JP4759583B2 - Dishwasher - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a dishwasher. In particular, the present invention relates to a technique for stopping water supply when cleaning water supplied into a cleaning tank reaches a predetermined water level.

  In the dishwasher, before washing the tableware in the washing tank, the washing water is supplied into the washing tank, and the water supply is stopped when the water level reaches a predetermined level. The dishwasher includes a water level detection device that detects the level of the cleaning water supplied into the cleaning tank (for example, Patent Document 1).

  The water level detection device for a dishwasher of Patent Document 1 includes a float chamber, a float, and a reed switch. The float chamber communicates with the cleaning tank through a communication path. The cleaning water supplied into the cleaning tank flows into the float chamber through the communication path. The float is accommodated in the float chamber. A reed switch is arranged at the upper end of the float. The float floats with the wash water flowing into the float chamber. When the float rises to a predetermined position, the reed switch is turned on. When the reed switch is turned on, water supply is stopped. The tableware washing machine of patent document 1 can detect the level of the washing water stored in the washing tank by detecting the level of the washing water in the float chamber. Thereby, in the tableware washing machine of patent documents 1, if washing water of a predetermined level is stored in a washing tub, supply of washing water can be stopped.

JP 2004-283431 A

  In the dishwasher, dirt attached to the tableware, in particular, an oil component may accumulate in the communication path. Also, dirt and oil components may enter the float chamber. When dirt or oil components enter the float chamber, the oil components particularly adhere to the float. For this reason, the movement of the float becomes worse. Thereby, there exists a possibility that the detection of a water level may become inaccurate.

  The present invention was created to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to increase the level of cleaning water supplied to the cleaning tank to a predetermined level without providing a water level detection device such as a float. It is to provide a technology that can stop water supply when it is done.

  The dishwasher of the present invention includes a washing tank, a switching device, an intake path, an exhaust path, a fan, and a control device. Tableware is stored in the washing tank. The switching device switches between a state in which cleaning water is supplied into the cleaning tank and a state in which water is not supplied. The intake path reaches from the outside to the inside of the cleaning tank. The exhaust path reaches from the inside to the outside of the cleaning tank. The fan is disposed in at least one of the intake path and the exhaust path. The fan introduces air into the cleaning tank through the intake path and exhausts the air in the cleaning tank to the outside of the cleaning tank through the exhaust path. Then, the control device switches the switching device to a state in which the cleaning water is not supplied when the index that varies depending on the resistance when air passes through the path from the intake path to the exhaust path reaches a predetermined value.

In this dishwasher, the switching device is set in a state of supplying cleaning water, and the cleaning water is supplied into the cleaning tank. When the cleaning water is supplied, the water level of the cleaning water in the cleaning tank rises. When the water level rises, it reaches the opening on the side of the cleaning tank of at least one of the intake path and the exhaust path. When the cleaning water is further supplied from this state, the level of the cleaning water rises, thereby closing a part of the opening on the side of the cleaning tank of at least one of the intake path and the exhaust path. Thereby, the path | route of the air introduce | transduced in a washing tank via an intake path and exhausted out of a washing tank via an exhaust path is narrowed down. As the path is narrowed, the resistance when air passes through the path increases.
When the air passage resistance fluctuates, there is an index that fluctuates in accordance with it. For example, if the fan is rotated while maintaining the power consumption constant, the fan rotation speed changes following the fluctuation of the passage resistance. As the passage resistance increases, the fan speed increases. Alternatively, if the fan is rotated while keeping the rotation speed of the fan constant at a predetermined value, the power consumption changes following the variation of the passage resistance. As the passage resistance increases, the power consumption decreases.
In this dishwasher, when the index that varies depending on the resistance when air passes through the path from the intake path to the exhaust path reaches a predetermined value, the control device switches the switching device, thereby Switch to a state where no cleaning water is supplied. Thereby, when the washing water of a predetermined water level is stored in the washing tank, the supply of the washing water can be stopped.

In this dishwasher, if the index does not reach a predetermined value even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the switching device is switched to the state in which the cleaning water is supplied, the control device does not supply the cleaning device with the switching device. It is preferable to switch to the state.
The washing tub has an opening for accommodating tableware in the washing tub. While the dishwasher is operating, the opening of the washing tub is sealed with a lid or the like. However, for example, when tableware of a prescribed size or larger is accommodated in the cleaning tank, the tableware or the like may come into contact with the lid, and a gap may be formed between the cleaning tank and the lid. If the cleaning tank is not sealed, the air path is not throttled, and the resistance when air passes through the path does not vary as much as expected. Even if the water level of the cleaning water in the cleaning tank reaches a predetermined water level that blocks a part of the opening on the cleaning tank side of at least one of the intake path and the exhaust path, the index may not reach a predetermined value. In this dishwasher, when the index does not reach a predetermined value within a predetermined time (set to a time that should reach a predetermined water level), the supply of the cleaning water into the cleaning tank is stopped. Thereby, it can prevent that a lot of washing water more than necessary is supplied in a washing tank.

As an index that varies depending on the ventilation resistance that changes following the water level in the cleaning tank, for example, fan rotation speed or fan power consumption can be adopted. It is also possible to employ other indicators. For example, the pressure difference between the air supply path and the exhaust path can be used as an index, or the operation sound of the fan can be used as an index. The fan rotation speed and fan power consumption can be easily detected without providing a special sensor. Therefore, when these indicators are used, a dishwasher using the indicators can be manufactured at low cost.
When the above-described index is the fan rotation speed, the fan may be rotated at a predetermined power consumption. Alternatively, when the above-described index is the fan power consumption, the fan may be rotated at a predetermined rotation speed. When either one of the fan rotation speed and the fan power consumption is constant at a predetermined value, the other fluctuates significantly depending on the ventilation resistance that changes following the water level in the cleaning tank. Thereby, the timing which stops supply of washing water can be grasped more correctly.

An index that varies depending on the resistance when air passes through the path from the intake path to the exhaust path varies depending on the temperature of the air passing through the fan. The present invention provides a dishwasher that changes a value of an index serving as a reference when a switching device is switched from a state in which cleaning water is supplied to a state in which cleaning water is not supplied, according to a change in temperature of air passing through a fan. .
The dishwasher of the present invention includes a washing tank, a switching device, an intake path, an exhaust path, a fan, a thermistor, a storage device, and a control device. Tableware is stored in the washing tank. The switching device switches between a state in which cleaning water is supplied into the cleaning tank and a state in which water is not supplied. The intake path reaches from the outside to the inside of the cleaning tank. The exhaust path reaches from the inside to the outside of the cleaning tank. The fan is disposed in at least one of the intake path and the exhaust path. The fan introduces air into the cleaning tank through the intake path and exhausts the air in the cleaning tank to the outside of the cleaning tank through the exhaust path. The thermistor measures the temperature of the air passing through the fan to obtain the measured temperature. The storage device stores a reference index value of an index that varies depending on resistance when air passes through a path from the intake path to the exhaust path in association with each of a plurality of temperature ranges. Then, when the index reaches a reference index value corresponding to a temperature range including the measured temperature, the control device switches the switching device to a state in which water is not supplied.

  In this dishwasher, the reference index value when the switching device is switched from the state of supplying water to the state of not supplying water can be changed by changing the temperature of the air in the cleaning tank. Therefore, even if the index changes depending on the temperature of the air in the cleaning tank, it is possible to switch from the state where the control device supplies the switching device to the state where water is not supplied at an accurate timing.

This dishwasher is located inside any one of the washing tank, the intake path and the exhaust path, and is located above the water level of the washing water necessary for washing and rinsing the tableware. A washing water detection device that transmits a signal may be provided. In this case, when the control device receives a signal from the washing water detection device, it is preferable to switch the switching device to a state in which water is not supplied.
This dishwasher is particularly effective, for example, when the opening of the dishwasher is not closed by a lid or when the fan drive performance is reduced. In these cases, although the cleaning water is supplied more than necessary in the cleaning tank, the index does not become the expected value. According to this dishwasher, even when the index does not reach the reference index value, the switching device can be switched to a state in which water is not supplied without overflowing the cleaning tank from the cleaning water.

