed in the center of the housing 24. The image sensor 26 is composed of a 10,000 pixel CMOS sensor. First, the initial state of the cleaning tank 12 without tableware is acquired and stored as initial image data (step S1). .

  Next, when the opening / closing part 27 of the dishwasher is opened forward, the washing tank 12 for putting the dishes 11 to be washed is pulled out from the housing 24 (step S2). The contaminated dishes 11 are put from the upper side of the opening 23 of the washing tank 12 and stored in the dish basket 10 (step S3). When the tableware 11 is stored, the opening / closing part 27 of the dishwasher is put in the back, and the washing tub 12 is stored in the housing 24 and closed (step S4). Next, when the user presses the button for turning on the dishwasher, the image sensor 26 is turned on and an image can be acquired (step S5).

Next, the image sensor 26 for infrared light installed in the upper center part in the housing 24 acquires and stores the tableware arrangement state in the cleaning tank 12 as tableware image data (step S6). This image data is compared with the initial image data inside the cleaning tank 12 before the tableware stored in advance is stored (step S7). Each of these data is binarized by a certain threshold value, and the binarized data is differentiated, whereby the tableware detection area can be determined and the amount of the tableware 11 can be determined (step S8). An optimum amount of detergent can be determined based on the data on the amount of tableware, and can be automatically loaded by the detergent automatic loading means 19 (step S9). Next, various conditions, temperature, time, amount of water and the like of the cleaning process can be optimized, and the cleaning process can be optimally controlled (step S10).

  FIG. 5 shows an explanatory diagram for detecting the amount and position of tableware used in the embodiment. First, the image data inside the washing tank 12 in a state in which no tableware is contained is acquired in advance (a). At this time, only the image data of the tableware basket 40 is obtained. Next, the image data inside the washing tank 12 after the tableware is thrown in is acquired (b). This indicates the image data of the tableware basket and tableware. By binarizing these image data with a certain threshold and making a difference, only the tableware detection area 41 can be determined (c). The amount of tableware can be determined from the area of the tableware detection area 41, and the installation position of the tableware can be determined from the position of the tableware detection area 41. The amount of tableware is determined by three levels, large, medium, and small, depending on the size of the area. Based on the amount data of these dishes, the amount of detergent to be added at the start of cleaning, the temperature, time, and number of times at the time of cleaning can be changed.

  As described above, according to the configuration of the second embodiment of the present invention, an infrared image sensor serving as tableware detection means including an image sensor capable of detecting infrared light is installed in the upper center inside the housing. The amount and position of the tableware can be determined by binarizing and subtracting the image data when there is tableware before and after the cleaning process, and the required amount of detergent is automatically measured based on the determination result. Based on the information on the amount and position of these dishes, the conditions, temperature, time, amount of water, and water distribution during the washing and rinsing process, which is the basic operation of the dishwasher, are matched to the amount and position of the dishes. In addition, it can be brought into an optimum state, and the energy saving and reliability of the dishwasher can be reliably improved.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, the dishwasher of Embodiment 3 of this invention is demonstrated, referring drawings. FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of a cross section when the dishwasher used in the present embodiment is cut along a vertical plane along the front-rear direction, as viewed from the right side. The configuration in the present embodiment will be described below. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the structure which carries out the same effect | action as FIG. 1, and the thing of Embodiment 1 is used for concrete description.

  The difference from the first embodiment is that the dishwasher of the present invention is a front-opening / closing type desktop type, in which an image sensor 26 serving as tableware detection means is installed in a transparent portion above the washing tank 12. . Since the installation portion 12a is transparent, the inside of the cleaning tank 12 can be easily and visually recognized from the image sensor 26 installed on the upper part of the cleaning tank 12, and also gets wet with the cleaning water at the time of cleaning. Therefore, it is possible to accurately acquire image data of tableware installation.

