JP2011030812A - Dishwasher - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To determine the amount and kind of a supplied detergent and to achieve optimum washing corresponding to the detergent. <P>SOLUTION: The detergent supplied into the dishwasher is gradually dissolved by washing water and is gradually diffused in the washing water (S12). During the time, sensor output from a light receiving element is preserved (S13). After a while, diffusion progresses, the sensor output from the light receiving element is gradually lowered, and output decline start time is detected (S14). When the time elapses further, the sensor output from the light receiving element is lowered further, and an output decline speed is measured (S15). Then, the operation of a washing pump is started and washing is performed (S16). At the time, a final sensor output value immediately before the operation of the washing pump is detected (S17). On the basis of values obtained by them, the kind and amount of the detergent dissolved in the washing water are determined (S18). On the basis of the result, feedback is performed to respective conditions of a washing process, such as temperature, time and the number of times of rinsing (S19). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

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

  In a dishwasher for home use, a detergent is put into a washing tub containing tableware, water is supplied from a water supply source, water is collected at the bottom of the washing tub, the detergent is dissolved, and the water is washed with a pump. The tableware is washed and rinsed by sucking and feeding to the washing nozzle and spraying water onto the tableware from the water injection hole provided in the washing nozzle. The water hitting the dishes and the inner wall of the washing tank returns to the bottom of the washing tank and circulates in and out of the washing tank, such as after the remaining vegetables are removed by the filter and sucked by the washing pump again. In such a dishwasher, various sensors are used to acquire various information necessary for operation or to detect an abnormal state.

  In particular, the dishwasher constantly circulates the washing water, so that if a normal kitchen detergent is used, foaming is too intense to be used, and a dedicated detergent is introduced. At this time, a sensor is used to detect the foaming condition of the detergent or the kitchen detergent. As this detergent detection sensor, what determines that it is a kitchen detergent by detecting foaming with an optical sensor is known (for example, refer to patent documents 1). In addition, there is also known one that is automatically charged by measuring the amount of detergent (for example, see Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-229942 JP 2007-151649 A

  The detergent detection sensor memorizes the amount of light received by the light receiving unit at the initial time as an initial value, and when the dishwasher operates and washing water circulates in and out of the washing tank and foams, the light receiving unit By comparing with the amount of received light, the light transmission degree of the washing water, that is, the degree of generation of bubbles is detected. However, in order to detect kitchen detergent with the above-described conventional dishwasher, it is necessary to circulate the washing water sufficiently inside and outside the washing tank to make it foam, so that the washing tank becomes filled with foam. there were. In addition, it takes a long detection time to circulate the washing water sufficiently inside and outside the washing tank, and then it is necessary to repeatedly supply and drain water to remove bubbles, making it difficult to wash dishes efficiently. There was a problem of becoming.

  The present invention solves the problems of the conventional dishwasher as described above, and by accurately detecting the type and amount of detergent put into the washing tank before washing, the dish can be efficiently obtained. It aims at providing the dishwasher which can perform washing | cleaning.

In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, a dishwasher according to the present invention includes a washing tank for storing an object to be cleaned such as tableware, a water supply means for supplying water into the cleaning tank, and an object to be cleaned in the cleaning tank. Cleaning means for cleaning, a cleaning pump for circulating cleaning water, a light emitting part for detecting detergent in the cleaning water in the cleaning tank, a detergent detecting means for detecting transmitted light, and the detergent A determination unit that determines the type of detergent in the wash water from an output signal from the detection unit, and the determination unit detects a temporal change in permeation intensity output from the detergent detection unit before operating the cleaning pump. According to the present invention, a dishwasher in which the type of detergent is determined is provided.

  The detergent detection means consisting of the light receiving element that detects the transmitted light from the light emitting element is configured with the optical axis in the vertical direction, or the initial value of the transmitted transmission intensity is adjusted to the set value, and the cleaning pump is operating By detecting the time change of the transmission intensity output from the light receiving unit at an early stage, it is possible to accurately detect the type and amount of the detergent put into the cleaning tank.

  By doing so, the detergent dissolved in the washing water is detected by the permeation strength of the washing water before the washing pump is operated, and the type and amount of the detergent put into the washing tank are judged from this detection signal, and the detergent The detection accuracy can be improved, and based on the type and amount of the detected detergent, the dishwasher operation control can be efficiently and quickly performed in an optimal washing state. It is designed to improve accuracy and reliability.

