JP2021132979A - Washing device - Google Patents

Abstract

To improve convenience in a washing device.SOLUTION: A washing device includes: a housing; a washing tank disposed in the housing and storing objects to be washed; a detergent tank for storing liquid detergent supplied into the washing tank; and a floating body floating in the liquid detergent. The floating body includes a fitting part 33a fitted to a cylindrical turning shaft 32 provided to a cover covering the detergent tank or the opening of the detergent tank. The fitting part 33a has a cylindrical shape an angle region of part of the side surface of which is notched. The fitting part 33a is structured so that the notched part thereof is oriented more upward than a horizontal direction when the floating body turns around the turning shaft in accordance with the liquid level of the liquid detergent.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

The present disclosure relates to a cleaning device for cleaning an object to be cleaned.

Conventionally, the built-in type dishwasher used in the state of being incorporated in the system kitchen is mainly configured by fixing a washing tub having a door portion that can be opened and closed in the front inside the housing.

However, in recent years, a dishwasher in which a washing tank having an upper opening is pulled out from a housing to store and wash tableware has become the mainstream (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

The dishwasher disclosed in Patent Document 1 is provided outside the washing tub, having an opening at the top, a washing tub for accommodating tableware, a housing for freely moving the washing tub in and out in the front-rear direction, and a washing tub. , A detergent inlet for pouring detergent into the washing tank, and a pouring route for communicating the detergent inlet and the washing tank are provided. Then, the detergent is added from a detergent inlet provided at a location independent of the washing tank. As a result, the detergent can be reliably added regardless of the size and shape of the tableware placed in the washing tank.

Further, a dishwasher having a detergent storage container in the washing tank is disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

The dishwasher disclosed in Patent Document 2 has a detergent storage container to which a detergent storage container can be detachably attached or integrally attached to the inner wall of the washing tank. The detergent storage container is attached at approximately the same height as the water supply port of the washing water provided on the inner wall of the washing tank, or at a position above the water supply port. This prevents the detergent from spilling, spilling, or solidifying before starting the washing of the dishes and the like, and enables effective washing of the dishes and the like.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2007-135650 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-225087

However, in the configuration of the dishwasher of Patent Document 1, when the detergent is poured from the upper opening, the detergent flows down to the washing tank as it is. That is, conventional dishwashers cannot stock detergent. Therefore, each time the dishwasher is used, the user must add the required amount of detergent into the washing tub.

Therefore, as disclosed in Patent Document 2, it is conceivable to detachably attach the detergent storage container in the washing tank. However, when the cleaning tank is taken in and out, or when the detergent storage container is attached or detached, the liquid detergent contained in the detergent storage container may spill or scatter and solidify on the detergent storage container or surrounding members. The present inventors have recognized the problem of having sex.

The present disclosure solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and aims to improve the convenience of the cleaning device.

In order to solve the above problems, the cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention is for storing a housing, a cleaning tank provided in the housing and accommodating an object to be cleaned, and a liquid detergent supplied to the cleaning tank. The detergent tank and the floating body floating in the liquid detergent are provided. The floating body has a fitting portion that fits into a columnar rotating shaft provided on a detergent tank or a cover that covers the opening of the detergent tank. The fitting portion has a cylindrical shape in which a part of the angle range of the side surface is cut out in the axial direction. When the floating body rotates around the rotation axis according to the liquid level of the liquid detergent, the notched portion of the fitting portion is configured to face upward from the horizontal direction.

According to the present disclosure, the convenience of the cleaning device can be improved.

It is a schematic side view of the dishwasher in the state which pulled out the washing tank from the housing in Embodiment 1. FIG. It is the schematic front view of the dishwasher which shows the state in the middle of storing or withdrawing a detergent tank. It is a schematic front view of the dishwasher which shows the state in which the detergent tank is stored. It is a schematic side view of the dishwasher which concerns on another example of the state which pulled out the washing tub from the housing in Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a schematic front view of the dishwasher in the state which housed the detergent tank in Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a schematic side view of the dishwasher in the state which the washing tank in the 2nd Embodiment is pulled out from a housing. It is a schematic side view of the dishwasher which concerns on Embodiment 3. It is a schematic front view of the dishwasher which concerns on Embodiment 3. It is a schematic front view of the dishwasher which concerns on Embodiment 3. It is a schematic front view of the dishwasher which concerns on Embodiment 3. It is a schematic front view of the dishwasher which concerns on Embodiment 3. It is a partial enlarged view which shows the state which the detergent tank is stored in the detergent tank storage part. It is a figure which shows typically the cross section of the detergent tank. It is a figure which shows typically the cross section of the detergent tank. It is a figure which shows the lower surface of the cover of a detergent tank. It is a figure which shows typically the relationship between an arm and a rotation shaft. It is a figure which shows typically the cross section of an arm and a rotation shaft. It is a figure which shows the structure of the control device for controlling the dishwasher which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the viscosity of the liquid detergent measured by the rotary viscometer. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the control method of the dishwasher which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the control method of the dishwasher which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows another example of a detergent tank schematically. It is a figure which shows typically the cross section of the foreign matter trapping part. It is a figure which shows typically the state which the foreign matter trap part is attached to the detergent discharge port. It is a figure which shows typically the cross section when the detergent tank is stored in the detergent tank storage part.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, the schematic configuration of the dishwasher of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of the dishwasher in a state where the washing tank 1 in the first embodiment is pulled out from the housing 2. More specifically, FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of the dishwasher's washing tub 1 pulled out from the dishwasher's housing 2.

Further, the dishwasher of the first embodiment is a built-in dishwasher installed in, for example, a system kitchen.

In the first embodiment, as shown in the drawing, the front direction is the direction in which the door body 3 and the cleaning tank 1 are pulled out, and the rear direction is the direction in which the cleaning tank 1 is stored and the door body 3 is closed. .. Further, the opening 1a side of the washing tub 1 of the dishwasher is upward, the opposite side is downward, and the right side is the right side and the left side is the left side when viewed from the front of the door body 3, which will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 1, the dishwasher of the first embodiment has a housing 2, a washing tank 1, a side wall 12, a detergent tank 15, a control device 19, and a housing 2 arranged inside the housing 2. It has a door body 3 and the like that open and close the opening.

The washing tank 1 has an opening 1a at the upper side, and a basket 7 for accommodating the tableware 8 is arranged inside. The cleaning tank 1 includes a first rail 5 fixed downward. On the other hand, the housing 2 includes a second rail 6 fixed to the inside of the inner surface. The first rail 5 is movably supported by the second rail 6 of the housing 2. As a result, the cleaning tank 1 is supported in the front-rear direction (left-right direction on the paper surface of FIG. 1) so as to be freely taken in and out of the housing 2.

A flat surface portion 23 arranged in front of the opening 1a, which is the upper outer front portion of the cleaning tank 1, is provided. An operation unit 24, a display unit 25, and the like are arranged on the flat surface unit 23. The operation unit 24 is set by the user to set the washing course of the dishwasher, power on / off, and the like. The display unit 25 displays a cleaning status, an operating status, a time, and the like. Further, an operation display board (not shown) for controlling their operations is arranged on the back surface side of the flat surface unit 23 on which the operation unit 24 and the display unit 25 are arranged.

