JP2023037104A - dishwasher - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a user-friendly dishwasher which is equipped with a detergent automatic input function and suppresses leakage of a detergent.SOLUTION: A disclosed washing device includes a housing, a washing chamber which is provided inside the housing for housing articles to be washed, and a detergent tank 15 for accumulating a liquid detergent supplied to the washing chamber. The detergent tank 15 is taken in and out of a detergent tank storage part 14 in the housing. The detergent tank 15 has a tank side non-return valve 151 for preventing liquid leakage of a detergent. The detergent tank storage part 14 has a body side non-return valve for preventing liquid leakage of the detergent. When the detergent tank 15 is inserted in the detergent tank storage part, a part of an outer surface of the tank side non-return valve 151 and a part of an inner surface of the detergent tank storage part 14 are brought into contact for rotating the tank side non-return valve 151. As a result, the tank side non-return valve 151 is fixed relative to the detergent tank 15.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

The present disclosure relates to dishwashers.

Patent Literature 1 discloses a dishwasher that suppresses solidification of detergent. This dishwasher comprises a washing tank having an opening at the top and containing tableware, a housing supporting the washing tank so that it can be pulled in and out in the front-rear direction, and a liquid detergent provided outside and in front of the washing tank. A detergent tank and a detergent discharge path connecting the detergent tank and the washing tank are provided, and the detergent tank is configured to be freely inserted and removed in the left-right direction.

JP 2020-178864 A

The present disclosure provides a user-friendly dishwasher that has an automatic detergent injection function and can suppress detergent leakage.

A dishwasher according to the present disclosure includes a housing, a washing tank provided in the housing for containing objects to be washed, and a detergent tank for storing liquid detergent supplied to the washing tank, wherein the detergent tank is The detergent tank can be put in and taken out from the detergent tank storage part in the housing, and the detergent tank has a tank side check valve that prevents the detergent from leaking, and the detergent tank storage part has a body side check valve that prevents the detergent from leaking. When the detergent tank is inserted into the detergent tank storage part, part of the outer surface of the tank side check valve and part of the inner surface of the detergent tank storage part come into contact with each other to rotate the tank side check valve. , a dishwasher in which a tank-side non-return valve is fixed against a detergent tank.

The dishwasher according to the present disclosure has an automatic detergent injection function and can suppress detergent leakage. Therefore, the detergent tank can be easily attached and detached.

Schematic side view of a dishwasher according to Embodiment 1, with the washing tank pulled out from the housing Schematic front view of a dishwasher showing a state in which the detergent tank is stored Schematic front view of a dishwasher showing a state in which the detergent tank is in the middle of being stored or in the middle of being pulled out Schematic front view of dishwasher with detergent tank stored Schematic front view of a detergent tank in which detergent liquid is not stored and the detergent inlet is closed. Schematic front view of a detergent tank in which detergent liquid is stored and the detergent inlet is open. Schematic perspective view of the detergent storage part and the detergent tank when the detergent tank is stored Schematic front view of the detergent storage section and the detergent tank when the detergent tank is stored Schematic front view of the detergent storage part and the detergent tank during storage or withdrawal of the detergent tank Schematic front view of the detergent tank and the check valve in the middle of storing the detergent tank or in the middle of drawing it out Schematic front view of the detergent tank before installation of the tank side check valve Schematic front view of detergent tank with tank-side check valve installed A schematic perspective view of the detergent storage section and the detergent tank just before the detergent tank is stored. Schematic perspective view of detergent storage part and detergent tank in the middle of detergent tank storage Enlarged perspective view near the tank side check valve in the middle of storing the detergent tank Schematic front view of detergent tank and tray in embodiment 2 Schematic perspective view of detergent tank and tray in Embodiment 2 Side cross-sectional view near the check valve when the check valve is installed (initial stage) Side cross-sectional view near the check valve when the check valve is installed (middle term) Cross-sectional side view near the check valve when the check valve is installed (final stage)

(Knowledge, etc. on which this disclosure is based)
At the time the inventors came to the present disclosure, conventional detergent tank designs had a fixed check valve at the connection for the detergent delivery.

In configurations where the check valve is fixed, the area around the valve cannot be washed and kept clean. Therefore, the inventors made the check valve detachable in order to clean the valve. However, the inventors discovered a problem that it is necessary to prevent detergent leakage from the removed check valve by making the valve detachable. reached.

Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a dishwasher in which a detergent tank can be easily attached and detached by adopting a configuration that suppresses detergent leakage.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or redundant descriptions of substantially the same configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid the following description from becoming more redundant than necessary and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

It should be noted that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to allow those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the claimed subject matter thereby.

(Embodiment 1)
Embodiment 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 20. FIG.

[overall structure]
Fig. 2 is a schematic side view of the dishwasher with washing tub 1 pulled out from housing 2 in Embodiment 1; Specifically, FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of a washing tub 1 of a dishwasher withdrawn from a housing 2 of the dishwasher.

Further, the dishwasher of Embodiment 1 is a built-in type dishwasher installed in a system kitchen or the like, for example.

In the first embodiment, as shown in the drawing, the front direction is the direction in which the door 3 and the cleaning tank 1 are pulled out, and the rearward direction is the direction in which the cleaning tank 1 is housed and the door 3 is closed. . In the following description, the opening side of the washing tub 1 of the dishwasher is the upper side, the opposite side is the lower side, the right side of the door 3 is the right side, and the left side is the left side.

As shown in FIG. 1, the dishwasher of Embodiment 1 includes a housing 2, a washing tank 1 arranged inside the housing 2, a side wall 12, a detergent tank 15, a control device 19, and a It has a door 3 and the like for opening and closing the opening.

The washing tank 1 has an opening 1a in the upper part, and a basket 7 for storing tableware 8 is arranged therein. The washing tank 1 comprises a first rail 5 fixed underneath. On the other hand, the housing 2 has a second rail 6 fixed to the inside of the inner surface. A first rail 5 is movably supported by a second rail 6 of the housing 2 . As a result, the cleaning tank 1 is supported so as to be able to move in and out of the housing 2 in the front-rear direction (left-right direction on the paper surface of FIG. 1).

A flat portion 23 is provided in front of the opening 1a, which is the outer front upper portion of the cleaning tank 1. As shown in FIG. An operation unit 24, a display unit 25, and the like are arranged on the plane portion 23. As shown in FIG. The operation unit 24 is operated by the user to set the washing course of the dishwasher, power ON/OFF, and the like. The display unit 25 displays the cleaning status, operation status, time, and the like. Further, an operation display board (not shown) for controlling the operation of the operation unit 24 and the display unit 25 is arranged on the rear surface side of the plane unit 23 where 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 3 . The side wall 12 connects the cleaning tank 1 and the door 3 so as to be movable integrally. At this time, the dishwasher has a front space 13 defined by the front side of the washing tub 1, the rear side of the door 3, the side wall 12, and the plane portion 23. As shown in FIG.

The door 3 is provided with a handle 4 provided so as to protrude forward from above. The handle 4 is used by the user to take the washing tank 1 into and out of the housing 2 by gripping it.

Further, the dishwasher of Embodiment 1 is supplied with washing water for washing tableware in the washing tank 1 through the route shown below. Specifically, first, washing water such as tap water is supplied to a water supply path such as a water supply hose from a branch faucet or the like on a system kitchen (not shown). The supplied washing water passes through a water supply path and is supplied to the washing tank 1 at a necessary level and in a necessary amount by means of a water supply pump, a water supply valve, and the like (not shown). Water is supplied into the cleaning tank 1 through the path configured as described above.

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

Moreover, the dishwasher of Embodiment 1 is provided with a drainage path for draining washing water from the washing tank 1 . The drainage path 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 drain pump is driven, and the washing water is drained to the outside through the drain hose. In other words, the drainage path is configured so that the washing water in the washing tank 1 can be discharged to the sink of the system kitchen or the like.

In a front space 13 outside and forward of the washing tank 1, a detergent tank storage part 14 is arranged in which a detergent tank 15 can be freely taken in and out. Detergent tank housing 14 is welded, screwed, or formed integrally with side wall 12 to one side of side wall 12 . It should be noted that the detergent tank housing portion 14 may be configured to be provided on the front surface of the washing tank 1 .

The dishwasher of Embodiment 1 is configured as described above.

[Structure around the detergent tank]
Next, the configuration around the detergent tank 15 of the dishwasher will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5. FIG.

FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the dishwasher showing a state in which the detergent tank 15 is stored. FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of the dishwasher showing a state in which the detergent tank 15 is in the middle of being stored or in the middle of being pulled out. FIG. 4 is a schematic front view of the dishwasher showing a state in which the detergent tank 15 is accommodated by broken lines.

