JP2014000188A - Dishwasher - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a dishwasher capable of increasing a water level difference between a washing water level after water supply completion and an overflow detection water level, and preventing overflow erroneous detection during washing.SOLUTION: The dishwasher includes: a water level detector 20 communicated with a washing tank 6 and provided with a washing water level detector 21 and an overflow water level detector 22; a washing pump 8 for supplying washing water to a washing nozzle 9; a water supply valve 19 for supplying water into the washing tank 6; a controller 23 for controlling various kinds of electric components; and a control program 24 for giving commands to the controller 23. The controller 23 starts water supply by opening the water supply valve 19, and operates the washing pump 8 for prescribed time between the water supply to the end of the water supply by the closing of the water supply valve 19 upon reception of information that the washing water level detector 21 detects that a detection water level has been reached, and the supply of replenishing water performed by opening the water supply valve 19 again thereafter, and a high-quality dishwasher capable of preventing overflow erroneous detection during washing can be realized.

Description

  The present invention relates to a dishwasher for washing dishes and the like. More specifically, the present invention relates to a control sequence that widens the water level difference between the water level in the washing tank (washing water level) and the overflow detection water level when washing the dishwasher.

  A conventional dishwasher includes a cleaning water level detection device that detects that a predetermined amount of water has been stored in a cleaning tank. Moreover, the conventional dishwasher is provided with the overflow water level detection apparatus which detects an overflow state in order to prevent the water leak to the exterior of a washing tank (for example, refer patent document 1).

  The configuration of a conventional dishwasher will be described below. FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of a conventional general dishwasher, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a water level detection device 20 that is provided in a conventional dishwasher and performs washing water level detection and overflow water level detection. is there.

  In FIG. 7, the user accommodates an object to be cleaned 10 such as tableware in the cleaning tank 6 from the opening 5 provided on the front surface of the cleaning tank 6. When the user starts operation after closing the opening 5 with the door body 14, the dishwasher operates the washing pump 8, and the washing water pressurized by the washing pump 8 is sprayed from the washing nozzle 9 to be washed. The washing and rinsing process of the object 10 is performed. Water for washing the object to be washed 10 used in the washing and rinsing process is supplied by a water supply valve 19 attached to the back surface of the washing tank 6, sent into the washing tank 6, and a water reservoir at the bottom of the washing tank 6. Stored in part 7. The washing tub 6 has an optional removable vegetable collection filter (not shown) and a coarse drainage filter (not shown). The water level detection device 20 is communicated with a water reservoir 7 provided immediately below the leftover collection filter and the drainage filter by piping.

  A control device 23 is provided in the main body 4. The control device 23 controls the various electrical components such as the cleaning pump 8, the electric heater (not shown), the water supply valve 19, and the blower fan (not shown), and executes each process of cleaning, rinsing and drying.

  Next, the configuration of a water level detection device 20 that is provided in communication with the water reservoir 7 of the cleaning tank 6 and that performs cleaning water level detection and overflow water level detection will be described. In FIG. 8, the auxiliary water tank 20 a guides the cleaning water stored in the water reservoir 7 at the bottom of the cleaning tank 6 to the cleaning water level detection device 21 or the overflow water level detection device 22. The cleaning water level detection device 21 detects from the water level that a reference amount of water has accumulated in the cleaning tank 6. The overflow water level detection device 22 detects that the water level in the cleaning tank 6 is unusually high and is in an overflow state. In the unlikely event that the overflow water level detection device 22 operates due to a failure of the water supply valve 19 or the like, the control device 23 immediately operates the drain pump 11 to drain the water in the cleaning tank 6 to the outside of the apparatus.

  The cleaning water level detection device 21 includes a float 21a and a micro switch 21b. The float 21a moves up and down with the water level change in the auxiliary water tank 20a along the guide hole of the mounting plate 20b. When the detected water level is reached, the microswitch 21b is operated to accumulate a reference amount of water in the cleaning tank 6. It detects that The overflow water level detection device 22 includes a pair of electrodes 22a. The pair of electrodes 22a is fixed to the mounting plate 20b so as to protrude into the auxiliary water tank 20a.

The detection operation of the water level detection device 20 and the control sequence of the control device 23 during operation of the dishwasher having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG. When the user places the objects to be cleaned 10 such as tableware in the table basket 16 and accommodates them in the cleaning tank 6, and starts operation after putting the detergent, the control device 2
3 operates the water supply valve 19 to supply tap water into the cleaning tank 6. Water accumulates in the water reservoir 7 at the bottom of the cleaning tank 6 and is guided to the auxiliary water tank 20a by piping.