  As described above, according to the dishwasher of the present invention, the detergent detection means that detects the transmitted light of the light from the light emitting element with the light receiving element has the transmission intensity output with the optical axis in the vertical direction. The initial value is adjusted to the set value, and it is not necessary to bubble the washing water in the initial stage when the washing pump is not operating. By examining the change in permeation intensity over time, the type and amount of detergent put into the washing tank Therefore, based on these detergent information, the conditions, temperature, and time during the washing and rinsing process, which is the basic operation of a dishwasher, are optimized for the optimum condition according to the type and amount of the detergent. It can be done well in a short time and has the effect that the energy saving and reliability of the dishwasher can be reliably improved.

The schematic diagram which looked at the cross section when the dishwasher used in the 1st Embodiment of this invention was cut | disconnected by the vertical surface along the front-back direction from the right side. Schematic diagram of detergent detection means used in the same embodiment The schematic diagram which looked at the cross section when the dishwasher used in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention was cut | disconnected by the vertical surface along the front-back direction from the right side. Schematic circuit configuration diagram of detergent detection means used in the same embodiment The flowchart which shows the process sequence of the dishwasher used in the embodiment The flowchart which shows the process sequence of the dishwasher used in the embodiment Sensor output diagram of detergent detection means used in the same embodiment Sensor output diagram when the amount of detergent of the detergent detection means used in the embodiment is changed The figure which shows the relationship between the sensor output fall start time obtained from the detergent detection means used in the same embodiment, the sensor output fall speed, and the amount of detergent. Sensor output diagram when using kitchen detergent of detergent detection means used in the same embodiment

  A first invention is a cleaning tank for storing objects to be cleaned such as tableware, a water supply means for supplying water into the cleaning tank, a cleaning means for cleaning the objects to be cleaned in the cleaning tank, and circulating the cleaning water. A detergent detector having a washing pump, a light emitting part for detecting detergent in the washing water in the washing tank, and a light receiving part for detecting transmitted light, and a detergent in the washing water from an output signal from the detergent detecting means The determination means for determining the type of the detergent and the determination means are adapted to determine the type of detergent by detecting a temporal change in the transmission intensity output from the detergent detection means before operating the cleaning pump. A dishwasher is provided.

  Accordingly, the present invention detects the detergent dissolved in the washing water with the permeation strength of the washing water before the washing pump is operated, determines the type of the detergent put into the washing tank from this detection signal, and detects the detergent. The accuracy can be improved, and based on the type of detergent detected, the dishwasher operation control can be efficiently and quickly performed in an optimal washing state. Convenience, accuracy and reliability for dishwashing. It is possible to improve the performance with certainty.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the detergent detection means includes a light emitting portion and a pair of light receiving portions that receive light emitted from the light emitting portion.

  Accordingly, the present invention uses the pair of light emitting and receiving sensors to detect the detergent dissolved in the washing water with the permeation strength of the washing water before the washing pump operates, and the detergent put into the washing tank from this detection signal The detection accuracy of the detergent can be improved, and based on the detected detergent type, the dishwasher operation control can be efficiently and quickly performed in an optimal cleaning state. Convenience, accuracy, and reliability for cleaning can be reliably improved.

  3rd invention provides the dishwasher of any one of Claim 1 or 2 with which the detergent detection means was set to the orthogonal | vertical direction with respect to the horizontal surface of the washing water stored in a washing tank. Is.

  Accordingly, the present invention uses a pair of light emitting and receiving sensors so that the optical axis is in the vertical direction, and detects the detergent dissolved in the cleaning water with the permeation strength of the cleaning water before the cleaning pump operates. The type of detergent thrown into the washing tank can be judged from the detection signal, and the detection accuracy of the detergent can be improved. Based on this detected type of detergent, the operation control of the dishwasher is optimized efficiently and in a short time. Therefore, the convenience, accuracy, and reliability for washing dishes can be improved with certainty.

  The fourth invention is the dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the detergent detection means is installed between a washing pump for circulating washing water and a washing tank upstream of the washing pump. Is to provide.

  As a result, the present invention installs a pair of light emitting and receiving sensors between the cleaning pump and the cleaning tank, and detects the detergent dissolved in the cleaning water with the permeation strength of the cleaning water before the cleaning pump operates. The type of detergent put into the washing tank can be judged from the signal and the detection accuracy of the detergent can be improved. Based on the detected type of detergent, the operation control of the dishwasher can be optimized efficiently and in a short time. The washing state can be achieved, and the convenience, accuracy, and reliability for washing dishes can be reliably improved.

  5th invention provides the dishwasher of any one of Claims 1-4 which provided the vegetable filter in the bottom part of the washing tank, and the detergent detection means was installed under the said vegetable filter. It is.

