JP2018175672A - Tableware washing equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide tableware washing equipment capable of detecting whether or not there is bubble at a degree of giving a harmful effect to the tableware washing equipment in washing water in a washing tank, without adding an additional structure.SOLUTION: Tableware washing equipment 1 comprises: a washing tank 3 for storing tableware W; a water supplying pipe 22 for supplying water to the washing tank 3; a washing nozzle 13 for jetting washing water to the washing tank 2; a washing/discharge pump 16 for supplying washing water to the washing nozzle 13; a water level detection part 31 for detecting a water level of the washing water stored in the washing tank 3; and a bubble determination part 32 for, based on variation of the water level detected by the water level detection part 31, determining whether or not there is bubble on a water surface of the washing water stored in the washing tank 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a dishwashing apparatus.

  Heretofore, in a dishwashing apparatus, it has been recommended to use a special cleaning agent which does not foam washing water for washing dishes. However, contrary to this, the user may mistakenly use a general neutral detergent instead of a dedicated detergent. In this case, the washing water bubbles, and bubbles are present above the water level measured by the water level sensor, and the presence of the bubbles may erroneously determine that water has overflowed from the washing tank. In addition, the bubbles may cause problems such as air biting of the water supply pump.

  Patent Document 1 includes an optical sensor for measuring the light transmittance of the wash water in the circulation path for circulating the wash water in the wash tank and detecting the amount of air bubbles generated in the wash water, and the air bite of the wash water There is disclosed a dishwasher which is capable of preventing the

JP, 2012-143482, A

  With reference to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, it may be possible to detect whether foam is present in the wash water in the wash tank. However, in this case, it is necessary to add an optical sensor in addition to the water level sensor that detects the water level.

  In view of the above, the present invention can detect whether or not bubbles in the washing water in the washing tank have an adverse effect on the dishwashing apparatus without adding a separate detection apparatus. It aims at providing a new dishwashing device.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention sprays washing water to a washing tank for storing dishes, a water supply path for supplying water to the washing tank, an on-off valve for opening and closing the water supply path, and the washing tank. A washing nozzle, a water pump for supplying washing water to the washing nozzle, control means for controlling the operation of the on-off valve and the water pump, and a water level detection for detecting the water level of washing water stored in the washing tank Means, and bubble determination means for determining whether bubbles exist on the surface of the wash water stored in the wash tank based on the fluctuation of the water level detected by the water level detection means It is characterized by

  According to the present invention, bubbles are formed on the water surface of the wash water stored in the wash tank based on the fluctuation of the water level detected using the water level detection means for detecting the water level of the wash water stored in the wash tank. Can be determined. Thus, as in the embodiment referring to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is no need for a separate detection device such as an optical sensor.

  In the present invention, for example, the amplitude of the fluctuation of the water level detected by the water level detection means converges within a predetermined range within a predetermined time after the control means stops the operation of the water pump. In this case, the foam determination means may determine that the foam is present on the surface of the wash water stored in the wash tank.

  This is because of the weight of the foam when the foam is present on the surface of the wash water of the wash tank, compared to the case where the foam is not present on the surface of the wash water of the wash tank, Based on the inventor's finding that the amplitude converges quickly and the vibration decreases.

  Further, in the present invention, for example, the water level detected by the water level detection means is previously determined within a predetermined time after the operation of the water pump is stopped in a state where the control means closes the on-off valve. If the value does not exceed the specified value, the foam determination means may determine that the foam is present on the surface of the wash water stored in the wash tank.

  This is because when bubbles are present on the surface of the washing water of the washing tank by the operation of the water pump, some of the washing water becomes bubbles, and the bubbles are present on the water surface of the washing water of the washing tank Based on the fact that the inventors found that the water level detected by the water level detection means is lower than in the case where the water level is not detected.

  Further, in the present invention, when the foam determination means determines that foam is present on the surface of the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank, the control means opens the on-off valve, or It is preferable to drain the wash water from the wash tank.

  In this case, by opening the on-off valve and allowing water to be supplied into the cleaning tank, or by discharging the cleaning water in the cleaning tank, it is possible to quickly eliminate the bubbles of the cleaning water in the cleaning tank. Become.