In this dishwasher, the storage device stores, in addition to the reference index value, a normal index range for water supply corresponding to each temperature range, and a reference index range for water supply set within the normal index range for water supply It is preferable. In this case, the normal indicator range during water supply and the reference indicator range during water supply are the lower limit of the reference indicator value corresponding to the temperature range when the indicator decreases with increasing resistance, and the indicator increases with increasing resistance. In this case, it is preferable to set the reference index value corresponding to the temperature range as the upper limit. The control device switches the switching device when the indicator when the switching device is switched is within the normal index range during water supply corresponding to the temperature range including the measured temperature and is outside the reference index range during water supply. It is preferable to shift the normal index range during water supply and the reference index range during water supply as a new reference index value corresponding to the temperature range including the measured temperature.
In this dishwasher, the index determination value is used as an index when the switching device is switched. As a result, even if the index changes due to a change in fan drive performance, the control device can switch the switching device to a state in which water is not supplied at an accurate timing.

Further, in this dishwasher, even if a predetermined time has elapsed since the control device switched to the state in which the switching device is supplied with water, the index reaches the normal index range during water supply corresponding to the temperature range including the measured temperature. If not, the switching device may be switched to a state where water is not supplied.
Even if the switching device is in a state of supplying water, the cleaning water may not be supplied into the cleaning tank due to water interruption or the like. According to this dishwasher, it is possible to prevent the switching device from being in a state of supplying water even though the cleaning water is not supplied.

  As an index that varies depending on the ventilation resistance that changes following the water level in the cleaning tank, for example, fan rotation speed or fan power consumption can be adopted. It is also possible to employ other indicators. For example, the pressure difference between the air supply path and the exhaust path can be used as an index, or the operation sound of the fan can be used as an index. The fan rotation speed and fan power consumption can be easily detected without providing a special sensor. Therefore, when these indicators are used, a dishwasher using the indicators can be manufactured at low cost.

  According to the dishwasher of the present invention, the cleaning water having a predetermined water level is contained in the cleaning tank based on the index that varies depending on the resistance when air passes through the path from the fan intake path to the exhaust path. When the water is stored, the supply of the washing water can be stopped. Thereby, in the dishwasher of this invention, it is not necessary to provide water level detection apparatuses, such as a float. It is possible to prevent the detection of the water level from becoming inaccurate due to the accumulation of foreign matter on the float or the like.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described.
(Embodiment 1) In the dishwasher of a present Example, the some washing | cleaning course from which the amount of washing water stored in a washing tank differs can be implemented. The dishwasher of the present embodiment corresponds to a course determination device that determines one cleaning course from among a plurality of cleaning courses, a rotational speed detection device that detects the rotational speed of a fan, and the amount of cleaning water in each cleaning course. An arithmetic device for calculating the fan speed is provided. When the rotational speed of the fan detected by the rotational speed detection device reaches the rotational speed calculated by the arithmetic device, the control device for the dishwasher switches the switching device to a state in which no cleaning water is supplied.
(Mode 2) The dishwasher of the present embodiment includes a thermistor that measures the temperature outside the dishwasher, and an arithmetic device that calculates a predetermined fan rotational speed based on the temperature measured by the thermistor. When the rotational speed of the fan detected by the rotational speed detection device reaches a predetermined rotational speed calculated by the arithmetic device, the control device for the dishwasher switches the switching device to a state in which cleaning water is not supplied. .
(Mode 3) Another dishwasher of this embodiment includes an ammeter that measures an energization current value of a fan (more precisely, a motor included in the fan) while keeping the rotation speed of the fan constant. Yes. When the current value measured by the ammeter reaches a predetermined current value, the control device for the dishwasher switches the switching device to a state in which cleaning water is not supplied.
(Mode 4) In another dishwasher of the present embodiment, when the control device uses a water supply reference index value corresponding to one temperature range as a new reference index value, the corresponding reference index in another temperature range Change the value by the same amount. Further, the control device shifts the water supply normal index number range and the water supply reference index range corresponding to other temperature ranges in accordance with the change of the reference index value.

(First embodiment)
A dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of the dishwasher 10. The dishwasher 10 is a drawer-type dishwasher. The dishwasher 10 includes a main body 12, a cleaning tank 14, and a door 15.
The door 15 is provided with a room temperature thermistor 13, an operation panel 16, and an exhaust path 18. The room temperature thermistor 13 measures the temperature of the outside air of the dishwasher 10. The operation panel 16 is provided with various buttons such as a cleaning course selection button and a lamp that can select a plurality of cleaning courses. In the dishwasher 10, three washing courses of courses X, Y, and Z can be selected. The washing water stored in the washing tank 14 increases in the order of the courses X, Y, and Z, and the water level is highest at the course Z. The exhaust path 18 reaches from the inside of the cleaning tank 14 to the outside. The outer end of the cleaning tank 14 in the exhaust path 18 is located on the front surface of the door 15 (left side in FIG. 1). An exhaust port 18b is provided at the end of the exhaust path 18 on the door 15 side. An opening 18 a is provided at the end of the exhaust path 18 on the cleaning tank 14 side.
The cleaning tank 14 is accommodated in a space formed by the main body 12 and the door 15. The cleaning tank 14 is slidably supported by the main body 12. The cleaning tank 14 is slidable with respect to the main body 12 in the front-rear direction (left-right direction in FIG. 1). The cleaning tank 14 is connected to the door 15. When the door 15 is pulled forward (leftward in FIG. 1), the cleaning tank 14 is pulled out together with the door 15. The cleaning tank 14 is formed in a box shape with an open top. The cleaning tank 14 accommodates a cleaning nozzle 20, a tableware basket 61, and the like. The cleaning nozzle 20 has a plurality of injection ports 20a. The tableware basket 61 is formed in a shape corresponding to the tableware 19 in order to hold various tableware 19.

  A seal lid 56 is disposed above the cleaning tank 14. The seal lid 56 is connected to the cleaning tank 14 by a lifting mechanism (not shown). In a state in which the door 15 is closed (a state in which the cleaning tank 14 is accommodated in the main body 12), the seal lid 56 is lowered to adhere to and close the upper opening of the cleaning tank 14. When the cleaning tank 14 is pulled out from the main body 12, the seal lid 56 rises to open the upper opening of the cleaning tank 14.

A suction recess 31 is formed on the bottom surface 39 of the cleaning tank 14. The upper opening of the suction recess 31 is covered with the leftover filter 17. The leftover filter 17 is formed in a mesh shape. The leftover filter 17 can be removed from the cleaning tank 14. A pump 27 is provided below the bottom surface 39. The pump 27 rotates the impeller 28 by a built-in electric motor. The pump 27 can rotate the impeller 28 in one direction and can also rotate in the opposite direction. The space in which the impeller 28 is disposed and the suction recess 31 are communicated with each other by a suction flow path 32. An electric heater 30 is mounted above the bottom surface 39 where the pump 27 is disposed. A thermistor 55 is disposed below the heater 30. The thermistor 55 detects the temperature of the water when the cleaning water or the rinsing water is put in the cleaning tank 14, and detects the temperature inside the cleaning tank 14 when the cleaning water or the rinsing water is not put.
A cleaning nozzle 20 is rotatably attached to the bottom surface 39 of the cleaning tank 14. The cleaning nozzle 20 communicates with the first discharge port 11 of the pump 27. Some of the plurality of injection ports 20a formed in the cleaning nozzle 20 cause the cleaning nozzle 20 to generate a rotating moment when water is injected.

A drain hose 34 is connected to the rear wall 33 (the right wall in FIG. 1) of the main body 12. The drain hose 34 and the second discharge port 35 of the pump 27 are communicated with each other by a drain channel 36. A drain check valve 38 is attached to the end of the drain channel 36 on the side connected to the drain hose 34. The drainage check valve 38 prevents drainage from flowing backward from the drainage hose 34 to the drainage flow path 36.
One end of a water supply hose 40 is connected to the rear wall 33 of the main body 12. The other end of the water supply hose 40 is connected to the water supply pipe 88. The water supply hose 40 may be directly supplied with tap water (cold water) or may be supplied with hot water heated by a water heater. One end of the water supply hose 40 is connected to the water supply valve 41 inside the main body 12 via the first water supply flow path 42. The water supply valve 41 is driven by a built-in solenoid to open and close. When the water supply valve 41 is opened, the cleaning water is supplied into the cleaning tank 14, and when the water supply valve 41 is closed, the cleaning water is not supplied into the cleaning tank 14. The water supply valve 41 and the cleaning tank 14 are communicated with each other by a second water supply channel 43.