The side walls 12 are arranged on both sides between the cleaning tank 1 and the door body 3. The side wall 12 integrally movably connects the cleaning tank 1 and the door body 3. At this time, the dishwasher has a front space portion 13 formed by being partitioned by the front side of the washing tank 1, the rear surface side of the door body 3, the side wall 12, and the flat surface portion 23.

The door body 3 includes a handle 4 provided so as to project upward and forward. The handle 4 is gripped by the user and used to move the cleaning tank 1 in and out of the housing 2.

Further, in the dishwasher of the first embodiment, washing water for washing the dishes in the washing tank 1 is supplied by the route shown below. Specifically, first, wash water such as tap water is supplied from a branch faucet or the like on a system kitchen (not shown) to a water supply path such as a water supply hose. The supplied washing water is supplied to the washing tank 1 with a required water level and a required amount by a water supply pump, a water supply valve, or the like (not shown) via a water supply path. Water is supplied to the washing tank 1 by the route configured as described above.

A circulation pump 9 is arranged below the outside of the cleaning tank 1. The circulation pump 9 circulates the cleaning water supplied into the cleaning tank 1 through the circulation path, and injects the cleaning water from the cleaning nozzle 11. Then, the tableware 8 can be washed with the sprayed washing water. The heater 10 for heating the washing water is also arranged near the bottom of the washing tank 1.

Further, the dishwasher of the first embodiment includes a drainage route for draining the washing water from the washing tank 1. The drainage route is composed of a drainage pump and a drainage hose (not shown). Then, when the washing and rinsing of the tableware 8 is completed, the drainage pump is driven, and the washing water is drained to the outside through the drainage hose. That is, the drainage route is configured so that the wash water in the wash tank 1 can be drained to the sink of the system kitchen or the like.

A detergent tank storage portion 14 in which the detergent tank 15 is freely taken in and out is arranged in the front space portion 13 which is the outer front of the cleaning tank 1. The detergent tank storage portion 14 is formed on one side of the side wall 12 by welding, screwing, or integrally molding with the side wall 12. The detergent tank storage unit 14 may be provided on the front surface of the cleaning tank 1.

As described above, the dishwasher of the first embodiment is configured.

Next, the configuration around the detergent tank 15 of the dishwasher will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the dishwasher showing a state in which the detergent tank 15 is being stored or pulled out. FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of the dishwasher showing a state in which the detergent tank 15 is stored.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the detergent tank storage portion 14 has a hollow space. As a result, the detergent tank 15 is freely stored in and out of the space of the detergent tank storage unit 14. The detergent tank 15 is stored so as to be freely taken in and out, for example, in the left-right direction (side) when viewed from the front (front side of the door body 3).

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the detergent tank storage portion 14 is substantially below (including below) the flat surface portion 23 (operation unit 24 or display unit 25), for example, from the central portion side to the right side of the cleaning tank 1. It is arranged in and stores the detergent tank 15.

Note that FIGS. 2 and 3 show an example of a configuration in which the detergent tank 15 is pulled out from the detergent tank storage portion 14 to the right, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the detergent tank storage unit 14 and the detergent tank 15 may be arranged at positions symmetrically opposite to those in FIGS. 2 and 3. In this case, it is desirable that the detergent tank 15 is pulled out from the detergent tank storage portion 14 to the left.

With the above configuration, the detergent tank 15 is not conspicuous when the cleaning tank 1 is completely housed in the housing 2. Therefore, the dishwasher can be configured with a simple design. Further, the space (front space portion 13) for accommodating the detergent tank 15 on the outer front side of the cleaning tank 1 can be effectively utilized.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the detergent tank 15 is pulled out from the detergent tank storage portion 14 in the left-right direction in a state where the cleaning tank 1 is pulled out forward by at least a distance a (dotted line arrow in FIG. 1) or more. It is configured to be freely put in and taken out. The distance a indicates the shortest distance between the mating surface between the back surface of the door body 3 and the frontmost surface of the housing 2 and the surface of the detergent tank storage unit 14 on the cleaning tank 1 side. That is, the distance a indicates a state in which at least the entire detergent tank storage portion 14 is pulled out to the front side from the frontmost portion of the housing 2.

With the above configuration, the detergent tank 15 can be taken in and out only when the cleaning tank 1 is pulled out in the forward direction by a predetermined distance (distance a) or more. Therefore, the user can easily put in and take out the detergent tank 15 by utilizing the space in front of the washing tank 1 for storing the detergent tank 15 and the space in the lateral direction when the washing tank 1 is pulled out from the housing 2. .. The distance a is not particularly limited as long as the detergent tank 15 can be taken in and out in the left-right direction.

Further, as described above, the dishwasher of the first embodiment is provided on the outer front upper part of the washing tank 1, and has an operation unit 24 for which the user sets the washing course, power on / off, and the like. As a result, the user can operate the operation unit 24 with one hand, for example, from the front and above of the cleaning tank 1. At this time, at the same time, the user can move the detergent tank 15 in and out in the left-right direction with the other hand. As a result, the workability of the user can be improved.

Further, the detergent tank 15 is composed of, for example, a bottle-shaped container in which liquid detergent is stored. Specifically, the detergent tank 15 is composed of a detergent tank detergent discharge port 15c, a detergent tank detergent suction path 15d, a detergent container lid portion 15e, and the like.

The detergent tank detergent discharge port 15c, the detergent tank detergent suction path 15d, and the detergent container lid 15e are integrally formed and are removable from the detergent tank 15. Therefore, when the detergent container lid 15e is removed from the detergent tank 15, the integrally configured detergent tank detergent discharge port 15c and the detergent tank detergent suction path 15d can also be removed from the detergent tank 15 at the same time. The tip of the detergent tank detergent suction path 15d for sucking the liquid detergent extends to the vicinity of the bottom surface of the detergent tank 15. As a result, the liquid detergent can be sucked from the detergent tank 15 until the liquid detergent is almost exhausted. Therefore, the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 15 can be used efficiently without waste.

Further, when the liquid detergent is replenished to the detergent tank 15, the user first removes the detergent tank 15 from the detergent tank storage unit 14. Then, the user removes the detergent container lid portion 15e from the detergent tank 15. As a result, the user can easily refill the detergent tank 15 with the liquid detergent.

With the above-described configuration of the detergent tank 15, liquid detergent can be supplied and stocked in the detergent tank 15 outside the cleaning tank 1. Therefore, it is possible to suppress solidification of the detergent in the detergent tank 15 due to humidity, drying, etc. in the washing tank 1 during washing. Further, the volume of the cleaning tank 1 can be increased by the amount that the detergent tank 15 is not arranged. Further, the user can easily attach / detach the detergent tank 15. That is, conventionally, a control substrate such as an operation unit and a display unit is arranged between the cleaning tank and the door body, and the space other than the substrate is a dead space. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the detergent tank 15 is arranged side by side with the substrate in the left-right direction in the dead space. As a result, the dead space can be effectively utilized, and the volume of the cleaning tank 1 can be increased as compared with the conventional cleaning tank because the detergent tank 15 is not arranged in the cleaning tank 1.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the detergent tank detergent discharge port 15c of the detergent tank 15 has a convex portion 15f that protrudes laterally to the left side from the detergent container lid portion 15e. On the other hand, the detergent tank storage portion 14 has a concave portion 14c with which the convex portion 15f of the detergent tank detergent discharge port 15c is engaged. Then, the concave portion 14c of the detergent tank storage portion 14 is engaged with the convex portion 15f of the detergent container lid portion 15e. As a result, the storage of the detergent tank 15 in the detergent tank storage unit 14 is completed.

