JP3869508B2 - Dishwasher - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a tableware washing apparatus that performs a washing and rinsing process of an object to be washed in a washing room, and particularly relates to an apparatus that uses alkaline water as washing water.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, this type of tableware washing machine is provided with a washing nozzle and a rinsing nozzle, which are rotatably disposed above and below the washing chamber formed in the upper part of the main body, as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 61-36209 (A47L15 / 42). And it is comprised so that the washing | cleaning process and the rinsing process of dishes (to-be-washed | cleaned object), such as a plate and a bowl, accommodated in the washing | cleaning chamber between these may be performed.
[0003]
Here, as the washing water used in the washing step, about 0.2% of an alkaline detergent is conventionally added to tap water, and this washing water is drained as it is. The problem was raised.
Therefore, in recent years, it has been considered that alkaline water (about pH 11) is used as washing water as disclosed in, for example, JP-A-6-296572 (A47L15 / 00). If such alkaline water is used, since the cleaning water itself exhibits a cleaning effect, it becomes possible to abolish the detergent, and it can be expected that environmental problems will be effectively solved.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when tap water used during the rinsing process is mixed into the alkaline clean water used during the cleaning process, the alkalinity is lowered (that is, the pH is lowered) and the cleaning ability is reduced. . In particular, when acidic water is used as the rinse water as in the latter publication, and the object to be cleaned is sterilized during the rinse, when the rinse water flows into the cleaning water tank storing the cleaning water, The washing water is neutralized, causing a significant reduction in washing ability.
[0005]
Therefore, in reality, a conveyor system in which the washing area and the rinsing area are separated as in the latter publication must be adopted, and a compact apparatus that performs both the washing and rinsing processes in one washing chamber as in the former publication. It was difficult to apply.
The present invention was made in order to solve the conventional technical problem, and when alkaline water is used as cleaning water, the cleaning ability is reduced due to the mixing of the cleaning water and the rinsing water. Disclosed is a dishwasher that can be prevented.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The dishwashing apparatus of the present invention executes a washing process by circulating washing water and a rinsing process by rinsing water in the washing chamber, and generates electrolytic water that generates alkaline water and acidic water. A cleaning water tank provided at the lower part of the cleaning chamber for storing alkaline water generated by the electrolyzed water generating device, and using the alkaline water in the cleaning water tank as cleaning water in the cleaning process In addition, there is provided switching means for allowing the cleaning water to flow into the cleaning water tank during the cleaning process and preventing the rinse water from flowing into the cleaning water tank during the rinsing process.
[0007]
According to the present invention, the alkaline water generated in the electrolyzed water generator is stored in the washing water tank, and the washing apparatus uses the alkaline water in the washing water tank as the washing water during the washing process. Has a switching means to prevent the rinse water from flowing into the wash water tank and to prevent the rinse water from flowing into the wash water tank during the rinsing process. It becomes possible to prevent the deterioration in advance.
[0008]
Accordingly, the amount of detergent used can be reduced, or the object to be cleaned can be smoothly washed and rinsed in the washing room without using the detergent, thereby realizing a low running cost and the environment. The above problem can be effectively solved.
The dishwashing apparatus of the invention of claim 2 uses the acidic water generated by the electrolyzed water generating apparatus in the rinsing step as rinsing water.
[0009]
According to the invention of claim 2, in addition to the above, the acidic water generated by the electrolyzed water generating device in the rinsing step is used as the rinsing water, so that the object to be cleaned after cleaning can be sterilized. At the same time, it is possible to neutralize the alkaline water adhering to the object to be cleaned, and to avoid inconveniences such as the deterioration of the object to be cleaned or the food deposited on the object caused by the remaining alkaline water in the object to be cleaned. It will be possible.
[0010]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dishwashing apparatus comprising a replenishing means for periodically replenishing the washing water tank with alkaline water, and draining the alkaline water stored in the washing water tank by replenishment by the replenishing means. An overflow pipe is provided in the washing tank, and a neutralization tank for mixing alkaline water flowing out from the overflow pipe and acidic water discharged in the rinsing step is provided .
