JP6629075B2 - washing machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing machine for washing an object to be washed such as tableware.

  2. Description of the Related Art There is known a dishwasher in which water stored in a washing tank is jetted to tableware accommodated in a washing chamber to perform washing, and water stored in a rinsing water tank is jetted to tableware for rinsing. For example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-237116) discloses a dishwasher that performs a washing operation in which a washing step of washing dishes and a rinsing step of rinsing the washed dishes are sequentially executed. A dishwasher having a low-temperature lock function that detects a rinsing water temperature before the start of the washing operation and, when the rinsing water temperature is lower than a reference temperature, does not execute the washing operation and waits. I have. In the dishwasher having this configuration, the rinsing operation can always be performed with the rinsing water having an appropriate temperature, so that it is possible to ensure the cleaning performance.

JP-A-2000-237116

  In recent years, while measures against global warming have been attracting attention as a social problem, there is a demand for energy saving in dishwashers. In particular, in a dishwasher, the energy consumed by the heater that heats the water in the washing tank or the rinsing water tank accounts for a large proportion. Therefore, in the dishwasher disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is possible to control the heater so that the temperature of the water in the tank is lower than the set temperature in the operation stop state in which the cleaning operation is not performed. Conceivable.

  However, when the temperature of the water in the tank is lowered in the dishwasher having the low-temperature lock function, the temperature of the water in the tank may be lower than the reference temperature. In this case, even if the cleaning operation is to be started, the low-temperature lock function is activated, and the cleaning operation cannot be started immediately. That is, the start of the cleaning operation must be waited until the water in the tank reaches the reference temperature, and if the cleaning operation is to be started immediately, it is inconvenient and inefficient for the operator.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of realizing energy saving and securing washing ability while considering the usability of an operator.

  The washing machine of the present invention is a washing machine that performs a washing operation of sequentially executing a washing step and a rinsing step, a heater that heats water in the tank, and a temperature sensor that detects a temperature of the water in the tank, Based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, the heater is controlled so that the temperature of the water in the tank becomes the first set temperature, and the temperature of the water in the tank is set to an inactive state in which the cleaning operation is not performed. A heater control unit for activating an energy saving mode for controlling the heater to be a second set temperature lower than the first set temperature, and a temperature detected by a temperature sensor when a cleaning operation start command is received is confirmed. If the temperature is equal to or higher than one reference temperature, start the cleaning operation, and if the temperature is lower than the first reference temperature, an operation control unit that executes a low-temperature lock function that waits without starting the cleaning operation, operation Control unit prohibits the execution of the low-temperature lock function in the energy-saving mode.

  In the washing machine having this configuration, the temperature of the water in the tank is controlled to be the first set temperature during normal operation, and the second set temperature is lower than the first set temperature when the operation is stopped. Is controlled so that For this reason, it is possible to save energy when the operation is stopped. Further, when the power is turned off during the suspension of operation, when the cleaning operation is started again, it takes time to raise the temperature of the water in the tank that has dropped to around room temperature to the first set temperature. Since the temperature may be raised from the second set temperature higher than the room temperature to the first set temperature, the cleaning operation can be started more quickly. Thereby, the convenience of the worker can be improved. Further, in the cleaning machine having this configuration, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor when the cleaning operation start command is received is lower than the first reference temperature, the cleaning device does not start the cleaning operation and waits for an appropriate temperature. Since the washing operation is started when the water reaches the above, the washing ability can be ensured. Further, in the washing machine having this configuration, when the operation start command is received in the energy saving mode, the low temperature lock function is not executed. Therefore, when the temperature of the water in the tank is controlled to the second set temperature in the energy saving mode, when the temperature falls below the first reference temperature, it is possible to avoid an event that the cleaning operation cannot be started immediately. As a result, it is possible to achieve energy saving and secure the cleaning ability while considering the usability of the worker.

  In the cleaning machine of the present invention, the tank is a hot water storage tank that stores water supplied into the cleaning chamber in the rinsing step, and the temperature sensor is a rinsing water temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the water in the hot water storage tank. The control unit confirms the temperature detected by the rinsing water temperature sensor when receiving the start command of the cleaning operation, and starts the cleaning operation when the temperature is equal to or higher than the first reference temperature, and the temperature is higher than the first reference temperature. If the temperature is too low, the low-temperature lock function that waits without starting the cleaning operation may be executed, and the execution of the low-temperature lock function in the energy saving mode may be prohibited.