  As the water level in the auxiliary water tank 20a rises, the float 21a is immersed in water and floats, and the switch part (not shown) of the microswitch 21b is pushed to switch the contact of the switch part from on to off. The control device 23 of the main body 4 of the dishwasher detects the switching of the contact of the above switch part, determines that the predetermined washing water level has been reached, stops the water supply valve 19, and then operates the washing pump 8 to perform washing. Start the process. When the amount of water at the time of reaching the cleaning water level (main water supply) is insufficient, the control device 23 continuously supplies water as makeup water for a predetermined time before operating the cleaning pump 8. (Details will be described later).

  In addition, in the event that an inflow of water from the water supply valve 19 into the cleaning tank 6 does not stop due to a foreign matter biting into the water supply valve 19, water will flow beyond the cleaning tank 6 beyond the predetermined cleaning water level. In order to prevent leakage, the overflow water level detection device 22 detects the water level just before the overflow and transmits detection information to the control device 23. The control device 23 notifies the user that there is a risk of overflow by notifying the abnormality, and operates the drain pump 11 to prevent water leakage.

  As described above, the amount of water supplied to the cleaning tank 6 is accurately determined by the detection information of the cleaning water level detector 21 (detected water level) up to a predetermined water amount (water level), and then the water supply valve 19 is energized for a predetermined time. It is adjusted by adding makeup water. However, since the supply amount of the makeup water is temporally controlled, the amount of water in the cleaning tank 6 varies due to the magnitude of the supply water flow rate.

  In order to prevent the overflow water level detection device 22 from erroneously detecting during the cleaning operation even when the amount of makeup water is maximized, there is no difference between the cleaning water level after supplying the makeup water and the overflow detection water level detected by the overflow water level detection device 22. Wide water level difference. Moreover, the conventional dishwasher has a large capacity of the washing tub 6 and a small increase in the water level per fixed amount of water. Thereby, the conventional dishwasher is equipped with the capability to minimize the bad influence by the variation in the amount of makeup water.

JP 2003-47585 A

  However, when trying to make the shape and size of the washing tub 6 of the dishwasher compact, the mounting position, size, and shape of the water level detection device are limited, and the gap between other parts or the washing tub is larger than the conventional one. It becomes a cramped state. It is also difficult to provide the overflow water level detection device at a high position. In addition, since the capacity of the washing tank is reduced, the increase in the water level in the washing tank with respect to a certain amount of water is increased. Especially when the water supply amount is maximized, the washing water level after the supply of supplementary water becomes the overflow water level. There is also a possibility of reaching the overflow detection water level detected by the detection device. Furthermore, the problem that an overflow water level detection apparatus will falsely detect that it is in an overflow state during washing | cleaning operation | movement will also arise.

  The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, and provides a dishwasher that can widen the difference between the washing water level after completion of water supply and the overflow detection water level and prevent erroneous detection of overflow during washing. .

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a main body having an opening for taking in and out an object to be cleaned, a cleaning tank provided inside the main body and containing the object to be cleaned and having a water reservoir at the inner bottom, A cleaning nozzle provided in the cleaning tank for injecting the cleaning water onto the object to be cleaned, an electric heater provided in the water reservoir for heating the cleaning water, and provided in communication with the cleaning tank. A water level detection device having a water level detection device, a cleaning pump for supplying cleaning water to the cleaning nozzle and circulating the cleaning water in the cleaning tank, a water supply valve for supplying water into the cleaning tank, A control device for controlling various electrical components including the electric heater, the washing pump, and the water supply valve based on detection information from a detection device including a cleaning water level detection device and the overflow water level detection device, and the control device System that gives a directive And the control device opens the water supply valve to start water supply, receives information that the cleaning water level detection device has reached a predetermined detection water level, closes the water supply valve, and supplies water. It is a dishwasher that operates the washing pump for a predetermined time between the supply of water until the end and the supply of makeup water performed by opening the supply valve again.

  As a result, a certain amount of water is dispersed and retained on the object to be cleaned such as the cleaning tank wall and tableware, and the water level in the cleaning tank after supplying makeup water is replaced by replacing the air in the cleaning pump with water. Since it can be reduced from the conventional level with the same water supply amount, it is possible to realize a dishwasher in which the cleaning water level after the replenishing water supply does not reach the overflow detection water level during normal cleaning and water supply operations. .