An intake passage 63 is formed between the rear wall 33 of the main body 12 and the rear wall 14 a of the cleaning tank 14. The intake path 63 reaches from the outside to the inside of the cleaning tank 14. A drying fan 52 is disposed in the intake path 63. The drying fan 52 rotates the fan 53 with a built-in motor. A constant electric power is supplied to the motor of the drying fan 52. The drying fan 52 is connected to the cleaning tank 14 via the intake path 63. An opening 63 a is formed on the side of the cleaning tank 14 in the intake path 63. The drying fan 52 is provided with a rotation speed sensor 50 that detects the rotation speed of the fan 53.
A recess 58 is formed in the bottom surface 57 of the main body 12. Two electrodes of the water leak detection sensor 59 are inserted into the recess 58. When water leaks from the cleaning tank 14 to the outside and the leaked water flows into the recess 58, the electrodes are connected and the water leak detection sensor 59 is turned on.

A controller 60 is mounted below the room temperature thermistor 13. As shown in FIG. 2, the room temperature thermistor 13, the operation panel 16, the pump 27, the heater 30, the water supply valve 41, the rotation speed sensor 50, the drying fan 52, the thermistor 55, and the water leak detection sensor 59 are connected to the controller 60. ing. The controller 60 controls the operation of each connected device by the built-in CPU 60a, memory 60b, and the like. The memory 60b stores information for controlling each device and the reference fan rotational speed. The reference fan speed is, for example, a state where the amount of cleaning water required for the cleaning course X is stored in the cleaning tank 14 and the measured temperature of the room temperature thermistor 13 is 20 ° C. The number of revolutions is 53.
The CPU 60a corresponds to the selected cleaning course and the measured temperature of the room temperature thermistor 13 based on the reference fan speed, and the fan speed at which the controller 60 closes the water supply valve 41 (hereinafter referred to as a predetermined fan speed). calculate.

Next, the operation of the dishwasher 10 will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 3, the dishwasher 10 operates in the order of the cleaning process, the rinsing process, and the drying process. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a process of supplying cleaning water into the cleaning tank 14 before the cleaning process in step S10 or the rinsing process in step S12 is started.
First, the user operates a cleaning course selection button provided on the operation panel 16 to select a cleaning course. The controller 60 receives a signal corresponding to the course selected by the user from the operation panel 16 (step S20). The controller 60 drives the rotation speed sensor 50 to start detecting the rotation speed of the fan 53 (step S22). At the same time, the operation of the drying fan 52 is started to drive the fan 53 (step S24). Next, the controller 60 drives the pump 27 (step S26) to drain the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 14. When a predetermined time has elapsed since the pump 27 was driven (YES in step S28), the pump 27 is stopped (step S30). In addition, in the water supply process before a cleaning process (when there is no cleaning water in the cleaning tank 14), the drainage process from step S26 to S30 is not performed.

  When the washing water in the washing tank 14 is drained, the controller 60 receives information on the temperature outside the dishwasher 10 from the room temperature thermistor 13 (step S32). The controller 60 calculates a predetermined fan rotational speed based on the cleaning course received in step S20 and the temperature information received in step S32 (step S34). Here, the calculation method of the predetermined fan rotation speed executed by the controller 60 will be described. FIG. 5 shows an example of the relationship between the amount of wash water stored and the rotational speed of the fan 53. The horizontal axis of the graph in FIG. 5 indicates the amount of water stored in the cleaning water 14 (ml), and the vertical axis indicates the rotational speed (r / min) of the fan 53. Solid lines 100, 110, and 120 shown in FIG. 5 are graphs showing changes in the rotational speed of the fan 53 with respect to changes in the amount of washing water stored in the washing tank 14. The solid line 100 indicates the measurement temperature of the room temperature thermistor 13 is 20 ° C., and the solid lines 110 and 120 indicate the measurement temperatures of the room temperature thermistor 13 are 30 ° C. and 10 ° C., respectively. Points 102, 103, and 104 are predetermined fan rotation speeds of the cleaning courses X, Y, and Z when the measured temperature is 20 ° C., respectively. Points 112, 113, and 114 are the predetermined fan rotation speeds of the cleaning courses X, Y, and Z when the measured temperature is 30 ° C., and points 122, 123, and 124 are when the measured temperature is 10 ° C., respectively. Are the predetermined fan rotation speeds of the cleaning courses X, Y, and Z. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing cleaning water levels 54a, 54b, 54c in each of the cleaning courses X, Y, Z. The level of the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 14 increases in the order of the cleaning courses X, Y, and Z. The rotational speed of the fan 53 increases in the order of the cleaning courses X, Y, and Z. The water level 54a of the cleaning course X having the lowest cleaning water level is located above the lower end of the opening 18a. The water level 54c of the cleaning course Z having the highest cleaning water level is located below the upper end of the opening 18a. The reference fan rotation speed is 3800 r / min for the cleaning course X indicated by the point 102.

For example, when the cleaning course Y is selected and the measurement temperature of the room temperature thermistor 13 is 20 ° C., the CPU 60a adds α ₁ (for example, α ₁ = 100) to the reference fan rotational speed, and the predetermined fan of the cleaning course Y The number of rotations (point corresponding to point 103) is calculated. When the cleaning course Y is selected and the measured temperature is 30 ° C., the CPU 60a adds α ₁ to 3800 r / min, which is the reference fan rotation speed, and further adds β ₁ (for example, β ₁ = 50). Then, the predetermined fan speed indicated by the point 113 is calculated. When the cleaning course Z is selected and the measured temperature is 10 ° C., the CPU 60a adds α ₁ (for example, α ₁ = 200) to the reference fan speed 3800 r / min, and further, γ ₁ (for example, γ ₁ = 50) is subtracted to calculate the predetermined fan speed indicated by point 124. The above α ₁ , β ₁ , and γ ₁ are obtained in advance through experiments or the like and stored in the memory 60b. Α ₁ varies depending on the cleaning course. β ₁ and γ ₁ vary depending on the measurement temperature of the room temperature thermistor 13. As described above, the CPU 60a calculates the predetermined fan rotation speed based on the cleaning course and the measured temperature of the room temperature thermistor 13. The memory 60b may store a predetermined fan rotational speed in advance as a two-dimensional map with the cleaning course and temperature as axes.

  When the predetermined fan speed is calculated in step S34, the controller 60 opens the water supply valve 41 and supplies cleaning water into the cleaning tank 14 (step S36). The controller 60 receives the information on the fan rotation speed from the rotation speed sensor 50 and checks whether or not the predetermined fan rotation speed has been reached (step S38). If the predetermined fan speed has not been reached (NO in step S38), the controller 60 checks whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the water supply valve 41 was opened (step S40). If the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step S40), the process returns to step S38, and the controller 60 confirms whether or not the predetermined fan speed has been reached. On the other hand, when the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S40), the controller 60 transmits a warning signal to the operation panel 16 and proceeds to step S44. The operation panel 16 that has received the warning signal issues a warning to the user by a lamp or the like. In step S38, when the predetermined fan speed is reached (YES in step S38), the process proceeds to step S44. In step S <b> 44, the controller 60 closes the water supply valve 41 and stops the supply of the cleaning water into the cleaning tank 14. Subsequently, the controller 60 stops driving the drying fan 52 (step S46). At the same time, the detection of the rotation speed sensor 50 is stopped (step S48), and the cleaning water supply process is terminated.

  When the supply of the washing water is finished, the tableware 19 is washed. As shown in FIG. 3, when the cleaning process is completed, a rinsing process (step S12) is performed. In the rinsing process, the cleaning water supply process shown in FIG. 4 is performed as in the cleaning process. When the rinsing process is completed, the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 14 is drained, and the drying process (step S14) is performed.

Next, the relationship between the amount of stored cleaning water (level of cleaning water) and the rotational speed of the fan 53 will be described. 7 and 8 are schematic views showing the positional relationship between the water level of the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 14 and the openings 18a and 63a at the points 101 and 105 shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, the rotation speed of the fan 53 is substantially constant over a certain period from the start of the supply of the cleaning water. As shown in FIG. 7, at point 101, the water level of the cleaning water 54 (hereinafter also referred to as the water level 54) is below the opening 18a. During the period in which the rotational speed of the fan 53 is substantially constant, the opening 18 a is not blocked by the cleaning water 54. That is, there is no change in the path of the air that is introduced into the cleaning tank 14 through the intake path 63 by the rotation of the fan 53 and exhausted outside the cleaning tank 14 through the exhaust path 18. Therefore, the rotation speed of the fan 53 does not change.

