JP2016123453A - Dishwasher - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a dishwasher capable of preventing the delay of water leakage detection, even if there is adopted an electrode sensor (3) having an electrode of an electrolyte dissolvable material.SOLUTION: A dishwasher comprises: a case body (1) having a washing tank (11) for accommodating tableware; a reservoir (18) arranged below the case body (1) for reserving water leakage; and an electrode sensor (3) for detecting that the reservoir (18) has been reserved with water. In the case where a water leakage is detected by the electrode sensor (3), the water leakage detection time is measured, and the abnormality of the electrode sensor (3) is determined from the detection that the integrated value has exceeded a predetermined determination time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a dishwasher including an electrode sensor that detects water leakage.

As a dishwasher, a cleaning tank in which the tableware is stored in the case body and a water storage part provided below the case body are arranged, and the water stored in the water storage part is jetted into the tableware to wash the tableware. Are generally known (see Patent Document 1).
In the dishwasher, a water supply pipe whose flow path is opened and closed by a water supply electromagnetic valve is connected to the washing tank, and tap water is opened in the case body through the water supply pipe by opening the water supply electromagnetic valve. The water is supplied to the water storage unit. And the water stored in the water storage part is sucked up by the pump, and is ejected as washing water from the fixed nozzle or the rotating nozzle toward the tableware.

  In addition, a storage unit is provided below the case body to store the leaked water when a water supply solenoid valve malfunctions or a water leak from the water storage unit occurs, and the storage unit contacts the stored water. Thus, a pair of electrode sensors are provided for conducting and detecting water leakage.

JP 2001-87204 A

  By the way, in this type of dishwasher, when water leakage is detected by the electrode sensor during the washing operation, the operation is forcibly stopped and the water is drained from the water storage part. Since the water stored in is not drained by the drainage treatment, the electrode of the electrode sensor is in contact with the stored water.

  On the other hand, as the electrode of the electrode sensor, a SUS-made electrode having excellent corrosion resistance has been widely used. However, in recent years, an electrode obtained by applying a conductive plating to a copper alloy has been used for cost reduction. Yes. When an electrode sensor of such a material is used, electrolytic elution and corrosion are more likely to occur than those made of SUS. Therefore, if the leaked water is, for example, a wash water containing a component that can be an electrolyte such as a dishwasher detergent, the electrode is electrolyzed if the electrode is immersed in the wash water for a long time in a conductive state. Elution and corrosion progress. When the electrolytic elution as described above proceeds, there is a problem that the electrode is shortened, the water stored at a predetermined position of the storage unit cannot be detected, and the water leak detection is delayed.

  This invention is made | formed in view of the said situation, and it aims at providing the dishwasher which can prevent the delay of the water leak detection by an electrode sensor, and can detect a water leak rapidly and reliably.

The present invention has been made to achieve the above object,
`` Case body with a washing tank in which tableware is stored,
A storage section disposed below the case body and storing water leakage;
An electrode sensor that detects water leakage by contacting the water stored in the storage unit;
When a water leak is detected by the electrode sensor, water leak detection time integrating means for measuring and integrating the water leak detection time;
Storage means for storing an integrated value of the water leakage detection time;
A dishwasher having abnormality determination means for determining an abnormality of the electrode sensor based on whether or not the integrated value of the water leak detection time stored by the storage means exceeds a predetermined determination time.

The above means operates as follows.
When water leaks in the reservoir provided below the case body, it is detected by the electrode sensor, and the time that the electrode is in contact with the water stored in the reservoir by the water leak detection time integrating means (water leak detection) Time) is measured and integrated.
And if water leaks repeatedly or water is not drained from the reservoir for a long time with water leaking, elution of the electrode occurs and the electrode becomes shorter, and detection of water leak may be delayed, According to the above dishwasher, the abnormality of the electrode sensor is determined based on whether or not the integrated value of the water leakage detection time stored in the storage means exceeds a predetermined determination time. Before the determination is delayed, the abnormality of the electrode sensor can be determined. Accordingly, it is possible to notify the necessity of replacement of the electrode sensor before the electrode is shortened by elution of the electrode and the detection position of the electrode for detecting the water leakage in the storage portion changes greatly.