According to the invention of claim 3, in addition to the above, a replenishing means for periodically replenishing the washing water tank with alkaline water is provided, and the alkaline water stored in the washing water tank is drained by replenishment by the replenishing means. Since an overflow pipe is provided in the washing tank and a neutralization tank for mixing the alkaline water flowing out from the overflow pipe and the acidic water discharged in the rinsing process is provided, the alkaline water in the washing water tank is always clean. It is possible to prevent the deterioration of the cleaning ability due to the contamination of the cleaning water while maintaining the state, and neutralize and discharge the alkaline water used for cleaning and the acidic water used for rinsing in the neutralization tank It is possible to solve the environmental problems caused by the use of alkaline water or acidic water .
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a dishwasher DWA according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a schematic longitudinal front view of a dishwasher 1 constituting the dishwasher DWA, and FIG. 3 is a schematic longitudinal side view of the dishwasher 1. ing. The dishwashing apparatus DWA of the present invention includes a dishwasher 1, an electrolyzed water generator 31, and a neutralization tank 42.
[0013]
A washing room 3 is defined in the upper part of the main body 2 of the dishwasher 1 and can be opened and closed by a box-like door 47 that moves up and down around the washing room 3. Reference numeral 48 denotes a handle for opening and closing the door 47 up and down.
An upper cleaning nozzle 4 having a plurality of cleaning nozzle ports for spraying cleaning water downward is rotatably disposed in the upper portion of the cleaning chamber 3. An upper rinse nozzle 5 that rotates concentrically is provided. The upper rinsing nozzle 5 has a plurality of rinsing nozzle ports for injecting rinsing water downward.
[0014]
A lower cleaning nozzle 6 having a plurality of cleaning nozzle ports for spraying cleaning water upward is rotatably disposed in the lower portion of the cleaning chamber 3. Rinse water is directed upward slightly above the lower cleaning nozzle 6. A lower rinsing nozzle 7 having a plurality of rinsing nozzle ports for spraying is disposed concentrically with the lower cleaning nozzle 6.
Further, a rinsing pump 11 for feeding hot rinsing water (strongly acidic water as described later) flowing into the main body 2 from the rinsing water inlet 8 to the upper and lower rinsing nozzles 5 and 7 through the rinsing pipe 9. Is arranged.
[0015]
In addition, a filter 25 is provided in the main body 2 at the lower part of the cleaning chamber 3, and the filter 25 is closed below the filter 25 by an upper plate 13 that is inclined low in the direction of the drain port 12 and heated by an electric heater. A wash water tank 14 is provided, and an overflow pipe 16 is erected in the wash water tank 14. The upper end of the overflow pipe 16 opens at a position where the cleaning water surface of the cleaning water tank 14 is regulated to a predetermined water level, and the lower end is drawn to the outside. The washing water tank 14 is heated by a heater (not shown), thereby warming the washing water stored in the washing water tank 14 (strong alkaline water as described later) to about + 60 ° C.
[0016]
An opening 17 communicating with the lower washing water tank 14 is formed in the upper plate 13 in front of the drain port 12, and this opening 17 is opened and closed by a packing 19 as switching means driven by a solenoid 18. Is done. Further, between the upper and lower cleaning nozzles 4 and 6 and the cleaning water tank 14, the cleaning water of about + 60 ° C. stored in the cleaning water tank 14 is circulated to the upper and lower cleaning nozzles 4 and 6 through the cleaning pipe 20. A cleaning pump 21 is provided.
[0017]
The washing pump 21 communicates with the washing water tank 14 via an electromagnetic valve 22, and further communicates with the washing water inlet 23 through the electromagnetic valve 22. The electromagnetic valve 22 can be switched between a state in which the cleaning water tank 14 and the cleaning pump 21 are in communication and a state in which the cleaning water inlet 23 and the cleaning water tank 14 are in communication.
