JP2011177463A - Dishwasher - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve a problem in a conventional dishwasher structure that cannot accurately detect a water amount in a rinsing step after a washing step, since in a water level detector detecting a water level by a float, a movement of the float is disturbed due to an influence of foam. <P>SOLUTION: A dishwasher includes: a water supply valve 4 as a water supply device supplying water in a washing tank 1; a water level detector 9 detecting a water level of washing water supplied in the washing tank 1; a controller 12 measuring a time for supplying water from when a water supply is started until when the water level detector 9 detects the water level and continuing to supply make-up water only for a determined time after the water level is detected by the water level detector 9, changing a time for supplying the make-up water in a rinsing step based on a difference in the time for supplying water between a washing step and a rinsing step. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a dishwasher for washing dishes.

  Conventionally, this type of dishwasher has been configured as shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the configuration will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a tableware basket 2 is arranged in the cleaning tank 1, and the tableware 3 is stored in the tableware basket 2. Washing water is supplied from the water supply valve 4 as water supply means and stored in the cleaning tank 1. A cleaning nozzle 5 as a cleaning means is rotatably supported in the cleaning tank 1 and ejects cleaning water toward the dishes 3. The sprayed cleaning water enters the drain port 6 on the bottom surface of the cleaning tank 1, and the cleaning pump 7 supplies the cleaning water to the cleaning nozzle 5 and is sprayed again. Along with the cleaning pump 7 and the drainage pump 8 for discharging the cleaning water, it is provided in the lower part of the cleaning 1. The water level detection means 9 detects whether the water level in the cleaning tank 1 has reached a predetermined water level, and detects the water level by the movement of the float 9a. The heater 10 is disposed at the bottom of the cleaning tank 1 and heats the cleaning water. A thermistor 11 for detecting the cleaning temperature is provided on the outer wall of the bottom of the cleaning tank 1. In addition, a power source is generated for the control unit 12 and the operation unit 13 for controlling the cleaning pump 7, the drain pump 8, the water level detection unit 9, the heater 10, the thermistor 11, and the like, the display unit 14 for displaying the operation status, the control unit 12 and the like. A power supply circuit 15 is also provided in the main body. In addition, the liquid used for washing | cleaning and rinse of to-be-washed objects, such as tableware 3, is called washing | cleaning water.

  In the above configuration, the operation will be described. The tableware 3 in which the user gets dirty is stored in the tableware basket 2, the detergent is put into the washing tank 1, and the operation unit 13 starts the operation. In the cleaning process, tap water is supplied from the water supply valve 4 until the water level detecting means 9 detects that the water level detecting means 9 has reached the predetermined water level at the bottom of the cleaning tank 1, and when the water level reaches the predetermined water level, the cleaning pump 7 and the heater 10 are supplied. Energize. In addition, tap water is supplied from a tap tap using a branch tap 16 or the like. While the washing water is heated, the washing pump 7 ejects it from the washing nozzle 5 toward the tableware 3 to remove the dirt adhering to the tableware 3. At this time, the temperature of the washing water is detected and controlled by the thermistor 11. When the predetermined operation is completed, the drainage pump 7 is energized, and the cleaning water containing dirt once attached to the tableware 3 is discharged. Next, a rinsing process for newly supplying tap water is started. The heater 10 is not energized several times, and the rinse process with water and the heater 10 is energized with the hot water and the rinse process is repeated to remove the detergent component stains adhering to the dishes 3.

JP 2001-57957 A

However, in the conventional dishwasher configuration described above, in the washing process for removing the stains on the dishes, bubbles are formed in the washing water due to the influence of the stains attached to the detergent and the dishes, and the washing process is completed and the washing water is drained. In some cases, bubbles may remain in the drain of the water level detecting means or in the float. At this time, in the water level detection means for detecting the water level by the vertical movement of the float, the movement of the float is hindered by the influence of bubbles floating on the washing water. Moreover, since the washing water containing foam is discharged, the capacity of the drainage pump is also affected, and the remaining water remaining in the washing layer cannot be drained completely. Therefore, in the subsequent rinsing process, before the predetermined amount of water is supplied, the float detects bubbles floating on the washing water and falsely detects that the water has reached the predetermined water level. There was sometimes less.

  Since it was difficult to accurately detect the amount of water in this way, it is necessary to provide a supply water time to continue water supply for a predetermined time after detection of the water level by the float so that the amount of water necessary for rinsing and rinsing can be ensured without fail. Furthermore, taking into account errors due to the amount of residual water and bubbles, the time for makeup water was lengthened. Therefore, there was a problem of spending an excessive amount of water.