In the above dishwasher, it is desirable that “the storage unit holds the integrated value of the water leak detection time until predetermined initialization after water leak improvement is executed”.
When water leaks, it is conceivable that the user turns on / off the power switch to cancel the error. When the integrated value of the water leakage detection time so far is initialized by such an ON / OFF operation of the power switch, the abnormality determination of the electrode sensor is delayed.
However, according to the dishwasher, for example, the integrated value of the water leak detection time stored in the storage means until the predetermined initialization is performed after the water leak has been improved by maintenance or repair. Therefore, the abnormality of the electrode sensor can be determined continuously based on the time (water leakage detection time) that the electrode is in contact with the stored water.

  As described above, according to the dishwasher according to the present invention, even when an electrode sensor having an electrode that easily elutes for water leak detection is used, the position of the water leak detection due to the shortening of the electrode is Before changing, the abnormality of the electrode sensor can be determined. Thereby, delay of water leak detection can be prevented, and water leak can be detected quickly and reliably.

It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the internal structure of the dishwasher in embodiment of this invention. It is a part of flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the water leak detection of the dishwasher in embodiment of this invention. It is a part of flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the water leak detection of the dishwasher in embodiment of this invention.

The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 2 and 3 are flowcharts showing the operation of water leak detection.

In the dishwasher according to the embodiment of the present invention, a tableware (W) such as a hot water cup (10a), a plate (10b), a bowl (10c) is set in the tableware basket (10), and the case body (1) It is stored in the washing tank (11). A water supply pipe (30) into which tap water flows is connected to the rear wall of the washing tank (11), and the water supply pipe (30) is set so that the flow path is opened and closed by opening and closing the water supply solenoid valve (31). Has been. When the water supply electromagnetic valve (31) is opened, tap water is supplied into the case body (1) through the water supply pipe (30) and stored in the water storage section (12) at the lower part of the washing tank (11).
The water supply electromagnetic valve (31) and the water supply pipe (30) constitute the water supply means of the present embodiment.

Water stored in the water storage section (12) is ejected from the fixed nozzle (21) and the rotating nozzle (22) toward the tableware in the washing tank (11) via the pump (2).
The water storage section (12) is provided with an electric heater (20) for raising the temperature of the stored water and a thermistor (23) for detecting the water temperature.
Further, there is provided a float type water level switch (13) which is turned on when the water level in the water storage section (12) is equal to or higher than the washing water level which is the water level for washing dishes.

The pump (2) described above can also be used as a drainage pump for discharging water stored in the water storage section (12), and drains the water in the water storage section (12) from the leftover filter (14). It can be discharged to the outside through the pipe (15).
A duct (17) having a drying fan (16) communicates with the rear wall of the cleaning tank (11) .By rotating the drying fan (16), the case body (1 ) Is blown in, and the dishes after washing are dried.

  In addition, the bottom plate below the case body (1) has a storage section for storing the leaked water when water leakage occurs due to a failure of the water supply solenoid valve (31) or damage to the water storage section (12). (18) is provided, and an electrode sensor (3) that contacts the stored water and detects water leakage is disposed in the storage section (18). The electrode sensor (3) has a pair of electrodes in which phosphor bronze is plated with tin, and the tips of the electrodes are set in a state of being inserted into the storage part (18). Therefore, when water leaks and water leaks in the storage part (18) and the water is filled between the pair of electrodes, the electrode sensor (3) is turned on and the water leak is detected.

  The upper part of the door (19) for taking in and out of the washing tank (11) is notified of abnormalities such as a power switch that also serves as a start switch, a reservation switch, a drying time setting switch, water leakage and an electrode sensor (3) with a predetermined code. An operation display panel (19a) having a 7-segment liquid crystal display section and a course display panel (19b) having a standard course, a speedy course, a meticulous course, and the like are provided.

  Operation signals from the operation display panel (19a) and course display panel (19b), water level detection signal from the water level switch (13), temperature detection signal from the thermistor (23), water leakage from the electrode sensor (3) A detection signal, a door open / close detection signal from a door switch (not shown), and the like are input to a control unit (not shown).