As shown in FIG. 3, the detergent tank housing portion 14 has a hollow space. As a result, the detergent tank 15 is housed in the space of the detergent tank housing portion 14 so as to be freely put in and taken out. The detergent tank 15 is housed so that it can be put in and taken out, for example, in the left-right direction (sideways) when viewed from the front (the front side of the door 3).

1 and 4, the detergent tank housing portion 14 is located substantially below (including below) the flat portion 23 (the operation portion 24 or the display portion 25), for example, from the central portion side of the washing tank 1. It is arranged on the right side and accommodates the detergent tank 15. - 特許庁

Although FIGS. 2 and 3 show an example of a configuration in which the detergent tank 15 is pulled out to the right from the detergent tank housing portion 14, it is not limited to this. For example, the detergent tank housing portion 14 and the detergent tank 15 may be arranged in positions opposite to those shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 . In this case, it is desirable that the detergent tank 15 is pulled out leftward from the detergent tank housing portion 14 .

With the above configuration, the detergent tank 15 does not stand out when the cleaning tank 1 is completely housed in the housing 2 . Therefore, the dishwasher can be configured with a simple design. Furthermore, the space (the front space 13) for storing the detergent tank 15 in the outer front of the washing tank 1 can be effectively utilized.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the detergent tank 15 is pulled out from the detergent tank housing portion 14 in the lateral direction when the washing tank 1 is pulled forward at least by a distance a (dotted line arrow in FIG. 1). It is constructed so that it can be put in and taken out freely. The distance a indicates the shortest distance between the mating surface between the rear surface of the door 3 and the front surface of the housing 2 and the surface of the detergent tank housing portion 14 on the cleaning tank 1 side. That is, the distance a indicates a state in which at least the entirety of the detergent tank housing portion 14 is pulled forward from the frontmost portion of the housing 2 .

With the above configuration, the detergent tank 15 can be put in and taken out only when the washing tank 1 is pulled forward 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 horizontal direction when the washing tank 1 is pulled out from the housing 2.例文帳に追加. Note that the distance a is not particularly limited as long as it is a distance in which the detergent tank 15 can be taken in and out in the left-right direction.

Further, the dishwasher of Embodiment 1 has, as described above, an operation unit 24 provided in the upper front portion of the outside of the washing tub 1 for the user to set the washing course, power ON/OFF, and the like. Thereby, the user can operate the operation unit 24 with one hand from the front and above the cleaning tank 1, for example. At this time, the user can simultaneously insert and remove the detergent tank 15 with the other hand. As a result, the workability of the user can be enhanced.

Next, each component constituting the detergent tank 15 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic front view of the detergent tank 15 when the detergent container lid 154 is closed and no detergent is stored. FIG. 6 is a schematic front view of the detergent tank 15 when the detergent container lid 154 is opened and the detergent is stored almost to the full.

In the following description of the vicinity of the detergent tank, as shown in FIG. 5, the detergent tank 15 is taken in and out (depth direction), the direction in which the detergent tank 15 is pulled out is the front side, and the direction in which the detergent tank 15 is inserted is the back side. as described. In the following description, the opening side of the detergent tank 15 is defined as the upper side, and the opposite side is defined as the lower side.

When the detergent tank 15 is inserted into the detergent tank housing portion 14, the claws 158 are engaged with the claw receiving portions provided on the side surfaces of the detergent tank housing portion 14, and the detergent tank 15 is stably supported in the detergent tank housing portion 14. be done.

Further, the detergent tank 15 is composed of, for example, a bottle-like container in which liquid detergent is stored. The detergent tank 15 has an open top, and the opening is entirely covered with a cover 31 . Specifically, the detergent tank 15 includes a detergent discharge port 152, a detergent input port 153 on the cover 31, a detergent container lid portion 154, and the like.

An input auxiliary slope 156 may be provided so as to incline from the detergent input port 153 toward the inside of the detergent tank 15 . By flowing the introduced liquid detergent along the introduction auxiliary slope, it is possible to suppress the liquid detergent from falling at random places in the detergent tank 15 and rebounding and scattering. In addition, since the liquid detergent can be poured along, it can be stably injected even if the user's injection speed varies. In addition, since the liquid detergent is injected using the injection assisting slope 156, the liquid detergent is less likely to adhere to the periphery of the detergent container cover 154, and the detergent container cover 154 can be kept clean for a relatively long period of time. convenience is improved.

In addition, an indication of the amount of liquid detergent may be displayed on the input assistance slope 156 . For example, it can be used to display a full tank indicating that the amount of detergent is full when the detergent is added up to the line displayed on the input assistance slope 156, or to call attention to indicate that there is too much detergent when the detergent is added up to the display line. .

The cover 31 , the detergent inlet 153 , the detergent container lid 154 , and the input auxiliary slope 156 are integrally formed and configured to be detachable from the detergent tank 15 .

Next, a method of replenishing the detergent tank 15 with detergent will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. FIG. 8 is a schematic front view of the detergent storage portion 14 and the detergent tank 15 when the detergent tank 15 is stored in the detergent tank storage portion 14. FIG. FIG. 9 is a schematic front view of the detergent storage portion 14 and the detergent tank 15 when the detergent tank 15 is in the middle of being stored in the detergent tank storage portion 14 or in the middle of being pulled out.

When the user refills the detergent tank 15 with the liquid detergent, first, the detergent tank 15 is removed from the detergent tank housing portion 14 . Then, the user opens the detergent container lid portion 154 . Then, the user can easily replenish the detergent tank 15 with the liquid detergent from the detergent input port 153 along the input auxiliary slope 156 . Due to the configuration of the detergent tank 15 described above, the liquid detergent can be supplied and stocked in the detergent tank 15 outside the washing tank 1 . Therefore, it is possible to suppress the solidification of the detergent in the detergent tank 15 due to humidity, dryness, etc. in the washing tank 1 during washing.

The top surface in the detergent tank housing portion 14 has a top surface protrusion 37 on the front side and a stepped portion 38 on the back side in the depth direction. The projection 37 on the top surface has a function of regulating the detergent tank 15 so that it does not rattle in the vertical direction when the detergent tank 15 is accommodated. In addition, since the stepped portion 38 is configured to have a height that allows the detergent tank to just pass through, the detergent container lid portion 154 comes into contact with this stepped portion and is pressed downward, thereby completely closing the detergent container lid portion 154. can be closed to

Also, if the user accidentally inserts the detergent tank 15 with the detergent container lid 154 open (see FIG. 6), the detergent container lid 154 will first move toward the front side of the detergent tank housing 14. It abuts on the end and is rotated approximately 180°. However, at this time, the detergent container lid 154 is not completely closed, and the detergent container lid 154 begins to be inserted into the detergent tank housing 14 in a half-open state as shown in FIG. When the half-opened detergent container lid portion 154 passes the top surface projection 37, the detergent container lid portion 154 is pushed from the top surface, and the detergent container lid portion 154 is completely closed. (See FIG. 9) Even if the height of the projection 37 on the top surface is not sufficient and the detergent container lid 154 does not close, the detergent container lid 154 can be completely closed when it passes through the stepped portion 38. there is

According to this configuration, the lid can be reliably closed even when the user forgets to close the detergent container lid portion 154, or when the lid is not completely closed even though the user intends to close it. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 15 from solidifying.

As shown in FIG. 8, the detergent discharge port 152 of the detergent tank 15 is provided with a tank-side check valve 151 at the inner end of the detergent tank bottom. On the other hand, the detergent tank housing portion 14 also has a body side check valve 141 at the far side end portion of the bottom surface. Then, the main body side check valve 141 of the detergent tank housing portion 14 is engaged with the tank side check valve 151 . At the same time when these check valves are engaged, the detergent tank 15 is completely stored in the detergent tank storage portion 14 .

When the body side check valve 141 and the tank side check valve 151 are engaged with each other, a path for transferring the liquid detergent from the detergent discharge port 152 to the detergent tank housing portion 14 side is formed. Further, the engagement between the tank-side check valve 151 and the body-side check valve 141 allows the detergent tank 15 to be stably accommodated in the detergent tank accommodating portion 14 . When the detergent tank 15 is stored in the detergent tank storage part 14, the tank side check valve 151 of the detergent discharge port 152 is configured to be connected to the main body side check valve 141 on the detergent tank storage part 14 side. be done.

The detergent pump 16 is connected to the other end of the body side check valve 141 that engages with the tank side check valve 151 . Further, between the detergent pump 16 and a washing tank detergent discharge port 17 (see FIG. 1) provided on the front surface of the washing tank 1, a washing tank side detergent discharge path 18 is connected.

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

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 supplied from the detergent tank 15 when washing the tableware 8 or the like. At this time, the liquid detergent is supplied into the washing tank 1 through the tank side check valve 151, the main body side check valve 141, the detergent pump 16, etc. in order. That is, the liquid detergent stored in the detergent tank 15 can be transferred to the washing tank 1 and supplied.