  In the washing machine having this configuration, normally, the temperature of the water in the rinsing water tank is controlled to be the first set temperature, and the temperature of the water in the rinsing water tank is lower than the first set temperature when the operation is stopped. Control is performed so as to reach the second set temperature. For this reason, it is possible to save energy when the operation is stopped. Further, when the power is turned off during the suspension of operation, when the cleaning operation is started again, it takes time to raise the temperature of the water in the rinsing water tank which has dropped to around room temperature to the first set temperature. In this case, since the temperature may be raised from the second set temperature higher than the room temperature to the first set temperature, the cleaning operation can be started more quickly. Thereby, the convenience of the worker can be improved. Further, in the cleaning machine having this configuration, if the temperature detected by the rinsing water temperature sensor at the time of receiving the start command of the cleaning operation is lower than the first reference temperature, the cleaning device does not start the cleaning operation and waits. Since the cleaning operation is started when the temperature of the water reaches a certain level, the cleaning performance can be ensured. Further, in the washing machine having this configuration, when the operation start command is received in the energy saving mode, the low temperature lock function is not executed. Therefore, when the temperature of the water in the hot water storage tank is controlled to the second set temperature in the energy saving mode, if the temperature falls below the first reference temperature, it is possible to avoid an event that the cleaning operation cannot be started immediately. As a result, it is possible to achieve energy saving and secure the cleaning ability while considering the usability of the worker.

  In the washing machine of the present invention, the operation control unit compares the second set temperature and the first reference temperature in the energy saving mode, and when the first reference temperature is higher than the second set temperature, sets the first reference temperature to the second reference temperature. By resetting to the second reference temperature lower than the second set temperature, the execution of the low-temperature lock function in the energy saving mode may be prohibited.

  In the washing machine having this configuration, when the first reference temperature that is the temperature for determining whether the low-temperature lock function is performed is higher than the second set temperature that is the temperature of the water in the tank maintained in the energy saving mode, The temperature is automatically changed from the first reference temperature to a second reference temperature lower than the second set temperature. This prevents the temperature of the water in the tank from being lower than the temperature at which the low-temperature lock function is executed during the activation of the energy saving mode, thereby avoiding an event that the cleaning operation cannot be started immediately.

  The washing machine of the present invention further includes a setting input unit that enables the setting input of the first set temperature and the second set temperature, and the setting input unit does not allow the setting input of a numerical value equal to or lower than the first reference temperature. May be set to.

  In the washing machine having this configuration, the first set temperature and the second set temperature in the energy saving mode can be freely set while ensuring that the low-temperature lock function can be reliably operated. As a result, it is possible to perform an operation in which the low-temperature lock function is prioritized.

  In the washing machine of the present invention, the heater control unit controls the heater so that the temperature of the water in the tank becomes the second set temperature when the operation stop signal is not input and the operation suspension state continues for a predetermined time. You may.

  In the cleaning machine having this configuration, when a predetermined time has elapsed after the operation has been suspended, the temperature of the water in the tank can be automatically switched from the first set temperature to the second set temperature.

  In the cleaning machine of the present invention, the operation control unit may extend the cleaning time in the cleaning process from the initial setting time when the operation start signal is input during the activation of the energy saving mode.

  In the cleaning machine having this configuration, even when the cleaning operation is started during the activation of the energy saving mode, the time for raising the temperature of the rinsing water is secured by increasing the cleaning time. This allows the rinsing step to be performed at an appropriate temperature.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, realization of energy saving and ensuring of washing | cleaning ability can be aimed at, considering the usability of an operator.

It is a perspective view of the dishwasher concerning one embodiment. It is a sectional view showing the schematic structure of the dishwasher concerning one embodiment. It is a block diagram showing the functional composition of the dishwasher concerning one embodiment. It is a flow chart which shows operation of a dishwasher concerning one embodiment. It is a flow chart which shows operation of a dishwasher concerning one embodiment.

  Hereinafter, a dishwasher (washing machine) 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements will be denoted by the same reference symbols, without redundant description. The dimensional ratios in the drawings do not always match those described. For convenience of description, a front-rear direction, a left-right direction, and a vertical direction are set in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a dishwasher 1 according to one embodiment is an undercounter type washer in which a door 4 is provided on a front surface of a washing room 2A. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the dishwasher 1 includes a main body 2, an upper cleaning nozzle 5, an upper rinsing nozzle 6, a lower cleaning nozzle 7, a lower rinsing nozzle 8, and a cleaning tank. 9, a hot water storage tank 18, a detergent supply pump 32, and a rinse agent supply pump 37.