  This invention solves the said conventional subject, and it aims at providing the dishwasher which is not influenced by foam and does not use an excessive amount of water.

  In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, a dishwasher according to the present invention includes a washing tank having an opening for taking in and out an object to be washed, and a washing that jets washing water to the object to be washed stored in the washing tank. Means, a water supply means for supplying water into the cleaning tank, a water level detecting means for detecting the water level of the cleaning water supplied into the cleaning tank, and a water level detecting means for detecting the water level after water supply is started by the water supply means Control means for measuring the water supply time until the water supply time in the cleaning step and the rinsing process, while the control means performs the supply water that continues to supply water for a predetermined time after the water level detection by the water level detection means Based on the difference, the time of the replenishing water in the rinsing process is changed.

  As a result, in the cleaning process, bubbles are formed due to the dirt adhered to the detergent and tableware, bubbles remain in the drain of the water level detection means and in the warehouse, and the movement of the float is inhibited by the bubbles. In this case, since there is a difference in the water supply time until the water level is detected, it can be determined whether there is an influence of bubbles based on the difference. And the energy which heats water saving or excess water can be saved by adjusting the replenishment water time after water level detection by the presence or absence of the influence of foam.

  In the dishwasher of the present invention, when the movement of the float is hindered by the influence of the foam, there is a difference in the water supply time until the water level is detected, so it is determined whether there is an influence of the foam based on the difference, and the replenishment after the water level is detected. By adjusting the water time, it is possible to save water and to save energy to heat excess water.

The longitudinal cross-sectional view of the dishwasher of Embodiment 1 of this invention Block diagram of the dishwasher Operation flowchart of the dishwasher Vertical section of a conventional dishwasher

  1st invention is a washing tank provided with the opening part for taking in / out to-be-cleaned object, the washing | cleaning means which injects washing water to the to-be-washed object accommodated in a washing tank, and the water supply which supplies water in a washing tank Means, a water level detecting means for detecting the level of the cleaning water supplied into the cleaning tank, a control means for measuring a water supply time from when the water supply means starts supplying water until the water level detecting means detects the water level, The control means performs replenishing water that continues water supply for a predetermined time after the water level is detected by the water level detecting means, and supplies the replenishing water in the rinsing process based on the difference in the water supply time between the cleaning process and the rinsing process. A dishwasher that changes time. As a result, in the cleaning process, bubbles are formed due to the dirt adhered to the detergent and tableware, bubbles remain in the drain of the water level detection means and in the warehouse, and the movement of the float is inhibited by the bubbles. In this case, since there is a difference in the water supply time until the water level is detected, it can be determined whether there is an influence of bubbles. By adjusting the replenishment water time after detecting the water level depending on the presence or absence of bubbles, it is possible to save water and to save energy for heating excess water.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, when the difference in the water supply time between the cleaning step and the rinsing process is within the first determination time and the second determination time, It is a dishwasher that judges that there is no. As a result, even if the makeup water time varies slightly due to fluctuations in the water supply pressure of the water supply, aging deterioration of the water level detection means, etc., the variation can be corrected by determining within a predetermined time, and the determination based on the difference in water supply time can be made. It can be done with high accuracy.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the control means is configured such that the difference in the water supply time between the cleaning step and the rinsing process is equal to or greater than the first determination time or equal to or less than the second determination time. When it is a dishwasher that determines that there is an influence of foam generation. Thereby, even when the water supply time difference cannot be measured accurately for some reason, it is possible to replenish the water supply necessary for cleaning and rinsing. For example, there is a variation such that the water supply time itself could not be measured accurately because the water supply was stopped temporarily during the water supply in the rinsing process. Even in such a case, if the water supply time cannot be determined and the predetermined replenishment water time is the same as in the case of the influence of bubbles, it is possible to perform water supply necessary for cleaning and rinsing due to erroneous detection, resulting in a decrease in cleaning performance. Can also be prevented.

  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)
1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a dishwasher according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block circuit diagram of the dishwasher, and FIG. 3 is an operation flowchart of the dishwasher.

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

  A table basket 2 is movably disposed in the washing tub 1, and the tableware 3 is stored in the table basket 2. Washing water is supplied by driving a water supply valve 4 as a water supply means and stored in the cleaning tank 1. The cleaning nozzle 5 as a cleaning means is rotatably supported on the bottom surface in the cleaning tank 1 and jets cleaning water toward the dishes 3 while rotating. The sprayed cleaning water enters the drain outlet 6 on the bottom surface of the cleaning tank 1, and the cleaning pump 7 pressurizes and supplies the cleaning water to the cleaning nozzle 5, and the cleaning water is ejected from the cleaning nozzle 5 again. The cleaning pump 7 is disposed on the bottom outer wall of the cleaning tank 1 together with the drain pump 8 that discharges the cleaning water. The water level detection means 9 detects whether the water level in the cleaning tank 1 has reached a predetermined water level, and detects the water level by the vertical movement of the float 9a. The water level detection means 9 may be configured by a pair of electrodes and detect the water level when the electrodes are energized.