On the other hand, the electrolyzed water generating device 31 adds an electrolyte such as NaCl from the electrolyte tank 32 to the tap water supplied from the water supply pipe 33 and electrolyzes it, thereby causing strong alkaline water having a pH of 11 or more and about pH 3 or so. Strong acidic water is generated, and the generated strong alkaline water is supplied to the washing water inlet 23 of the dishwasher 1 through the alkaline water pipe 34. Further, the strongly acidic water generated by the electrolyzed water generating device 31 is heated to about + 80 ° C. by a heater (not shown) to be warm water, and then passes through the acidic water pipe 35 to the rinse water inlet 8 of the dishwasher 1. Supplied.
[0018]
Further, in the alkaline water pipe 34, an electromagnetic type scale adhesion preventing device 36 such as a scale watcher is provided. The scale adhesion preventing device 36 applies an electric field to strong alkaline water containing a large amount of calcium ions and the like flowing through the alkaline water pipe 34, so that the alkaline water pipe 34, the washing water tank 14 in the subsequent stage, and the nozzles 4 and 6 In this path, scales (carbonates, etc.) are difficult to precipitate and adhere.
[0019]
On the other hand, the drain port 12 of the dishwasher 1 communicates with the neutralization tank 42 through the pipe 41, and the lower end of the overflow pipe 16 of the washing water tank 14 communicates with the neutralization tank 42 through the pipe 43. . Further, a drain pipe 46 is erected in the neutralization tank 42, and its upper end opens at a position that regulates the water surface of the neutralization tank 42 to a predetermined water level, and its lower end communicates with the outside.
[0020]
Next, the operation of the dishwasher DWA with the above configuration will be described. A control device (not shown) of the dishwasher 1 starts a hot water supply operation simultaneously with turning on the power. In this hot water supply operation, the electromagnetic valve 22 communicates the cleaning water inlet 23 and the cleaning water tank 14, and supplies strong alkaline water into the cleaning water tank 14 from the electrolyzed water generator 31 through the alkaline water pipe 34. Store while heating with a heater. When a detergent is added, a predetermined amount is put into the washing tank at this stage. When the washing water tank 14 becomes full with this hot water supply, the hot water supply operation is stopped and the dishwasher 1 is in a standby state. It becomes.
[0021]
And the tableware as a to-be-cleaned object is accommodated in the washing room 3 of the dishwasher 1 in the standby state with the door 47 opened. And after closing the door 47, the washing | cleaning process demonstrated below is started.
In this cleaning process, the control device drives the packing 19 by the solenoid 18 and opens the opening 17 of the upper plate 13. Further, the washing water tank 14 and the washing pump 21 are communicated by the electromagnetic valve 22. In this state, the control device operates the cleaning pump 21 to circulate cleaning water (strong alkaline water) in the cleaning water tank 14 to the upper and lower cleaning nozzles 4 and 6 through the cleaning pipe 20.
[0022]
And it sprays in the washing | cleaning chamber 3 from the up-and-down washing nozzles 4 and 6, and wash | cleans tableware. The washing water sprayed at this time falls on the upper plate 13 through the filter 25 and flows down in the left direction in FIG. 2 due to the inclination, but since the opening 17 is opened by the packing 19, the washing water is washed from the opening 17. Return to the water tank 14.
Further, since the cleaning water sprayed from the cleaning nozzles 4 and 6 during the cleaning process is strong alkaline water (a small amount of detergent may be mixed) as described above, the stains on the dishes are quickly removed. . And the washing | cleaning process which concerns is complete | finished after performing predetermined time, and the tableware washing machine 1 next rests for predetermined time. As a result, the washing water for the dishes is drained.
[0023]
When this pause time has elapsed, the rinsing process is then started. In this rinsing step, the control device drives the packing 19 by the solenoid 18 and closes the opening 17 of the upper plate 13. Further, the rinsing pump 11 is operated, and rinsing water (strongly acidic warm water) supplied to the rinsing water inlet 8 through the acidic water pipe 35 is passed through the rinsing pipe 9 from the upper and lower rinsing nozzles 5 and 7 into the washing chamber 3. Spray and rinse the dishes.
[0024]
Rinsing water that has fallen on the upper plate 13 via the filter 25 during the rinsing step flows down to the left in FIG. 2 due to the inclination, but the opening 17 is closed by the packing 19, so that the piping from the drain port 12 It flows out to 41 and flows into the neutralization tank 42.