When the cleaning water is further supplied from this state, the water level 54 becomes higher than the lower end of the opening 18a. As shown in FIG. 6 described above, at the points 102 to 104, a part of the opening 18 a is blocked by the cleaning water 54. That is, when the water levels 54a to 54c are above the lower end of the opening 18a, the air path becomes smaller. Thereby, the rotation speed of the fan 53 increases. In this state, the rotational speed of the fan 53 increases as the water level 54a rises to the water level 54c.
As shown in FIG. 8, at the point 105, the entire opening 18 a is blocked by the cleaning water 54. Even if cleaning water is further supplied from this state, the rotational speed of the fan 53 does not increase.
In the dishwasher 10, by using the relationship shown in FIG. 5, the water supply can be stopped when the predetermined water storage amount is reached from the rotational speed of the fan 53. When the amount of water supply per unit time is known, the controller 60 can also close the water supply valve 41 after a predetermined time has elapsed from the point 105. Thereby, water supply can be stopped with a predetermined water storage amount even during a period in which the rotation speed does not change as indicated by point 107. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 1, the cleaning water can be supplied to the water level 54 above the opening 18a and stopped. Moreover, the controller 60 may calculate the amount of water supply per unit time from the change in the rotation speed during water supply.

  When there is a gap between the cleaning tank 14 and the seal lid 56, the air in the cleaning tank 14 is exhausted outside the cleaning tank 14 in addition to the opening 18 a. Therefore, the number of rotations of the fan 53 before water supply is lower than when there is no gap between the cleaning tank 14 and the seal lid 56. Even if the air path decreases due to the rise in the water level, the amount of increase in the rotational speed of the fan 53 is small. The broken line shown in FIG. 5 shows an example of the relationship between the rotational speed of the fan 53 and the amount of stored water when there is a gap between the cleaning tank 14 and the seal lid 56. In the dishwasher 10, the controller 60, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the water supply valve 41 opened (for example, 1 minute), when the rotational speed of the fan 53 is equal to or less than a predetermined value (for example, 3750 r / min) The water supply valve 41 is closed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cleaning tank 14 from being supplied with an excessive amount of cleaning water. At this time, the controller 60 transmits a warning signal to the operation panel 16. The operation panel 16 informs the user that there is a gap between the cleaning tank 14 and the seal lid 56 by a lamp or the like. Thereby, in the dishwasher 10, it can prevent starting a washing | cleaning process in the state with a clearance gap between the washing tank 14 and the seal lid 56. FIG.

In the above-described dishwasher 10, the supply of the cleaning water into the cleaning tank 14 is stopped according to the rotational speed of the fan 53 detected by the rotational speed sensor 50. Thereby, the water level detection apparatus using a float etc. becomes unnecessary. In the dishwasher 10, the rotational speed sensor 50 detects the rotational speed of the fan 53. This eliminates the need for a space for installing a water level detection device using a float or the like. Further, by reducing the parts required for the water level detection device such as the float, the float chamber, and the reed switch, the cost is reduced and the assemblability is improved.
Moreover, in the tableware washing machine 10, the water level of a some wash water is detectable by detecting the rotation speed of the fan 53. FIG. Therefore, in the dishwasher 10 having a plurality of cleaning courses with different amounts of stored water, there is no need to detect the water level with a different configuration for each amount of stored water.

  Moreover, in the dishwasher 10, the clearance gap between the washing tank 14 and the seal cover 56 is determined in the state in which washing water is supplied. However, the gap between the cleaning tank 14 and the seal lid 56 may be determined before the cleaning water is supplied. As shown in FIG. 5, when there is a gap between the cleaning tank 14 and the seal lid 56, the rotational speed of the fan 53 before supplying cleaning water is lower than when there is no gap. The controller 60 may determine the presence or absence of a gap between the cleaning tank 14 and the seal lid 56 based on the number of rotations of the fan 53 before supplying the cleaning water. Alternatively, the determination may be made based on the rate of change of the rotation speed of the fan 53 per unit time.

In the dishwasher 10 described above, the opening 63 a of the intake passage 63 is located above the opening 18 a of the exhaust passage 18. When the amount of cleaning water required by each cleaning course is supplied, at least a part of the opening 18a is blocked by the cleaning water. Thereby, the rotation speed of the fan 53 increases. The entire opening 63a is positioned above the water level of the washing water. However, for example, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the positions of the opening 63a and the opening 18a may be changed. In the dishwasher 10 of FIG. 9, the opening 63a is located below the opening 18a. When the amount of cleaning water required by each cleaning course is supplied, at least a part of the opening 63a is blocked by the cleaning water. Thereby, the rotation speed of the fan 53 increases. The entire opening 18a is located above the water level of the washing water. Moreover, in the dishwasher 10 of FIG. 10, the opening 18a and the opening 63a are located in the same height. When the amount of cleaning water required by each cleaning course is supplied, at least a part of both the openings 18a and 63a is blocked by the cleaning water. Thereby, the rotation speed of the fan 53 increases.
In the dishwasher 10 described above, the drying fan 52 is disposed only in the intake path 63. However, a fan may be disposed also in the exhaust path 18 or a fan may be disposed only in the exhaust path 18.

  Moreover, in the above-mentioned dishwasher 10, you may rotate the fan 53 intermittently during a washing | cleaning process. In the washing step, washing water containing a detergent is stirred. When a user mistakes for a special detergent and puts in a detergent containing a large amount of surfactant such as a neutral detergent for kitchens, foam is generated when an easily foaming substance such as an egg is mixed into the washing water. There are things to do. When bubbles are generated, the exhaust path 18 and the intake path 63 are blocked. Therefore, when bubbles are generated during the cleaning process, the rotational speed of the fan 53 increases. Thereby, the bubble which generate | occur | produces during a washing | cleaning process is detectable.

(Second embodiment)
In the above-described dishwasher 10, the fan 53 is driven with constant power consumption while the cleaning water is being supplied into the cleaning tank 14, and the water supply is stopped when the rotation speed of the fan 53 reaches a predetermined fan rotation speed. is doing. Instead of this, the rotational speed of the fan 53 may be kept constant.
In the dishwasher 10 of the second embodiment, the controller 60 maintains the rotation speed of the fan 53 detected by the rotation speed sensor 50 at a constant state (for example, 3500 r / min) at a constant value (for example, 3500 r / min). The current value to be supplied to the motor is controlled.
As shown in FIG. 11, the dishwasher 10 according to the second embodiment includes an ammeter 51 in addition to the devices shown in FIG. The ammeter 51 is connected to the controller 60. The ammeter 51 measures a current value that is energized to the motor of the drying fan 52. Then, the measurement result is transmitted to the controller 60. A reference current value is stored in the memory 60b of the controller 60. The reference current value is, for example, a state where the amount of cleaning water required during the cleaning course X is stored in the cleaning tank 14 and the measured temperature of the room temperature thermistor 13 is 20 ° C. It is.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a process of supplying cleaning water into the cleaning tank 14 before the cleaning process in step S10 or the rinsing process in step S12 shown in FIG. 3 is started. In FIG. 12, the same processes as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG.
First, the user operates a cleaning course selection button provided on the operation panel 16 to select a cleaning course. The controller 60 performs processes from steps S20 to S24. At this time, the controller 60 controls the current value supplied to the drying fan 52 so that the rotational speed of the fan 53 detected by the rotational speed sensor 50 becomes a predetermined constant value in the steady state. . Furthermore, measurement of the current value supplied to the motor of the drying fan 52 by the ammeter 51 is started (step S102). Next, the drainage process from step S26 to S30 is performed.

After step S32, the controller 60 calculates a predetermined current value based on the cleaning course received in step S20 and the temperature information received in step S32 (step S104). Here, a method of calculating the predetermined current value executed by the controller 60 will be described. The current value required to maintain the rotation speed of the fan 53 at a constant value decreases as the cleaning water level increases. Therefore, for example, if the washing course Y level is high wash water than washing course X is selected, CPU 60a of the controller 60 subtracts the alpha ₂ from the reference current value. Further, a predetermined current value is calculated by adding or subtracting a temperature parameter β ₂ determined based on the difference between the received temperature and 20 ° C. Since the current value necessary to maintain the rotational speed of the fan 53 at a constant value is low at high temperatures and high at low temperatures, in step S104, β ₂ is set when the temperature received in step S32 is higher than 20 ° C. subtraction, calculating a predetermined current value by adding the beta ₂ is lower than 20 ° C.. Α ₂ varies depending on the cleaning course. β ₂ varies depending on the measurement temperature of the room temperature thermistor 13. α ₂ and β ₂ are calculated in advance by experiments or the like and stored in the memory 60b.