  First, the opening / closing part 27 is opened to store the tableware 11 in the cleaning tank 12, and the cleaning tank 12 is closed using the opening / closing part 27. The opening / closing operation of the opening / closing part 27 can be detected by the opening / closing detection means 28. Although not shown, there is an operation part on the surface of the opening / closing part 27, and when the operation button on this operation part is pressed, the image sensor 26 is turned on, and the image of the storage state of the tableware 11 in the washing tank 12 is shown. Data is acquired, and this image data is compared with image data without tableware as an initial value, and the amount and position of the tableware can be detected from the difference therebetween.

Next, the operation of the present invention in the dishwasher shown in FIG. 6 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the dishwasher according to the embodiment. The flow in the present embodiment will be described below.

  First, in the dishwasher as shown in FIG. 6, one image sensor 26 for infrared light is installed at a substantially central part of the transparent installation part 12 a above the washing tank 12. The image sensor 26 is composed of a 10,000 pixel infrared CMOS sensor. First, the initial state of the cleaning tank 12 without tableware is acquired and stored as initial image data (step S1). ).

  Next, when the opening / closing part 27, which is the door of the dishwasher, is opened forward, a washing tank 12 for containing the dishes 11 to be cleaned appears (step S11). The tableware 11 with dirt is put through the opening 23 provided in the front of the washing tank 12 and stored in the tableware basket 10 (step S12). After the tableware 11 is stored, when the front door which is the opening / closing part 27 of the dishwasher is closed, it is detected by the opening / closing detection means 28 (step S13).

  Next, when the user presses the operation button on the operation unit in front of the dishwasher (step S14), the image sensor 26 is turned on and an image can be acquired (step S15). Next, the image sensor 26 for infrared light installed in the transparent installation part 12a at the upper center of the cleaning tank 12 acquires and stores the tableware arrangement state in the cleaning tank 12 as tableware image data (step S16).

  This image data is compared with the initial image data inside the cleaning tank 12 before the tableware stored in advance is stored (step S17). Each of these data is binarized by a certain threshold value, and the binarized data is differentiated, whereby the tableware detection area can be determined and the amount of tableware can be determined (step S18). An optimum amount of detergent can be determined based on the data on the amount of tableware, and can be automatically loaded by the detergent automatic loading means 19 (step S19). Next, various conditions, temperature, time, amount of water and the like of the cleaning process can be optimized, and the cleaning process can be optimally controlled (step S20).

  As described above, according to the configuration of the third embodiment of the present invention, the infrared image sensor as the tableware detection means including the image sensor capable of detecting infrared light is installed in the transparent portion at the upper center of the cleaning tank. When the opening / closing detection means detects that the washing tank is closed and the power is turned on, the amount of tableware can be obtained by binarizing and subtracting the image data when there is tableware before the washing process. The position can be determined, and based on the result of the determination, the necessary amount of detergent can be automatically weighed and put in, and the basic operation of the dishwasher is based on the information on the amount and position of these dishes. Each condition, temperature, time, amount of water, and water distribution during the rinsing process can be optimized according to the amount and position of the dishes, and energy saving and reliability of the dishwasher can be improved reliably. Is.

(Embodiment 4)
Next, a dishwasher according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 8 shows a schematic view of a cross section when the dishwasher used in the present embodiment is cut along a vertical plane along the front-rear direction, as viewed from the right side. The configuration in the present embodiment will be described below. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the structure which carries out the same effect | action as FIG. 1, and the thing of Embodiment 1 is used for concrete description.

  The difference from the first embodiment is that an image sensor 26 for infrared light serving as tableware detection means is installed in a housing 24 above the transparent lid 25. Since the lid body 25 is transparent, the inside of the cleaning tank 12 can be easily and collectively seen from the image sensor 26 installed in the housing 24 and gets wet with the cleaning water at the time of cleaning. The image data of the tableware installation can be accurately acquired without any problems.

  The washing tub 12 can be pulled out from the casing 24 which is the main body of the dishwasher, and can be stored in the casing 24 after the dishes are put in. The storage detection means 29 detects whether or not the dish is stored. Then, the opening 23 of the cleaning tank 12 can be closed with the lid 25 after storage.