The rinsing process is completed in a predetermined time, and the cleaning of the dishes is completed. Here, the control device periodically switches the electromagnetic valve 22 (for example, every predetermined number of times of cleaning, every predetermined time of cleaning), and communicates the cleaning water inlet 23 and the cleaning water tank 14 from the electrolyzed water generating device 31. Strong alkaline water is replenished into the washing water tank 14 through the alkaline water pipe 34. At this time, the electromagnetic valve 22 constitutes a replenishing means. By such replenishment, the wash water (strong alkaline water) overflowing from the overflow pipe 16 of the wash water tank 14 flows into the pipe 43 and flows into the neutralization tank 42.
[0025]
Here, since strongly acidic rinse water flows from the pipe 41 into the neutralization tank 42, the strongly alkaline washing water flowing from the pipe 43 is mixed with the rinse water in the neutralization tank 42 and neutralized. Will be. Then, the neutralized water overflows from the drain pipe 46 and is discharged to the outside.
Thus, in this invention, the strong alkaline water produced | generated in the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 31 is stored in the washing water tank 14, and the strong alkaline water in this washing water tank 14 is used as washing water during a washing process. Therefore, the cleaning water itself exhibits a cleaning effect. Therefore, even if the amount of detergent to be added to the washing water is reduced, the synergistic effect of the strong alkaline water and the detergent can significantly improve the washing ability, and a low running cost can be realized. Moreover, since it becomes possible to abolish the introduction of the detergent itself, environmental problems can be effectively solved.
[0026]
In particular, since the cleaning water is supplied from the opening 17 to the cleaning water tank 14 during the cleaning process and the opening 17 is closed during the rinsing process to prevent the rinsing water from flowing into the cleaning water tank 14, the packing 19 is provided. It is possible to prevent the cleaning water from being deteriorated due to the rinsing water flowing into the water tank 14.
In the rinsing step, the strongly acidic water generated by the electrolyzed water generating device 31 is used as the rinsing water, so that the object to be cleaned after cleaning can be sterilized and the object to be cleaned The strong alkaline water adhering to the water can be neutralized, and inconveniences such as alteration of the object to be cleaned or food deposited thereon caused by the strong alkaline water remaining on the object to be cleaned can be avoided.
[0027]
Further, since the wash water tank 14 is regularly replenished with strong alkaline water and overflows from the overflow pipe 16 provided in the wash water tank 14, the strong alkaline water in the wash water tank 14 is always cleaned. It is possible to prevent the cleaning performance from being deteriorated due to the contamination of the cleaning water.
Furthermore, since the neutralization tank 42 for mixing the strong alkaline water flowing out from the overflow pipe 16 and the strong acidic water discharged in the rinsing step is provided, the strong alkaline water used for washing and the strong acid used for rinsing are provided. Water can be discharged after being neutralized in the neutralization tank 42, and environmental problems caused by using strong alkaline water or strong acidic water itself can be solved.
[0028]
4 and 5 show another embodiment of the dishwasher 1 constituting the present invention. Here, the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 to 3 are the same. In the above-described embodiment, the upper plate 13 of the cleaning water tank 14 is inclined, and the opening 17 of the upper plate 13 is opened and closed by the packing 19 driven by the solenoid 18, so that the cleaning water flows into the cleaning water tank 14, In this case, the electromagnetic valve 51 (three-way valve) is communicated with the filter 25 via the pipe 52, and one outlet of the electromagnetic valve 51 is connected via the pipe 53. The other outlet is communicated with the pipe 41 through the drain port 12. It is assumed that the upper surface of the cleaning water tank 14 is closed.
[0029]
Then, the controller during the cleaning process causes the cleaning water (strong alkaline water) flowing from the filter 25 to flow into the cleaning water tank 14 from the pipe 53 by the electromagnetic valve 51, and switches the electromagnetic valve 51 during the rinsing process to switch the filter 25. Rinse water (strongly acidic water) flowing in from the
Such a configuration also provides the same effects as described above. In each of the above embodiments, the cleaning water (strong alkaline water) is supplied to the cleaning water tank 14 via the electromagnetic valve 22 provided between the cleaning water tank 14 and the cleaning pump 21. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the cleaning water tank 14 is not limited thereto. It is good also as a structure which supplies hot water and replenishes strong alkaline water directly.