  As a result, the present invention installs a pair of light emitting and receiving sensors below the leftover filter, detects the detergent dissolved in the washing water with the permeation intensity of the washing water before the washing pump operates, and detects this detection signal. The type of detergent put into the washing tank can be judged and the detection accuracy of the detergent can be improved. Based on the detected type of detergent, the dishwasher operation control can be efficiently performed in a short time. Therefore, the convenience, accuracy, and reliability for washing dishes can be reliably improved.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the detergent detection means sets an initial value of the transmitted transmission intensity, and an average value of the transmission intensity output from the light receiving unit at the initial stage when the cleaning pump is not operating is the set value. Thus, the dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the light emitting unit is adjusted.

  Thus, according to the present invention, in the pair of light emitting / receiving sensors, the voltage of the light emitting unit is adjusted so that the initial value of the transmission intensity obtained from the light receiving sensor becomes a set value, and the cleaning water is operated before the cleaning pump operates. By detecting the detergent dissolved in the washing water with the penetration strength, it is possible to determine the type of detergent put into the washing tank from this detection signal, and improve the detection accuracy of the detergent. Based on this detected detergent type In addition, in the operation control of the dishwasher, the optimum washing state can be efficiently achieved in a short time, and the convenience, accuracy, and reliability for dishwashing can be reliably improved.

  In a seventh aspect of the invention, the determination means obtains an average value of the transmission intensity output from the light receiving unit in an initial period when the cleaning pump is not operating, and stores the average value as an initial value. Item 7. A dishwasher according to any one of Items 1 to 6.

  Accordingly, the present invention stores the initial value of the transmission intensity obtained from the light receiving sensor in a pair of light emitting / receiving sensors, and detects the detergent dissolved in the cleaning water with the transmission intensity of the cleaning water before the cleaning pump operates. Therefore, it is possible to determine the type of detergent put into the washing tank from this detection signal and improve the detection accuracy of the detergent. Based on the detected type of detergent, the operation control of the dishwasher can be efficiently performed. The optimal cleaning state can be achieved in time, and the convenience, accuracy, and reliability for dishwashing can be reliably improved.

  In the eighth invention, the determination means detects the output obtained from the light receiving unit while the operation of the washing pump is stopped, and detects the output decrease start time, the output decrease speed, and the final output value from the time change. The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is provided.

  As a result, the present invention detects the detergent dissolved in the washing water with the permeation strength of the washing water before the washing pump operates, and determines the output reduction start time, the output reduction speed, and the final output value from the time change of this detection signal. It is possible to determine the type and amount of detergent put into the washing tank from this, and improve the detection accuracy of the detergent. Based on the detected type and amount of detergent, it is efficient in controlling the operation of the dishwasher. It is possible to achieve an optimal cleaning state in a short time, and it is possible to reliably improve convenience, accuracy, and reliability for tableware cleaning.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the determination means detects the output obtained from the light receiving unit while the operation of the washing pump is stopped, and determines the type and amount of the detergent from the change over time. The dishwasher of any one of -8 is provided.

  Accordingly, the present invention detects the detergent dissolved in the washing water by the permeation strength of the washing water before the washing pump operates, and obtains the diffusion rate of the detergent in the washing water from the time change of this detection signal. The type and amount of detergent put in the washing tank can be judged and the detection accuracy of the detergent can be improved. Based on the detected type and amount of detergent, the operation control of the dishwasher can be performed efficiently and in a short time. It is possible to achieve an optimal washing state, and it is possible to reliably improve convenience, accuracy, and reliability for washing dishes.

Further, in the operation method of the dishwasher, the detection step of detecting the detergent in the washing water, the determination step of determining the type and amount of the detergent after the detection step, and feeding back the determination result, the dishwasher A program for causing a computer to execute at least a part of the cleaning / rinsing process to be controlled 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. In addition, the program can be distributed / updated and installed easily by recording on a recording medium or distributing the program using a communication line.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a schematic configuration when a cross section of the dishwasher according to the first embodiment of the present invention cut from a vertical plane along the front-rear direction is viewed from the right side. The configuration in this embodiment will be described below.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 13 denotes a tableware basket for storing tableware 14 or the like to be cleaned, 12 denotes a cleaning tank for storing the tableware basket 13, and 15 sprays cleaning water pressurized by a cleaning pump 17 onto the tableware 14 or the like. A cleaning nozzle is shown. Further, 30 is a detergent detection means capable of detecting the permeability of the washing water, 21 is a signal processing determination means for processing signals from the sensors as the detergent detection means, and 22 is each step of washing and rinsing the dishwasher. The control means for controlling is shown. Further, 16 is a water supply means for putting water into the washing tank, and 19 is a drainage means for discharging water from the washing tank.