  For example, it comprises bubble speed detecting means for detecting the decreasing speed of foam present on the water surface of the washing water stored in the washing tank based on the fluctuation of the water level detected by the water level detecting means, the foam speed When the decreasing speed detected by the detecting means exceeds a predetermined value, the control means opens the on-off valve, and the decreasing speed detected by the bubble speed detecting means is equal to or less than a predetermined value The cleaning water may be drained from the cleaning tank.

  This is because if the rate of reduction of the foam is fast, the proportion of the detergent contained in the wash water is small, so it is possible to achieve early elimination of the foam of the wash water only by supplying the water. On the other hand, if the rate of reduction of foam is slow, the proportion of detergent contained in the wash water is high, so by draining the wash water in the wash tank, it is possible to eliminate the foam of the wash water early. Based on

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The schematic block diagram of the dishwasher of one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a control unit of the present embodiment. The flowchart which shows the operation | movement in a washing | cleaning process. The graph which shows typically the fluctuation of the water level after stopping the operation of a water pump in the case where bubbles do not exist in wash water.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. The dishwasher 1 (dishwashing apparatus) of this embodiment is provided with the housing | casing 2 and the washing tank 3 accommodated in the inside of the housing | casing 2, as shown in FIG. The dishwasher 1 is a built-in type, and is installed with the housing 2 incorporated in the system kitchen.

  The cleaning tank 3 can be pulled out of the housing 2 by gripping the handle 5 of the front panel 4. In the vicinity of the handle portion 5 of the front panel 4, operation switches 6 and a display 7 for indicating an operation state are provided. In a space between the front panel 4 and the cleaning tank 3, a cleaning controller 8 and a buzzer 9 for controlling the cleaning operation are provided. The display 7 and the buzzer 9 are used as notification means of the present invention as needed.

  The upper surface of the cleaning tank 3 is open, and the upper surface is closed by the cover plate portion 10 when located inside the housing 2. The cover plate portion 10 includes a seal member 11. When the cleaning tank 3 is closed by the lid plate portion 10, the seal member 11 closely contacts the upper edge of the cleaning tank 3 to form a watertight closed state. The cover plate portion 10 is provided on the top surface of the housing 2 and separates from the cleaning tank 3 in accordance with the operation of pulling out the cleaning tank 3 from the housing 2.

  In the washing tank 3, the dishes W are taken in and out from the upper surface opened by being pulled out from the housing 2. A tableware basket 12 for supporting the tableware W and a cleaning nozzle 13 for spouting the cleaning water toward the tableware W are provided inside the cleaning tank 3.

  At the bottom of the cleaning tank 3, a reservoir 15 of cleaning water communicating with the inside of the cleaning tank 3 via the waste food filter 14 is provided. Below the bottom of the cleaning tank 3, a cleaning / drainage pump 16 is provided. An air intake duct 17 and a drying fan 18 for introducing drying air for drying the dishes W in the cleaning tank 3 are provided on the back side of the cleaning tank 3.

  The cleaning / draining pump 16 sucks the cleaning water of the reservoir 15 and pumps the cleaning water to the cleaning nozzle 13 in the normal rotation operation, and the cleaning water of the reservoir 15 is the drainage filter 20 and the drainage pipe 20 in the reverse operation. Drain through. Further, a water supply pipe 22 provided with a water supply solenoid valve 21 (water supply valve) is connected to the cleaning tank 3.

  The cleaning nozzle 13 is provided with a plurality of jet nozzles, and is horizontally provided with a first nozzle portion 13a, and a second nozzle portion 13b erected at the longitudinal center of the first nozzle portion 13a and provided with a plurality of jet nozzles. And consists of.

  When water is supplied from the water supply pipe 22 and washing water is supplied from the washing / drainage pump 16 to the washing nozzle 13, the first nozzle part 13a is rotated by the ejection reaction force of the washing water, and the second nozzle part 13b is It rotates integrally with the first nozzle portion 13a. At this time, washing water is spouted radially from the rotating washing nozzle 13 and the dishes W hit and the dishes W are washed.