  The main body 2 is formed of a stainless steel panel. The main body 2 includes a washing chamber 2A having an opening for inserting and removing a rack in which tableware (objects to be washed) D is opened and closed, a washing tank 9, a hot water storage tank 18, and a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a "microcomputer"). And a machine room 2 </ b> B in which a device 51 and the like are provided. Legs 3 are attached to the four corners of the bottom surface of the main body 2.

  The main body 2 is provided with a door 4 for taking the tableware D in and out of the washing room 2A. A rack rail 2C is provided in the washing room 2A, and a tableware rack (not shown) on which tableware D is arranged is placed on the rack rail. An operation panel 2D for the user to input an operation mode or various settings is provided above the door 4 on the front surface of the main body 2.

  The upper cleaning nozzle 5 and the upper rinsing nozzle 6 are provided above the cleaning chamber 2A. The upper washing nozzle 5 includes three radially extending arms and is rotatably disposed. The upper rinsing nozzle 6 includes two arms and is rotatably arranged. The lower cleaning nozzle 7 and the lower rinsing nozzle 8 are provided in a lower part of the cleaning chamber 2A. The lower cleaning nozzle 7 includes three radially extending arms and is rotatably disposed. The lower rinsing nozzle 8 includes two arms and is rotatably arranged.

  The washing water is sprayed from above and below by the upper washing nozzle 5 and the lower washing nozzle 7 in the washing process on the tableware D arranged in the dish rack, and the upper and lower rinsing nozzles 6 and 8 rinse the washing water from above and below in the rinsing process. Water is injected.

  The cleaning tank 9 is disposed below the cleaning chamber 2A and stores cleaning water. The washing tank 9 is provided with a water level detection switch 10 for detecting the level of the washing water. The water level detection switch 10 is a switch that is turned on when the water level in the washing tank 9 exceeds a predetermined water level H and turned off when the water level is equal to or lower than the predetermined water level H. The water level detection switch 10 is mounted below the overflow water level of the cleaning tank 9 and above the cleaning water suction pipe 13. When the cleaning pump 14 sucks air during driving, the cleaning pump 14 causes so-called air bite, so that cleaning water cannot be injected from the cleaning nozzles 5 and 7. In one embodiment, when the water level detection switch 10 is turned off during operation, the operation of the dishwasher 1 is stopped, thereby preventing suction of air by the cleaning pump 14.

  In the cleaning tank 9, a cleaning water heater 9A for maintaining the cleaning water at a predetermined temperature and a cleaning water temperature sensor 9B for detecting the temperature of the cleaning water are provided. The washing water heater 9A heats the washing water in order to improve the sterilizing ability and the washing ability. The washing water temperature sensor 9B outputs the temperature of the washing water to be detected to the microcomputer 51. The operation of the washing water heater 9A is controlled by the microcomputer 51 (see FIG. 3). The microcomputer 51 controls the operation of the cleaning water heater 9A based on the water temperature detected by the cleaning water temperature sensor 9B so as to maintain the cleaning water at a predetermined temperature.

  A cleaning pump 14 is connected to a side surface of the cleaning tank 9 via a cleaning water suction pipe 13. A pump filter 12 is provided in a portion of the cleaning tank 9 to which the cleaning water suction pipe 13 is attached. A cleaning water discharge pipe 15 is connected to a discharge port of the cleaning pump 14. The cleaning water discharge pipe 15 is branched into a first cleaning water discharge pipe 16 and a second cleaning water discharge pipe 17. The first cleaning water discharge pipe 16 is connected to the upper cleaning nozzle 5. The second cleaning water discharge pipe 17 is connected to the lower cleaning nozzle 7.

  The washing tank 9 is provided with an overflow pipe 11 extending vertically. The upper end of the overflow pipe 11 is located in the washing chamber 2A slightly beyond the upper edge of the washing tank 9, and the lower end protrudes outside from the bottom surface of the washing tank 9. Excess washing water in the washing tank 9 flows into the pipe from the inflow hole at the upper end of the overflow pipe 11 and is discharged to the outside. The overflow pipe 11 is configured to be detachable from the cleaning tank 9. When the user removes the overflow pipe 11, the drain port into which the overflow pipe 11 has been inserted is exposed on the bottom surface of the washing tank 9, and the washing water in the washing tank 9 can be completely drained.