  A cleaning nozzle 15 that constitutes a cleaning means is disposed in the lower part of the cleaning tank 12. The cleaning nozzle 15 is configured to inject upward the cleaning water pressurized by the cleaning pump 17 disposed below the cleaning tank 12. A heater as a heating means 20 is disposed at the bottom of the cleaning tank 12 so as to be positioned below the cleaning nozzle 15. A heater that can control the amount of heat generated by an applied voltage is used. In the washing tank 12, a dish basket 13 that is positioned above the washing nozzle 15 and constitutes a table for placing tableware is accommodated in a removable manner. The tableware 14 that is the object to be cleaned is placed on the tableware basket 13.

  The discharge port of the cleaning pump 17 communicates with the cleaning nozzle 15 and water channels of other nozzle arms (not shown) through a water passage that extends in the lateral direction. On the other hand, although not shown, the suction port of the drainage means 19 is connected to a drainage port provided on the side wall of the cleaning pump 17, and the discharge port of the drainage means 19 communicates with the outside through a drainage hose.

  That is, when the cleaning pump 17 is rotationally driven in the normal rotation direction with water stored in the bottom of the cleaning tank 12, the water sucked through the circulation port is pumped to the cleaning nozzle 15 through the water channel. Then, water is ejected from a water injection hole provided on the upper surface of the cleaning nozzle 15, and the water nozzle causes the cleaning nozzle 15 to rotate in a predetermined direction around a vertical axis. The water sprayed from the water spray hole hits the tableware 14 accommodated 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 17 is rotationally driven in the reverse direction, the cleaning pump 17 discharges the water sucked through the drain port to the outside through the drain hose of the drain means 19.

  Further, although not shown, the water ejected from the cleaning nozzle via the cleaning pump is partially branched and supplied into the cleaning tank 12 from the side or above the cleaning tank 12 via the water supply means 16.

A detergent detection means 30 which is one of the features of the dishwasher of this embodiment is attached between the washing pump 17 and the washing tank 12. The detergent detection means 30 is an optical sensor, and is composed of a pair of light emitting elements and light receiving elements attached at positions facing each other across the pipe water channel. For example, infrared LEDs or red / green / blue LEDs are used as light emitting elements, and photodiodes (PD) are used as light receiving elements, all of which are housed in a transparent mounting case to ensure airtightness and water sealing. It attaches to the member which comprises a piping waterway through the sealing member for.

  FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the detergent detection means used in the present embodiment. FIG. 2 (a) shows a case where it is cut perpendicular to the water flow flowing in the pipe, and FIG. 2 (b) shows a case where it is cut parallel to the water flow. The positional relationship between the pair of light emitting elements 40 and light receiving elements 41 is set so that the light emitting elements and the light receiving elements face each other, and the optical axes are respectively perpendicular to the direction of water flow in the pipe 43. Is installed. Moreover, this optical axis is installed in the direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank. By doing so, it is possible to detect the type and amount of the detergent in the washing water in a short time at a low cost before the washing pump operates. In particular, with respect to kitchen detergents, sensor outputs that are completely different from those of dedicated detergents can be obtained. Therefore, it can be determined that the kitchen detergent is a kitchen detergent accurately and easily in a short time from the temporal change in the transmission intensity of the light emitting element.

  First, the tableware 14 is stored in the washing tank 12, the detergent is put into the detergent charging means 23, and the washing tank 12 is closed using the opening / closing part 11. When the operation button is pressed, about 3 liters of water flows into the washing tank 12 using the water supply means 16 and is stored. This washing water is stored up to the lower surface of the tableware basket 13 and adheres to the detergent introduced from the detergent charging means 23. The detergent gradually dissolves by this washing water and gradually diffuses in the washing water. . At this time, since the cleaning water is also filled in the pipe where the detergent detection means 30 is installed, the permeation intensity can be detected by the detergent detection means.

  That is, after the dirty tableware and detergent are put into the washing tank and supplied with water, the transmitted light is detected using the detergent detection means in a stationary period such as a mist process before the washing pump is operated, and this transmission intensity is detected. By measuring the absolute value of and measuring how much the permeation intensity has decreased over time, the type and amount of detergent dissolved in the wash water can be determined. For example, it is possible to determine that a special amount of the dedicated detergent is contained when a tableware with certain dirt is placed in a washing tank and the transmission intensity of the light emitting element gradually decreases during the mist process.