Then, when the detergent tank 15 is stored in the detergent tank storage portion 14 by fitting the concave portion 14c and the convex portion 15f, the liquid detergent is discharged from the detergent tank detergent discharge port 15c to the detergent tank storage portion side detergent discharge path 14b. The transfer route is configured. Further, by fitting the convex portion 15f and the concave portion 14c, the detergent tank 15 can be stably stored in the detergent tank storage portion 14.

Further, the detergent tank storage unit 14 includes a detergent tank storage unit detergent discharge port 14a provided in the recess 14c. One end of the detergent discharge path 14b on the detergent tank storage side is arranged and connected to the detergent discharge port 14a of the detergent tank storage part. On the other hand, the detergent pump 16 is connected to the other end of the detergent discharge path 14b on the detergent tank storage side. Further, a cleaning tank-side detergent discharge path 18 is connected between the detergent pump 16 and the cleaning tank detergent discharge port 17 (see FIG. 1) provided on the front surface of the cleaning tank 1. That is, the detergent pump 16 is arranged in the middle of the detergent input path between the other end of the detergent discharge path 14b on the detergent tank storage side and the detergent discharge path 18 on the cleaning tank side.

As described above, the detergent tank 15 has a detergent tank detergent discharge port 15c for discharging liquid detergent in the detergent discharge path 14b on the detergent tank storage side. Then, the detergent discharge path 14b on the detergent tank storage portion side is connected to the detergent tank storage portion 14. That is, when the detergent tank 15 is stored in the detergent tank storage portion 14, the detergent tank detergent discharge port 15c is configured to be connected to the detergent discharge path 14b on the detergent tank storage portion side.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the control device 19 is arranged below the front surface of the cleaning tank 1. The control device 19 controls the drive of, for example, a circulation pump 9, a drainage pump, a water supply pump (water supply valve), a detergent pump 16, and the like.

Specifically, the control device 19 controls the drive rotation speed, drive time, and the like of the detergent pump 16. As a result, a required amount of liquid detergent is sucked from the detergent tank 15 when cleaning the tableware 8 and the like. The sucked liquid detergent is the detergent tank detergent suction path 15d, the detergent tank detergent discharge port 15c, the detergent tank storage detergent discharge port 14a, the detergent tank storage side detergent discharge path 14b, the detergent pump 16, the detergent tank side detergent discharge path. 18. It is supplied into the cleaning tank 1 via the cleaning tank detergent discharge port 17 in order. That is, the liquid detergent stored in the detergent tank 15 can be transferred to the cleaning tank 1 and supplied.

As described above, the area around the detergent tank 15 of the dishwasher is configured, and the liquid detergent is supplied into the washing tank 1.

The configuration of the dishwasher in another example of the first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of the dishwasher according to another example in which the washing tank 1 of the first embodiment is pulled out from the housing 2.

As shown in FIG. 4, the dishwasher according to another example has a transparent portion 15a provided on at least a part of the side surface side of the detergent tank 15. The transparent portion 15a allows the user to visually check the remaining amount of the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 15 in a state where the detergent tank 15 is housed in the detergent tank storage portion 14. The transparent portion 15a further has a scale 15b indicating the amount of liquid detergent. As a result, the user can visually check the amount of detergent in the detergent tank 15 from the side through the transparent portion 15a even when the detergent tank 15 is stored in the detergent tank storage portion 14. Therefore, the user can visually infer how much the liquid detergent is reduced, the timing of replenishment, and the like. As a result, the user can easily pull out the detergent tank 15 and replenish the liquid detergent at an appropriate timing.

(Embodiment 2)
Hereinafter, the schematic configuration of the dishwasher of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

FIG. 5 is a schematic front view of the dishwasher in a state where the detergent tank 15 according to the second embodiment is housed. FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of the dishwasher in a state where the washing tank 1 in the second embodiment is pulled out from the housing 2.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the dishwasher of the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the arrangement position of the operation unit 24 and the display unit 25 and the configuration of the handle 4. Since the other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description of the overlapping configurations will be omitted.

That is, as shown in FIG. 5, in the dishwasher of the second embodiment, the operation unit 24 and the display unit 25 are arranged on the upper front surface of the door body 3. The handle 4 is formed in a shape dented toward the inside of the door body 3. The cleaning course, power on / off of the operation unit 24 are set by the operation of the user as in the first embodiment. The display unit 25 displays a cleaning status, an operating status, a time, and the like.

The operation unit 24 and the display unit 25 of the second embodiment are provided on the outer front upper part of the cleaning tank 1 and on the front side of the door body 3. As a result, as in the first embodiment, the user operates the operation unit 24 from the front and above of the cleaning tank 1, and at the same time, for example, simultaneously holds the detergent tank 15 from the left-right direction of the detergent tank storage unit 14. Can be taken in and out.

As shown in FIG. 6, either the operation unit 24 or the display unit 25 is arranged on the flat surface unit 23 as in the first embodiment, and either the display unit 25 or the operation unit 24 is the door body. It may be arranged in the upper part of the front surface of 3.

Further, the dishwasher may be configured by freely combining the description contents of the first embodiment and the description contents of the second embodiment within the described range. As a result, the degree of freedom in design and versatility can be increased.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of the dishwasher according to the third embodiment. The dishwasher according to the third embodiment has a detergent tank storage portion and a detergent tank configuration different from those of the first and second embodiments. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first or second embodiment. The differences from the first and second embodiments will be mainly described.

An example of a floating body floating in the liquid detergent in order to suppress waves generated in the liquid detergent stored in the detergent tank 30 when the detergent tank 30 is taken in and out of the washing tank 1 or the housing 2. A float 34 is provided in the detergent tank 30. The float 34 is pivotally supported by a rotation shaft provided on the lid of the detergent tank 30 via the arm 33. The float 34 is provided with a magnetic material 35.

The detergent tank 30 is freely stored in and out of the detergent tank storage unit 40. When cleaning is started with the detergent tank 30 stored in the detergent tank storage unit 40, an appropriate amount of liquid detergent stored in the detergent tank 30 is sucked out by the detergent pump 16 and the detergent discharge path on the detergent tank storage unit side. It is supplied into the cleaning tank 1 via the cleaning tank 43 and the detergent discharge path 18 on the cleaning tank side.

A magnetic sensor 41 for detecting the magnetism of the magnetic body 35 is provided on the side surface of the detergent tank storage portion 40. When the magnetic sensor 41 detects the magnetism of the magnetic body 35, it is detected that the detergent tank 30 is housed in the detergent tank storage unit 40.

8 to 11 are schematic front views of the dishwasher according to the third embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic front view of the dishwasher when the liquid detergent is not stored in the detergent tank 30. FIG. 9 is a schematic front view of the dishwasher when the detergent tank 30 is pulled out from the detergent tank storage portion 40 when the liquid detergent is not stored in the detergent tank 30. FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of the dishwasher when the liquid detergent is stored in the detergent tank 30. FIG. 11 is a schematic front view of the dishwasher when the detergent tank 30 is pulled out from the detergent tank storage portion 40 while the liquid detergent is stored in the detergent tank 30.