  According to the dishwasher of the present invention, even if the amount of water supplied into the washing tub is the same, the washing water level after the completion of water supply can be kept low, and the amount of water supply is maximum in the range of variation. However, it is possible to secure a sufficient water level difference that does not reach the overflow detection water level, so even if the main body or washing tank is made compact, the water level detection device with the same configuration as before can be used, and erroneous overflow detection It is possible to provide a dishwasher that prevents the occurrence of water.

Side surface sectional drawing of the dishwasher in Embodiment 1 of this invention Plan sectional drawing which shows the structure of the washing tank bottom part of the dishwasher in Embodiment 1 of this invention. Front sectional drawing of the dishwasher in Embodiment 1 of this invention The front view of the water level detection apparatus of the dishwasher in Embodiment 1 of this invention The top view of the water level detection apparatus of the dishwasher in Embodiment 1 of this invention The control sequence figure at the time of washing operation of the dishwasher in Embodiment 1 of this invention Side sectional view of a conventional dishwasher Cross-sectional view of a conventional water level detector in a dishwasher Control sequence diagram during washing operation of a conventional dishwasher

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a main body having an opening for taking in and out an object to be cleaned, a cleaning tank which is provided inside the main body and contains an object to be cleaned and which has a water reservoir at an inner bottom thereof, and is provided in the cleaning tank. A cleaning nozzle for injecting the cleaning water onto the object to be cleaned, an electric heater for heating the cleaning water provided in the water reservoir, and a cleaning water level detection device and an overflow water level detection device provided in communication with the cleaning tank A water level detector, a cleaning pump for supplying cleaning water to the cleaning nozzle and circulating the cleaning water in the cleaning tank, a water supply valve for supplying water into the cleaning tank, the cleaning water level detection device, A control device for controlling various electrical components including the electric heater, the washing pump, and the water supply valve based on detection information from a detection device including the overflow water level detection device, and a control program for giving a command to the control device And with The control device opens the water supply valve to start water supply, receives water information that the cleaning water level detection device has reached a predetermined detection water level, closes the water supply valve, and finishes water supply And a dishwasher that operates the washing pump for a predetermined period of time between the replenishing water supplied by opening the water supply valve again.

  As a result, a predetermined amount of water is dispersed and retained on the object to be cleaned such as the cleaning tank wall and tableware, and the air in the cleaning pump is replaced with water, so that the water level in the cleaning tank after supplying the makeup water is the same. Even when the amount of water supplied to the cleaning tank is maximized, the cleaning water level reaches the overflow detection level and the drainage pump is activated by detecting that the overflow has occurred. It is possible to realize a high-quality dishwasher with a compact shape in which the washing water in the washing tank does not drain out of the machine.

  In a second aspect based on the first aspect, the control device controls the cleaning pump to operate intermittently during the predetermined time, so that the amount of water in the cleaning tank is small before supplying makeup water. Even if it is in a state, it is possible to suppress the generation of abnormal noise (air squeaking noise) that occurs when the washing pump entrains air, and it is possible to realize a dishwasher with low operating noise.

  According to a third invention, in the first or second invention, the control device controls the supply of the makeup water to be distributed a plurality of times to prevent erroneous detection of overflow more reliably. In addition, by operating with a small amount of water, it is possible to realize an efficient dishwasher that can be washed with a detergent solution having a high concentration even with the same amount of detergent used.

  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)
First, the structure of the dishwasher in the 1st Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of the dishwasher according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a plan sectional view showing the structure of the bottom of the washing tub of the dishwasher, and FIG. It is front sectional drawing of a machine.

  In FIG. 1, a dishwasher that injects washing water and cleans an object to be cleaned 10 such as tableware includes a cleaning tank 6 inside a main body 4. Moreover, the main body 4 has an opening 5 for taking in and out the article to be cleaned 10 on the front side. A table basket 16 in which the article to be cleaned 10 is set is accommodated inside the cleaning tank 6 so that it can be taken in and out of the opening 5. The opening 5 is opened and closed by the door body 14. The door body 14 is rotatably supported by the support shaft 15 at the lower end portion of the opening 5. Further, the door body 14 is in contact with the seal member 17 so as to seal the opening 5 in a watertight manner and close it.