The detergent tank 15 of the dishwasher is configured as described above, and the liquid detergent is supplied into the washing tank 1 .

[Structure of Detergent Tank and Float]
Next, the detailed configuration of the detergent tank 15 of the dishwasher will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 9. FIG. 2 and 8 are schematic cross-sectional views of the detergent tank 15 according to Embodiment 1 when stored in the detergent tank storage portion 14. FIG. 3 and 9 are schematic cross-sectional views of the state in which the detergent tank 15 in Embodiment 1 is pulled out from the detergent tank housing portion 14. FIG. FIG. 4 is a front view of the dishwasher in which the arrangement position of the detergent tank 15 in Embodiment 1 is projected onto the washing tank 1 by a dashed line.

The detergent tank 15 has a transparent portion provided on at least a part of the side surface. The transparent part allows the user to visually check the amount of liquid detergent remaining in the detergent tank 15 when the detergent tank 15 is housed in the detergent tank housing part 14 . The transparent portion further has a scale indicating the detergent amount of the liquid detergent. Thus, even when the detergent tank 15 is stored in the detergent tank storage part 14, the user can visually check the amount of detergent in the detergent tank 15 from the side through the transparent part. Therefore, the user can visually estimate how much liquid detergent is used up, when to replenish the detergent, and the like. As a result, the user can pull out the detergent tank 15 and easily replenish the liquid detergent at an appropriate timing.

The detergent tank 15 also has a tank handle 155 that is grasped by the user when the detergent tank 15 is pulled out. The tank handle 155 is provided on at least part of the side surface. In particular, if it is provided on the upper side of the front side, it is easier for the user to grasp, and it is more difficult to drop it when it is pulled out than the detergent tank 15 that does not have a handle. (See FIGS. 5 to 9.) Here, in this embodiment, a transparent portion is provided below the tank handle 155 .

This is an example of a floating body that floats in the liquid detergent in order to suppress waves generated in the liquid detergent stored in the detergent tank 15 when the detergent tank 15 is moved in and out of the washing tank 1 or the housing 2. A float 30 is provided within the detergent tank 15 . The float 30 is rotatably supported via an arm 33 on a rotating shaft 32 provided on the lid of the detergent tank 15 . The float 30 is provided with a magnetic material.

A magnetic sensor for detecting the magnetism of the magnetic material is provided on the side surface of the detergent tank housing portion 14 . When the magnetic sensor detects the magnetism of the magnetic material, it is detected that the detergent tank 15 is housed in the detergent tank housing portion 14 .

FIG. 5 is a schematic front view of the dishwasher when no liquid detergent is stored in the detergent tank 15. FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic front view of the dishwasher when the detergent container lid 154 is opened and liquid detergent is stored in the detergent tank 15 . Also, in FIG. 6, the liquid level is indicated by a dashed line.

The float 30 is pivotally supported via an arm 33 on a rotary shaft 32 provided on a cover 31 that covers the opening of the detergent tank 15 . As shown in FIG. 5, when no liquid detergent is stored in the detergent tank 15, the float 30 and the arm 33 hang down vertically due to their own weight. When the liquid detergent is stored in the detergent tank 15, the float 30 floats according to the liquid level of the liquid detergent, and the arm 33 rotates upward about the rotation shaft 32, as shown in FIG. The liquid level of the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 30 can be detected by detecting the position of the magnetic material with the magnetic sensor. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, when the detergent tank 15 is not housed in the detergent tank housing portion 14, the magnetism of the magnetic material is not detected by the magnetic sensor. It is possible to detect that there is no

The magnetic sensors may be, for example, a plurality of Hall elements provided in the vicinity of positions of magnetic bodies corresponding to a plurality of liquid levels of the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 15 . Thereby, the liquid level of the liquid detergent can be detected more accurately. The magnetic sensor may be a sensor capable of detecting the magnetism of a magnetic material by any method, such as a magnetoresistive effect element and a magnetoimpedance element.

The magnetic sensor may be provided on the side of the detergent tank housing portion 14 farther from the control device 19 . As a result, the influence of the magnetic field generated in the electric circuit of the control device 19 can be reduced, so the detection accuracy of the magnetic sensor can be improved.

A detergent discharge port 152 is provided at the lowest end of the side surface of the detergent tank 15 on the far side in the loading/unloading direction. A body-side check valve 141 is provided at a position where the detergent discharge port 152 of the detergent tank 15 abuts when the detergent tank 15 is housed in the detergent tank housing portion 14 . When the detergent pump 16 operates, the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 15 is supplied into the washing tank 1 via the detergent discharge port 152 , main body side check valve 141 and detergent pump 16 . The inner bottom surface of the detergent tank 15 is inclined downward toward the detergent discharge port 152 .

FIG. 8 is a schematic front view showing a state in which the detergent tank 15 is housed in the detergent tank housing portion 14. As shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a schematic front view showing a state in which the detergent tank 15 is in the middle of being housed in the detergent tank housing portion 14 or in the middle of being pulled out.

The schematic front view of FIG. 8 schematically shows a cross section of the detergent tank 15. As shown in FIG. When the liquid detergent is stored in the detergent tank 15, when the washing tank 1 is pulled out from the housing 2 or the detergent tank 15 is pulled out from the detergent tank storage part 14, waves are generated in the liquid detergent. The dishwasher of this embodiment is provided with a float 30 made of a material that floats on the liquid detergent in order to cancel out this wave. Experiments by the present inventors have revealed that the float 30 floats on the liquid surface of the liquid detergent and cancels the waves, so that the waves generated in the liquid detergent can be suppressed as compared with the case where the float 30 is not provided. It's becoming As a result, it is possible to prevent the liquid detergent from spilling out of the detergent tank 15 or from sticking to surrounding members and solidifying when using the dishwasher or refilling the detergent tank 15 with liquid detergent. can.

The float 30 may be made of thermoplastic resin, metal, or the like. If the float 30 is made of metal, it may have a cavity inside so that the float 30 floats on the liquid detergent. The float 30 and the arm 33 may be integrally formed or separately formed and joined. The arm 33 may be detachably pivoted on a rotary shaft 32 provided on the cover 31 of the detergent tank 15 . In this case, the user can remove the arm 33 and the float 30 from the cover 31 and wash them. Arm 33 may be formed integrally with cover 31 of detergent tank 30 .

The arm 33 is configured such that the float 30 rotates in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the cleaning tank 1 is taken in and out of the housing 2 . The detergent inlet 153 is provided at a position outside the position directly above the range in which the arm 33 rotates. By arranging the detergent inlet 153 in this way, the user can easily insert the detergent from the detergent inlet 153 without being disturbed by the float 30 regardless of the position of the float 30. be able to. 5 and 6, when no liquid detergent is stored in the detergent tank 15, the float 30 and the arm 33 hang vertically downward due to their own weight and are positioned at the lowest point. When the liquid detergent is stored in the detergent tank 15, the float 30 floats according to the liquid level of the liquid detergent, and the arm 33 rotates upward about the rotation shaft 32. As shown in FIG. At this time, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, the float 30 rotates about 50 degrees toward the front side.

When a highly viscous liquid detergent is used, the sliding resistance between the arm 33 and the float 30 increases. , the float may become difficult to follow changes in the liquid level. Also, a load is likely to be applied to the float 30 and the arm 33, and there is a possibility that the float 30 will not move. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the detergent inlet 153 is provided on the back side of the detergent tank 15, which is opposite to the front side, which is the direction in which the float 30 rotates. With this configuration, the inflow direction of the introduced liquid detergent does not contradict the rotation direction of the float 30, and even if the liquid detergent is introduced from the detergent inlet 153, the sliding resistance applied to the float 30 is large. Hard to become. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the float 30 from erroneously detecting fluctuations in the liquid level.

The arm 33 is also connected to the end of the float 30 opposite to the direction in which the float 30 rotates in the depth direction of the detergent tank 15 . When configured in this manner, the length of the arm 33 becomes the longest. Thus, by making the length of the arm as long as possible, the distance when the float 30 rotates in an arc becomes the longest, that is, the sliding range of the float 30 becomes the largest. Therefore, the width of the liquid level that can be detected by the float 30 can be increased compared to when the arm 33 is connected to the central portion of the float 30 or the end portion on the rotating direction side.

The rotary shaft 32 that supports the arm 33 is provided near the center of the detergent tank 15 in the depth direction. Further, the arm 33 is connected to the back side end portion of the float 30 in the depth direction of the detergent tank 15 , which is opposite to the front side direction in which the float 30 rotates. Therefore, in a state in which the float 30 and the arm 33 hang vertically downward due to their own weight, the float 30 is positioned on the front side of the center.

FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing a state in which the detergent tank 15 is housed in the detergent tank housing portion 14. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the cover 31 on the top surface of the detergent tank 15 may be provided with a message section 35 directed to the user. The message section 35 may be located on the cover 31 so that the user can see it. However, if the message section 35 is displayed on the front side of the detergent tank 15, the user will always see it when the detergent tank 15 is pulled out. so it is more effective.

The content described in the message section 35 may be content that particularly calls attention to the detergent tank 15, or may be another message directed to the user. As for the display method, a seal may be affixed, or the cover 31 itself may be printed or engraved with characters.

In this embodiment, the message portion 35 is provided on the front side of the cover 31 on the top surface of the detergent tank 15, and the detergent inlet 153 is provided on the back side thereof. Therefore, when the user pulls out the detergent tank 15, the message part 35 can always be seen.

When the message portion 35 directed to the user is provided on the cover 31, the detergent inlet 153 is provided on the inner side. Therefore, according to the above relationship, the float 30 is first configured to rotate toward the front. The arm 33 is connected at the end on the back side of the float, opposite to the rotating direction of the float 30 . In the depth direction, the float 30 itself is located on the front side of the center when suspended vertically downward.

Therefore, when the user puts in the detergent from the detergent inlet 153 on the back side of the detergent tank 15, the user first pulls out the detergent tank 15 to the front side, confirms the message section 35, and then opens the detergent container lid section 154. Open. Then start adding detergent. At this time, since there is nothing to obstruct directly below the detergent input port 153, the user can easily input the detergent. After the detergent is added, the float 30 rotates upward toward the front side.

Since the detergent is not splashed over the float 30 and the arm 33 when the detergent is added, it does not interfere with the detergent input. It is possible to avoid difficulty in following the fluctuation. Therefore, erroneous detection of the float 30 is less likely to occur, and failure is less likely to occur.

From the state in which the float 30 and the arm 33 hang vertically downward due to their own weight, the float 30 is assumed to rotate about 0 to 50 degrees toward the near side. At this time, a stopper rib 36 is provided on the back surface of the cover 31 of the detergent tank 15 . When the liquid detergent is stored in the detergent tank 15 as shown in FIG. 6, the float 30 is positioned in an upwardly rotated position and is not in contact with the stopper ribs 36 . As shown in FIG. 5, when no liquid detergent is stored in the detergent tank 15, the float 30 hangs down vertically due to its own weight and abuts against the stopper ribs 36 to maintain a stationary state.

When the washing tank 1 is taken in and out of the housing 2, or the detergent tank 15 is taken in and out of the detergent tank housing portion 14, waves and vibrations are generated in the direction of the taken-out and taken-out directions. If the float 30 comes into contact with the stopper rib 36 here, the float 30 is blocked by the stopper rib 36 and is not rotated to the rear side of the stopper rib 36 . Therefore, it is possible to suppress the influence of waves and vibrations when detecting the liquid level.

The stopper rib 36 is arranged between the arm 33 and the detergent inlet 153 , particularly on the opposite side of the arm 33 to the float 30 and the opposite side to the rotational direction of the float 30 . In the present embodiment, the detergent inlet 153 is on the back side, and the float 30 is rotated on the front side.

In particular, when the float 30 is stationary due to the stopper ribs 36, it is desirable that the arm 33 hangs vertically downward and the float 30 is positioned at its lowest point. With this configuration, it is possible to maximize the sliding range of the float 30 within a meaningful range for liquid level detection.

The cover 31 of the detergent tank 15 may be provided with an air opening communicating with the outside. Since the cover 31 is provided so as to cover the opening of the detergent tank 15 in an airtight and liquid-tight manner, when the liquid detergent is discharged from the detergent tank 15, the inside of the detergent tank 15 becomes negative pressure and the liquid detergent is discharged. may not proceed smoothly. By providing the air release port, when the liquid detergent is discharged from the detergent tank 15, outside air can flow into the detergent tank 15 through the air release port, thereby preventing the inside of the detergent tank 15 from becoming negative pressure. be able to. As a result, the reliability of the amount of liquid detergent supplied from the detergent tank 15 into the cleaning tank 1 can be improved.

When the liquid detergent adheres to the air release port and solidifies, the air release port is blocked and the function of allowing the outside air to flow into the detergent tank 15 is lowered, and an appropriate amount of liquid detergent flows from the detergent tank 15 into the washing tank 1. may not be able to supply In order to solve such a problem, in the dishwasher of the present embodiment, the opening to the atmosphere is provided above the moving range of the float 30 in the cover 31 . As a result, even when the liquid level of the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 15 is high and the liquid detergent is likely to splash from the liquid surface and splash on the air release port, the float 30 floats to the liquid surface directly below the air release port. Since the wave of the detergent is canceled, it is possible to suppress the liquid detergent from splashing on the opening to the atmosphere.

The projecting portion 34 shown in FIG. 5 and the like is provided so that at least part of the float 30 or the arm 33 comes close to or contacts the projecting portion 34 when the float 30 is moving upward. When the level of the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 15 is high, the float 30 rotates to a height where the upper end of the float 30 comes into contact with the projecting portion 34 as shown in FIG. As a result, waves are generated in the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 15, and even when the liquid level is difficult to measure, the float 30 can be suppressed from wobbling by arranging the protruding part 34. - 特許庁The protrusion 34 may be provided so as to approach or abut at least a portion of another member that moves with the float 30 when the float 30 moves upward.

The level of the liquid detergent can also be detected by moving the float along a guide provided in the vertical direction. In this case, the sliding resistance between the guide and the float increases, which may make it difficult for the float to follow fluctuations in the liquid level. Also, when the liquid level of the liquid detergent drops, the liquid detergent adhering between the guide and the float may solidify, preventing the float from moving. Furthermore, when the depth of the detergent tank is shallow, the movement range of the float is narrow, so the liquid level cannot be precisely detected.

According to the configuration of this embodiment, the arm 33 is pivotally supported by the rotating shaft 32 provided above the liquid surface of the liquid detergent, and the float 30 is rotated according to the liquid level. The possibility of the float 30 becoming stuck due to solidification of liquid detergent between 32 and arm 33 can be reduced. In addition, since the float 30 is displaced both horizontally and vertically according to the liquid level, the liquid level can be detected more accurately.

In the dishwasher of this embodiment, the rotation shaft 32 is provided parallel to the direction in which the washing tank 1 is taken in and out of the housing 2, and is perpendicular to the direction in which the washing tank 1 is taken in and out of the housing 2. Further, the float 30 is configured to rotate in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the cleaning tank 1 is taken in and out of the housing 2 . As a result, when the cleaning tank 1 is moved in and out of the housing 2, the float 30 can effectively cancel the waves generated in the direction of moving the cleaning tank 1 in and out. It is possible to prevent the liquid detergent from adhering to joints and the like. When the detergent tank 15 is moved in and out of the detergent tank storage part 14, the float 30 can also cancel the waves generated in the direction of moving the detergent tank 15 in and out. It is possible to suppress the liquid detergent from adhering to such as.

In another example, a rotating shaft 32 is provided parallel to the direction in which the detergent tank 15 is taken in and out of the detergent tank storage part 14, and the rotation shaft 32 is provided in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the detergent tank 15 is taken in and out of the detergent tank storage part 14. The float 30 may be configured to rotate. As a result, when the detergent tank 30 is moved in and out of the detergent tank storage part 14, the float 30 can effectively cancel the waves generated in the direction of moving the detergent tank 30 in and out. It is possible to prevent the liquid detergent from adhering to the fitting part of the detergent tank 15, and to prevent the liquid detergent from spilling out of the detergent tank 15 when the user refills the detergent tank 15 with the liquid detergent. When the cleaning tank 1 is moved in and out of the housing 2, the float 30 can cancel the waves generated in the direction of moving the tank 1 in and out. It can prevent detergent from sticking.

[Structure of Check Valve and Detergent Supply Path]
As shown in FIG. 9, the detergent discharge port 152 of the detergent tank 15 has a tank side check valve 151 at the left end of the detergent tank bottom. That is, a detergent discharge port 152 is provided at the tip of the tank-side check valve 151 , and the detergent in the detergent tank 15 is discharged from the detergent discharge port 152 . FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of the detergent tank 15 in the process of being stored in or pulled out of the detergent tank storage section 14, and FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the detergent tank 15 and main body side check valve 141 in FIG.

On the other hand, the detergent tank housing portion 14 has a body side check valve 141 with which the tank side check valve 151 of the detergent discharge port 152 is engaged. Here, the body side check valve 141 and the detergent pump 16 are connected at the end opposite to the end that engages with the tank side check valve 151 . When the body side check valve 141 of the detergent tank housing portion 14 is engaged with the tank side check valve 151 and the claw 158 engages with the claw receiving portion on the inner surface of the detergent tank housing portion 14, the detergent tank 15 is closed. Part 14
Completed storage.