  First, the opening / closing part 27 is opened, the washing tank 12 is pulled out from the housing 24, the tableware 11 is stored in the washing tank 12 from the opening 23, and the washing tank 12 is closed using the opening / closing part 27. Storage of the cleaning tank 12 in the housing 24 can be detected by the storage detection means 29. Although not shown, there is an operation unit on the front surface of the opening / closing unit 27, and the image sensor 26 is turned on by pressing the operation button on the operation unit, and the table 11 is stored in the washing tub 12. The image data is obtained, and the image data is compared with the initial image data in the dishless state as the initial value, and the amount and position of the tableware can be detected from the difference therebetween.

  As described above, according to the configuration of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the infrared image sensor as the tableware detection means including the image sensor capable of detecting infrared light is installed at the upper center inside the housing. After detecting the storage of the washing tank by the storage detection means, when the power is turned on, the amount and position of the tableware are determined by binarizing and subtracting the image data when there is tableware before the cleaning process Depending on the result of this determination, the required amount of detergent can be automatically weighed and put in, and based on these tableware quantity and position information, each of the basic operations of the dishwasher during the washing and rinsing process can be performed. The conditions, temperature, time, amount of water, and water distribution state can be brought into an optimum state suitable for the amount and position of the tableware, and the energy saving and reliability of the dishwasher can be reliably improved.

(Embodiment 5)
Next, the dishwasher of Embodiment 5 of this invention is demonstrated, referring drawings. FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a cross section of the dishwasher used in the present embodiment as viewed from the right side when cut in a vertical plane along the front-rear direction. The configuration in the present embodiment will be described below. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the structure which carries out the same effect | action as FIG. 1, and the thing of Embodiment 1 is used for concrete description.

  The difference from the first embodiment is that an infrared image sensor 26 serving as tableware detection means is installed so as to be fitted in the lid 25, and a transparent cover 30 is provided in front of the image sensor 26. The cover 30 has a convex shape in an arc shape that swells inward of the cleaning tank 12.

  Since the cover 30 is transparent and the cover 30 also has a lens effect, the inside of the cleaning tank 12 can be easily and collectively viewed from the image sensor 26 installed on the lid 25. Since the image sensor 26 is covered with the transparent cover 30, it does not get wet with the cleaning water at the time of cleaning, and the image data of the tableware installation can be accurately acquired.

  The washing tub 12 can be pulled out from the casing 24 which is the main body of the dishwasher, and can be stored in the casing 24 after the tableware is inserted. It can be closed with.

An image sensor 26 for infrared light is attached to a substantially central portion of the lid 25 that opens and closes the opening 23 provided in the upper part of the cleaning tank 12. The image sensor 26 is an infrared image sensor 26 that can detect a dark dishwasher and a glass tableware that is usually difficult to see. A convex transparent cover 30 is provided on the front surface of the image sensor 26 so that the image sensor 26 does not get wet with cleaning water. After the cleaning tank 12 is stored in the housing 24 by the image sensor 26, the image data of the tableware can be acquired by looking inside the cleaning tank 12. For example, a 100 × 100 10,000 pixel infrared light image sensor is attached as an image sensor, covered with a transparent convex cover 30, via a sealing member for ensuring airtightness and water sealing. It is attached to the lid 25 at the top of the cleaning tank 12.

  As described above, according to the configuration of the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the infrared image sensor serving as the tableware detection means including the image sensor capable of detecting infrared light is installed in the center of the lid at the upper part of the cleaning tank. Then, by providing a transparent cover on the front of this image sensor and making it a seal structure, image data of tableware in the cleaning tank can be easily and accurately acquired, and the presence or absence of tableware before the cleaning process The amount and position of the tableware can be determined by binarizing and subtracting the image data, and the required amount of detergent can be automatically weighed and input based on the determination result. Based on the location information, each condition, temperature, time, amount of water, and water distribution during the washing and rinsing process, which is the basic operation of the dishwasher, can be optimized to match the amount and position of the dishes. Energy saving and reliability of the machine In which it can be quite improved.