  When the washing is completed, drainage from the washing tank 3 is performed by the washing / drainage pump 16, and then the drying fan 18 is driven, and the tableware W is fed by the drying air fed into the washing tank 3 through the intake duct 17. Drying takes place.

  In addition, a pair of electrodes 24 is provided inside the cleaning tank 3. When the cleaning tank 3 is made of an insulator such as a resin, the pair of electrodes 24 may be fixed inside the cleaning tank 3 as it is. In addition, the pair of electrodes 24 may be embedded in the outside of the cleaning tank 3 or in the wall surface of the cleaning tank 3.

  In the pair of electrodes 24, two flat plate electrodes extending in the vertical direction inside the cleaning tank 3 are fixed horizontally at a predetermined distance apart. One end of a wire is connected to each of the electrodes 24, and the other end of the wire is a capacitance detection circuit 25 (capacitance detection means). It is connected to the.

  The height at which the pair of electrodes 24 comes into contact with the washing water changes in accordance with the level of the washing water in the washing tank 3, and accordingly, the amount and the air amount of the washing water existing between the pair of electrodes The capacitance between the pair of electrodes 24 changes based on the relationship of Thereby, it becomes possible to detect change of the water level in washing tank 3 continuously.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the cleaning controller 8 has a valve control unit 26 that controls the water supply solenoid valve 21, a pump control unit 27 that controls the cleaning and drainage pump 16, a fan control unit 28 that controls the drying fan 18, and a display A notification control unit 29 that controls 7 and the buzzer 9 and a storage unit 30 that stores various information are provided as functions. The valve control unit 26, the pump control unit 27, and the fan control unit 28 correspond to the control means of the present invention.

  Furthermore, the washing controller 8 is provided with a water level detection unit 31 (water level detection unit), a bubble determination unit 32 (bubble determination unit), and a bubble speed detection unit 33 (bubble speed detection unit) as functions.

  The water level detection unit 31 is a table indicating a combination of the electrostatic capacity recorded in advance in the storage unit 30 and the water level of the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 3 based on the electrostatic capacity detected by the electrostatic capacity detection circuit 25. The water level of the wash water in the wash tank 3 is detected with reference to FIG.

  The bubble determination unit 32 determines whether bubbles are present on the water surface of the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 3 based on the fluctuation of the water level detected by the water level detection unit 31. The determination method will be described later.

  The bubble velocity detection unit 33 detects the decrease velocity of the foam of the washing water in the washing tank 3 within a predetermined time based on the fluctuation of the water level detected by the water level detection unit 31.

  Next, the washing process using the dish washer 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  After the water supply process is completed, in STEP 1, the cleaning controller 8 causes the pump control unit 27 to operate the cleaning / draining pump 16 to supply cleaning water to the cleaning nozzle 13. When the supply of cleaning water to the cleaning nozzle 13 is started, the cleaning nozzle 13 sprays cleaning water while rotating. By this injection, the water level of the washing water in the washing tank 3 is lowered compared with the water level after the completion of the water feeding process, and fluctuates up and down due to fluctuation of water supply by the washing and drainage pump 16 (see FIG. ).

  The fluctuation of the water level after the completion of the water supply process is schematically shown in FIG. 4, and the solid line and the one-dot chain line show the case where bubbles are present in the washing water, and the broken line is where no bubbles are present in the washing water Is shown. In the case where bubbles are present, the solid line and the dashed-dotted line indicate the case where the number of bubbles is larger.

  Thereafter, in STEP 2, the cleaning controller 8 causes the pump control unit 27 to operate and stop the cleaning / drainage pump 16.

  Then, in STEP 3, the foam determination unit 32 stops the operation of the washing / drainage pump 16 and then the amplitude of the water level detected by the water level detection unit 31 within a predetermined time T1 stored in the storage unit 30. It is determined whether A converges within a predetermined amplitude A1 stored in the storage unit 30 or not.