  Hot water storage tank 18 is a tank in which water for rinsing tableware D is stored. Water is supplied to the hot water storage tank 18 from an external water heater (not shown) via a water supply pipe 21. The water supply pipe 21 is provided with a strainer 19. A water valve 20 is provided downstream of the strainer 19 in the water supply pipe 21. The water valve 20 is controlled by the microcomputer 51 (see FIG. 3). The water valve 20 opens and closes in conjunction with the detection of the water level by the water level sensor 22 to maintain the level of the rinsing water stored in the hot water storage tank 18 constant.

  A rinsing water heater 23A for maintaining the rinsing water at a predetermined temperature and a rinsing water temperature sensor 23B for detecting the temperature of the rinsing water are provided in the hot water storage tank 18. The rinsing water heater 23A heats the rinsing water to improve the sterilizing ability. The rinsing water temperature sensor 23B outputs the detected rinsing water temperature to the microcomputer 51. The operation of the rinsing water heater 23A is controlled by the microcomputer 51 (see FIG. 3). The microcomputer 51 controls the operation of the rinsing water heater 23A based on the water temperature detected by the rinsing water temperature sensor 23B so as to maintain the rinsing water at a predetermined temperature.

  A rinsing pump 25 is connected to the hot water storage tank 18 via a rinsing water suction pipe 24. A rinsing water discharge pipe 26 is connected to a discharge port of the rinsing pump 25. The rinsing water discharge pipe 26 branches into a first rinsing water discharge pipe 27 and a second rinsing water discharge pipe 28. The first rinsing water discharge pipe 27 is connected to the upper rinsing nozzle 6. The second rinsing water discharge pipe 28 is connected to the lower rinsing nozzle 8.

  The detergent supply pump 32 is disposed outside the dishwasher 1, that is, outside the main body 2. The detergent supply pump 32 is a bellows pump for supplying the detergent stored in the detergent tank 33 to the cleaning chamber 2A. The detergent supply pump 32 is connected to a detergent discharge pipe 34 connected to a side wall of the cleaning chamber 2A, and is connected to the microcomputer 51 by a signal line. The detergent supply pump 32 operates according to a signal output from the microcomputer 51 (see FIG. 3), sucks the detergent in the detergent tank 33 from the connected detergent suction pipe 35, and sends a predetermined amount of detergent to the detergent discharge pipe 34. Is discharged. This detergent is provided at the tip of the detergent discharge pipe 34 and is discharged into the cleaning chamber 2A from a detergent discharge port 36 connecting the cleaning chamber 2A and the detergent discharge pipe 34. The detergent discharged into the cleaning chamber 2A flows into the cleaning tank 9 below the cleaning chamber 2A and is mixed with the cleaning water.

  The rinsing agent supply pump 37 is arranged outside the dishwasher 1, that is, outside the main body 2. The rinsing agent supply pump 37 is for supplying the rinsing agent stored in the rinsing agent tank 38 to the rinsing water channel. The rinse agent supply pump 37 is connected to the rinse agent discharge tube 39 communicating with the first rinse water discharge tube 27, and is connected to the microcomputer 51 by a signal line. The rinsing agent supply pump 37 operates according to a signal output from the microcomputer 51 (see FIG. 3), sucks the detergent in the rinsing agent tank 38 from the connected rinsing agent suction tube 40, and sends the detergent to the rinsing agent discharge tube 39. Dispense the rinsing agent. The rinsing agent is discharged from the rinsing agent discharge pipe 39 to the rinsing water passage in the rinsing water discharge pipe 26 by the rinsing agent supply pump 37, and is mixed with the rinsing water.

  The microcomputer 51 is arranged in the machine room 2B. The microcomputer 51 controls the overall operation of the dishwasher 1. The microcomputer 51 is built in the electrical box 50. The microcomputer 51 is a computer system or a processor mounted on an integrated circuit. The microcomputer 51 is a part that controls various operations of the dishwasher 1, and is connected to each other such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory).

  The microcomputer 51 as a heater control unit controls the washing water heater 9A based on the temperature detected by the washing water temperature sensor 9B so that the temperature of the water in the washing tank 9 becomes a set temperature (for example, 70 ° C.). .