As shown in FIG. 10, when the detergent tank 15 is not housed in the detergent tank housing portion 14, the body side check valve 141 and the tank side check valve 151 are independent. At this time, the body-side check valve 141 and the tank-side check valve 151 are independent of each other because the detergent is blocked at the tips of the check valves by ring-shaped packings attached to the tips of the check valve inner cylinders. It is configured so that the detergent does not leak in the state. A detailed description will be given below with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 18 is a side sectional view of the tank-side check valve 151 and body-side check valve 141 when only the tips of the outer cylinders are energized. FIG. 19 is a side cross-sectional view when the inner cylinders of the tank-side check valve 151 and the body-side check valve 141 are biased and sealed. FIG. 20 is a side cross-sectional view when the detergent flow path is opened between the tank-side check valve 151 and the body-side check valve 141 and the engagement is completed.

The tank-side check valve 151 and the body-side check valve 141 are cylindrical, and each have an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder covered with the outer cylinder.

First, the inner cylinder 502 and the outer cylinder 501 of the tank side check valve 151 will be described. A ring-shaped packing 504 is attached to the tip of the inner cylinder 502 of the tank-side check valve 151, and the inner cylinder 502 of the tank-side check valve 151 and the inner cylinder 502 of the tank-side check valve 151 are connected to each other. The ring-shaped packing 504 is in close contact to seal. Since the diameter of the inner surface of the outer cylinder 501 of the tank-side check valve 151 is basically larger than the diameter of the outer surface of the inner cylinder 502 of the tank-side check valve 151, the outer cylinder 501 and the inner cylinder 502 A hollow passageway 505 is formed between them. However, in the independent state of the tank side check valve 151, the ring-shaped packing 504 provided at the tip of the inner cylinder 502 of the tank side check valve 151 contacts the inner surface of the outer cylinder 501 of the tank side check valve 151. Since the inner surface of the outer cylinder of the tank side check valve 151 has a depression 503 that narrows in the direction of the center of the diameter only at the part of , the packing is in close contact only when the check valve is independent. do.

A passage 505 between the outer cylinder 501 and the inner cylinder 502 of the tank-side check valve 151 is filled with liquid detergent. The detergent filling between the passages 505 is blocked in front of the recess 503 and the ring-shaped packing 504 when the check valve is independent. The inner cylinder 502 of the tank-side check valve 151 is provided with an elastic body such as a spring. Thus, the inner cylinder of the tank side check valve 151 expands and contracts.

On the other hand, the inner cylinder 402 of the body side check valve 141 shown in FIG. 10 is hollow inside, and the liquid detergent is stored in the hollow part of the inner cylinder. In the independent state of the body-side check valve 141, only the tip portion 142 of the inner cylinder 402 is visible. The inner cylinder 402 of the body-side check valve 141 has a detergent inlet hole 403 on a part of the side surface. The detergent inflow hole 403 and the hollow portion of the inner cylinder 402 of the body side check valve 141 communicate with each other. A ring-shaped packing 404 is attached to the inner cylinder 402 of the body side check valve 141 at the tip of the detergent inflow hole 403, and the inner surface of the body side check valve 141 outer cylinder 401 and the body side check valve 141 are connected. Sealing is achieved by close contact with the ring-shaped packing 404 of the inner cylinder 402 of the valve 141 . Here, two ring-shaped packings 404 are provided and arranged on both sides of the detergent inflow hole 403, respectively. Therefore, when the check valve is independent, the detergent filling the vicinity of the detergent inflow hole 403 is blocked in front of the packing. The outer cylinder 401 of the body side check valve 141 is provided with an elastic body such as a spring. , the outer cylinder of the body side check valve 141 expands and contracts.

Next, the movement of the check valves when the tank-side check valve 151 and the body-side check valve 141 are engaged will be described. When the detergent tank 15 is inserted into the detergent tank storage portion 14, first, as shown in FIG. 18, the outer cylinder 501 of the tank side check valve 151 and the outer cylinder 401 of the main body side check valve 141 are fitted. The outer cylinder 501 of the tank-side check valve 151 pushes the outer cylinder 401 of the body-side check valve 141 to contract.

When the detergent tank 15 is further inserted, the outer cylinder 401 of the body side check valve 141 is further shrunk, and the outer cylinder 401 is pushed deeper than the ring-shaped packing 404 at the tip of the inner cylinder 402, and the body side check valve is closed. Detergent inlet hole 403 at 141 is exposed (see FIG. 19). At the same time, the inner cylinder 402 of the main body side check valve 141 pushes the inner cylinder 502 of the tank side check valve 151 and shrinks it, so that the ring-shaped packing 504 at the tip of the inner cylinder 502 of the tank side check valve 151 , the tank side check valve 151 is pushed back to the front side of the recess 503 of the outer cylinder 501, so the liquid detergent between the outer cylinder of the tank side check valve 151 and the inner cylinder of the tank side check valve 151 A passageway 505 filled with is revealed.

When the detergent tank 15 is completely inserted, the detergent inflow hole 403 exposed from the check valve 141 on the main body side communicates with the path 505 filled with the detergent pushed back and exposed, and the tank side reverses. The liquid detergent filling the stop valve 151 flows into the detergent inflow hole 403 of the body side check valve 141, and the liquid detergent is supplied to the body (see FIG. 20). In this way, when the inserted detergent tank 15 is stored in the detergent tank storage portion 14 by the engagement between the body side check valve 141 and the tank side check valve 151, the detergent tank is stored from the detergent discharge port 152. A route for transferring the liquid detergent to the part 14 side is constructed.

Next, a method of sealing check valves will be described. When the tank side check valve 151 is pushed in, the outer cylinder 401 of the body side check valve is pushed and shrinks, and the ring-shaped packing 404 provided at the tip of the body side check valve 141 protrudes. The protruding ring-shaped packing 404 is pressed against the inner surface of the outer cylinder 501 of the tank side check valve 151 that has been pushed in and extended, thereby sealing the check valves (see FIGS. 19 and 20). ). Here, two ring-shaped packings 404 are provided at the tip of the main body side check valve 141. In particular, the ring-shaped packing provided on the far side in the depth direction of the detergent tank 15 is As the tank-side check valve 151 goes deeper inside the cylindrical hole of the outer cylinder 501, the inner diameter of the cylindrical hole becomes smaller than that of the inlet, and the cylindrical hole is formed in a tapered shape.

When the inner diameter of the cylindrical hole is reduced to a certain inner diameter, the inner diameter becomes constant. When the ring-shaped packing 404 provided on the far side reaches a position where the inner diameter of the cylindrical hole becomes constant, the inner diameter of the cylindrical hole of the outer cylinder 501 becomes smaller than the diameter of the packing 404. and the packing is forced into a hole with a diameter smaller than its own diameter. In this manner, the outer cylinder 501 of the tank-side check valve 151 and the inner cylinder 401 of the body-side check valve 141 are pressed and sealed. A vacuum is maintained between the valves of the sealed check valves.

Here, when the range in which the inner diameter of the cylindrical hole of the outer cylinder 501 of the tank-side check valve 151 is constant is wide, or when the tip of the inner surface of the outer cylinder 501 is Alternatively, if the tank side check valve 151 is configured at a small angle, the tank side check valve 151 is pushed into the body side check valve 141 and immediately energized to form a vacuum state, so that the tank side check valve 151 is pushed in. soon the valves become difficult to separate from each other. According to this configuration, even if the pushing force when inserting the detergent tank 15 is weak, detergent leakage can be prevented because the valves are biased together.

As described above, the body side check valve presses and seals the tank side check valve, so that the detergent tank 15 is inserted into the detergent tank housing portion 14, and the body side check valve 141 and the tank side check valve are closed. Even when the detergent is passing between the valve 151, it is possible to prevent the detergent from leaking out from between the two check valves.

The configuration of this sealing portion is not limited to the above example, and may be configured such that the range in which the inner diameter of the cylindrical hole is constant is narrow. Alternatively, the tip of the inner side surface of the outer cylinder 501 may be configured so as to widen toward the inner side with a large angle. Alternatively, a hole for releasing the vacuum state may be provided at the tip of the inner surface of the outer cylinder 501 of the tank-side check valve 151 . In these cases, the tank side check valve 151 is pushed into the main body side check valve 141 and does not immediately reach the range where the inner diameter of the cylindrical hole is constant. The valves are not biased against each other. According to this configuration, the detergent tank 15 can be removed immediately when the detergent tank 15 is to be removed, or when the detergent tank 15 is to be temporarily placed without being completely inserted, so handling is easy.