  If the amplitude A of the water level does not converge within the amplitude A1 within the time T1 (STEP 3: NO), the foam determination unit 32 determines that no foam is present on the surface of the washing water of the washing tank 3 in STEP 4 . In this determination, when bubbles are present on the surface of the washing water of the washing tank 3, the water level is higher than that in the case where no bubbles are present on the surface of the washing water of the washing tank 3 due to the weight of the bubbles. The amplitude of the fluctuation of the is rapidly converged and the vibration becomes smaller.

  On the other hand, if the amplitude A of the water level converges within the amplitude A1 within the time T0 (STEP 3: YES), the process proceeds to STEP 5.

  In STEP 5, the foam determination unit 32 stops the operation of the washing / drainage pump 16 and then stores the water level H detected by the water level detection unit 31 within a predetermined time T2 stored in the storage unit 30. It is determined whether the predetermined water level H1 stored in 30 is exceeded.

  If the water level H exceeds the water level H1 within the time T2 (STEP 5: YES), the foam determination unit 32 determines in STEP 4 that no foam is present on the surface of the washing water of the washing tank 3. In this determination, when bubbles are present on the surface of the washing water of the washing tank 3 by the washing operation, a part of the washing water is bubbles, so that on the surface of the washing water of the washing tank 3 It is based on the height of the water level which the water level detection part 31 detects being low compared with the case where a bubble does not exist.

  On the other hand, if the water level H does not exceed the water level H1 within the time T2 (STEP 4: NO), the foam determination means 32 determines that foam is present on the surface of the cleaning water of the cleaning tank 3 in STEP6.

  Since it is recommended to use a special detergent that does not foam, washing water usually does not foam. However, the user may mistakenly use a common neutral detergent. In this case, the wash water will foam and bubbles will be present on the water surface.

  Therefore, when it is determined that bubbles are present on the surface of the cleaning water of the cleaning tank 3, the cleaning controller 8 instructs the notification control unit 29 to display a notification that an inappropriate cleaning agent has been used. It is preferable to use the unit 7 or the buzzer 9. This makes it possible to prompt the user not to use the wrong cleaning agent again.

  And there existed a trouble of being misjudged that water overflowed from washing tank 3 by existence of such a bubble, etc. might arise.

  Then, in order to eliminate such a defect, it is preferable to perform the process of STEP7 or less and to extinguish a bubble.

  In STEP 7, the foam velocity detection unit 33 stops the operation of the washing / drainage pump 16 and then increases the velocity of the water level detected by the water level detection unit 31 within a predetermined time T3 stored in the storage unit 30. To detect the rate of decrease V of the bubbles.

  In STEP 8, it is determined whether the bubble reduction velocity V detected by the bubble velocity detection unit 33 exceeds a predetermined bubble reduction velocity V 1 stored in the storage unit 30.

  When the decrease rate V of the bubbles detected by the bubble rate detector 33 exceeds the decrease rate V1 (STEP 8: YES), the cleaning controller 8 opens the water supply solenoid valve 21 by the valve controller 26 in STEP 9.

  This is because, for example, as shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 4, the smaller the foam in the wash water, the faster the rate of foam reduction. Therefore, if the rate of reduction of foam is fast, it is presumed that the proportion of the cleaning agent in the wash water is small, so only by adding the tap water to the cleaning tank 3 by opening the feed water solenoid valve 21 will almost eliminate the foam It is because it becomes possible. The amount of tap water to be added, that is, the duration of the opening degree and the open state of the feed water solenoid valve 21 may be appropriately determined according to the rate of decrease of the detected foam V.

  On the other hand, if the foam reduction rate V detected by the foam rate detection unit 33 is less than the reduction rate V1 (STEP 6: NO), the cleaning controller 8 operates the cleaning / drainage pump 16 by the pump control unit 27 in STEP10. The washing water in the washing tank 3 is drained.

  This is because, for example, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 4, when the rate of foam reduction is slow, it is assumed that the proportion of the detergent in the wash water is high, so Since it does not reduce, it is preferable to extinguish the foam by draining the washing water.