  Further, the microcomputer 51 as the heater control unit controls the rinsing water heater based on the temperature detected by the rinsing water temperature sensor 23B so that the temperature of the water in the hot water storage tank 18 becomes the first set temperature (for example, 85 ° C.). Activate the normal mode for controlling 23A. The microcomputer 51 as the heater control unit operates such that the temperature of the water in the hot water storage tank 18 becomes the second set temperature (for example, 75 ° C.) lower than the first set temperature in the operation stop state in which the cleaning operation is not performed. An energy saving mode for controlling the rinsing water heater 23A is started. When no operation start signal is input and the operation stop state continues for a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes to 15 minutes), the microcomputer 51 of the embodiment changes the temperature of the water in the hot water storage tank 18 to the second set temperature. The rinsing water heater 23A is controlled so as to be as follows.

  The microcomputer 51 as the operation control unit confirms the temperature detected by the rinsing water temperature sensor 23B when receiving the start command of the cleaning operation, and when the temperature is equal to or higher than the first reference temperature (for example, 80 ° C. or higher), the cleaning is performed. The operation is started, and if the temperature is lower than the first reference temperature, a low-temperature lock function that waits without starting the cleaning operation is executed.

  Further, the microcomputer 51 of one embodiment prohibits the execution of the low-temperature lock function in the energy saving mode. Specifically, the microcomputer 51 compares the second set temperature and the first reference temperature in the energy saving mode, and when the first reference temperature is higher than the second set temperature, sets the first reference temperature to be lower than the second set temperature. By resetting to the second reference temperature (for example, 70 ° C.) which is also a low temperature, the execution of the low temperature lock function in the energy saving mode is prohibited. In other words, in the energy saving mode, the water in the hot water storage tank 18 is prevented from falling below the second reference temperature, and the washing operation is not started to be in a standby state (disabling the low-temperature lock function). The microcomputer 51 compares the second set temperature (for example, 75 ° C.) with the first reference temperature (for example, 80 ° C.) in the energy saving mode, and determines whether the second set temperature is the same as the first reference temperature, or When the first reference temperature is lower than the second set temperature, the first reference temperature is maintained as it is.

  Next, operation control of the dishwasher 1 will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. In the dishwasher 1, a washing operation is performed in which the dishwashing and rinsing steps are one cycle. In the washing operation, first, a washing step of washing dishes with washing water containing a detergent is performed, and then a rinsing step of rinsing dishes with clean rinsing water is performed.

  When the power switch of the dishwasher 1 is turned on (step S1), the microcomputer 51 starts the normal mode (step S2). The normal mode is a mode in which the rinsing water heater 23A is controlled based on the temperature detected by the rinsing water temperature sensor 23B so that the temperature of the water in the hot water storage tank 18 becomes a first set temperature (for example, 85 ° C.). is there. Specifically, the microcomputer 51 applies the voltage applied to the rinsing water heater 23A based on the temperature detected by the rinsing water temperature sensor 23B so that the temperature of the rinsing water in the hot water storage tank 18 becomes the first set temperature. Is ON-OFF controlled.

  Next, the microcomputer 51 operates the rinsing pump 25 to start the initial hot water supply (step S3). The initial hot water supply supplies water into the cleaning tank 9 by supplying the water in the hot water storage tank 18 to the cleaning chamber 2A. Then, an amount of detergent corresponding to the initial hot water supply amount is supplied into the washing tank 9 by the detergent supply pump 32, and the detergent concentration of the washing water in the washing tank 9 becomes a predetermined concentration.

  After the initial hot water supply, the microcomputer 51 monitors whether an input of an operation start signal is detected within a predetermined time (for example, within 15 minutes) after the end of the initial hot water supply (step S11). When the user racks the tableware D and closes the door 4, the door switch 4A detects that the door 4 has been closed. When detecting that the door 4 is closed, the door switch 4A sends an operation start signal (start command) to the microcomputer 51. The operation start signal is not limited to the signal transmitted from the door switch 4A, but may be a signal transmitted from the operation panel 2D when a start operation is performed by an operator or the like.

  When the microcomputer 51 detects the operation start signal within a predetermined time after the end of the initial hot water supply (step S11: YES), the water in the hot water storage tank 18 detected by the rinsing water temperature sensor 23B is equal to or higher than the first reference temperature (for example, 85 ° C.) (step S12). Here, when the water in the hot water storage tank 18 is lower than the first reference temperature (step S12: NO), that is, when the temperature detected by the rinsing water temperature sensor 23B is lower than the first reference temperature, the washing operation (described later) The process waits without starting the steps S41 and S42) (step S13). The microcomputer 51 controls the rinsing water heater 23A to increase the temperature of the water in the hot water storage tank 18 until it becomes equal to or higher than the first reference temperature. In the normal mode, since the temperature of the water in the hot water storage tank 18 is controlled to the first set temperature (85 ° C.), the longer the time after the power switch is turned on, the first reference temperature (80 ° C.) Is less likely to be determined.