[Lock configuration of tank side check valve]
According to this embodiment, the tank-side check valve 151 is detachable, and the tank-side check valve 151 is fitted in an in-tank receiving port 159 in the detergent tank 15 .

Since the tank-side check valve 151 is detachable as described above, the user can optionally wash it. In particular, the tank-side check valve 151 has a mesh-like foreign matter trapping portion inside, and after foreign matter and dust are removed by this mesh, the detergent is supplied to the main body-side check valve 141. there is Therefore, the user can not only keep the check valve itself clean, but also remove foreign matter from the foreign matter trapping portion by removing the tank side check valve 151 from the detergent tank 15 .

After the tank-side check valve 151 is removed from the detergent tank 15, when the check valve is returned to the detergent tank 15, the tank-side check valve 151 is rotated like a cap to close the check valve to the detergent tank 15. The detergent is prevented from leaking from between the tank-side check valve 151 and the in-tank receiving port 159 by closing and fixing it against. The tank-side check valve 151 being fixed and closed with respect to the in-tank receiving port 159 in this manner is hereinafter referred to as the check valve being locked.

In the unlikely event that the user forgets to lock the tank side check valve 151 after removing it, inserts the detergent tank 15 into the detergent tank housing portion 14, and then pulls out the detergent tank housing portion 14, the tank side check valve 151 will be closed. The valve 151 comes off and the detergent leaks out.

This locking mechanism is achieved by fitting between an inclined projection 160 provided on the tank side check valve 151 and a projection fitting hole provided at the tip of the in-tank receiving port 159 . The inclined projection 160 is a projection having a gradient in the radial direction, and the inclined projection 160 rotates from a lower gradient to a higher gradient. On the other hand, the protrusion fitting hole has a slope from high to low at the end of the hole in the direction of rotation of the sloped protrusion 160 , which is opposite to the slope of the sloped protrusion 160 . When the height of the increasing radial gradient of the inclined projection 160 exceeds the decreasing radial height of the projection fitting hole, the inclined projection 160 can no longer rotate. Since the tank side check valve 151 does not move in the rotational direction, the depth direction, and the vertical direction, the tank side check valve 151 is fixed to the in-tank receiving opening 159 .

The tank side check valve 151 may be closed by the user himself or may be configured to be automatically locked when the detergent tank is inserted and set as described below. With an automatic locking mechanism, even if the user forgets to close the check valve and inserts the detergent tank, the check valve will automatically lock when inserted. Thus, it is possible to prevent the detergent from leaking out from between the tank-side check valve 151 and the in-tank receiving port 159 .

Specifically, in order to rotate the inclined projection 160, a part of the outer surface of the tank side check valve 151 and a part of the inside of the detergent tank housing portion 14 may be in contact with each other.

In this embodiment, a valve tip projection 157 is provided at the detergent discharge port 152 at the tip of the tank side check valve 151, and by rotating the valve tip projection 157, the tank side check valve 151 as a whole moves along with the inclined projection 160. Rotate.

One or more valve tip protrusions 157 may be provided, but in the present embodiment, a plurality of valve tip protrusions 157 are provided. Specifically, two nozzles are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the detergent discharge port 152 at positions separated by approximately 180°. Since two valve tip projections 157 are provided, when the user inserts the tank side check valve 151, it is fitted at two locations. The probability of doing so is doubled, and the effort required for insertion can be reduced. Of course, the number of valve tip protrusions 157 may be two or more.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the valve tip projection 157 is perpendicular to the outer surface of the cylindrical tank-side check valve 151 and has a flat surface extending in the radial direction. It is formed in a flat plate shape. The flat plate of the valve tip protrusion 157 is rectangular, and of the two outer corners in the radial direction of the rectangle, the rear corner is rounded to abut on a portion of the detergent tank housing portion 14. There is.

According to the present embodiment, the valve tip projection 157 rotates by contacting a part of the inner surface of the detergent tank housing portion 14 . Specifically, protruding ribs are provided on the inner surface of the detergent tank housing portion 14 . This rib causes the valve tip projection 157 to rotate.

11 is a schematic front view of the detergent tank 15 before the tank-side check valve 151 is installed, and FIG. 12 is a schematic front view of the detergent tank 15 with the tank-side check valve 151 installed. In this manner, the tank side check valve 151 is attached and detached.

When the valve tip projection 157 rotates due to the rib, if the rib is formed in a shape that follows the shape of the tip of the tank side check valve, the tank side check valve 151 and the valve tip projection 157 can rotate even while rotating. Smooth insertion is possible.

In this embodiment, the detergent discharge port 152 is cylindrical, so the inner surface of the rib is curved along the cylindrical shape. Furthermore, the action of pushing the tank-side check valve 151 and the action of the valve tip projection 157 coming into contact with the rib occur at the same time. That is, since the valve tip projection 157 needs to rotate while proceeding to the inner side, the rib is formed in a three-dimensional spiral shape that curves more as it advances to the inner side. The helical rib 143 has a helical stepped portion 144 and a curved inner surface 145 .

When the detergent tank 15 is inserted into the detergent tank housing portion 14 , it slides to the back side, and at the same time, the valve tip protrusion 157 rotates while contacting the spiral rib 143 . In particular, the helical rib 143 has a stepped portion 144 in a helical shape that widens toward the end as it curves downward as it goes deeper in the depth direction. Therefore, when the tank-side check valve 151 is pushed in, the valve tip projection 157 positioned upward is guided to rotate downward while coming into contact with the diverging spiral step 144 . When the valve tip projection 157 reaches the rear end of the spiral rib 143, the inclined projection 160 finishes rotating to the position where it fits into the projection fitting hole, so the tank side check valve 151 is inserted into the tank receiving port 159. locked.

In other words, the helical rib 143 is arranged so that the far end of the helical rib 143 is positioned when the tank-side check valve 151 is in a position to be biased by the body-side check valve 141 . In this embodiment, the spiral rib 143 is formed on the inner surface of the detergent tank housing portion 14 on the front side in the dishwasher and on the back side in the depth direction of the detergent tank.

The manner in which the detergent tank 15 is inserted and the spiral rib 143 rotates is shown in the order of FIGS. 13, 14, and 7, for example.

13 is a perspective view immediately before the valve tip protrusion 157 comes into contact with the front end of the spiral rib 143 and is guided by the step 144 to rotate downward. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the valve tip protrusion 157 contacting the step 144 and being guided to rotate downward. 15 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the tank side check valve 151 and the spiral rib 143. As shown in FIG.

If the tank side check valve 151 is automatically closed with respect to the detergent tank 15 at the same time when the detergent tank 15 is inserted into the detergent tank housing portion 14 in this way, the insertion of the check valve by the user is eliminated. It is possible to prevent the detergent from leaking out from between the tank side check valve 151 and the in-tank receiving port 159 even when it is too sweet or when the detergent is inserted without being closed.

In the present embodiment, the tank-side check valve 151 is configured to be automatically locked by rotating the valve tip projection 157. , but not limited to this. For example, at the same time as the tank side check valve 151 is pushed in, it may be fitted into a fitting portion provided in the in-tank receiving port 159 with one touch and locked. It may be rotated by different means, such as providing some type of screw.

In the present embodiment, after the tank side check valve 151 is locked and liquid detergent does not leak from the detergent tank 15, the tank side check valve 151 and the main body side check valve 141 are engaged. energized. However, this order may be arranged differently.

[Regarding the control method of the cleaning equipment]
The control device 19 is implemented by hardware such as a microcomputer, microcontroller, integrated circuit, or the like.

The control device 19 includes a process control unit, a detection result acquisition unit, a liquid level determination unit, a detergent tank storage determination unit, a liquid supply control unit, a notification unit, a standing time acquisition unit, a liquid supply target amount determination unit, a memory, and the like. . These configurations are implemented in terms of hardware by a CPU, memory, other LSIs, etc. of any computer, and in terms of software, by programs loaded in the memory, etc. It depicts the functional blocks implemented by Therefore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that these functional blocks can be implemented in various forms, such as hardware only or a combination of hardware and software.

The process controller controls the washing operation of the dishwasher. The process control unit receives instructions from the user from the operation unit of the dishwasher, and controls the washing operation according to the instructions. The process control unit may continuously execute the washing process, the rinsing process, and the drying process, or may execute only one of the processes, or may perform a combination of any two or more processes in any order. can be run with

The detection result acquisition unit acquires the detection result of the magnetic sensor from the magnetic sensor. As described above, the magnetic sensor detects the magnetism of the magnetic material provided on the float 30 .