  The heater 10 is disposed at the bottom of the cleaning tank 1 and heats the cleaning water. A thermistor 11 for detecting the temperature of the cleaning water or air through the wall surface is provided on the outer wall of the bottom of the cleaning tank 1. Further, the control means 12 for controlling the washing pump 7, the drainage pump 8, the heater 10 and the like and receiving signals from the water level detection means 9 and the thermistor 11, etc., the operation section 13, the display section 14 for displaying the operation status, and the control means. A power supply circuit 15 for generating power such as 12 is also provided in the main body. Liquids used for cleaning and rinsing objects to be cleaned such as tableware 3 and chopsticks are collectively referred to as cleaning water.

  The water level detection means 9 of the embodiment of the present invention is connected to the cleaning tank 1 by a water channel that is a communication pipe 9 b and is provided on the outer side wall of the cleaning tank 1. The water level detection means 9 is configured such that the microswitch 9c is turned on and off in accordance with the movement of the float 9a in the vertical direction.

The control program for detecting the water level is configured as follows. Water is supplied into the cleaning tank 1 by the operation of the water supply valve 4 as water supply means. The control means 12 for controlling the washing pump 7, the drainage pump 8 and the heater 10 which is a heating means receives a signal from the water level detection means 9, and after the water supply valve 4 starts water supply, the water level detection means 9 Measure the water supply time until it is detected. Further, the control means 12 performs control so that makeup water that continues to supply water for a predetermined time after the water level detection means 9 detects the water level is performed. Furthermore, when the difference in the water supply time between the cleaning process and the rinsing process is within the first determination time and the second determination time, the control means 12 supplies the makeup water for a second predetermined time shorter than the first predetermined time. The difference between the water supply times in the cleaning process and the rinsing process, that is, the value obtained by subtracting the water supply time in the rinsing process from the water supply time in the cleaning process is equal to or greater than the first determination time or the second determination time. When it is below, control is performed so as to supply replenishment water for a first predetermined time. In the present embodiment, the predetermined time of the replenishing water is assumed to be the time when bubbles are affected, and the water supply time difference is a value obtained by subtracting the water supply time of the rinsing process from the water supply time of the cleaning process. Is a positive value, and the second determination time is a negative value.

  In the above, the operation will be described. When the operation of the dishwasher is started, the control means 12 controls to open the water supply valve 4 so that tap water is supplied to the bottom of the washing tank 1 as washing water. Since the water level detection means 9 and the washing tank 1 are communicated with each other by the communication pipe 9b, tap water is also supplied into the water level detection means 9 at the same time. When the water supply step proceeds, the water level in the water level detection means 9 rises, the float 9a floats, and the microswitch 9c is turned on and off to detect a predetermined water level. After the water supply is completed, the water supply valve 4 is closed and the cleaning process starts. In this washing process, washing water in which the detergent is dissolved is pressurized by the washing pump 7 and circulated. At this time, there is an influence of the dirt adhering to the tableware 3, and bubbles may be formed. When the washing water containing bubbles is drained after completion of the washing process, bubbles gather at the drain port 6 and the inflow speed of the washing water decreases. Moreover, the washing water containing foam also reduces the discharge capacity of the drainage pump 8. This is because the drainage pump 8 has a high liquid flow rate when the washing water that is not the foam part is pressurized and drained, but the foam flow rate when the foam part is pressurized and drained is slow. When the control of the drainage pump 8 is programmed to operate for a predetermined time, even if the drainage pump 8 affected by bubbles is operated for a predetermined time, the amount of cleaning water remaining in the cleaning tank 1 varies. Further, since the cleaning water containing bubbles also enters the water level detection means 9 through the communication pipe 9b, the bubbles remain in the water level detection means 9 even after the cleaning water is drained. Therefore, in the rinsing process of the next process, a large amount of cleaning water remains in the cleaning tank 1, so that the absolute amount of newly supplied water is reduced even if the water supply amount is increased to a predetermined water level at which the water level detecting means 9 operates. . Further, the float 9a erroneously detects the bubbles floating on the cleaning water due to the influence of the bubbles remaining in the water level detection means 9, and detects it before the cleaning water reaches a predetermined water level. Due to these effects, the water supply time until the water level is detected becomes faster when bubbles are present than when there are no bubbles. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not bubbles have occurred by measuring the water supply time. That is, when the water supply time difference between the cleaning process and the rinsing process is a positive value, bubbles are generated. When bubbles are not generated, the water supply time is the same as the reference value, so the water supply time does not change.