  On the other hand, when the water in the hot water storage tank 18 is equal to or higher than the first reference temperature (step S12: YES), the microcomputer 51 starts a series of cleaning operations (steps S41 and S42). In this way, the microcomputer 51 confirms the temperature detected by the rinsing water temperature sensor 23B when the input of the operation start signal is detected, and starts the cleaning operation when the temperature is equal to or higher than the first reference temperature, If the temperature is lower than the first reference temperature, a so-called low-temperature lock function of waiting without starting the cleaning operation is executed (steps S12 and S13).

  The cleaning operation will be described. Washing of the tableware D (washing step: step S41) is performed by supplying washing water in the washing tank 9 into the washing chamber 2A. When the cleaning pump 14 is operated, the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 9 is pressure-fed to the upper cleaning nozzle 5 and the lower cleaning nozzle 7 via the cleaning water discharge pipe 15 and the like, and Each of the lower cleaning nozzles 7 is sprayed toward the tableware D in the cleaning chamber 2A. The washing water sprayed into the washing chamber 2A is collected in the washing tank 9 while the garbage and the like washed off from the tableware D are removed by a filter (not shown). Further, the water in the cleaning tank 9 is taken in by the cleaning pump 14 via the pump filter 12 and the like, and supplied again into the cleaning chamber 2A. When the above-described cleaning process is performed for a predetermined time, the microcomputer 51 stops the cleaning pump 14.

  Next, the microcomputer 51 starts the rinsing pump 25 and starts rinsing of the tableware D (rinsing step: step S42). Rinsing of the tableware D is performed by supplying rinsing water in the hot water storage tank 18 into the washing room 2A. By operating the rinsing pump 25, the rinsing water stored in the hot water storage tank 18 is supplied to the upper rinsing nozzle 6 and the lower rinsing nozzle 8 via the first rinsing water discharge pipe 27 and the second rinsing water discharge pipe 28. It is pressure-fed and is sprayed toward the tableware D from each of the upper rinsing nozzle 6 and the lower rinsing nozzle 8. At this time, since the upper rinsing nozzle 6 and the lower rinsing nozzle 8 also continue to rotate due to the reaction force of the jetting force, the rinsing water is evenly applied to the tableware D, and the tableware D is efficiently rinsed. In the rinsing step, the rinsing agent is supplied by the rinsing agent supply pump 37.

  The rinsing water injected into the tableware D is collected in the washing tank 9 and mixed with the washing water, and is used as washing water in the next washing step. Excess washing water in the washing tank 9 is discharged outside from the overflow pipe 11. When such a rinsing step is performed for a predetermined time, the microcomputer 51 stops the rinsing pump 25, and one cycle of the washing operation in the dishwasher 1 is completed.

  In the dishwasher 1, when the power is turned off after one cycle of the operation (Step S43: YES), a series of processes is ended. On the other hand, when the power supply is not turned off (step S43: NO) and the input of the operation start signal is detected, the process returns to step S11 again, and the processes after step S11 are executed. Thus, in the dishwasher 1, the washing operation is performed intermittently until the main power is turned off.

  In step S11, when the operation start signal is not detected within a predetermined time (for example, within 15 minutes) (step S11: NO), the microcomputer 51 activates the energy saving mode (step S31). The energy saving mode is a second set temperature (for example, 75 ° C.) in which the temperature of the water in the hot water storage tank 18 is lower than the first set temperature (for example, 85 ° C.) based on the temperature detected by the rinse water temperature sensor 23B. This is a mode in which the rinsing water heater 23A is controlled so that Specifically, the voltage applied by the microcomputer 51 to the rinsing water heater 23A based on the temperature detected by the rinsing water temperature sensor 23B so that the temperature of the rinsing water in the hot water storage tank 18 becomes the second set temperature. Is ON-OFF controlled.