The liquid level determination unit determines the liquid level of the liquid detergent stored in the detergent tank 15 based on the detection result acquired by the detection result acquisition unit. The liquid level determination unit, for example, determines the position of the magnetic material based on the magnetism detected by the plurality of Hall elements installed at different positions, and determines the liquid level of the liquid detergent based on the determined position of the magnetic material. may

The detergent tank housing determination unit determines whether or not the detergent tank 15 is housed in the detergent tank housing unit 14 based on the detection result acquired by the detection result acquisition unit. The detergent tank housing determination unit determines that the detergent tank 15 is stored in the detergent tank storage unit 14 when the detection result acquisition unit acquires a detection result indicating that the magnetic sensor has detected the magnetism of the magnetic material. do. The detergent tank storage determination unit determines that the detergent tank 15 is not stored in the detergent tank storage unit 14 when the detection result acquisition unit acquires a detection result indicating that the magnetic sensor did not detect the magnetism of the magnetic material. I judge.

The liquid-sending controller controls the detergent pump 16 to send the liquid detergent stored in the detergent tank 15 to the cleaning tank 1 . As will be described later, the liquid-feeding controller controls the detergent pump 16 so that the amount of liquid detergent determined by the target liquid-feeding-amount determining section is supplied to the cleaning tank 1 . When the feeding of the amount of liquid detergent determined by the target liquid feeding amount determining section is completed, the liquid feeding control section records the liquid feeding end time in the memory.

When the detergent tank storage determination unit determines that the detergent tank 15 is not stored in the detergent tank storage unit 14, the liquid supply control unit operates the detergent pump so as not to supply the liquid detergent from the detergent tank 15 to the washing tank 1. 16. As a result, it is possible to prevent the cleaning process from being performed without the detergent being supplied to the cleaning tank 1 . In addition, air is sent into the flow path of the liquid detergent from the detergent tank 15 to the cleaning tank 1, and the target amount of detergent to be sent is not properly supplied to the cleaning tank 1 when cleaning is performed from the next time onwards. can prevent

[Effects of Embodiment 1, etc.]
According to the cleaning device according to Embodiment 1, the following effects can be obtained.

A dishwasher according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure includes a housing 2, a washing tank 1 provided in the housing 2 and containing an object to be washed, and a liquid detergent supplied to the washing tank 1 for storing The detergent tank 15 can be put in and taken out of the detergent tank storage part 14 in the housing 2, and the detergent tank 15 has a tank side check valve 151 that prevents the detergent from leaking, The detergent tank housing portion 14 has a main body side check valve 141 that prevents the detergent from leaking. The tank side check valve 151 is fixed to the detergent tank 15 by rotating the tank side check valve 151 with a part of the inner surface of the tank housing portion 14 abutting thereon.

With such a configuration, even if the detergent tank 15 can be put in and taken out, it is possible to prevent the detergent from leaking out from between the detergent tank side and the main body side. Therefore, even when the user puts in and takes out the detergent tank 15, it can be used without disturbing the user by staining the surroundings. In addition, since the check valve is automatically locked when the detergent tank 15 is stored, the user may insert the detergent tank 15 without forgetting to close the check valve. Even if the stop valve is not closed, the detergent is prevented from leaking from between the tank side check valve 151 and the in-tank receiving port 159 by automatically closing and fixing the check valve at the time of insertion. can be prevented.

In the dishwasher according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, when detergent tank 15 is inserted into detergent tank storage portion 14, tank side check valve 151 is fixed to detergent tank 15, and detergent tank 15 The passage for supplying the detergent to the main body of the washing tank 1 is opened, and the check valve 14 on the main body side is opened.
1, the tank side check valve 151 is pressed and sealed.

With such a configuration, even when the detergent tank 15 is inserted into the detergent tank housing portion 14 and the detergent is passing between the body side check valve 141 and the tank side check valve 151, both check valves are closed. It is possible to prevent the detergent from leaking out from between.

In the dishwasher according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, the tank-side check valve 151 is removable from the detergent tank 15, and when the detergent tank 15 is inserted to a predetermined position in the detergent tank housing portion 14, the check valve 151 is removed. , the tank-side check valve 151 is fixed to the detergent tank 15 .

With such a configuration, the user can arbitrarily remove the tank side check valve 151 and wash it. In addition, if an automatic locking mechanism is used, even if the user forgets to close the check valve and inserts the detergent tank, the check valve will be automatically locked when the user inserts it. As a result, the detergent can be prevented from leaking from between the tank-side check valve 151 and the in-tank receiving port 159 .

In the dishwasher according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, tank-side check valve 151 has detergent discharge port 152 at its tip, and projection 157 is provided on the outer periphery of detergent discharge port 152 .

With such a configuration, the tank-side check valve 151 is closed with respect to the detergent tank 15 by rotating the tank-side check valve 151 when the protrusion 157 and a part of the inner surface of the detergent tank housing portion 14 come into contact with each other. be able to. By adopting the configuration with the protrusion, even a small tank side check valve 151 can be easily installed, and an automatic locking configuration can be used without adding a new space or a large configuration.

In the dishwasher according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, a plurality of projections 157 are provided on the outer periphery of detergent discharge port 152 .

With such a configuration, when the user inserts the tank-side check valve 151, the protrusions and a part of the inner surface of the detergent tank housing portion 14 come into contact with each other at a plurality of points. Even if it is inserted into the in-tank receiving port 159 without checking the orientation, the probability of contact is increased compared to the case of a single projection, and the trouble of inserting and the time required for locking can be reduced.

In the dishwasher according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, ribs 143 protruding from the inner surface of detergent tank housing portion 14 are provided, and when detergent tank 15 is inserted into detergent tank housing portion 14, protrusions 157 are formed on ribs 143. The protrusion 157 is rotated to a predetermined position by being inserted while abutting.

With such a configuration, the check valve is automatically locked when the user inserts the detergent tank 15 into the detergent tank housing portion 14 . Since the ribs 143 protrude from the inner surface of the detergent tank housing portion 14, the external design can be used without any sense of incongruity, and there is no need to add a new space or structure.

In the dishwasher according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, tank-side check valve 151 is fixed to detergent tank 15 when projection 157 rotates to a predetermined position.

With such a configuration, when the user inserts the detergent tank 15 into the detergent tank housing portion 14, the tank side check valve 151 is completely closed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the detergent from leaking from between the tank side check valve 151 and the in-tank receiving port 159 .

In the dishwasher according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, rib 143 is formed in a shape along the tip shape of tank-side check valve 151 , and projection 157 is rotated by rib 143 .

With such a configuration, the user can smoothly push in the detergent tank 15 when inserting the detergent tank 15 without worrying that the rib and the tip shape of the tank side check valve 151 are caught or stuck.

In the dishwasher according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, the tip of tank-side check valve 151 is cylindrical, and inner surface 145 of rib 143 is curved along the tip of tank-side check valve 151. When the detergent tank 15 is inserted into the detergent tank housing portion 14, the tank side check valve 151 slides on the inner side surface 145 of the rib 143 while the rib 143 and the projection 157 are in contact with each other, and the projection 157 rotates. The terminal end of the rib 143 is reached at the same time as the end.

With such a configuration, the user can smoothly push in the detergent tank 15 when inserting the detergent tank 15 without worrying that the rib and the tip shape of the tank side check valve 151 are caught or stuck.

(Embodiment 2)
Embodiment 2 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. FIG. Note that the general configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, so the description is omitted.

[Structure around the detergent tank]
FIG. 16 is a front cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the detergent tank 15 when the detachable tray 200 is arranged under the bottom surface of the detergent tank 15. FIG. FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view of the vicinity of the detergent tank 15 when the tray 200 is arranged.

In Embodiment 2, the dishwasher includes a plate-like tray 200 on the bottom surface of the detergent tank 15 inside the detergent tank housing portion 14 . By providing the tray 200, even if the detergent leaks from the detergent tank 15, the check valve, or the receiving port 159 in the tank, the detergent can be received by the tray without dripping inside the dishwasher. Moreover, although it is difficult for the user to wipe off the detergent that has leaked into the dishwasher 1, the tray 200 allows the user to easily wipe off the detergent.

Of course, when the tray 200 is provided, it is not necessary to use a dishwasher equipped with a detachable check valve as in the first embodiment. Also, it is useful for cleaning the bottom of the detergent tank 15 and keeping it clean.

The edge of the tray 200 has a plurality of steps. Particularly, in this embodiment, the edge of the tray 200 has three heights, namely, a first height 201 , a second height 202 and a third height 203 . A third height 203 located on the back side in the depth direction is the highest, followed by a second height 202 located in the middle, and a first height 201 located on the frontmost side is the lowest. These rims are provided on both sides of the tray.