  The control unit of the present embodiment is composed of a microcomputer and includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, timer, and the like. Although not shown in the drawing, the control unit has a control configuration based on the above signals, and cleaning that controls the operation of the water supply solenoid valve (31), the pump (2), the electric heater (20), the drying fan (16), etc. A drying control means; a water level monitoring means for monitoring the water level based on a water level detection signal from the water level switch (13); and a water leak detection means for detecting a water leak based on the detection signal from the electrode sensor (3). , A water leak detection time integrating means for measuring and integrating the water leak detection time based on the detection signal from the electrode sensor (3), a storage means for storing the integrated value of the water leak detection time, and an integration of the water leak detection time An abnormality determining means for determining an abnormality of the electrode sensor (3) based on whether or not the value is equal to or longer than a predetermined determination time, and a data storage unit storing various data are provided.

The operation of the cleaning and drying operation in the dishwasher of the present embodiment will be described.
First, the door (19) of the dishwasher is pulled out, and the power switch is turned on by pressing and holding the start switch of the operation display panel (19a) provided on the top surface of the door (19). Then, the dedicated detergent is put into a predetermined detergent case, and the tableware (W) is set in the tableware basket (10) in the cleaning tank (11). Then, after the user selects a predetermined course from the course display panel (19b), presses the start switch on the operation display panel (19a), and then pushes in the door (19), the door switch is turned on. The tableware washing process is started under the control of the washing / drying control means.
In a normal washing operation, a washing process for washing dishes with water containing detergent, a draining process for discharging washing water after use after completion of the washing process, a rinsing process with water supplied again, and the rinsing After the completion of the process, a draining process is performed again, and then a drying process for drying the tableware is performed.

  Next, an operation for determining an abnormality of the electrode sensor (3) in the dishwasher of the present embodiment will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS. Note that the dishwasher of this embodiment is connected to a commercial power source (not shown), and the power switch of the dishwasher is turned on in consideration of a valve opening failure of the water supply solenoid valve (31). Regardless of the ON / OFF operation, it is set so that water leak detection and abnormality determination of the electrode sensor (3) are always performed.

When the dishwasher is connected to a commercial power source, in STEP 1 (S1), the integrated value of the water leak detection time so far stored in the storage means is a predetermined determination time (for example, 500 hours). It is determined whether it has exceeded. The determination time can be appropriately set based on the type, shape, etc. of the electrode used. In this embodiment, the electrode made of a copper alloy with tin plating is immersed in cleaning water to make it conductive. The time when the electrode is shortened by about 4 mm from the initial time is set.
The electrode material is preferably a copper alloy from the viewpoint of cost, but may be any material that has a low ionization tendency and is conductive and corrosion resistant.

When the integrated value is equal to or shorter than the determination time (Yes in S1), it is determined in STEP2 (S2) whether or not the electrode sensor (3) is in the ON state. For example, water overflows from the water storage section (12) due to a failure of the water level switch (13) or the water supply solenoid valve (31) or damage of the water storage section (12), and the storage section (18) exceeds a predetermined amount. When the water leaks and the water is filled between the two electrodes of the electrode sensor (3), the electrode sensor (3) is turned on and turned on, and a detection signal is output to the water leak detection means. The
When the ON state of the electrode sensor (3) is detected, the process proceeds to STEP 3 (S3), and the time during which the electrode sensor (3) is in the ON state, that is, a predetermined amount or more of water is stored in the storage unit (18). The measurement of the water leak detection time and the storage means are stored until the measurement of each water leak detection time described later is stopped or until the memory means is initialized. The past water leakage detection times thus obtained are integrated, and the integrated value of the storage means is updated.

Next, in STEP 4 (S4), when the water leak detection time is less than a predetermined water leak error detection time (for example, 2 seconds) recognized as an error (in the case of No in S4), in STEP 2 (S2) If it is determined that the electrode sensor (3) is temporarily turned on for some reason, and the cleaning operation or the drying operation is being executed, each operation is continued.
At this time, when the water leak detection time during measurement is short, and then no water leak is detected in STEP 2 (S2), measurement of the water leak detection time is stopped in STEP 5 (S5). . Therefore, in this case, the water leak detection time from STEP3 (S3) to STEP5 (S5) and the integrated value of the past water leak detection time stored in the storage means are integrated, and the integrated value of the storage means Is updated.