  Therefore, if the make-up water time after the water level detection is set to the first predetermined time when bubbles are affected, and the second predetermined time is shorter than the first predetermined time when bubbles are not affected, the excess water amount Can be dispensed with without water supply. That is, it is possible to save water, and it is not necessary to heat excess washing water with the heater 10, so that energy saving can also be realized.

However, if all the cases where the water supply time difference is a positive value are determined to be the occurrence of bubbles, there is a possibility that in the actual use state, it is determined that bubbles are generated even if no bubbles are generated. This is because when water is supplied using other water supply equipment near the dishwasher while the dishwasher is supplied, the water pressure varies. Further, the water supply time fluctuates due to various accumulation factors such as the accumulation of dirt in the float 9a of the water level detection means 9 to change the buoyancy and the operation fluctuation of the water supply valve 4. Therefore, the time when there is no influence of the occurrence of bubbles has a width such as the first determination time or more and the second determination time or less, and the time when the influence of generation of bubbles is set as the first determination time or more, By making the determination, the variation factor can be corrected, and the water supply time difference can be accurately determined. By making the determination value based on this difference in water supply time not only zero but within the first determination time and the second determination time, it is also effective for determining the occurrence of a small amount of bubbles. This is because it is not necessary to reduce the replenishment water time as long as the water supply amount does not affect the operation of the cleaning pump 7 even if bubbles are generated and the predetermined water supply amount cannot be secured. It can also cope with. Therefore, when the difference in the water supply time is greater than or equal to the positive value of the first determination time, it can be accurately determined that there is an influence of bubble generation.

  Further, when the water supply time difference is equal to or less than the negative value of the second determination time, it is considered that the water supply time difference could not be measured accurately due to some cause. For example, the water supply time itself could not be accurately measured because the water supply was suspended during the rinsing process. When the generation of bubbles is a cleaning process, the water supply time is shortened in the rinsing process of the next process, but when the operation is temporarily stopped during the operation, the water supply time is increased. As a result, the water supply time difference is negative and the absolute value is large. Therefore, in such a case, the determination of the water supply time is not possible, and if the predetermined replenishment water time is set as in the case of the influence of bubbles, it is possible to prevent the cleaning performance from being deteriorated due to erroneous detection. On the other hand, if the water supply process is temporarily stopped in the middle of the water supply process, there is no problem because the water supply time difference is determined as having bubbles.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the initial value of the makeup water time is set to be shorter than the predetermined time when there is no bubble generation effect when there is an influence of bubble generation. It is also possible to set the initial value of the time when there is no influence of the generation of bubbles. Further, although the invention of the present embodiment has been described in the cleaning process and the rinsing process of the next process, the determination of the difference in water supply time is also performed in the second and subsequent rinsing processes, and also in the final heating rinsing process performed thereafter. It is also possible to adjust the time of makeup water.

  As described above, if the movement of the float is hindered by the influence of bubbles, there will be a difference in the water supply time until the water level is detected, so determine if there is an influence of bubbles and adjust the makeup water time after the water level is detected. Therefore, the problem of spending an excessive amount of water can be solved, which is useful as a water-saving measure for dishwashers.

1 Washing tank 2 Tableware basket 3 Tableware 4 Water supply valve (water supply means)
5 Cleaning nozzle (cleaning means)
6 Water level detection means 12 Control means

Claims (3)

A dishwasher in which at least a washing process and a rinsing process are performed, and a washing tank having an opening for taking in and out an object to be washed, and a washing in which washing water is sprayed on the object to be washed stored in the washing tank Means, water supply means for supplying water into the cleaning tank, water level detection means for detecting the water level of the cleaning water supplied into the cleaning tank, and the water level detection means after the water supply means starts water supply. Control means for measuring a water supply time until the water level is detected, and the control means performs replenishing water that continues to supply water for a predetermined time after the water level is detected by the water level detection means, and the cleaning step The dishwasher which changes the time of the makeup water of the rinse process based on the difference of the water supply time in the rinse process. The said control means determines that there is no influence of bubble generation, when the difference of the said water supply time in the said washing | cleaning process and the said rinse process exists in the 1st determination time and the 2nd determination time. The dishwasher described. The control means determines that there is an influence of bubble generation when a difference in the water supply time between the cleaning step and the rinsing process is not less than the first determination time or not more than the second determination time. The dishwasher according to claim 1 or 2.