  For example, before the washing pump of the dishwasher is operated, an LED emitting infrared light having a wavelength of 1.0 micron is used, and the transmission intensity of light emitted from the LED is detected by the opposing light receiving elements. Assuming that the water supply is completed and the cleaning water is stored and enters the mist process, the detergent gradually dissolves and diffuses in the cleaning water, and as a result, the transmission intensity from the light emitting element gradually decreases over time. I will do it. In the mist process, the dirt adhering to the tableware has not yet fallen, so it can be said that this change in sensor output is a detergent that dissolves in the wash water. If the type and amount of detergent in the washing water are known in advance before washing, the temperature during washing can be increased, the time can be increased, and the number of times can be increased.

  In this way, cleaning is performed by installing a detergent detection means comprising a light emitting element and a light receiving element for detecting the transmission intensity from this element between the cleaning tank and the cleaning pump so that the optical axis is in the vertical direction. The detergent that dissolves and diffuses in the wash water during the stationary period before the pump operation can be judged by the change in permeation intensity over time, and the type and amount of detergent can be detected. In addition, each condition during the washing and rinsing process, which is the basic operation of a dishwasher, can be brought into an optimum state according to the type and amount of the detergent.

That is, when the amount of the dedicated detergent is small, the transmission strength gradually decreases with time.
On the other hand, when the amount of the dedicated detergent is large, the diffusion rate of the detergent in the washing water becomes fast, so that the permeation strength decreases with time. Thus, the type and amount of detergent can be detected by detecting the change in transmission intensity over time.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the detergent dissolved in the washing water is detected with the permeation strength of the washing water before the washing pump operates, and the type and amount of the detergent put into the washing tank from this detection signal. The detection accuracy of the detergent can be improved, and based on the type and amount of the detected detergent, the dishwasher operation control can be efficiently and quickly performed in an optimal washing state. Convenience, accuracy, and reliability for cleaning can be reliably improved.

  The present invention may be a desktop compact dishwasher other than the built-in type dishwasher, and may also be applied to a dishwasher having a drying means.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, the dishwasher of this Embodiment is demonstrated, referring drawings. FIG. 3 shows a schematic configuration diagram when a cross section of the dishwasher according to the second embodiment of the present invention cut along a vertical plane along the front-rear direction is viewed from the right side. The configuration in this embodiment will be described below.

  The basic configuration of the embodiment of the present invention is the same as that of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. In particular, in the configuration of the present invention, the bottom of the leftover filter 31 attached to the lower surface of the cleaning tank 12 is provided. The detergent detection means 30 which is one of the features of the dishwasher of the present embodiment is installed. The detergent detection means 30 is an optical sensor, and is composed of a pair of light emitting elements and light receiving elements attached at positions facing each other across the pipe water channel. For example, infrared LEDs or red / green / blue LEDs are used as light emitting elements, and photodiodes (PD) are used as light receiving elements, all of which are housed in a transparent mounting case to ensure airtightness and water sealing. It attaches to the member which comprises a piping waterway through the sealing member for. Moreover, the detergent detection means 30 is installed so that this optical axis may be perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank.

  FIG. 4 shows a schematic circuit configuration diagram of the detergent detection means used in the present embodiment. In the detergent detection means comprising the light receiving element 41 that detects the transmitted light from the light emitting element 40, an initial value 45 of the transmitted intensity that is output first is set. Next, when the power is turned on, the light emitting element 41 may be adjusted so that the average value of the transmission intensity output from the light receiving element 41 becomes a set value at the initial stage when the cleaning pump is not operating. it can. By doing so, it is possible to always maintain the same output in the initial state when there is no detergent, and it is possible to accurately detect the type and amount of the detergent in the wash water. In particular, things like oil stains may remain inside the washing tank, and the sensor output can be prevented from gradually decreasing due to the remaining stains, and the sensor output can be accurately corrected, The type and amount of detergent can be detected.

  In other words, the initial value of the output value from the light receiving element that outputs the transmission intensity of the light emitting element is fixed as a set value, and the voltage of the light emitting element is adjusted so that the initial value of the light receiving element always becomes the set value. Control the amount. By doing so, the initial sensor output can be made constant, and an accurate sensor output that does not depend on the initial residual dirt can be obtained. In particular, in the case of dirt that tends to remain, such as tomato juice, it is possible to correct the offset of the sensor output due to the dirt, so that the type and amount of detergent in the washing water can be detected accurately.