(Embodiment 6)
Next, a dishwasher according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 10 shows a schematic view of a cross section when the dishwasher used in the present embodiment is cut along a vertical plane along the front-rear direction, as viewed from the right side. The configuration in the present embodiment will be described below. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the structure which carries out the same effect | action as FIG. 1, and the thing of Embodiment 1 is used for concrete description.

  The difference from the first embodiment is that an image sensor 26 for infrared light serving as tableware detection means is installed in front of the upper portion of the housing 24. Since the entire surface of the lid 25 is transparent, the inside of the cleaning tank 12 closed by the lid 25 can be easily and collectively seen from the image sensor 26 installed in front of the upper part in the housing 24. Thus, the image sensor 26 does not get wet with the cleaning water at the time of cleaning, and can accurately acquire the image data of the tableware installation.

  Thus, the image sensor 26 for infrared light is attached to the front upper part in the housing 24 that stores the cleaning tank 12. Since this image sensor 26 can detect infrared light, it can be easily detected even in the dark washing tub 12 stored in the housing 24, and even glass tableware that is difficult to see with a normal image sensor. The image sensor 26 is prevented from getting wet with the cleaning water. After the cleaning tank 12 is stored by the image sensor 26, the image data of the tableware can be acquired by looking inside the cleaning tank 12.

  As described above, according to the configuration of the sixth embodiment of the present invention, the infrared image sensor serving as the tableware detection means composed of the image sensor capable of detecting infrared light is placed in front of the upper part of the casing in the upper part of the cleaning tank. By installing it, image data of tableware in the washing tank can be easily and accurately acquired, and the amount and position of tableware can be obtained by binarizing and subtracting image data with and without tableware before the cleaning process. The necessary amount of detergent can be automatically weighed and put in based on the result of this determination, and the basic operation of the dishwasher based on these tableware quantity and position information Each process condition, temperature, time, amount of water, water diversion state can be optimized according to the amount and position of the tableware, and energy saving and reliability of the dishwasher can be improved reliably. It is.

(Embodiment 7)
Next, a dishwasher according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 11 shows a schematic view of a cross section when the dishwasher used in the present embodiment is cut along a vertical plane along the front-rear direction, as viewed from the right side. The configuration in the present embodiment will be described below. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the structure which carries out the same effect | action as FIG. 1, and the thing of Embodiment 1 is used for concrete description.

  The difference from the first embodiment is that an image sensor 26 for infrared light serving as tableware detection means is installed in a transparent portion 12b provided in the upper part of the back surface of the cleaning tank 12. The inside of the cleaning tank 12 can be easily and collectively viewed from the image sensor 26 installed on the back surface of the cleaning tank 12, and the image sensor 26 does not get wet with the cleaning water during cleaning. It is possible to accurately acquire image data for tableware installation.

  That is, the infrared light image sensor 26 is attached to the upper transparent portion 12 b on the back surface of the cleaning tank 12. The image sensor 26 can easily detect even the glass tableware stored in the housing 24 and the glass tableware that is difficult to see with a normal image sensor. It is designed not to get wet with water. After the cleaning tank 12 is stored in the housing 24 by the image sensor 26, the image data of the tableware can be acquired by looking inside the cleaning tank 12. For example, an image sensor 26 for infrared light of 100 × 100 pixels is attached as an image sensor, and is attached to the upper back of the cleaning tank 12 through a seal member for ensuring airtightness and water sealing. Yes. The image sensor 26 may be installed on the side surface of the cleaning tank 12.