  A cleaning nozzle 9 is provided at the bottom of the cleaning tank 6 for cleaning the object to be cleaned 10 set in the tableware basket 16 by spraying cleaning water. A cleaning pump 8 that supplies cleaning water to the cleaning nozzle 9 is disposed below the cleaning tank 6. The cleaning pump 8 is driven by a motor (not shown) that can rotate in the forward and reverse directions. When the cleaning pump 8 rotates in the forward direction, it operates to pump cleaning water to the cleaning nozzle as a cleaning pump. It operates as a drainage pump that discharges cleaning water outside the machine.

  1 to 3, a water reservoir 7 for storing and heating the cleaning water is provided at the bottom of the cleaning tank 6. A leftover collecting part 13 for collecting leftovers washed off from the object to be cleaned 10 is provided in the upper part of the water reservoir 7. An electric heater 12 for heating the washing water is provided in the water reservoir 7. A water supply valve 19 is provided at the rear of the main body 4. When the water supply valve 19 is operated, tap water is supplied into the cleaning tank 6 through the pipe.

  Further, a water level detection device 20 is provided in communication with a water reservoir 7 provided below the leftover collection unit 13 through a pipe.

  In addition, a control device 23 for operating the dishwasher by controlling various electrical components including the washing pump 8, the electric heater 12, the water supply valve 19, and the blower fan (not shown), and a control program 24 for giving commands to the control device 23. (Microcomputer software) is provided in the main body 4. The control device 23 receives input information such as power on / off, course selection, operation start and the like input from an operation unit (not shown), and detection devices including a water level detection device 20 and a temperature detection device (not shown). The various electrical components are controlled based on the detection information and a command from the control program 24, and the cleaning, rinsing, and drying steps are executed.

  FIGS. 4 and 5 are a front view and a top view showing a configuration of a water level detection device that is provided in communication with the water reservoir 7 of the cleaning tank 6 and detects the cleaning water level and the overflow water level. 4 and 5, the washing water level detection device 21 and the overflow water level detection device 22 are fixed to the auxiliary water tank 20a by using the mounting plate 20b. The auxiliary water tank 20 a guides the cleaning water stored in the water reservoir 7 at the bottom of the cleaning tank 6 to the cleaning water level detection device 21 or the overflow water level detection device 22.

  The cleaning water level detection device 21 detects from the water level that a reference amount of water has accumulated in the cleaning tank 6. The overflow water level detection device 22 detects that the water level in the cleaning tank 6 is abnormally high and is in an overflow state. In the unlikely event that the overflow water level detection device 22 operates due to a failure of the water supply valve 19 or the like, the control device 23 immediately rotates the cleaning pump 8 in the reverse direction to operate it as a drainage pump, and the inside of the cleaning tank 6 Drain the water out of the machine.

  The cleaning water level detection device 21 includes a float 21a, a micro switch 21b, and a lever 21c. The float 21a is supported so as to move up and down along the guide hole of the mounting plate 20b following the change in the water level in the auxiliary water tank 20a. The float 21a is connected to and suspended from one end of a lever 21c that is pivotally supported by the mounting plate 20b. The other end of the lever 21c is opposed to the switch portion 21d of the microswitch 21b. When the float 21a rises following the rise of the water level in the auxiliary water tank 20a and reaches the detected water level, the other end of the lever 21c operates the microswitch 21b to supply a reference amount of water in the washing tank 6. Detect that is accumulated.

  The overflow water level detection device 22 includes a pair of electrodes 22a, and is fixed to the mounting plate 20b so as to protrude into the auxiliary water tank 20a.

  Next, the operation and action of the dishwasher configured as described above will be described. Since the basic operation and action of the dishwasher are the same as those of the general dishwasher shown as the conventional example, the description thereof is omitted. The detection operation of the water level detection device 20 and the control sequence of the control device 23 at the start of the operation of the dishwasher as the main focus of the present invention will be described below.

  The controller 23 controls various electrical components in accordance with instructions from the control program 24 (microcomputer software), thereby controlling the operation of the dishwasher during washing. When the controller 23 starts the cleaning operation, the controller 23 first activates the cleaning pump 8 to drain water (at this time, the cleaning pump 8 operates as a drainage pump). Water is supplied into the cleaning tank 6 until it operates.