Thereby, according to the present embodiment, the detergent detection means comprising the light emitting element and the light receiving element for detecting the transmission intensity from this element is installed, and the initial value of the transmission intensity is always set and adjusted to the same value. Since the type and amount of detergent can be accurately detected, the conditions of the washing and rinsing process, which is the basic operation of the dishwasher, are based on the information on the detergent. It can be brought into an optimum state, and the energy saving and reliability of the dishwasher can be improved reliably.

  Next, the operation of the present invention in the dishwasher shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 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. 1, the detergent detection means 30 is installed between the washing pump 17 and the washing tank 12. This detergent detection means 30 is comprised from infrared LED and a light receiving element as a light emitting element, and always detects the transmitted light in the washing water piping with a light receiving element. The transmitted light has a reduced transmission intensity when the detergent is dissolved in the cleaning water in the pipe. The set value of the initial value of the sensor output from the light receiving element is determined and stored in the memory.

  First, when the opening / closing part of the dishwasher is opened forward, a washing tub 12 for containing the dishes 14 to be washed appears (step S1). A tableware 14 with dirt is put in from the upper side of the opening of the washing tank 12 and stored in the tableware basket 13. Further, the designated amount of detergent dedicated to the dishwasher is put into the detergent charging means 23 (step S2). When the dishes are stored and the detergent is introduced, the opening / closing part of the dishwasher is put in the back and the washing tank 12 is closed (step S3). Next, when the operation button is pressed by the user (step S4), about 3 liters of cleaning water is supplied from the water supply means 16 to the cleaning tank 12 (step S5). Since this washing water is also supplied into the pipe, first, the detergent detection means in which a pair of light receiving elements installed between the washing pump and the washing tank are installed facing the light emitting elements. 30 is measured and stored in the memory (step S6). Thereafter, an average value is obtained for each of these sensor outputs (step S7). Next, the voltage of the light emitting element is adjusted so that these average values become the set values initially stored in the memory (step S8).

  Next, FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the dishwasher following FIG. The flow in the present embodiment will be described below.

  After the initial value of the light receiving element is adjusted to the set value, the temperature rises in order to perform a mist process using ultrasonic waves before the washing pump of the dishwasher operates (step S11). Since the stored washing water is stored up to about the lower surface of the tableware basket 13, it also adheres to the detergent introduced from the detergent charging means 23, and the detergent gradually dissolves by this washing water, It gradually diffuses (step S12). At this time, since the cleaning water is also filled in the pipe where the detergent detection means 30 is installed, the permeation intensity can be detected by the detergent detection means. While the washing pump is stationary, the sensor output and transmission intensity from the light receiving element are stored in the memory (step S13). After a while, diffusion proceeds and the sensor output and transmission intensity from the light receiving element gradually decrease. The sensor output decrease start time is detected at which the sensor output starts decreasing (step S14). As time further elapses, the sensor output and transmission intensity from the light receiving element further decrease. Thus, the sensor output decrease rate can be measured (step S15). When a certain time elapses, the mist process is finished, the operation of the cleaning pump is started, and cleaning is performed (step S16). At this time, the final sensor output value immediately before the operation of the washing pump is detected (step S17). The type and amount of detergent dissolved in the wash water can be determined from the sensor output decrease start time, the sensor output decrease rate, and the final sensor output value obtained from the above (step S18). Based on this result, it feeds back to each condition, temperature, time, number of times of rinsing, etc. of the cleaning process (step S19).

  FIG. 7 shows a sensor output diagram of the detergent detection means used in the same embodiment. The sensor output figure until it passes for a while after turning on the power of a dishwasher is shown.

  For example, after turning on the power of the dishwasher, an LED emitting infrared light having a wavelength of 1 micron is used, and the intensity of light emitted from the LED is detected by an opposing light receiving element. Now, when the power of the dishwasher is turned on and the start button is pressed, the cleaning water is supplied into the cleaning tank, and the pipe where the detergent detecting means is installed is also filled with water. In the sensor output at this time, the average value of the period A is obtained, and the voltage of the light emitting element is adjusted so that the average value becomes the set value set first. By doing so, the influence of the remaining dirt on the sensor output can be eliminated, and an accurate transmission intensity can be obtained.

  At this time, the wavelength of the light emitting element may be any of infrared light, visible light, and ultraviolet light.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 7, if the initial average value of the permeation intensity of the washing water and the sensor output period A is 3V and the set value is 4.5V, the average value of the sensor output after the period A ends. The voltage of the light emitting element is adjusted so as to be about 4.5V. If it is found that there is a lot of residual dirt in the initial stage of the wash water, the transmission strength of the original wash water cannot be obtained accurately, so it is possible to accurately detect the type and amount of detergent in the wash water by increasing the sensor output. it can.