  The microcomputer 51 monitors whether or not an operation start signal has been input in the above-described energy saving mode (step S32). Here, when the input of the operation start signal is detected (Step S32: YES), the microcomputer 51 resets the reference temperature in the low temperature lock function (Step S33). Specifically, the microcomputer 51 compares the second set temperature with the first reference temperature in the energy saving mode, and when the first reference temperature is higher than the second set temperature, the microcomputer 51 makes a comparison with the first reference temperature (80 ° C.). By resetting the temperature to a second reference temperature (70 ° C.) that is low and equal to or lower than the second set temperature (75 ° C.), the execution of the low-temperature lock function in the energy saving mode is prohibited. Therefore, in the dishwasher 1 of the present embodiment, when the operation start signal is input in the energy saving mode, the mode is switched from the energy saving mode to the normal mode (step S34), and the washing operation is immediately started.

  The microcomputer 51 compares the second set temperature and the first reference temperature in the energy saving mode, and determines whether the second set temperature and the first reference temperature are the same or the first reference temperature is lower than the second set temperature. The first reference temperature is maintained as it is.

  Next, the operation and effect of the dishwasher 1 of the above embodiment will be described. In the dishwasher 1 of one embodiment, the temperature of the water in the hot water storage tank 18 is controlled to be the first set temperature during normal times, and the temperature of the water in the hot water storage tank 18 is controlled to the first set temperature when the operation is stopped. The second set temperature is controlled to be lower than the second set temperature. For this reason, it is possible to save energy when the operation is stopped. Further, if the power is turned off while the operation is stopped, when the cleaning operation is started again, it takes time to raise the temperature of the water in the hot water storage tank 18 that has dropped to around room temperature to the first set temperature. In the dishwasher 1 of the embodiment, since the temperature may be raised from the second set temperature higher than the room temperature to the first set temperature, the washing operation can be started more quickly. Thereby, the convenience of the worker can be improved.

  Further, in the dishwasher 1 of one embodiment, when the temperature detected by the rinsing water temperature sensor 23B is lower than the first reference temperature when the cleaning start signal is received, the washing operation is not started but waits. Since the washing operation is started when the temperature of the water becomes appropriate, the washing ability can be ensured. Furthermore, in the dishwasher 1 of one embodiment, the low-temperature lock function is not executed in the energy saving mode. Therefore, in the energy saving mode, when the water in the hot water storage tank 18 is controlled to a temperature lower than the second set temperature, it is possible to avoid an event that the cleaning operation cannot be started immediately. As a result, it is possible to achieve energy saving and secure the cleaning ability while considering the usability of the worker.

  In the dishwasher 1 of one embodiment, the microcomputer 51 compares the second set temperature and the first reference temperature in the energy saving mode, and when the first reference temperature is higher than the second set temperature, the first reference temperature. Is reset to the second reference temperature, which is lower than the second set temperature, so that the execution of the low-temperature lock function in the energy saving mode is prohibited. In the dishwasher 1 of one embodiment, when the reference temperature (first reference temperature) of the low-temperature lock function is higher than the set temperature (second set temperature) in the energy saving mode, the reference temperature is higher than the second set temperature. Automatically changed to a lower second reference temperature. This prevents the temperature of the water in the hot water storage tank 18 from becoming lower than the temperature at which the low-temperature lock function is executed during the activation of the energy-saving mode, thereby avoiding an event that the cleaning operation cannot be started immediately. .

  In the dishwasher 1 of one embodiment, the microcomputer 51 sets the temperature of the water in the hot water storage tank 18 to the second set temperature when the operation stop signal is not input and the operation stop state is continued for a predetermined time. The heater is being controlled. Thereby, when the predetermined period of time has elapsed after the operation has been suspended, the temperature of the water in the hot water storage tank 18 can be automatically switched from the first set temperature to the second set temperature.

  Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

<Modification 1>
The microcomputer 51 of the embodiment inhibits the execution of the low-temperature lock function in the energy saving mode by resetting the first reference temperature to the second reference temperature that is lower than the second set temperature in the energy saving mode. Although an example in which the low-temperature lock function is not executed in the energy saving mode has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the microcomputer 51 may prohibit the low temperature lock function from being uniformly executed in the energy saving mode. That is, even when the temperature of the water in the hot water storage tank 18 is lower than the first reference temperature, the low temperature lock function may not be executed (the cleaning operation may be started).

<Modification 2>
The microcomputer 51 of the above embodiment or the modification confirms the temperature detected by the washing water temperature sensor 9B instead of or in addition to the temperature detected by the rinsing water temperature sensor 23B, and one or both of the temperatures are determined to be the first temperature. The cleaning operation may be started when the temperature is equal to or higher than the reference temperature, and when one or both of the temperatures is lower than the first reference temperature, the cleaning operation may be started without starting.