When the predetermined current value is calculated in step S <b> 104, the controller 60 opens the water supply valve 41 in step S <b> 36 and starts supplying cleaning water into the cleaning tank 14. The controller 60 receives information on the current value energized to the motor of the drying fan 52 from the ammeter 51 and checks whether or not the current value has reached a predetermined value (step S106). If the predetermined current value has not been reached (NO in step S106), the controller 60 checks whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the water supply valve 41 was opened (step S40). If the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step S40), the process returns to step S106. On the other hand, when the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S40), the controller 60 transmits a warning signal to the operation panel 16 and proceeds to step S44. The operation panel 16 that has received the warning signal issues a warning to the user by a lamp or the like. In step S106, when it becomes a predetermined current value (YES in step S106), the process proceeds to step S44. The controller 60 executes steps S44 to S48 to stop the water supply, stop the current measurement (step S108), and finish the cleaning water supply process.
In this dishwasher, the supply of the cleaning water into the cleaning tank 14 is stopped according to the current value supplied to the drying fan 52. Thereby, the water level detection apparatus using a float etc. becomes unnecessary.

(Third embodiment)
In the dishwasher 10 of the second embodiment, the controller 60 controls the value of the current supplied to the motor of the drying fan 52 so as to maintain the rotational speed of the fan 53 at a predetermined value. However, the controller 60 may close the water supply valve 41 in accordance with the current value supplied to the motor of the drying fan 52 while allowing the rotation speed of the fan 53 to change within a predetermined range.

  The dishwasher 10 of the third embodiment has the same configuration as the dishwasher 10 of the second embodiment. The memory 60b of the controller 60 of the third embodiment stores the same reference current value and reference fan rotation speed as those of the second embodiment. The reference fan rotational speed is a state in which the amount of cleaning water required for the cleaning course X is stored in the cleaning tank 14 and the fan 53 when the current of the reference current value is supplied to the drying fan 52. The number of revolutions. The controller 60 controls the motor of the drying fan 52 so that the rotational speed in the steady state of the fan 53 detected by the rotational speed sensor 50 remains within a predetermined range centered on the reference fan rotational speed stored in the memory 60b. To control the value of the current that is passed through. In the following, the reference fan speed is 4000 r / min, and the fan speed range is 4000 ± 200 r / min.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a water supply process in the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is performed after step S36 of FIG. The controller 60 controls the current supplied to the drying fan 52 so that the rotation speed of the fan 53 before water supply is maintained at 4000 r / min.
The controller 60 checks whether or not the rotational speed of the fan 53 detected by the rotational speed sensor 50 is 4000 r / min (step S201). When the rotational speed of the fan 53 is 4000 r / min (YES in step S201), the controller 60 receives information on the current value energized to the motor of the drying fan 52 from the ammeter 51, and is calculated in step S104. Whether the current value is equal to or smaller than the predetermined current value is confirmed (step S203). The state where the rotational speed of the fan 53 is 4000 r / min and is equal to or less than a predetermined current value is a state where the level of the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 14 is equal to or higher than a desired level. When the current is equal to or smaller than the predetermined current value (YES in step S203), the controller 60 executes step S44 and the subsequent steps in FIG. On the other hand, when it is larger than the predetermined current value (NO in step S203), the controller 60 checks whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the water supply valve 41 was opened (step S205). If the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step S205), the process returns to step S201. When the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S205), the controller 60 transmits a warning signal to the operation panel 16 (step S207), executes step S44 and subsequent steps in FIG. 12, and ends the process.

In the dishwasher 10 of the third embodiment, the controller 60 controls the value of current that is supplied to the motor of the drying fan 52 so that the rotational speed of the fan 53 remains at 4000 ± 200 r / min. Therefore, the rotation speed of the fan 53 increases with an increase in the level of the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 14 within a range of 4000 ± 200 r / min.
If the rotational speed of the fan 53 is not 4000 r / min (NO in step S201), the controller 60 checks whether the rotational speed of the fan 53 is greater than 4000 r / min (step S209). When the rotational speed of the fan 53 is greater than 4000 r / min (YES in step S209), the controller 60 subtracts a predetermined value from the current value measured by the ammeter 51 (step S211). Here, the predetermined value is determined based on the range of the rotational speed of the fan 53. When the rotation speed range of the fan 53 is 4000 ± 200 r / min, the predetermined value is a change amount of current when the rotation speed of the fan 53 is changed by 200 r / min. The predetermined value may be constant or may be changed depending on the rotation speed of the fan 53. When the predetermined value is changed according to the rotation speed of the fan 53, the predetermined value is the amount of change in current when the rotation speed of the fan 53 is set to the reference fan rotation speed. In this case, the amount of change in the rotation speed of the fan 53 and the amount of change in the current may be stored in the memory 60b in association with each other.

  Next, the controller 60 checks whether or not the value calculated in step S211 is smaller than a predetermined current value (step S215). When the rotation speed of the fan 53 is larger than the reference fan rotation speed and the value calculated in step S211 is smaller than the predetermined current value, the rotation speed of the fan 53 is 200 r / min lower than the detected rotation speed of the fan 53. This is a case where the current value is smaller than the predetermined current value. In this state, the water level of the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 14 is substantially equal to the desired water level. When the value calculated in step S211 is smaller than the predetermined current value (YES in step S215), the controller 60 executes step S44 and the subsequent steps in FIG. 12 and ends the process. On the other hand, when the calculated value is equal to or greater than the predetermined current value (NO in step S215), the controller 60 checks whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the water supply valve 41 was opened (step S217). If the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S217), the controller 60 transmits a warning signal to the operation panel 16 (step S219), executes step S44 and subsequent steps in FIG. 12, and ends the process. If the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step S217), the controller 60 changes the value of the current supplied to the motor of the drying fan 52 to the value calculated in step S211 (step S221), and returns to step S201. The rotational speed of the fan 53 is reduced by 200 r / min from the rotational speed detected in step S201.

In step S209, when the rotational speed of the fan 53 is smaller than the reference fan rotational speed (NO in step S209), the controller 60 adds a predetermined value from the current value of the ammeter 51 (step S213), and the process proceeds to step S215. move on. The predetermined value added from the current value of the ammeter 51 is the same as the predetermined value in step S211. The controller 60 executes the processes of steps S215 and S217. In step S215, when the rotational speed of the fan 53 is smaller than the reference fan rotational speed and the value calculated in step S213 is smaller than the predetermined current value, the rotational speed of the fan 53 is 200r from the detected rotational speed of the fan 53. This is a case where the current value when it is larger by / min is smaller than the predetermined current value. In this state, the water level of the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 14 is substantially equal to the desired water level.
If the predetermined time has elapsed in step S217 (YES in step S217), the process proceeds to step S219. If the predetermined time has not elapsed in step S217 (NO in step S217), the controller 60 changes the value of the current supplied to the motor of the drying fan 52 to the value calculated in step S213 (step S221). Return to S201. Thereby, the rotation speed of the fan 53 becomes larger than the rotation speed detected in step S201.

  In the dishwasher 10 of the third embodiment, when both the rotational speed of the fan 53 and the current value to be supplied to the motor of the drying fan 52 change, the washing tank is set according to the current value to be supplied to the motor of the drying fan 52. 14 stops supply of cleaning water. Thereby, the water level detection apparatus using a float etc. becomes unnecessary.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 14 shows a dishwasher 300 according to the fourth embodiment. Here, about the same structure as the dishwasher 10 of the above-mentioned 1st-3rd Example, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.
In the dishwasher 300, in order to simplify the explanation, the operation panel 16 is not provided with a washing course selection button, and is provided with a start button for causing the dishwasher 300 to execute one washing course. To do. In the dishwasher 300, a washing water detection sensor 365 is disposed in the intake passage 63. The washing water detection sensor 365 is higher than the level of normal washing water supplied into the washing tank 14 during the washing process (step S10 in FIG. 3) and the rinsing process (step S12 in FIG. 3) of the dishwasher 300. Located above. When the washing water detection sensor 365 comes into contact with the washing water, the washing water detection sensor 365 transmits a signal to the controller 360 described later. A waterproof plate 367 is disposed below the washing water detection sensor 365. The waterproof plate 367 prevents the cleaning water detection sensor 365 from reacting accidentally when the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 14 undulates.
In the intake passage 63, an overflow hole 364 is provided above the washing water detection sensor 365. If the cleaning water detection sensor 365 cannot transmit a signal to the controller 360, the cleaning water may leak from the hole 364 to the bottom surface 57 of the main body 12. A recess 58 is formed in the bottom surface 57 of the main body 12. Two electrodes of the water leak detection sensor 59 are inserted into the recess 58. When water leaks from the hole 364 to the bottom surface 57 and the leaked water flows into the recess 58, the electrodes are connected and the water leak detection sensor 59 is turned on.