On the other hand, if the water leak detection time is equal to or longer than the water leak error detection time in STEP 4 (S4) (Yes in S4), a water leak error due to water leak is displayed in STEP 6 (S6). ) Or a speaker (not shown). If water leakage occurs due to a valve opening failure of the water supply solenoid valve (31) or other causes, the water leakage will continue if the cleaning operation is continued. The cleaning operation is stopped.
Next, regardless of whether or not the cleaning operation is being performed, in STEP7 (S7), the drainage process of starting the pump (2) and draining water from the water storage section (12) is started. There is a case where a certain amount of water is temporarily stored in the storage part (18) for some reason although it is not a failure or breakage. After the drainage treatment, the water leaks again in STEP (S8). It is confirmed whether or not is detected.

  If it is determined in STEP 8 (S8) that no water leak has been detected (Yes in S8), measurement of the water leak detection time started in STEP 3 (S3) is stopped in STEP 9 (S9). The drainage process ends, and the water leak error notification stops. Therefore, in this case, the water leak detection time from STEP3 (S3) to STEP9 (S9) and the integrated value of the past water leak detection time stored in the storage means are integrated, and the integrated value of the storage means Is updated.

  In STEP 8 (S8), even if the drainage treatment is performed, if it is determined that the water leak is detected (No in S8), the measurement of the water leak detection time is continued until no water leak is detected, and STEP 10 ( In S10), the measured water leak detection time and the integrated value of the past water leak detection time stored in the storage means are integrated, and the integrated value of the storage means is updated. Then, in STEP 1 (S1) or STEP 10 (S10), when the integrated value of the water leak detection time stored by the storage means exceeds the determination time (in the case of No in S1 or S10), the electrode is long. It is determined that there is a possibility that the electrode sensor (3) may be eluted in contact with the stored water for a time, and the process proceeds to STEP 11 (S11) of the flowchart shown in FIG. Notification is given from the operation display panel (19a) or a speaker (not shown). At this time, similarly to the above, when a cleaning operation or the like is being performed, the operation is forcibly stopped.

  Next, the repair agent is notified by the user or automatically through the connection line, so that the repairer can remove the water stored in the storage section (18), repair the cause of the water leakage, or replace the electrode. When a predetermined initialization operation (for example, continuous operation of a predetermined switch, etc.) is performed after water leakage is improved in STEP 12 (S12), the integrated value stored in the storage means in STEP 13 (S13) Is initialized to “0”.

  In STEP 11 (S11), after the abnormality of the electrode sensor (3) is notified, when the repair or the like by maintenance is not performed, the cleaning operation is performed in the state where there is a water leak by interlocking the equipment. It can be prevented from being executed.

  As described above in detail, according to the dishwasher of the present embodiment, when a water leak is detected by the electrode sensor (3), the water leak detection time is measured and integrated, thereby storing the reservoir (18 ) And the total time during which the electrode is in contact with the water stored in the electrode can be measured. Then, since the integrated value exceeds the determination time when the electrode elutes and becomes shorter than a predetermined time, the abnormality of the electrode sensor is determined, so that the water in the reservoir (18) is determined. The necessity of replacing the electrode sensor (3) can be notified before the detection position of the electrode for detecting leakage is greatly changed. Thereby, even when the electrode which consists of a copper alloy with which the tin plating which is easy to elute by electrolysis is used, the delay of water leak detection can be prevented and water leak can be detected quickly and reliably.

  Further, according to the dishwasher, since the accumulated value of the water leak detection time is held in the storage means until the predetermined initialization after the water leak is improved by maintenance, it is connected to the commercial power source. In the case of a dishwasher, even if the power switch of the dishwasher is turned ON / OFF, the abnormality of the electrode sensor (3) can be determined based on the time that the electrode is continuously in contact with the stored water.

(1) ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Case body
(11) ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Cleaning tank
(12) ... Water reservoir
(18) ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Reservoir
(3) ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Electrode sensor

Claims (2)

A case body with a washing tank in which tableware is stored;
A storage section disposed below the case body and storing water leakage;
An electrode sensor that detects water leakage by contacting the water stored in the storage unit;
When a water leak is detected by the electrode sensor, water leak detection time integrating means for measuring and integrating the water leak detection time;
Storage means for storing an integrated value of the water leakage detection time;
A dishwasher comprising: an abnormality determination unit that determines whether the electrode sensor is abnormal based on whether or not an integrated value of the water leak detection time stored by the storage unit exceeds a predetermined determination time.   2. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the storage means holds an integrated value of the water leak detection time until predetermined initialization after water leak improvement is executed.

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