  That is, a detergent detection means comprising a light emitting element and a light receiving element for detecting the transmission intensity from this element is installed so that the optical axis is in the vertical direction, and the initial value of the transmission intensity is always adjusted and stored at the same value. Therefore, it is possible to accurately detect the amount and quality of the detergent that dissolves and diffuses in the wash water. Based on this detergent information, each condition during the washing and rinsing process, which is the basic operation of the dishwasher, is determined. It can be brought into an optimum state according to the type and amount of detergent, and the energy saving and reliability of the dishwasher can be improved reliably.

  FIG. 8 similarly shows a sensor output diagram of the detergent detection means used in the present embodiment. The sensor output figure until a pump operation | movement is started is shown at the time of the mist process before the washing pump of a dishwasher operate | moves. (A) shows the case where there is little dedicated detergent in the dishwasher, (b) shows the case where the dedicated detergent is normal, and (c) shows the sensor output when there is much dedicated detergent. It is a representation.

  For example, it is assumed that an LED emitting green having a wavelength of 0.5 microns is used, and the intensity of light emitted from the LED is detected by an opposing light receiving element. First, referring to FIG. 7, after the initial value of the light receiving element is adjusted to the set value, there is a mist process using ultrasonic waves until the washing pump of the dishwasher starts to operate. During this time, since the detergent put into the washing tank is used in the washing water, the detergent gradually dissolves and diffuses in the washing water. Therefore, the sensor output shows an output in the vicinity of the set value of the initial value at first. However, the sensor output gradually increases from a certain point, that is, when the detergent is dissolved in the washing water and spreads to a place where the detergent detection means is located. Will fall. The point is the sensor output decrease start time, which is point A. Point A varies depending on the diffusion rate, and is the fastest in the case of (c) with a large amount of detergent and the slowest in the case of (a) with a small amount of detergent. Further, as time elapses, the sensor output further decreases, and the sensor output decrease speed can be obtained from the decreasing speed. The sensor output decrease rate also depends on the amount of detergent. When the amount of detergent is large (c), the sensor output decrease rate is fast. When the amount of detergent is small (a), the output decrease rate is Become slow. Therefore, the final sensor output at the point B immediately before the operation of the washing pump is lowest when the amount of detergent is large (c), and when the amount of detergent is small (a), Highest.

  FIG. 9 shows the relationship between the amount of detergent put into the cleaning tank, (a) sensor output decrease start time, and (b) sensor output decrease rate from the sensor output diagram obtained in FIG.

The sensor final output value tends to be the same as the sensor output decrease start time, and the output decreases as the detergent amount increases.

  By comparing the sensor output decrease start time obtained from the transmission intensity from these light emitting elements, that is, the point A, it is possible to determine the amount of detergent dissolved / diffused in the wash water. For example, if the sensor output decrease start time is 1 minute and 2 minutes, it can be said that the amount of detergent is small in 1 minute and the amount of detergent is large in 2 minutes.

  In addition, by comparing the rate of decrease in sensor output, that is, the slope from point A to point B, obtained from the transmission intensity from these light emitting elements, the amount of detergent dissolved and diffused in the wash water is accurately determined. be able to. For example, if the sensor output decrease rate is 1 V / min and 2 V / min, it can be said that the amount of detergent is small at 1 V / min and the amount of detergent is large at 2 V / min.

  Furthermore, by comparing the final output value of the sensor output immediately before the cleaning pump operation, that is, point B, obtained from the transmission intensity from these light emitting elements, the amount of detergent dissolved and diffused in the cleaning water can be more accurately determined. can do. For example, if the final output values of the sensor output are 1V and 2V, it can be said that the amount of detergent is small at 1V and the amount of detergent is large at 2V.

  In this way, if the amount of detergent put into the washing tank can be accurately determined before the washing pump is operated, the amount of tableware placed in the washing tank and the dirt attached to the tableware can be estimated to some extent. Therefore, each condition, temperature, and time during the washing and rinsing steps can be efficiently and quickly set to an optimum state corresponding to the amount of the detergent. When the amount of detergent is small, the washing time is shortened and the temperature is lowered. When the amount of detergent is large, the washing time is lengthened, the temperature is raised, and the number of times of rinsing can be increased.

  FIG. 10 shows a sensor output diagram when kitchen detergent is used in the detergent detection means used in the embodiment.