The float 34 is pivotally supported via an arm 33 on a rotating shaft 32 provided on a cover 31 that covers the opening of the detergent tank 30. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, when the liquid detergent is not stored in the detergent tank 30, the float 34 and the arm 33 hang vertically downward due to their own weight. When the liquid detergent is stored in the detergent tank 30, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the float 34 floats according to the liquid level of the liquid detergent, and the arm 33 rotates upward about the rotation shaft 32. do. By detecting the position of the magnetic body 35 with the magnetic sensor 41, the liquid level of the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 30 can be detected. Further, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, when the detergent tank 30 is not stored in the detergent tank storage unit 40, the magnetism of the magnetic body 35 is not detected by the magnetic sensor 41, so that the detergent tank 30 is the detergent tank storage unit. It can be detected that it is not stored in 40.

The magnetic sensor 41 may be, for example, a plurality of Hall elements provided in the vicinity of the positions of the magnetic bodies 35 corresponding to the plurality of liquid levels of the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 30. As a result, the liquid level of the liquid detergent can be detected more accurately. The magnetic sensor 41 may be a sensor capable of detecting the magnetism of the magnetic body 35 by any method such as a magnetoresistive effect element or a magnetic impedance element.

The magnetic sensor 41 may be provided on the side surface of the detergent tank storage portion 40 on the side farther from the control device 50. As a result, the influence of the magnetic field generated in the electric circuit of the control device 50 can be reduced, so that the detection accuracy of the magnetic sensor 41 can be improved.

A detergent discharge port 37 is provided at the lowermost end of the side surface of the detergent tank 30 on the back side in the loading / unloading direction. The detergent receiving port 42 is provided at a position where the detergent discharge port 37 of the detergent tank 30 comes into contact with the detergent tank 30 when the detergent tank 30 is stored in the detergent tank storage unit 40 of the detergent tank storage unit 40. When the detergent pump 16 operates, the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 30 enters the cleaning tank 1 via the detergent discharge port 37, the detergent receiving port 42, the detergent discharge path 43 on the detergent tank storage side, and the detergent discharge path 18 on the cleaning tank side. Is supplied to. The inner bottom surface 36 of the detergent tank 30 is inclined so as to be lowered toward the detergent discharge port 37.

FIG. 12 is a partially enlarged view showing a state in which the detergent tank 30 is stored in the detergent tank storage unit 40. FIG. 12A is a schematic front view of the detergent tank 30 and the detergent tank storage portion 40 when the liquid level of the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 30 is low. FIG. 12B is a schematic front view of the detergent tank 30 and the detergent tank storage portion 40 when the liquid level of the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 30 is high. By detecting the position of the magnetic body 35 with the magnetic sensor 41, the liquid level of the liquid detergent can be detected.

FIG. 13 schematically shows a cross section of the detergent tank 30. When the cleaning tank 1 is pulled out from the housing 2 or the detergent tank 30 is pulled out from the detergent tank storage portion 40 while the liquid detergent 38 is stored in the detergent tank 30, a wave is generated in the liquid detergent 38. do. In the dishwasher of the present embodiment, in order to cancel this wave, a float 34 made of a material floating on the liquid detergent 38 is provided. Experiments by the present inventors have shown that by floating the float 34 on the liquid surface of the liquid detergent 38 to cancel the waves, it is possible to suppress the waves generated in the liquid detergent 38 as compared with the case where the float 34 is not provided. It has become clear. This prevents the liquid detergent from spilling from the detergent tank 30 or adhering to surrounding members and solidifying when using the dishwasher or when refilling the detergent tank 30 with the liquid detergent. can.

The float 34 may be formed of a thermoplastic resin, a metal, or the like. When the float 34 is made of metal, a cavity may be provided inside to allow the float 34 to float on the liquid detergent. The float 34 and the arm 33 may be integrally formed or may be separately formed and joined. The arm 33 may be detachably supported by a rotating shaft 32 provided on the cover 31 of the detergent tank 30. In this case, the user can remove the arm 33 and the float 34 from the cover 31 and wash them. The arm 33 may be integrally formed with the cover 31 of the detergent tank 30.

FIG. 14 schematically shows a cross section of the detergent tank 30. The cover 31 of the detergent tank 30 is provided with an air opening 39 that communicates with the outside. Since the cover 31 is provided so as to cover the opening of the detergent tank 30 in an airtight and liquid-tight manner, when the liquid detergent 38 is discharged from the detergent tank 30, the inside of the detergent tank 30 becomes a negative pressure, and the liquid detergent 38 There is a possibility that the discharge of detergent will not proceed smoothly. By providing the air opening port 39, when the liquid detergent 38 is discharged from the detergent tank 30, outside air can flow into the detergent tank 30 from the air opening port 39, so that the pressure inside the detergent tank 30 becomes negative. Can be prevented. Thereby, the reliability of the amount of the liquid detergent 38 supplied from the detergent tank 30 into the cleaning tank 1 can be improved.

When the liquid detergent 38 adheres to the air opening port 39 and solidifies, the air opening port 39 is blocked and the function of allowing outside air to flow into the detergent tank 30 is reduced, and an appropriate amount from the detergent tank 30 into the cleaning tank 1 Liquid detergent 38 may not be supplied. In order to solve such a problem, in the dishwasher of the present embodiment, the air opening 39 is provided above the moving range of the float 34 of the cover 31. As a result, even when the liquid level of the liquid detergent 38 in the detergent tank 30 is high and the liquid detergent 38 jumps from the liquid surface and easily hits the air opening port 39, the float 34 is placed on the liquid level directly below the air opening port 39. Since it rises and cancels the wave of the liquid detergent 38, it is possible to prevent the liquid detergent 38 from being applied to the air opening 39.

FIG. 15 shows the lower surface of the cover 31 of the detergent tank 30. FIG. 15A is a bottom view of the cover 31. FIG. 15B is a perspective view of the lower surface of the cover 31. FIG. 15C is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the atmosphere opening 39. In the dishwasher of the present embodiment, a protrusion 39a is provided in the vicinity of the air opening 39 so as to protrude from the lower surface of the cover 31 toward the inside of the detergent tank 30. The protrusion 39a functions as a wall for protecting the liquid detergent 38 that has splashed from the liquid surface from coming into contact with the air opening 39. As a result, it is possible to further prevent the liquid detergent 38 from being applied to the air opening 39. The protrusion 39a may be formed integrally with the cover 31, or may be formed separately from the cover 31 and attached to the cover 31.

The protrusion 39a is provided so that at least a portion of the float 34 or arm 33 is in close proximity to or in contact with the protrusion 39a when the float 34 is moving upwards. When the liquid level of the liquid detergent 38 in the detergent tank 30 is high, the possibility that the liquid detergent 38 will hit the air opening 39 increases, but the float 34 floats on the liquid surface of the liquid detergent 38, and the float 34 or the arm 33 Since the gap between the protrusion 39a and the protrusion 39a is narrowed, the possibility that the liquid detergent 38 infiltrates through the gap and hits the air opening 39 can be reduced. The protrusion 39a may be provided so as to be close to or in contact with at least a part of another member that moves with the float 34 when the float 34 moves upward.

The protrusion 39a has a shape that surrounds the atmosphere opening 39, and a notch 39b is provided in a part thereof. As a result, when the liquid detergent 38 comes into contact with the protruding portion 39a, a film is formed in the opening of the protruding portion 39a, and it is possible to prevent the film from blocking the air opening 39.