  A controller 360 is mounted in front of the dishwasher 300. As shown in FIG. 15, the controller 360 includes a room temperature thermistor 13, an operation panel 16, a pump 27, a heater 30, a water supply valve 41, a rotation speed sensor 50, a drying fan 52, a thermistor 55, a water leak detection sensor 59, and washing water. A detection sensor 365 is connected. The controller 360 controls the operation of each connected device by the built-in CPU 360a, memory 360b, and the like. The memory 360b stores information for controlling each device. In addition, the memory 360b stores a water supply stop rotational speed database 420.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the water supply stop rotation speed database 420 is associated with each of the plurality of temperature ranges 422, the water supply fan rotation speed 424, the water supply reference fan rotation speed range lower limit 426, and the water supply normal fan rotation speed. A range lower limit 428 is recorded. The temperature range 422 indicates the temperature of air measured by the thermistor 55. The temperature range 422 indicates a range that is greater than or equal to the minimum value indicated by each temperature range and less than the maximum value. The water supply reference fan rotation speed range lower limit 426 is a value obtained by subtracting 50 r / min from the value of the water supply fan rotation speed 424 in the same temperature range. Water supply normal fan rotation speed range lower limit 428 is a value obtained by subtracting 300 r / min from the value of water supply fan rotation speed 424 in the same temperature range. The upper limit of the reference fan speed range during water supply and the normal fan speed range during water supply is the fan speed during water supply. For example, when the temperature is 15 ° C. or higher and lower than 20 ° C., the water supply reference fan rotational speed range is 3925 r / min to 3975 r / min. The normal fan speed range during water supply is 3675 r / min to 3975 r / min.

  Next, processing until the controller 360 switches the water supply valve 41 from the open state to the closed state will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure performed by the controller 360 until the water supply valve 41 is switched from an open state to a closed state. The process in FIG. 17 is performed after the processes in steps S20 to S30 in FIG. 4 of the first embodiment. Here, the controller 60 of the first embodiment receives a signal corresponding to the cleaning course selected by the user from the operation panel 16 in step S20. In the dishwasher 300, when the user presses the start button on the operation panel 16, the controller 360 receives a signal indicating the start of operation from the operation panel 16. When receiving the signal from the operation panel 16, the controller 360 receives the measured temperature information of the thermistor 55 (step S300). Based on the measured temperature information, the controller 360 identifies the water supply fan rotation speed, the water supply reference fan rotation speed range, and the water supply normal fan rotation speed range from the water supply stop rotation speed database 420 stored in the memory 360b ( Step S302). The controller 360 determines whether or not the rotation speed of the drying fan 52 detected by the rotation speed sensor 50 has reached the fan rotation speed during water supply (step S304).

  FIG. 18 is a graph showing changes in the rotational speed of the fan 53 with respect to the amount of water stored in the cleaning tank 14. The graph in FIG. 18 takes a case where the thermistor measurement temperature is 15 ° C. as an example. The horizontal axis in FIG. 18 indicates the amount of water stored in the cleaning tank 14 (ml), and the vertical axis indicates the rotational speed (r / min) of the fan 53. Solid lines 460, 462, 464, and 466 are graphs showing changes in the rotational speed of the fan 53 with respect to changes in the amount of washing water stored in the washing tank 14. A broken line 450 indicates the fan rotation speed 424 during water supply. A broken line 452 indicates a lower limit 426 of the reference fan rotation speed range during water supply, and a broken line 454 indicates a lower limit 428 of the normal fan rotation speed range during water supply. As indicated by the solid line 460, when the water level of the cleaning water is located below the lower end of the opening 18a of the exhaust path 18, no change is observed in the rotational speed of the fan 53. When the water level of the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 14 rises and becomes higher than the lower end of the opening 18a of the exhaust path 18, a part of the opening 18a is blocked by the cleaning water. Thereby, the path | route of the air sent out from the washing tank 14 from the exhaust path 18 becomes small. Therefore, the rotation speed of the fan 53 increases. As shown in FIG. 6, when a part of the opening 18a is blocked by the water level 54a of the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 14, the rotational speed of the fan 53 becomes the rotational speed indicated by a point 460a. When the water level further rises to the water level 54b, the rotational speed of the fan 53 becomes the rotational speed indicated by a point 460b. At the water level 54c necessary for the cleaning process, the rotation speed of the fan 53 reaches a broken line 450 indicating the fan rotation speed 424 during water supply, as indicated by a point 460c.

  In step S304, the controller 360 confirms whether or not the rotational speed of the fan 53 has reached the fan rotational speed 424 during water supply (broken line 450 in FIG. 18). When the rotational speed of the fan 53 reaches the broken line 450 (YES in step S304), the controller 360 closes the water supply valve 41 (step S306), switches to a state in which the cleaning water is not supplied to the cleaning tank 14, and step S314. Proceed to

  On the other hand, when the rotation speed of the fan 53 has not reached the fan rotation speed during water supply (NO in step S304), the controller 360 confirms whether or not a signal has been received from the cleaning water detection sensor 365 (step S308). As shown in FIG. 19, when the cleaning water level 54 e reaches the lower end of the cleaning water detection sensor 365, the cleaning water detection sensor 365 transmits a signal to the controller 360. When the controller 360 receives a signal from the cleaning water detection sensor 365 (YES in step S308), the controller 360 closes the water supply valve 41 (step S310) and switches to a state in which cleaning water is not supplied to the cleaning tank 14. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the cleaning water from leaking from the cleaning tank 14. The controller 360 confirms whether or not the rotation speed of the fan 53 is within the water supply reference fan rotation speed range (step S312). When the rotation speed of the fan 53 is within the reference water rotation speed range during water supply, that is, when the rotation speed of the fan 53 is indicated by the solid line 462 (YES in step S312), the process proceeds to step S314. In step S314, the controller 360 stops the rotation speed sensor 50 and proceeds to step S322.

  On the other hand, if the rotation speed of the fan 53 is outside the reference fan rotation speed range during water supply (NO in step S312), the controller 360 confirms whether the rotation speed of the fan 53 is within the normal fan rotation speed range during water supply ( Step S316). When the rotation speed of the fan 53 is within the normal fan rotation speed range during water supply, for example, when the rotation speed of the fan 53 is indicated by the solid line 464 (YES in step S316), the controller 360 stops the rotation speed sensor 50 ( Step S318). The controller 360 corrects the water supply stop rotation speed database 420 (step S320), and proceeds to step S322. In step S322, the controller 360 drives the pump 27 to send cleaning water to the cleaning nozzle. Thereby, the tableware 19 in the washing tank 14 is washed.

Here, the correction method of the water supply stop rotation speed database 420 executed in step S320 will be described in the case where the value detected by the rotation speed sensor 50 is 3900 r / min. As shown in FIG. 20, the controller 360 corrects the water supply fan rotation speed 424 corresponding to the temperature of 15 ° C. to 20 ° C. to 3900 r / min, which is a value detected by the rotation speed sensor 50. That is, the controller 360 subtracts the fan rotation speed 424 during water supply by 75 r / min. The controller 360 subtracts the water supply reference fan rotation speed range lower limit 426 and the water supply normal fan rotation speed range lower limit 428 by 75 r / min, similarly to the water supply fan rotation speed 424. As a result, the water supply reference fan rotation speed range and the water supply normal fan rotation speed range are shifted by the change amount of the water supply fan rotation speed 424 without changing the width thereof.
Further, the controller 360, for all the rotation speeds of the fans 53 recorded in the water supply stop rotation speed database 420, is similar to the water supply fan rotation speed 424 corresponding to the temperature range of 15 ° C. to 20 ° C. Subtract 75r / min. That is, the controller 360 corrects the water supply fan rotation speed 424, the water supply reference fan rotation speed range lower limit 426, and the water supply normal fan rotation speed range lower limit 428 corresponding to one temperature range at the same time as another temperature range. The water supply fan rotation speed 424, the water supply reference fan rotation speed range lower limit 426, and the water supply normal fan rotation speed range lower limit 428 are also corrected.