  As described above, according to the dishwashing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, bubbles are present on the surface of the washing water in the washing tank 3 based on the fluctuation of the water level detected using the pair of electrodes 24. It is possible to determine whether the Thus, to detect the presence of bubbles, it is not necessary to add a separate detection position, such as an optical sensor, as in the embodiment with reference to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 above.

  Further, since the water level of the washing tank 3 can be detected using the pair of electrodes 24, as in the conventional case, the washing tank 3 is set in the water level detection tank connected by the water storage portion of the washing tank and the communicating pipe. There is no need to provide a float-type water level sensor or the like that detects that the water level is high.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to this. For example, when STEP 3 is YES and STEP 5 is NO, the case where it is determined that bubbles are present on the surface of the cleaning water of the cleaning tank 3 has been described, but the determination accuracy may be somewhat inferior. If STEP 3 is YES, it may be determined that bubbles are present on the surface of the cleaning water of the cleaning tank 3, and the determination of STEP 5 may be omitted.

  Further, although the case of providing the pair of electrodes 24 has been described, a plurality of pairs of electrodes may be provided. This makes it possible to detect the water level even if a failure occurs in the pair of electrodes. Furthermore, for example, by providing a pair of electrodes having different widths, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the detected water level. Furthermore, the pair of electrodes to be referred to may be different according to the range of the water level by providing the pair of electrodes in the place where the range in the vertical direction is different. In addition, it is also possible to use a self-capacitance system that detects a change in capacitance with a single electrode.

  Also, although the case has been described in which the cleaning / draining pump 16 having the functions of both the cleaning pump and the drainage pump is provided, the cleaning pump and the drainage pump may be separately configured.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Dishwashing machine (dishwashing apparatus), 2 ... Housing | casing, 3 ... Washing tank, 7 ... Indicator, 8 ... Washing controller, 9 ... Buzzer, 12 ... Tableware basket, 13 ... Washing nozzle, 16 ... Washing and drainage Pump (drainage pump), 17 ... intake duct, 18 ... drying fan, 20 ... drainage pipe, 21 ... water supply solenoid valve (water supply valve), 22 ... water supply pipe, 24 ... one pair of electrodes, 25 ... capacitance detection circuit (Capacitance detection means), 26: valve control unit (control means), 27: pump control unit (control means), 28: fan control unit, 29: notification control unit, 30: storage unit, 31: water level detection unit (Water level detection means), 32 ... foam determination part (foam determination means) 33 ... foam speed detection part (foam speed detection means), W ... dishes.

Claims (5)

And a washing tank for containing dishes.
A water supply channel for supplying water to the cleaning tank;
An on-off valve for opening and closing the water supply passage;
A cleaning nozzle for injecting cleaning water into the cleaning tank;
A water pump for supplying washing water to the washing nozzle;
Control means for controlling the operation of the on-off valve and the water pump;
Water level detection means for detecting the water level of the wash water stored in the wash tank;
The apparatus further comprises: bubble determination means for determining whether bubbles exist on the surface of the wash water stored in the wash tank based on the fluctuation of the water level detected by the water level detection means. Dishwashing equipment to be.   When the amplitude of the fluctuation of the water level detected by the water level detection means converges within a predetermined range within a predetermined time after the control means stops the operation of the water pump The tableware washing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means determines that foam is present on the surface of the washing water stored in the washing tank.   If the water level detected by the water level detection means does not exceed a predetermined value within a predetermined time after stopping the operation of the water pump with the control means closing the on-off valve The tableware washing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the foam determination means determines that foam is present on the surface of the wash water stored in the wash tank.   If the foam determination means determines that foam is present on the surface of the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank, the control means opens the on-off valve or the cleaning water is removed from the cleaning tank The dishwashing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the water is drained. Foam speed detection means for detecting the rate of reduction of foam present on the water surface of the wash water stored in the washing tank based on the fluctuation of the water level detected by the water level detection means;
When the decreasing speed detected by the bubble speed detecting means exceeds a predetermined value, the control means opens the on-off valve;
The tableware according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the washing water is drained from the washing tank when the decreasing speed detected by the bubble speed detecting means is equal to or less than a predetermined value. Cleaning device.