In the dishwasher of the present embodiment, the washing tank 1 is provided in and out of the housing 2. Therefore, every time the cleaning tank 1 is moved in and out of the housing 2 in order to put in and take out an object to be cleaned such as tableware, the liquid detergent 38 sways in the direction in which the washing tank 1 is taken in and out, and a wave is generated. Therefore, the notch 39b may be provided in a direction different from the direction in which the cleaning tank 1 is taken in and out. As a result, it is possible to prevent the liquid detergent 38 from invading the inside of the protrusion 39a from the notch 39b due to the wave of the liquid detergent 38 generated when the cleaning tank 1 is taken in and out, and hitting the air opening 39.

In the dishwasher of the present embodiment, the detergent tank 30 is provided so as to be freely taken in and out of the detergent tank storage portion 40. Therefore, every time the detergent tank 30 is taken in and out of the detergent tank storage portion 40 to replenish the liquid detergent, the liquid detergent 38 sways in the direction of taking in and out of the detergent tank 30 to generate a wave. Therefore, the notch 39b may be provided in a direction different from the direction in which the detergent tank 30 is taken in and out. As a result, it is possible to prevent the liquid detergent 38 from invading the inside of the protrusion 39a from the notch 39b due to the wave of the liquid detergent 38 generated when the detergent tank 30 is taken in and out, and hitting the air opening 39.

The notch 39b may be provided on the rotation shaft 32 side on which the arm 33 is pivotally supported. When the liquid level of the liquid detergent 38 is high, the float 34 floats on the liquid surface and the arm 33 moves upward. Therefore, the space between the protrusion 39a and the rotation shaft 32 is rotated by the protrusion 39a. It is separated from the liquid detergent 38 by a shaft 32 and an arm 33. As a result, it is possible to prevent the liquid detergent 38 from entering the inside of the protrusion 39a through the notch 39b and hitting the air opening 39.

FIG. 16 schematically shows the relationship between the arm 33 and the rotation shaft 32. The rotating shaft 32 has a columnar shape. The arm 33 has a fitting portion 33a at its upper end that fits into the columnar rotating shaft 32. The fitting portion 33a has a cylindrical shape in which a part of the angle range of the side surface is cut out in the axial direction. By providing the notch 33b, the arm 33 can be removed from the rotating shaft 32 for cleaning, so that liquid detergent adheres between the fitting portion 33a and the rotating shaft 32 and solidifies, resulting in a float. It is possible to prevent 34 from failing. In addition, the inside of the detergent tank 30 can be kept clean. When manufacturing a dishwasher, the arm 33 can be easily attached to the rotating shaft 32, so that the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

A method of moving the float along a guide provided in the vertical direction can also detect the liquid level of the liquid detergent and may obtain a wave-dissipating effect, but a liquid detergent having a high viscosity is used. In this case, the sliding resistance between the guide and the float becomes large, so that the float may not easily follow the fluctuation of the liquid level. In addition, when the liquid level of the liquid detergent drops, the liquid detergent adhering between the guide and the float may solidify and the float may not move. Further, when the depth of the detergent tank is shallow, the movement range of the float is narrow, so that the liquid level cannot be detected in detail. According to the configuration of the present embodiment, the arm 33 is pivotally supported by the rotating shaft 32 provided above the liquid level of the liquid detergent, and the float 34 is rotated according to the liquid level. It is possible to reduce the possibility that the float 34 will not move due to the solidification of the liquid detergent between the 32 and the arm 33. Further, since the float 34 is displaced in both the horizontal direction and the vertical direction according to the liquid level, the liquid level can be detected more accurately.

FIG. 17 schematically shows a cross section of the arm 33 and the rotating shaft 32. FIG. 17A shows a cross section of the arm 33 and the rotating shaft 32 when the liquid level of the liquid detergent is the highest. FIG. 17B shows a cross section of the arm 33 and the rotating shaft 32 when the liquid detergent is empty. In the entire range of the liquid level of the liquid detergent, the notch 33b is configured to face upward from the horizontal direction when the arm 33 rotates around the rotation shaft 32 according to the liquid level. As a result, it is possible to further reduce the possibility that the liquid detergent splashed from the liquid surface will infiltrate between the arm 33 and the rotating shaft 32 from the notch 33b and solidify.

In the dishwasher of the present embodiment, the rotation shaft 32 is provided parallel to the direction in which the washing tub 1 is taken in and out of the housing 2, and is orthogonal to the direction in which the washing tub 1 is taken in and out of the housing 2. The float 34 is configured to rotate in the direction in which the float 34 is used. As a result, when the cleaning tank 1 is taken in and out of the housing 2, waves generated in the direction of taking in and out can be effectively canceled by the float 34, so that the atmosphere opening 39, the rotating shaft 32, and the arm 33 can be effectively canceled. It is possible to prevent the liquid detergent from adhering to the fitting portion 33a or the like. Even when the detergent tank 30 is taken in and out of the detergent tank storage portion 40, waves generated in the direction of taking in and out can be canceled by the float 34, so that the fitting portion of the atmospheric opening 39, the rotating shaft 32, and the arm 33 can be canceled. It is possible to prevent the liquid detergent from adhering to 33a and the like.

In another example, the rotation shaft 32 is provided parallel to the direction in which the detergent tank 30 is taken in and out of the detergent tank storage portion 40, and the direction is orthogonal to the direction in which the detergent tank 30 is taken in and out of the detergent tank storage portion 40. The float 34 may be configured to rotate. As a result, when the detergent tank 30 is taken in and out of the detergent tank storage portion 40, waves generated in the direction of taking in and out can be effectively canceled by the float 34, so that the atmosphere opening 39, the rotating shaft 32, and the arm can be effectively canceled. It is possible to prevent the liquid detergent from adhering to the fitting portion 33a of the 33, and also to prevent the liquid detergent from spilling from the detergent tank 30 when the user replenishes the detergent tank 30 with the liquid detergent. can. Even when the cleaning tank 1 is taken in and out of the housing 2, waves generated in the direction of taking in and out can be canceled by the float 34, so that the atmosphere opening 39, the rotating shaft 32, the fitting portion 33a of the arm 33, and the like can be canceled. It is possible to prevent liquid detergent from adhering to the surface.

FIG. 18 shows the configuration of a control device for controlling the dishwasher according to the embodiment. The control device 50 is realized by hardware such as a microcomputer, a microcontroller, and an integrated circuit.

The control device 50 includes a process control unit 51, a detection result acquisition unit 52, a liquid level determination unit 53, a detergent tank storage determination unit 54, a liquid feed control unit 55, a notification unit 56, a leaving time acquisition unit 57, and a liquid feed target amount determination. A unit 58 and a memory 59 are provided. These configurations are realized by the CPU, memory, and other LSIs of any computer in terms of hardware, and are realized by programs loaded in memory in terms of software. It depicts a functional block realized by. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that these functional blocks can be realized in various forms such as hardware alone or a combination of hardware and software.

The process control unit 51 controls the washing operation by the dishwasher. The process control unit 51 receives an instruction from the user from the operation unit 24 of the dishwasher, and controls the washing operation according to the instruction. The process control unit 51 may continuously execute the cleaning step, the rinsing step, and the drying step, may execute only one of the steps, or may arbitrarily combine any two or more steps. It may be executed in order.

The detection result acquisition unit 52 acquires the detection result by the magnetic sensor 41 from the magnetic sensor 41. As described above, the magnetic sensor 41 detects the magnetism of the magnetic body 35 provided on the float 34.