  On the other hand, when the rotation speed of the fan 53 is outside the normal fan rotation speed range during water supply, that is, when the rotation speed of the fan 53 is indicated by the solid line 466 (NO in step S316), the process proceeds to step S326. When the rotation speed of the fan 53 does not reach the normal fan rotation speed range lower limit 428 during water supply, for example, there may be a case where there is a gap between the upper end opening of the cleaning tank 14 and the seal lid 56. In this case, the controller 360 may drive the pump 27 to drain the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 14 out of the cleaning tank 14.

  In step S308, when the controller 360 has not received a signal from the washing water detection sensor 365 (NO in step S308), the controller 360 has passed a predetermined time (for example, 15 minutes) after opening the water supply valve 41. Whether or not (step S324). If the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step S324), the controller 360 returns to step S304 and repeats the processing from step S304. If the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S324), the process proceeds to step S326. In step S326, the controller 360 closes the water supply valve 41 so as not to supply cleaning water to the cleaning tank 14. The controller 360 stops the rotation speed sensor 50 (step S328). The controller 360 transmits a warning signal to the operation panel 16 (step S330) and ends the process. When the fan rotation speed is outside the normal fan rotation speed range during water supply (NO in step S316), in step S330, the controller 360 has a gap between the upper end opening of the cleaning tank 14 and the seal lid 56. A warning signal indicating that this is transmitted. On the other hand, when the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S324), in step S330, the controller 360 transmits a warning signal indicating a poor water supply.

  When the supply of the washing water is finished, the tableware 19 is washed. As shown in FIG. 3, when the cleaning process is completed, a rinsing process (step S12) is performed. In the rinsing process, the water supply process for the cleaning water is performed as in the cleaning process. In the water supply process of the cleaning water before the rinsing process, the controller 360 performs the process shown in FIG. 17 after draining the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 14.

  In the dishwasher 300 described above, the controller 360 closes the water supply valve 41 and stops the supply of the cleaning water into the cleaning tank 14 in accordance with the rotational speed of the fan 53 detected by the rotational speed sensor 50. Thereby, the water level detection apparatus using a float etc. becomes unnecessary.

(5th Example)
In the dishwasher 300 of the fourth embodiment described above, the opening and closing of the water supply valve 41 is controlled based on the number of rotations of the fan 53 that is driven with constant power. Instead of this, the rotational speed of the fan 53 may be kept constant.
Hereinafter, when the current value supplied to the motor of the drying fan 52 is controlled so as to maintain the rotational speed of the fan 53 at 3500 r / min, the opening / closing of the water supply valve 41 is controlled based on the current value supplied to the motor. A dishwasher according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 21 is a longitudinal sectional view of the dishwasher 500 of the second embodiment. Here, the same components as those in the dishwasher 300 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG.

  In addition to the fan 53, the rotation speed sensor 50, and the motor, the drying fan 52 is provided with an ammeter 554 that measures a current value energized to the motor. As shown in FIG. 22, the ammeter 554 is connected to the controller 560 of the dishwasher 500. Each device of the dishwasher 500 is connected to the controller 560 in the same manner as the controller 360 of the dishwasher 300. The controller 560 controls the operation of each connected device by the built-in CPU 560a, memory 560b, and the like. The memory 560b stores information for controlling each device. Further, the memory 560b stores a water supply stop current value database 530.

  As shown in FIG. 23, the water supply stop current value database 530 is associated with each of the plurality of temperature ranges 532, the water supply current value 534, the water supply reference current value range upper limit 536, and the water supply normal current value range upper limit 538. Is recorded. The temperature range 532 indicates a range that is greater than or equal to the minimum value shown in each temperature range and less than or equal to the maximum value. The temperature measured by the thermistor 55 is rounded off after the decimal point. The water supply reference current value range upper limit 536 is a value obtained by adding 0.005 A from the value of the water supply current value 534 in the same temperature range. Water supply normal current value range upper limit 538 is a value obtained by adding 0.03 A from the value of water supply current value 534 in the same temperature range. The lower limit of the reference current value range during water supply and the normal current value range during water supply is the current value during water supply. For example, when the temperature is 16 ° C. or higher and 20 ° C. or lower, the reference current value range during water supply is 0.1650A to 0.1700A. The normal current value range at the time of water supply is 0.1650A to 0.1950A.

Next, processing until the controller 560 switches the water supply valve 41 from the open state to the closed state will be described. FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure performed by the controller 560 until the water supply valve 41 is switched from an open state to a closed state. In FIG. 24, the same processes as those in FIG. 17 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG.
Based on the measured temperature information received in step S300, the controller 560 identifies the water supply current value, the water supply reference current value range, and the water supply normal current value range from the water supply stop current value database 530 stored in the memory 560b. (Step S500). The controller 560 determines whether or not the current value measured by the ammeter 554 has reached the water supply current value (step S502).
Here, a change in the current value measured by the ammeter 554 will be described. When the water level of the washing water is located below the lower end of the opening 18a of the exhaust path 18, no change is observed in the current value. When the water level of the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 14 rises and becomes higher than the lower end of the opening 18a of the exhaust path 18, a part of the opening 18a is blocked by the cleaning water. Thereby, the path | route of the air sent out from the washing tank 14 from the exhaust path 18 becomes small. As a result, the rotational speed of the fan 53 tends to increase. At this time, the controller 560 decreases the value of the current supplied to the motor of the drying fan 52 so as to maintain the rotational speed of the fan 53 at a predetermined value. As a result, the current value measured by the ammeter 554 gradually decreases as the cleaning water level in the cleaning tank 14 rises.

When the current value measured by the ammeter 554 has reached 0.1650A, which is the current value during water supply (YES in step S502), the controller 560 closes the water supply valve 41 (step S306) so as not to supply cleaning water. Switching is performed, and the process of step S322 is executed.
On the other hand, when the current value measured by the ammeter 554 has not reached the current value during water supply (NO in step S502), the process proceeds to step S308. In the case of NO in step S308, the controller 560 executes the processes of steps S324, S326, and S330.
On the other hand, in the case of YES in step S308, the controller 560 closes the water supply valve 41 (step S310) and switches to a state in which the cleaning water is not supplied to the cleaning tank 14. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the cleaning water from leaking from the cleaning tank 14. The controller 560 checks whether or not the current value measured by the ammeter 554 is within the water supply reference current value range (step S504). If the current value measured by the ammeter 554 is within the water supply reference current value range (YES in step S504), the process proceeds to step S332.

  On the other hand, when the current value measured by ammeter 554 is outside the reference current value range during water supply (NO in step S504), controller 560 determines whether the current value measured by ammeter 554 is within the normal current value range during water supply. Is confirmed (step S506). If the current value measured by the ammeter 554 is within the normal water supply current value range (YES in step S506), the controller 260 corrects the water supply stop current value database 530 (step S508) and proceeds to step S332.

Here, the correction method of the water supply stop current value database 530 will be described in the case where the current value measured by the ammeter 554 is 0.1750A. As shown in FIG. 25, the controller 560 corrects the water supply current value 534 corresponding to the temperature from 16 ° C. to 20 ° C. to 0.1750 A that is the current value measured by the ammeter 554. That is, the controller 560 adds the water supply current value 534 by 0.01 A. The controller 560 adds the water supply reference current value range upper limit 536 and the water supply normal current value range upper limit 538 by 0.01 A, similarly to the water supply current value 534. As a result, the water supply reference current value range and the water supply normal current value range are shifted by the change amount of the water supply current value 534 without changing the width thereof.
Further, the controller 560 adds 0.01 A to all the current values recorded in the water supply stop current value database 530 in the same manner as the current value 534 corresponding to the temperature range of 16 ° C. to 20 ° C. . That is, the controller 560 corrects all the current values recorded in the water supply stop current value database 530 at the same time as correcting the current value 534 corresponding to one temperature range.

  On the other hand, when the current value measured by the ammeter 554 is outside the normal current value range during water supply (NO in step S506), the process proceeds to step S326. In the case where the current value measured by the ammeter 554 does not reach the upper limit 538 of the normal current value range during water supply, for example, there may be a case where there is a gap between the upper end opening of the cleaning tank 14 and the seal lid 56. In this case, the controller 560 may drive the pump 27 to drain the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 14 out of the cleaning tank 14.

  When the supply of the washing water is finished, the tableware 19 is washed. As shown in FIG. 3, when the cleaning process is completed, a rinsing process (step S14) is performed. In the rinsing process, the water supply process for the cleaning water is performed as in the cleaning process. The controller 560 performs the process shown in FIG. 24 also in the cleaning water supply process before the rinsing process.