  As described above, according to the configuration of the seventh embodiment of the present invention, the infrared image sensor serving as the tableware detection means including the image sensor capable of detecting infrared light is installed in the transparent portion at the upper back of the cleaning tank. By using the seal structure, the image data of the tableware in the washing tank can be easily and accurately acquired, and by binarizing and subtracting the image data with and without tableware before the cleaning process The amount and position of tableware can be determined, and based on the determination result, the amount of detergent required can be automatically weighed and put in. The basic operation of the dishwasher is based on the information on the amount and position of these dishes. Each condition, temperature, time, amount of water, and water distribution during the washing and rinsing process can be optimized according to the amount and position of the dishes, and the energy-saving and reliability of the dishwasher is reliably improved. Is something that can be

  Further, in order to perform the above operation method by the control means 16 of these dishwashers, a unique computer readable program characterized by recording a program to be executed by the CPU computer is required. The control means 16 described in the present embodiment cooperates hardware resources such as a CPU (or microcomputer), RAM, ROM, storage / recording device, electrical / information device including I / O, computer, server, and the like. You may implement with the form of a program. In the form of a program, new functions can be distributed and updated and installed easily by recording on a recording medium such as a magnetic medium or an optical medium, or by using a communication line such as the Internet.

  As described above, the dishwasher according to the present invention can detect tableware stored in a dark washing tub and can also detect transparent glass tableware as an image. Since the position can be detected accurately and accurately, it is useful as a dishwasher for home use and business use.

Sectional schematic diagram of the dishwasher of Embodiment 1 of the present invention Schematic view of the dishwasher from above Sectional schematic diagram of the state which pulled out the washing tank of the dishwasher of Embodiment 2 of this invention Flow chart showing processing procedure of the dishwasher (A)-(c) Explanatory drawing for detecting the amount and position of tableware of the dishwasher Sectional schematic diagram of the dishwasher of Embodiment 3 of this invention Flow chart showing processing procedure of the dishwasher Sectional schematic diagram of the dishwasher of Embodiment 4 of this invention Sectional schematic diagram of the dishwasher of Embodiment 5 of this invention Sectional schematic diagram of the dishwasher of Embodiment 6 of this invention Sectional schematic diagram of the dishwasher of Embodiment 7 of this invention Cross-sectional view of a conventional dishwasher

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Tableware basket 12 Washing tank 13 Washing nozzle 14 Washing pump 16 Control means 23 Opening part 25 Cover body 26 Image sensor (infrared light imaging means)

Claims (6)

A dish basket for storing objects to be cleaned such as tableware, a cleaning tank for freely storing and removing objects to be cleaned, an opening provided in the cleaning tank, a lid for opening and closing the opening, and washing water are added. A cleaning pump that pressurizes, a cleaning nozzle that injects cleaning water pressurized by the cleaning pump into the cleaning tank, a tableware detection unit that detects an object to be cleaned contained in the cleaning tank, and a tableware detection unit A dishwasher comprising: control means for controlling the washing pump based on an output; and the dish detection means is constituted by infrared light imaging means. A housing for storing the cleaning tank; the cleaning tank is provided so as to be capable of being pulled out from the casing; and the infrared light imaging means is an opening formed in an upper portion of the cleaning tank when stored in the casing The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the dishwasher is provided on a lid that closes the wall. A storage detecting means for detecting storage of the cleaning tank in the housing and an operation unit for inputting an operation operation are provided, and the control means detects that the operation can be started by the storage detecting means, and the operation unit The dishwasher according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the operation for starting the operation is performed, the dish detection means detects the object to be cleaned and starts the operation. An opening / closing detection means for detecting opening / closing of the opening and an operation section for inputting a driving operation are provided, and the control means detects that the operation can be started by the opening / closing detection means, and the operation section starts the operation start. 2. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein when the operation is performed, the dish detection means detects the object to be cleaned and starts operation. The tableware detection means compares the first imaging output in a state in which the object to be cleaned is not stored in the tableware basket and the second imaging output in a state in which the object to be cleaned is put in the tableware basket. The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the amount is detected. An operation unit for inputting the operation of the operation and a suspension unit for the operation of the operation are provided, and the control unit temporarily stops the operation after the operation start operation is performed by the operation unit, and then performs the operation of restarting the operation. The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the dishwasher detects the object to be cleaned by the dish detector and restarts the operation.