The liquid level determination unit 53 determines the liquid level of the liquid detergent stored in the detergent tank 30 based on the detection result acquired by the detection result acquisition unit 52. The liquid level determination unit 53 determines the position of the magnetic body 35 based on the magnetism detected by a plurality of Hall elements having different installation positions, and the liquid level of the liquid detergent is determined based on the determined position of the magnetic body 35. May be determined.

The detergent tank storage determination unit 54 determines whether or not the detergent tank 30 is stored in the detergent tank storage unit 40 based on the detection result acquired by the detection result acquisition unit 52. When the detection result acquisition unit 52 acquires the detection result indicating that the magnetic sensor 41 has detected the magnetism of the magnetic body 35, the detergent tank storage determination unit 54 stores the detergent tank 30 in the detergent tank storage unit 40. It is determined that it is. When the detection result acquisition unit 52 acquires a detection result indicating that the magnetic sensor 41 did not detect the magnetism of the magnetic body 35, the detergent tank storage determination unit 54 puts the detergent tank 30 in the detergent tank storage unit 40. Judge that it is not stored.

The liquid feed control unit 55 controls the detergent pump 16 in order to feed the liquid detergent stored in the detergent tank 30 to the cleaning tank 1. As will be described later, the liquid feed control unit 55 controls the detergent pump 16 so that the amount of liquid detergent determined by the liquid feed target amount determination unit 58 is supplied to the cleaning tank 1. The liquid feed control unit 55 records the liquid feed end time in the memory 59 when the liquid detergent in the amount determined by the liquid feed target amount determination unit 58 is finished.

When the detergent tank storage determination unit 54 determines that the detergent tank 30 is not stored in the detergent tank storage unit 40, the liquid feed control unit 55 does not send the liquid detergent from the detergent tank 30 to the cleaning tank 1. Controls the detergent pump 16. This makes it possible to prevent the cleaning step from being executed without the detergent being supplied to the cleaning tank 1. In addition, air is sent to the flow path of the liquid detergent from the detergent tank 30 to the cleaning tank 1, and the target amount of detergent to be sent will not be properly supplied to the cleaning tank 1 when the cleaning is executed from the next time onward. Can be prevented.

When the detergent tank storage determination unit 54 determines that the detergent tank 30 is not stored in the detergent tank storage unit 40, the notification unit 56 notifies the user to that effect. The notification unit 56 may notify the user by voice that the detergent tank 30 is not stored in the detergent tank storage unit 40, or may display on the display unit 25. As a result, even if the user accidentally starts cleaning without storing the detergent tank 30 in the detergent tank storage unit 40, the detergent tank 30 can be stored in the detergent tank storage unit 40.

The leaving time acquisition unit 57 calculated the elapsed time since the last time the liquid detergent was supplied to the cleaning tank 1 by the detergent pump 16, so that the detergent pump 16 and the flow path of the liquid detergent were left unused. Get the time. The leaving time acquisition unit 57 reads the previous liquid feeding end time from the memory 59 and calculates the elapsed time up to the current time. The leaving time acquisition unit 57 may count the elapsed time from the previous liquid feeding end time by a counter circuit or the like. The leaving time acquisition unit 57 may acquire information indicating the previous liquid feeding end time or leaving time from an external server or the like.

The liquid detergent used in the dishwasher becomes thickened by oxidation by oxygen in the air when left for a long period of time. FIG. 19 shows the viscosity of the liquid detergent measured by a rotary viscometer. The viscosity of the liquid detergent measured after being left for 3 months was only slightly increased from the initial value, but the viscosity of the liquid detergent measured after being left for 6 months was significantly increased from the initial value. Therefore, when the dishwasher is used again after being left unused for a long period of time after the dishwasher is used, the liquid detergent remaining in the flow path including the detergent pump 16 thickens or solidifies and flows. There is a possibility that the detergent pump 16 cannot supply a specified amount of detergent to the cleaning tank 1.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the leaving time is longer than a predetermined threshold value, the driving time, the number of times of driving, the driving voltage, etc. of the detergent pump 16 are increased by increasing the target amount of liquid detergent to be sent. Is increased more than usual. As a result, it is possible to compensate for the decrease in the amount of liquid to be sent due to the thickening of the liquid detergent, so that an appropriate amount of liquid detergent can be supplied to the cleaning tank 1.

The liquid feed target amount determination unit 58 determines the liquid feed target amount when supplying the liquid detergent to the cleaning tank 1. When the leaving time acquired by the leaving time acquisition unit 57 is shorter than the first threshold value, the liquid feed target amount determination unit 58 determines the operation mode of the cleaning process, the type of liquid detergent, the type and amount of the object to be cleaned, and the water temperature. , Determine the target amount of liquid to be sent according to the temperature. When the leaving time acquired by the leaving time acquisition unit 57 is longer than the first threshold value, the liquid feeding target amount determining unit 58 adds a predetermined amount to the normal liquid feeding target amount determined as described above. .. The additional amount may be determined according to the leaving time, the season of the leaving period, the temperature, the humidity and the like. For example, it is considered that the longer the standing time and the lower the temperature or humidity during the leaving period, the higher the degree of thickening of the liquid detergent, and therefore the additional amount may be increased.

The liquid feed control unit 55 controls the detergent pump 16 to feed the liquid detergent of the liquid feed target amount determined by the liquid feed target amount determination unit 58. The liquid feed control unit 55 determines the drive time, the number of drives, and the drive voltage of the detergent pump 16 according to the liquid feed target amount, and controls the detergent pump 16.

When the liquid detergent is left unused for a time longer than the first threshold value, the liquid detergent target amount determination unit 58 increases the liquid detergent liquid feed target amount more than usual only once immediately after. It may be a predetermined number of times, or even until it is detected that the liquid detergent stored in the detergent tank 30 is almost used and the detergent tank 30 is almost empty. good. Which of the above periods may be adopted depending on the leaving time. For example, if the leaving time is relatively short, it is expected that the thickened liquid detergent remaining in the flow path will flow out to the cleaning tank 1 by sending the liquid detergent once. The target amount of liquid to be sent may be increased only once. If the standing time is relatively long, it is considered that several times of liquid feeding is required before the thickened liquid detergent remaining in the flow path flows out to the cleaning tank 1, so that the liquid detergent is fed over a predetermined number of times immediately afterwards. The target amount of liquid may be increased. If the leaving time is longer, it is considered that the liquid detergent remaining in the detergent tank 30 is also thickened, so the target amount of liquid to be sent is increased until the liquid detergent remaining in the detergent tank 30 is almost used. You may. The fact that the liquid detergent remaining in the detergent tank 30 is generally used may be determined based on the liquid level of the liquid detergent determined by the liquid level determination unit 53.

The liquid feed target amount determination unit 58 may determine the liquid feed target amount based on the elapsed time after the liquid detergent is stored in the detergent tank 30. When the elapsed time after the liquid detergent is stored in the detergent tank 30 is longer than a predetermined threshold value, the liquid feed target amount determination unit 58 determines the liquid feed amount due to the thickening of the liquid detergent stored in the detergent tank 30. The target amount of liquid to be delivered may be increased to compensate for the decrease. In this case, the time when the liquid level determination unit 53 determines that the liquid level of the liquid detergent stored in the detergent tank 30 is full is recorded in the memory 59, and the liquid feed target amount determination unit 58 stores the memory. The elapsed time may be calculated with reference to the time recorded in 59.