  When kitchen detergent is used, it tends to foam in the washing water, so when the detergent gradually dissolves in the washing water during the mist process, foaming starts, the bubbles gradually spread, and spread to the area of the detergent detection means Then, the sensor output becomes unstable and unstable as shown in FIG. Thus, when the sensor output becomes unstable in this way, the influence of the foam is large, so that it can be determined that the kitchen detergent has been put into the cleaning tank. If it is determined that kitchen detergent has been added, if the washing pump is activated and foamed further, the dishwasher will be adversely affected. Can be easily eliminated.

  That is, the detergent detection means comprising a light receiving element for detecting the transmitted light from the light emitting element, the optical axis is set in the vertical direction, the initial value of the transmitted transmission intensity is adjusted to the set value, and the cleaning pump It is not necessary to bubble the washing water at the initial stage when it is not operating, and by detecting the change in transmission intensity over time, that is, the output reduction start time, the output reduction speed, and the final output value, Since the type and amount can be determined, it is possible to feed back to each condition, temperature, time, number of times of rinsing, and the like based on this result, and optimal cleaning can be performed. For example, if the amount of detergent added at the start of cleaning is found to be large, the temperature at the time of cleaning can be increased, the time can be increased, and the number of times of rinsing can be increased. The amount of detergent can be changed to a condition suitable for dirt.

By adopting the configuration as described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the detergent detection means that detects the transmitted light of the light from the light emitting element with the light receiving element, the optical axis is in the vertical direction, The initial value of the transmitted transmission intensity is adjusted to the set value, and in the initial stage when the cleaning pump is not operating, it is not necessary to bubble the cleaning water. The type and amount of detergent used can be determined, and the conditions, temperature, and time during the washing and rinsing process, which is the basic operation of a dishwasher, are determined based on the detergent information. In addition, it is possible to efficiently achieve the optimum state in a short time, and to reliably improve the energy saving and reliability of the dishwasher.

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

  As described above, the present invention installs a detergent detection sensor composed of an optical sensor capable of detecting the type and amount of detergent dissolved in the washing water of the washing tank, and the type and amount of detergent in the washing water. By detecting this, it is possible to perform optimum washing according to the type and amount of detergent, and the dishwasher's washing condition, temperature and time can be optimized according to the detergent, and the dishwasher's energy savings The reliability can be improved reliably, and it is also useful for household dishwashers.

  Moreover, it can be used not only for home use but also for business use such as offices and factories.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Opening and closing part 12 Washing tank 13 Tableware basket 14 Tableware 15 Washing nozzle 16 Water supply means 17 Washing pump 21 Judgment means 22 Control means 23 Detergent input means 30 Detergent detection means 31 Vegetable filter 40 Light emitting element 41 Light receiving element 44 Piping 45 Setting value

Claims (9)

A cleaning tank for storing objects to be cleaned such as tableware, a water supply means for supplying water into the cleaning tank, a cleaning means for cleaning the objects to be cleaned in the cleaning tank, a cleaning pump for circulating cleaning water, and the cleaning Detergent detection means having a light emitting part for detecting the detergent in the wash water in the tank and a light receiving part for detecting the transmitted light, and a determination for determining the type of detergent in the wash water from the output signal from the detergent detection means A dishwasher in which the means and the determination means determine the type of detergent by detecting a temporal change in permeation intensity output from the detergent detection means before operating the washing pump. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the detergent detection means includes a light emitting unit and a pair of light receiving units that receive light emitted from the light emitting unit. The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the detergent detection means is set in a direction perpendicular to a horizontal plane of the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank. The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the detergent detection means is installed between a washing pump for circulating washing water and a washing tank upstream of the washing pump. A vegetable filter is installed at the bottom of the washing tank,
The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the detergent detection means is installed below the leftover filter. The detergent detection means sets an initial value of the transmitted transmission intensity, and the light emission so that an average value of the transmission intensity output from the light receiving unit becomes the set value in an initial period when the cleaning pump is not operating. The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the portion is adjusted. The determination means obtains an average value of the transmission intensity output from the light receiving unit in an initial period when the washing pump is not operating, and stores the average value as an initial value. A dishwasher according to claim 1. The determination means detects an output obtained from the light receiving unit while the operation of the washing pump is stopped, and detects an output decrease start time, an output decrease speed, and a final output value from the time change. The dishwasher of any one of 1-7. The determination means detects the output obtained from the light receiving unit while the operation of the washing pump is stopped, and determines the type and amount of the detergent from the time change. Dishwasher according to item.