In FIG. 6, in the dishwasher according to the present invention, the washing water level detection device 21 detects a predetermined detection water level, and the control device 23 completes the water supply (main water supply) based on this detection information. The control device 23 immediately operates the cleaning pump 8 by intermittent driving for a certain period of time. As a result, the cleaning water is sprayed onto the inner wall surface of the cleaning tank 6, the object to be cleaned 10, and the like. In addition, the air in the cleaning pump 8 is pushed out, and the cleaning water travels in the cleaning tank 6 and the cleaning water circulation path constituted by the cleaning pump 8 and the cleaning nozzle 9, and the water level in the cleaning tank 6 decreases. About the control specification of the control apparatus 23 which operates the washing pump 8, it does not necessarily need to be intermittent, and if there is no problem, there is no problem even in continuous operation.

  The amount of water in the cleaning tank 6 during cleaning needs to prevent air pollution and performance from being affected through a series of operations in consideration of food contamination from the object to be cleaned 10 and foaming due to detergent components. . Also in the dishwasher of the present embodiment, the control device 23 energizes the water supply valve 19 for a predetermined time as in the conventional case, adds makeup water, and adjusts the amount of water in the washing tub 6 during washing. In the dishwasher of the present embodiment, even when the supply water flow rate is high and the supply water amount is increased, the washing pump 8 is intermittently driven for a predetermined time in the process before the controller 23 adds the supply water. Since the water level is lowered by operating, it becomes possible to set the cleaning water level after adding makeup water lower than the conventional level, and the cleaning water level does not reach the overflow detection water level.

  In addition, it is not necessary to supply all of the above-mentioned makeup water all at once, and it is possible to distribute the water in a plurality of times at a necessary timing using the operation time of cleaning, the temperature increase value of the cleaning water, etc. as a flag. . By doing so, the dishwasher according to the present embodiment can more reliably prevent erroneous detection of overflow, and the amount of detergent input is constant throughout the washing, so that the detergent having a high concentration in the initial stage of washing. It becomes possible to wash effectively with the liquid.

  As described above, according to the configuration of the dishwasher of the present invention, it becomes possible to widen the water level difference between the washing water level after the completion of the water supply and the overflow detection water level, and abnormalities due to the failure of the water supply valve or the erroneous introduction of kitchen detergent, etc. Except for times, it is possible to provide an easy-to-use and high-quality dishwasher in which the overflow water level detection device does not erroneously detect overflow through washing.

  As described above, the dishwasher according to the present invention can reduce the washing water level after the completion of the water supply while supplying the same amount of water as before, and the difference in the water level between the washing water level after the completion of the water supply and the overflow detection water level is obtained. It is a high-quality, high-quality dishwasher that can prevent misdetection of overflow during washing and can be applied not only to tabletop dishwashers but also to built-in dishwashers and commercial dishwashers.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 4 Main body 5 Opening part 6 Washing tank 7 Water reservoir part 8 Washing pump 9 Washing nozzle 10 Washed object 12 Electric heater 13 Residual vegetable collection part 14 Door body 15 Support shaft 16 Tableware basket 17 Seal member 19 Water supply valve 20 Water level detection apparatus 20a Auxiliary Water tank 20b Mounting plate 21 Washing water level detection device 21a Float 21b Micro switch 21c Lever 22 Overflowing water level detection device 22a Electrode 23 Control device 24 Control program

Claims (3)

A main body having an opening for taking in and out the object to be cleaned, a cleaning tank provided inside the main body for containing the object to be cleaned and having a water reservoir at the inner bottom, and the cleaning water provided in the cleaning tank to be cleaned A cleaning nozzle for spraying an object, an electric heater for heating the cleaning water provided in the water reservoir, a water level detection device provided in communication with the cleaning tank, and having a cleaning water level detection device and an overflow water level detection device; A cleaning pump for supplying cleaning water to the cleaning nozzle and circulating the cleaning water in the cleaning tank, a water supply valve for supplying water into the cleaning tank, the cleaning water level detection device and the overflow water level detection device A control device for controlling various electric parts including the electric heater, the washing pump, and the water supply valve based on detection information from the detection device, and a control program for giving a command to the control device. apparatus Water supply is started by opening the water supply valve, starting water supply, receiving information that the cleaning water level detection device has reached a predetermined detection water level and closing the water supply valve to finish water supply, and then again A dishwasher that operates the washing pump for a predetermined time between supply of makeup water performed by opening the water supply valve. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the control device controls the operation of the washing pump for the predetermined time by intermittent driving. The dishwasher according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control device controls the supply of the makeup water to be distributed a plurality of times.