The liquid feed target amount determination unit 58 may further determine the liquid feed target amount based on the liquid level of the liquid detergent determined by the liquid level determination unit 53. The liquid feed target amount determination unit 58 sets the cumulative total of the liquid feed target amount from the first time point, for example, the time point when the liquid level of the liquid detergent determined by the liquid level determination unit 53 is full to the second time point. When the difference between the target liquid level subtracted from the liquid level determined by the liquid level determination unit 53 at the time point 1 and the actual liquid level determined by the liquid level determination unit 53 at the second time point is larger than a predetermined value. In addition, it may be determined that the amount of the liquid detergent actually delivered is significantly different from the target amount of the liquid to be sent, and the target amount of the liquid to be sent may be adjusted according to the difference between the target liquid level and the actual liquid level. For example, when the target liquid level is higher than the actual liquid level by a predetermined value or more, the target liquid feeding amount may be increased. The liquid feed target amount for calculating the difference between the target liquid level and the actual liquid level may be a value before being increased by the liquid feed target amount determination unit 58.

In the liquid feed control unit 55, when the leaving time acquired by the leaving time acquisition unit 57 is longer than the second threshold value, or when the elapsed time after the liquid detergent is stored in the detergent tank 30 is longer than a predetermined threshold value. If it is long, the liquid detergent stored in the detergent tank 30 may be discarded. In this case, the liquid feed control unit 55 sends all the liquid detergent stored in the detergent tank 30 to the cleaning tank 1, then supplies water to the cleaning tank 1 and discharges the liquid detergent together with the water. May be good. At this time, the notification unit 56 may notify the user that the liquid detergent will be discarded. This makes it possible to prevent the object to be cleaned from being washed with a liquid detergent that has been stored in the detergent tank 30 for a long period of time and may have deteriorated due to oxidation or the like.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a dishwasher control method according to the embodiment. The flowchart shown in FIG. 20 shows a procedure before the washing process is started in the dishwasher. When the cleaning process is started by the process control unit 51 (S10), the detection result acquisition unit 52 acquires the detection result from the magnetic sensor 41, and the detergent tank storage determination unit 54 uses the detergent tank 30 as the detergent tank based on the detection result. It is determined whether or not it is stored in the storage unit 40 (S12). If the detergent tank 30 is not stored in the detergent tank storage unit 40 (N in S12), the notification unit 56 notifies the user to that effect (S14), and the process returns to S12. When the detergent tank 30 is stored in the detergent tank storage unit 40 (Y in S12), the process control unit 51 executes the cleaning step (S16).

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a dishwasher control method according to the embodiment. The flowchart shown in FIG. 21 shows the procedure of the washing process performed in the dishwasher. The leaving time acquisition unit 57 reads the previous liquid feeding end time from the memory 59 (S20) and calculates the leaving time (S21). When the standing time is larger than the second threshold value t2 (Y in S22), the liquid feed control unit 55 sends all the liquid detergent stored in the detergent tank 30 to the washing tank 1 (S24) for washing. Water is supplied into the tank 1 and discharged together with the liquid detergent (S26), and the cleaning step is completed.

When the standing time is equal to or less than the second threshold value t2 (N in S22), the liquid feed target amount determination unit 58 determines the normal liquid feed target amount (S28). When the leaving time is larger than the first threshold value t1 (Y in S30), the liquid feed target amount determination unit 58 increases the liquid feed target amount (S32). When the standing time is equal to or less than the first threshold value t1 (N in S30), S32 is skipped and the target amount of liquid to be sent is not changed. The liquid feed control unit 55 controls the detergent pump 16 so as to feed the target amount of liquid detergent to the cleaning tank 1 (S34), and records the liquid feed end time in the memory 59 when the liquid feed is completed (S34). S36). The process control unit 51 executes the cleaning process (S38).

FIG. 22 schematically shows another example of the detergent tank 30. FIG. 22A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the detergent tank 30, and FIG. 22B is a schematic side view of the detergent tank 30 as viewed from the back side in the loading / unloading direction. A detergent discharge port 71 is provided at the lowermost end of the side surface of the detergent tank 30 on the back side in the loading / unloading direction. The detergent discharge port 71 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and a foreign matter catching portion 70 for catching foreign matter mixed in the detergent tank 30 is inserted into the internal cavity. An o-ring 72 is provided between the foreign matter trap 70 and the detergent discharge port 71. As a result, the space between the foreign matter trap 70 and the detergent discharge port 71 is liquid-tightly fixed. The liquid detergent stored in the detergent tank 30 is discharged from a flow path 73 provided inside the foreign matter trap 70.

The inner end of the detergent tank 30 of the foreign matter trap 70 has an outer diameter smaller than the inner opening of the detergent discharge port 71, and the outer end is larger than the outer opening of the detergent discharge port 71. Has an outer diameter. Therefore, the foreign matter trap 70 is detachably inserted into the detergent discharge port 71 from the outside of the detergent tank 30. Since the foreign matter trap 70 is fixed to the detergent discharge port 71 only by the sliding resistance of the o-ring 72, the user faces the detergent tank 30 from the inside to the outside as shown by an arrow in FIG. 22 (a). The foreign matter catching portion 70 can be easily removed by simply pushing out the foreign matter catching portion 70. Further, the foreign matter trapping portion 70 can be easily attached by simply pushing the foreign matter catching portion 70 into the detergent discharge port 71 from the outside of the detergent tank 30. As a result, the foreign matter catching portion 70 can be easily attached and detached to wash away the detergent discharge port 71 and its surroundings, so that the foreign matter caught by the foreign matter catching portion 70 can be easily removed.

FIG. 23 schematically shows a cross section of the foreign matter capturing portion 70. The foreign matter catching portion 70 includes a cover 76 having a substantially cylindrical shape, a throttle portion 74 connected to an end portion of the cover 76, and a valve body 80 provided in a cavity inside the cover 76. A groove 78 is provided in the central portion of the cover 76, and an o-ring 72 is provided on the outside of the groove 78. A diaphragm opening 75 is provided near the connection portion of the throttle portion 74 with the cover 76, and a cover opening 77 is provided near the connection portion of the cover 76 with the throttle portion 74. The liquid detergent stored in the detergent tank 30 flows into the inside of the cover 76 through the throttle opening 75 and the cover opening 77. The valve body 80 is urged to the left in the figure by the urging spring 81. At this time, the valve body 80 is pressed against the inside of the groove 78, and the space between the valve body 80 and the cover 76 is hermetically sealed by the sealing member 82, so that the liquid detergent does not flow out to the flow path 73.

FIG. 24 schematically shows a state in which the foreign matter trap 70 is attached to the detergent discharge port 71. FIG. 24A shows a cross section when the foreign matter trap 70 is attached to the detergent discharge port. FIG. 24B is a partially enlarged view of the rectangular portion of FIG. 24A. FIG. 24C is a side view of the foreign matter trapping portion 70 as viewed from the inside of the detergent tank 30. FIG. 24D is a side view of another example of the throttle portion 74 of the foreign matter catching portion 70. FIG. 24 shows a state in which the valve body 80 is opened, but the opening and closing of the valve body 80 will be described later.