Experiments have shown that if the edges of the tray 200 are configured to have a uniform height to engage the detergent tank 15, the tray 200 sticks and is pulled out together when the detergent tank 15 is pulled out. found out by Therefore, by configuring the edge of the tray with a plurality of heights as in the present embodiment, when the detergent tank 15 is pulled out, the tray 200 is unintentionally pulled out together with the detergent tank 15. can be suppressed.

In addition, the side edge on the far side sandwiched between the two third heights 203 provided on both sides of the tray 200 is
The tip of the tank side check valve 151 is configured to fit. In this embodiment, since the tip of the tank side check valve 151 has a cylindrical shape, a curved edge 204 is formed on the side surface on the far side, so that the tip of the tank side check valve 151 can be easily fitted. has been

Additionally, the tray 200 may be formed with a helical rib 143 that rotates the valve tip projection 157 . In particular, it may be provided on one side of the second height 202 or the third height 203 so that the valve tip projection 157 is rotated when the detergent tank 15 is stored. Further, when the spiral rib 143 is provided on the edge of the tray 200, the rib 143 does not have to be spiral, and may be a protrusion having a shape that allows the valve tip protrusion 157 to rotate.

However, the present invention is not limited to these examples, and the spiral rib 143 may have any configuration as long as the valve tip protrusion 157 can be rotated. Moreover, when there are a plurality of valve tip protrusions, any configuration may be employed as long as one or more of the plurality of protrusions can be rotated.

[Effects of Embodiment 2, etc.]
According to the cleaning device according to Embodiment 2, the following effects can be obtained.

A dishwasher according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure includes a housing 2, a washing tank 1 provided in the housing 2 and containing an object to be washed, and a liquid detergent supplied to the washing tank 1 for storing The detergent tank 15 can be put in and taken out of the detergent tank storage part 14 in the housing 2, and the detergent tank storage part 14 has a plate-shaped tray 200 on the bottom surface, and the detergent tank 15 is placed on the tray 200 .

With such a configuration, even if the detergent leaks from the detergent tank 15 or the check valve, the detergent can be received by the tray without dripping inside the dishwasher. Although it is difficult for the user to wipe off the detergent that has leaked into the dishwasher 1, the tray 200 allows the user to easily wipe off the detergent and perform periodic cleaning.

In the dishwasher according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, the tray 200 is detachable, and the edge height is formed in multiple stages.

With such a configuration, even if the detergent leaks from the detergent tank 15 or the check valve, the detergent can be received by the tray 200 without dripping into the dishwasher. Moreover, when the tray 200 becomes dirty, the user can pull out the tray 200 and easily wipe off or clean the tray 200 . Even if the detergent leaks into the tray 200, it is possible to prevent the detergent from leaking out of the tray because the edges have a height.

In the dishwasher according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, the edge of tray 200 rises toward the depth side in the depth direction of detergent tank 15 .

With such a configuration, even if the detergent leaks into the tray 200, the edges are high enough to prevent the detergent from leaking out of the tray. Further, since the tray 200 is configured such that the rear edge of the tray 200 is raised, it is possible to prevent the tray 200 from being unintentionally pulled out together with the detergent tank 15 when the detergent tank 15 is pulled forward. can do.

In the dishwasher according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, ribs 143 are provided on the edge of tray 200 .

With such a configuration, the projection 157 can be configured to rotate when the detergent tank 15 is retracted. In the case of such a configuration, even if there is not enough space between the detergent tank housing portion 14 and the detergent tank 15, the tank side check valve 151 is automatically locked by providing the rib 143 on the tray 200. can be installed.

Although the present invention has been fully described in connection with preferred embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings, various variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications are to be included therein insofar as they do not depart from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Note that the above-described embodiment is for illustrating the technology in the present disclosure, and various changes, replacements, additions, omissions, etc. can be made within the scope of the claims or equivalents thereof.

The present disclosure is applicable to cleaning devices that can use detergents. Specifically, the present disclosure is applicable to small dishwashers placed on a table, large dishwashers incorporated in system kitchens, washing machines, and the like.

1 washing tank 1a opening 2 housing 3 door 4 handle 5 first rail 6 second rail 7 basket 8 tableware 9 circulation pump 10 heater 11 washing nozzle 12 side wall 13 front space 14 detergent tank storage 15 detergent Tank 16 Detergent pump 17 Cleaning tank detergent discharge port 18 Cleaning tank side detergent discharge path 19 Control device 23 Flat portion 24 Operation portion 25 Display portion 30 Float 31 Cover 32 Rotation shaft 33 Arm 34 Protruding portion 35 Message portion 36 Stopper rib 37 Top surface Projection 38 Stepped portion 141 Body side check valve 142 Tip of inner cylinder 143 Spiral rib 144 Stepped portion 145 Inner surface 151 Tank side check valve 152 Detergent discharge port 153 Detergent input port 154 Detergent lid 155 Tank handle 156 Input Auxiliary slope 157 Valve tip projection 158 Claw 159 In-tank receiving port 160 Inclined projection 200 Tray 201 First height portion 202 Second height portion 203 Third height portion 204 Curved edge 401 Main body side check valve 141 Outer cylinder 402 Inner cylinder of body side check valve 141 403 Detergent inflow hole 404 Ring-shaped packing 501 Outer cylinder of tank side check valve 151 502 Inner cylinder of tank side check valve 151 503 Hollow 504 Ring-shaped packing 505 Passage

Claims (15)

a housing;
a cleaning tank provided in the housing and containing an object to be cleaned;
a detergent tank for storing the liquid detergent supplied to the washing tank;
with
The detergent tank can be put in and taken out of a detergent tank storage part in the housing,
The detergent tank has a tank-side check valve that prevents the detergent from leaking,
The detergent tank storage part has a main body side check valve that prevents detergent from leaking,
When the detergent tank is inserted into the detergent tank housing portion, a portion of the outer surface of the tank side check valve and a portion of the inner surface of the detergent tank housing portion abut to rotate the tank side check valve. a dishwasher, wherein the tank-side check valve is fixed with respect to the detergent tank by When the detergent tank is inserted into the detergent tank storage portion, the tank side check valve is fixed to the detergent tank and opens a passage for supplying detergent from the detergent tank to the washing tank. , the main body side check valve presses and seals the tank side check valve;
A dishwasher according to claim 1. The tank-side check valve is removable from the detergent tank,
3. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the tank side check valve is fixed to the detergent tank when the detergent tank is inserted to a predetermined position in the detergent tank housing. The tank-side check valve has a detergent discharge port at its tip, and a protrusion is provided on the outer periphery of the detergent discharge port.
A dishwasher according to any one of claims 1-3. A plurality of the protrusions are provided on the outer periphery of the detergent discharge port,
A dishwasher according to any one of claims 1-4. A protruding rib is provided on the inner surface of the detergent tank housing,
When the detergent tank is inserted into the detergent tank storage portion, the projection is inserted while being in contact with the rib, thereby rotating the projection to a predetermined position.
A dishwasher according to any one of claims 1-5. When the protrusion rotates to a predetermined position, the tank-side check valve is fixed to the detergent tank.
A dishwasher according to any one of claims 1-6. The detergent tank storage part has a plate-shaped tray on the bottom,
The detergent tank is installed on the tray,
A dishwasher according to any one of claims 1-7. The tray is detachable, and the height of the edge is formed in multiple stages,
A dishwasher according to any one of claims 1-8. 10. The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the edge of the tray rises toward the depth side with respect to the depth direction of the detergent tank. The rib is provided on the edge of the tray,
Dishwasher according to any one of claims 1-10. The rib is formed in a shape along the tip shape of the tank side check valve,
the protrusion is rotated by the rib;
Dishwasher according to any one of claims 1-11. The tip of the tank side check valve is cylindrical,
The inner surface of the rib is formed in a curved shape along the tip of the tank-side check valve,
When the detergent tank is inserted into the detergent tank housing portion, the tank-side check valve slides on the inner surface of the rib while the rib and the projection are in contact with each other, and the projection stops rotating. reaching the ends of said ribs at the same time;
Dishwasher according to any one of claims 1-12. The rib is formed in a three-dimensional spiral shape, and has a stepped portion in a spiral shape that widens toward the end as it curves downward as it goes deeper in the depth direction of the detergent tank,
When the detergent tank is inserted into the detergent tank storage part, the projection is guided downward while being in contact with the spiral stepped part, and when the projection rotates to a predetermined position, the The tank-side check valve is fixed with respect to the detergent tank,
14. Dishwasher according to claim 13. a housing;
a cleaning tank provided in the housing and containing an object to be cleaned;
a detergent tank for storing the liquid detergent supplied to the washing tank;
with
The detergent tank can be put in and taken out of a detergent tank storage part in the housing,
The detergent tank storage part has a plate-shaped tray on the bottom,
A dishwasher, wherein the detergent tank is installed above the tray.

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