  In the dishwasher 500 described above, the controller 560 closes the water supply valve 41 and stops the supply of the cleaning water into the cleaning tank 14 in accordance with the current value measured by the ammeter 554. Thereby, the water level detection apparatus using a float etc. becomes unnecessary.

  In the dishwasher 300 according to the fourth embodiment, the rotation speed of the fan when the supply of the cleaning water to the cleaning tank 14 is stopped can be changed depending on the temperature of the air in the cleaning tank 14. Moreover, in the dishwasher 500 of 5th Example, the electric current value at the time of stopping supply of the washing water to the washing tank 14 can be changed with the temperature of the air in the washing tank 14. FIG. Thereby, it is possible to cope with a change in index due to a temperature change in the cleaning tank 14. Further, in the dishwasher 300, 500, the controller 360, 560 is the reference for the rotational speed of the fan 53 when the water supply valve 41 is closed from the open state or the current value supplied to the motor of the drying fan 52. The range can be corrected. Thereby, the change in the driving performance of the drying fan 52 can be fed back from the next time.

  The above-described dishwasher 300 may be configured such that a plurality of cleaning courses having different amounts of water stored in the cleaning tank 14 can be selected. In this case, in the water supply stop rotation speed database 420 of the fourth embodiment, the rotation speed of the fan 53 corresponding to the amount of stored wash water of each cleaning course is recorded as the water supply fan rotation speed. In addition, the water supply stop rotation speed database 420 stores a lower limit of a water supply reference fan rotation speed range with each water supply fan rotation speed as an upper limit and a water supply normal fan rotation speed range lower limit. The controller 360 specifies the fan rotation speed at the time of water supply, the reference fan rotation speed range, and the normal fan rotation speed range from the water supply stop rotation speed database 420 according to the selected cleaning course. Similarly, the tableware washing machine 500 of 5th Example records the electric current value corresponding to the storage amount of the washing water of each washing course as a water supply current value in the water supply stop current value database 530. In addition, a lower limit of a water supply reference current value range having an upper limit of each water supply current value and a lower limit of a water supply normal current value range are stored. The controller 560 identifies the water supply current value, the reference current value range, and the normal current value range from the water supply stop current value database 530 according to the selected cleaning course.

In each dishwasher of the first to fifth embodiments described above, the drying fan 52 is disposed only in the intake path 63. However, a fan may be disposed also in the exhaust path 18 or a fan may be disposed only in the exhaust path 18.
In the dishwashers 300 and 500 of the fourth and fifth embodiments described above, the fan rotation speed during water supply, the current value during water supply, and the like are based on the temperature measured by the thermistor 55 that measures the temperature of the air in the cleaning tank 14. The index value is specified. However, for example, the index value may be specified based on the temperature measured by the room temperature thermistor 13, and another index thermistor is installed near the drying fan 52, and the index value is based on the measured temperature measured by the thermistor. May be specified.

Specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, but these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes of the specific examples illustrated above.
In addition, the technical elements described in the present specification or the drawings exhibit technical usefulness alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technology illustrated in the present specification or the drawings achieves a plurality of objects at the same time, and has technical utility by achieving one of the objects.

The cross-sectional schematic diagram of the tableware washing machine of 1st Example. The block diagram which shows the control system of a dishwasher. The flowchart which shows driving | operation operation | movement. The flowchart which shows the water supply process to the washing tank of 1st Example. The graph which shows the relationship between the amount of water storage in the washing tank of 1st Example, and the rotation speed of a fan. The schematic diagram which shows the relationship between the water level of the washing water in a washing tank, and the opening of an intake path and an exhaust path. The schematic diagram which shows the relationship between the water level of the washing water in a washing tank, and the opening of an intake path and an exhaust path. The schematic diagram which shows the relationship between the water level of the washing water in a washing tank, and the opening of an intake path and an exhaust path. The cross-sectional schematic diagram of the tableware washing machine of 2nd Example. The cross-sectional schematic diagram of the tableware washing machine of 2nd Example. The block diagram which shows the control system of the dishwasher of 2nd Example. The flowchart which shows the water supply process to the washing tank of the tableware washing machine of 2nd Example. The flowchart which shows the water supply process to the washing tank of the tableware washing machine of 3rd Example. The cross-sectional schematic diagram of the tableware washing machine of 4th Example. The block diagram which shows the control system of the tableware washing machine of 4th Example. The figure which shows the water supply stop rotation speed database of 4th Example. The flowchart which shows the water supply process of 4th Example. The graph which shows the relationship between the amount of water storage in the washing tank of 4th Example, and the rotation speed of a fan. The schematic diagram which shows the relationship between the water level of the washing water in a washing tank, and a washing water sensor. The figure which shows the corrected water supply stop rotation speed database of 4th Example. The cross-sectional schematic diagram of the tableware washing machine of 5th Example. The block diagram which shows the control system of the dishwasher of 5th Example. The figure which shows the water supply stop electric current value database of 5th Example. The flowchart which shows the water supply process of 5th Example. The figure which shows the corrected water supply stop electric current value database of 5th Example.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10: Dishwasher 12: Main body 14: Washing tank 18: Exhaust path 18a: Opening 18b: Exhaust port 41: Water supply valve 50: Revolution sensor 52: Drying fan 60: Controller 63: Intake path 63a: Opening

Claims (9)

A washing tank for storing tableware;
A switching device for switching between a state of supplying cleaning water and a state of not supplying water in the cleaning tank,
An intake path reaching from the outside to the inside of the washing tank;
An exhaust path reaching from the inside to the outside of the washing tank;
Arranged in at least one of the intake path and the exhaust path, air is introduced into the cleaning tank through the intake path, and air in the cleaning tank is exhausted outside the cleaning tank through the exhaust path. With fans,
A control device that switches the switching device to a state in which cleaning water is not supplied when an index that varies depending on resistance when air passes through the path from the intake path to the exhaust path reaches a predetermined value;
A dishwasher characterized by comprising:   The control device does not supply cleaning water to the switching device when the index does not reach the predetermined value even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the switching device is switched to the state of supplying cleaning water. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the dishwasher is switched to.   3. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the index is one of fan rotation speed and power consumption of the fan.   The index is any one of a fan rotation speed when the fan is rotated at a predetermined power consumption and a power consumption of the fan when the fan is rotated at a predetermined rotation speed. Item 3. A dishwasher according to item 1 or 2. A washing tank for storing tableware;
A switching device for switching between a state of supplying cleaning water and a state of not supplying water in the cleaning tank,
An intake path reaching from the outside to the inside of the washing tank;
An exhaust path reaching from the inside to the outside of the washing tank;
Arranged in at least one of the intake path and the exhaust path, air is introduced into the cleaning tank through the intake path, and air in the cleaning tank is exhausted outside the cleaning tank through the exhaust path. With fans,
A thermistor that measures the temperature of air passing through the fan to obtain a measured temperature;
A storage device that stores a reference index value of an index that varies depending on resistance when air passes through a path from the intake path to the exhaust path in association with each of a plurality of temperature ranges;
A control device that switches the switching device to a non-water supply state when the index reaches a reference index value corresponding to a temperature range including the measured temperature;
A dishwasher characterized by comprising: It is located inside any one of the washing tank, the intake passage, and the exhaust passage, and is located above the water level of washing water necessary for washing and rinsing dishes, and when the washing water is detected, a signal is sent to the control device. Is equipped with a washing water detection device that transmits
6. The dishwasher according to claim 5, wherein when the control device receives a signal from the washing water detection device, the control device switches the switching device to a state in which water is not supplied. In addition to the reference index value, the storage device stores a normal index range for water supply corresponding to each temperature range, and a reference index range for water supply set within the normal index range for water supply, In the normal index range during water supply and the reference index range during water supply, when the index decreases as the resistance increases, a reference index value corresponding to the temperature range is set as a lower limit, and the resistance increases. When the index increases with the reference index value corresponding to the temperature range as an upper limit,
The control device, when the index when switching the switching device is within the normal index range at the time of water supply corresponding to the temperature range including the measured temperature, and is outside the reference index range at the time of water supply 7. The water supply normal index range and the water supply reference index range are shifted using a new reference index value corresponding to a temperature range including the measured temperature as an index when the apparatus is switched. The dishwasher described.   The control device, when the index does not reach the normal index range at the time of water supply corresponding to the temperature range including the measured temperature, even if a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the switching device is switched to the water supply state. The dishwasher according to claim 7, wherein the switching device is switched to a state where water is not supplied.   The dishwasher according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the index is one of a fan rotational speed and a power consumption of the fan.

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