When the foreign matter trap 70 is attached to the detergent discharge port 71, the gap d between the outside of the main body of the foreign matter trap 70 and the inside opening of the detergent discharge port 71 extends from the throttle opening 75 to the cleaning tank 1. It is configured to be smaller than the inner diameter of the flow path of the liquid detergent. The flow path of the liquid detergent from the throttle opening 75 to the cleaning tank 1 is the cover opening 77, the flow path between the valve body 80 and the cover 76 when the valve body 80 is opened, the flow path 73, and the detergent discharge port 71. Includes an opening on the outside, a detergent discharge path 43 on the detergent tank storage side, a flow path in the detergent pump 16, a detergent discharge path 18 on the cleaning tank side, and a detergent discharge port 17 on the cleaning tank side. When the liquid detergent is sent from the detergent tank 30 to the cleaning tank 1 by the detergent pump 16, foreign matter larger than the gap d in the detergent tank 30 cannot pass through the gap d, so that it is inside the detergent tank 30. stay. Foreign matter that is smaller than the gap d and can pass through the gap d flows to the cleaning tank 1 without being clogged in the flow path in the middle. As a result, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from being clogged in the flow path of the liquid detergent from the detergent discharge port 71 to the cleaning tank 1. Foreign matter that remains in the detergent tank 30 without passing through the gap d can be easily washed away and removed by removing the foreign matter catching portion 70.

In the example shown in FIG. 24 (c), the liquid detergent flows into the inside of the foreign matter capturing portion 70 only through the gap d formed in a concentric ring shape, and is discharged from the detergent discharge port 71. The gap d functions as a foreign matter trapping flow path for trapping foreign matter in the detergent tank 30.

In the example shown in FIG. 24 (d), the liquid detergent can flow into the foreign matter trapping portion 70 from the hole 83 provided in the throttle portion 74 in addition to the gap d. The diameter of the hole 83 is also configured to be smaller than the diameter of the flow path of the liquid detergent from the detergent discharge port 71 to the cleaning tank 1. That is, the hole 83 also functions as a foreign matter trapping flow path. Foreign matter larger than the hole 83 cannot pass through the hole 83 and therefore stays in the detergent tank 30. Foreign matter that is smaller than the hole 83 and can pass through the hole 83 flows to the cleaning tank 1 without clogging the flow path. As a result, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from being clogged in the flow path of the liquid detergent from the detergent discharge port 71 to the cleaning tank 1. Foreign matter adhering to the periphery of the hole 83 without passing through the hole 83 can be easily removed by removing and washing the foreign matter catching portion 70.

By further providing the holes 83, the cross-sectional area of the flow path of the liquid detergent can be increased, so that the pressure loss can be reduced and the negative pressure generated when the liquid detergent is sucked out by the detergent pump 16 can be reduced. .. Further, since the portion through which the liquid detergent can pass can be increased, the influence of clogging can be reduced even if a portion is blocked by a foreign substance. Therefore, the performance and reliability of the liquid detergent feeding can be maintained satisfactorily.

FIG. 25 schematically shows a cross section when the detergent tank 30 is stored in the detergent tank storage unit 40. A rib 45 is provided at the tip of the elbow 44 that constitutes the detergent discharge path 43 on the detergent tank storage side. When the detergent tank 30 is stored in the detergent tank storage portion 40, the rib 45 is inserted into the flow path 73 of the foreign matter catching portion 70 and pushes the valve body 80. As a result, the valve body 80 is opened, and the liquid detergent can flow into the flow path 73. While the detergent tank 30 is removed from the detergent tank housing 40, the valve body 80 is pressed against the groove 78 by the urging spring 81, and the flow path between the valve body 80 and the cover 76 is closed. It is possible to prevent the liquid detergent stored in the detergent from leaking from the detergent discharge port 71.

In the above embodiment, the example in which the foreign matter catching unit 70 has a foreign matter catching flow path for catching foreign matter has been described, but the foreign matter catching unit 70 has a filter or the like for catching foreign matter. May be good. In this case as well, the foreign matter catching portion 70 may be provided so as to be removable in the outward direction of the detergent tank 30. As a result, the filter can be easily removed to remove foreign matter.

The present disclosure has been described above based on examples. This embodiment is an example, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible for each of these components and combinations of each processing process, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention. ..

In the embodiment, an example is shown in which the cleaning tank 1 having an upper opening is provided so as to be able to be taken in and out from the housing 2 having a front opening in the front, but in another example, the cleaning tank 1 is opened and closed. The door may be provided above the washing tank 1. In this case, the cleaning tank 1 may be provided so as to be able to be taken in and out from the housing 2 in the front-rear direction, or may be fixedly stored inside the housing 2.

In the embodiment, the dishwasher is housed inside the kitchen, but in another example, the dishwasher may be configured as an independent device.

In the embodiment, a dishwasher for washing dishes and other objects to be washed has been described, but the technique of the present disclosure is for washing a washing machine for washing clothes and other objects and other objects to be washed. It can also be applied to cleaning equipment.

The present invention can be used as a cleaning device for cleaning an object to be cleaned.

1 Cleaning tank, 1a opening, 2 housing, 3 door body, 4 handle, 5 1st rail, 6 2nd rail, 8 tableware, 9 circulation pump, 10 heater, 11 cleaning nozzle, 12 side wall, 13 Front space, 14 Detergent tank storage, 14a Detergent tank storage Detergent discharge port, 14b Detergent tank storage side detergent discharge path, 14c recess, 15 Detergent tank, 15a Transparent part, 15c Detergent tank Detergent discharge port, 15d Detergent tank Detergent suction path, 15e lid, 15f convex, 16 detergent pump, 17 detergent discharge port, 18 detergent discharge path on the cleaning tank side, 19 control device, 23 flat surface, 24 operation unit, 25 display unit, 30 detergent tank , 31 cover, 32 rotating shaft, 33 arm, 33a fitting part, 33b notch part, 34 float, 35 magnetic material, 36 inner bottom surface, 37 detergent discharge port, 38 liquid detergent, 39 air opening port, 39a protruding part, 39b Notch, 40 Detergent tank compartment, 41 Magnetic sensor, 42 Detergent inlet, 43 Detergent tank compartment side detergent discharge path, 44 Elbow, 45 ribs, 50 Control device, 51 Process control unit, 52 Detection result acquisition unit, 53 Liquid level judgment unit, 54 Detergent tank storage judgment unit, 55 Liquid feed control unit, 56 Notification unit, 57 Leaving time acquisition unit, 58 Liquid feed target amount judgment unit, 59 Memory, 70 Foreign matter capture unit, 71 Detergent discharge port, 72 o-ring, 73 flow path, 74 throttle, 75 throttle opening, 76 cover, 77 cover opening, 78 groove, 80 valve body, 81 urging spring, 82 seal member, 83 holes.

Claims (3)

With the housing
A cleaning tank provided in the housing and accommodating an object to be cleaned,
A detergent tank for storing the liquid detergent supplied to the washing tank, and
The floating body floating in the liquid detergent and
With
The floating body has a fitting portion that fits into a columnar rotating shaft provided on the detergent tank or a cover that covers the opening of the detergent tank.
The fitting portion has a cylindrical shape in which a part of the angle range of the side surface is cut out in the axial direction.
When the floating body rotates around the rotation axis according to the liquid level of the liquid detergent, the notched portion of the fitting portion is configured to face upward from the horizontal direction. Device. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning tank is provided in and out of the housing. The cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the detergent tank is provided in and out of the cleaning tank or the housing.

Images