[0030]
In this case, the solenoid valve 22 is not necessary, and the cleaning pump 21 and the cleaning water tank 14 are in direct communication.
[0031]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, the alkaline water produced by the electrolyzed water production device is stored in the washing water tank, and the dish washing device uses the alkaline water in the washing water tank as washing water during the washing process. In the cleaning process, the cleaning water is introduced into the cleaning water tank and the switching means for preventing the rinsing water from flowing into the cleaning water tank is provided during the rinsing process. It becomes possible to prevent a decrease in water washing ability.
[0032]
Accordingly, the amount of detergent used can be reduced, or the object to be cleaned can be smoothly washed and rinsed in the washing room without using the detergent, thereby realizing a low running cost and the environment. The above problem can be effectively solved.
According to the invention of claim 2, in addition to the above, the acidic water generated by the electrolyzed water generating device in the rinsing step is used as the rinsing water, so that the object to be cleaned after cleaning can be sterilized. At the same time, it is possible to neutralize the alkaline water adhering to the object to be cleaned, and to avoid inconveniences such as the deterioration of the object to be cleaned or the food deposited on the object caused by the remaining alkaline water in the object to be cleaned. It will be possible.
[0033]
According to the invention of claim 3, in addition to the above, a replenishing means for periodically replenishing the washing water tank with alkaline water is provided, and the alkaline water stored in the washing water tank is drained by replenishment by the replenishing means. Since an overflow pipe is provided in the washing tank and a neutralization tank for mixing the alkaline water flowing out from the overflow pipe and the acidic water discharged in the rinsing process is provided, the alkaline water in the washing water tank is always clean. It is possible to prevent the deterioration of the cleaning ability due to the contamination of the cleaning water while maintaining the state, and neutralize and discharge the alkaline water used for cleaning and the acidic water used for rinsing in the neutralization tank It is possible to solve the environmental problems caused by the use of alkaline water or acidic water .
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view of a tableware washing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic longitudinal sectional front view of the dishwasher constituting the dishwashing apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a schematic longitudinal side view of the tableware washing machine of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a schematic longitudinal sectional front view of a dishwasher of another embodiment constituting the dishwashing apparatus of the present invention.
5 is a schematic longitudinal sectional side view of the dishwasher of FIG. 4. FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
DWA dishwasher 1 dishwasher 3 washing room 4 upper washing nozzle 5 upper rinse nozzle 6 lower washing nozzle 7 lower rinse nozzle 11 rinse pump 12 drain port 13 upper plate 14 washing water tank 16 overflow pipe 17 opening 18 solenoid 19 packing ( Switching means)
21 Washing pump 31 Electrolyzed water generator 42 Neutralization tank 51 Solenoid valve (switching means)

Claims (3)

An electrolyzed water generator for generating alkaline water and acidic water in a dishwashing apparatus that executes a cleaning process by circulating cleaning water and a rinsing process by rinsing water in the cleaning chamber, and the electrolyzed water generation A cleaning water tank provided in a lower part of the cleaning chamber for storing the alkaline water generated by the apparatus, and using the alkaline water in the cleaning water tank as cleaning water in the cleaning process, and during the cleaning process A dishwashing apparatus, comprising: a switching means for allowing washing water to flow into the washing water tank and preventing the rinsing water from flowing into the washing water tank during a rinsing step.   2. The dishwashing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein acidic water generated by the electrolyzed water generating device in the rinsing step is used as rinsing water. A replenishing means for periodically replenishing the cleaning water tank with alkaline water is provided, and an overflow pipe for draining the alkaline water stored in the washing water tank by replenishment by the replenishing means is provided in the washing tank, from the overflow pipe The tableware washing apparatus according to claim 2 , further comprising a neutralization tank for mixing the alkaline water flowing out and the acidic water discharged in the rinsing step .

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