<Modification 3>
The microcomputer 51 of the above embodiment or the modified example receives the operation start signal during the activation of the energy saving mode (step S32), and the temperature of the water in the washing tank 9 is lower than the first reference temperature (80 ° C.). When the cleaning operation is started at the reference temperature (70 ° C.), the cleaning time in the cleaning step may be longer than the initially set time. In this case, even when the cleaning operation is started in the energy saving mode, by extending the cleaning time, a time for raising the temperature of the rinsing water is secured. Thus, the rinsing step can be performed at an appropriate temperature, and the cleaning ability can be maintained.

<Modification 4>
In addition to the configuration of the dishwasher 1 of the above embodiment or the modified example, the dishwasher 1 may further include a setting input unit that enables the setting input of the first set temperature and the second set temperature. An example of the setting input unit is, for example, the operation panel 2D. Further, it is preferable that the setting input unit is set so that a setting input of a numerical value equal to or lower than the first reference temperature cannot be performed. In the dishwasher 1 having this configuration, the first set temperature and the second set temperature in the energy saving mode can be set freely while ensuring that the low-temperature lock function can be reliably operated. As a result, it is possible to perform the operation in which the low-temperature lock function is prioritized.

<Modification 5>
In the above-described embodiment or the modified example, the microcomputer 51 has been described with an example in which the so-called energy saving mode is started when the operation stop signal is not input and the operation suspension state continues for the predetermined time, but instead of this configuration, For example, the energy saving mode may be activated by an input (setting) from the operation panel 2D by the operator, or the energy saving mode may be activated when a set time is reached by a timer or the like.

<Other modifications>
In the above embodiment or the modified example, whether the low-temperature lock function is performed is detected by the temperature of the water in the hot water storage tank 18 or the temperature of the water in the cleaning tank 9 (the rinsing water temperature sensor 23B or the cleaning water temperature sensor 9B). (Temperature), but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the microcomputer 51 is predicted from the temperature detected by the rinsing water temperature sensor 23B when the cleaning process start command is received and the time from when the cleaning process start command is received until the rinsing process is started. May be determined based on the temperature of the water in the hot water storage tank 18 at the start of the rinsing process.

  The above-described embodiment and modified examples are not only applied to the dishwasher 1 of the type in which the door is provided on the front side of the main body of the dishwasher as in the oven described above, but also, for example, the type in which the door is opened and closed vertically. It can also be applied to dishwashers and the like.

  In the present invention, the above embodiment and other modified examples may be appropriately combined.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Dishwashing machine (washing machine), 2 ... Main body part, 2A ... washing room, 2D ... operation panel, 4A ... door switch, 9 ... washing tank (tank), 9A ... washing water heater (heater), 9B ... washing Water temperature sensor (temperature sensor), 18: hot water storage tank (tank), 23A: rinse water heater (heater), 23B: rinse water temperature sensor (temperature sensor), 50: electrical box, 51: microcomputer (heater control unit, operation Control unit).

Claims (6)

A washing machine that performs a washing operation to sequentially execute a washing step and a rinsing step,
A heater for heating the water in the tank,
A temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of water in the tank;
Based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, the normal mode of controlling the heater so that the temperature of the water in the tank becomes a first set temperature, the temperature of the water in the tank is higher than the first set temperature An energy saving mode for controlling the heater to be a low second set temperature, and, in an operation suspension state in which the cleaning operation is not performed, a heater control unit that activates the energy saving mode,
When the start command of the cleaning operation is received, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is checked, and when the temperature is equal to or higher than the first reference temperature, the cleaning operation is started, and when the temperature is lower than the first reference temperature. An operation control unit that executes a low-temperature lock function that waits without starting the cleaning operation,
The cleaning device, wherein the operation control unit executes the low-temperature lock function in the normal mode, and prohibits execution of the low-temperature lock function in the energy saving mode. The tank is a hot water storage tank that stores the water supplied into the cleaning chamber in the rinsing step,
The temperature sensor is a rinse water temperature sensor that detects a temperature of water in the hot water storage tank,
The operation control unit confirms the temperature detected by the rinsing water temperature sensor when receiving the start command of the cleaning operation, and starts the cleaning operation when the temperature is equal to or higher than the first reference temperature. The cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein when the temperature is lower than a first reference temperature, a low-temperature lock function that stands by without starting the cleaning operation is executed, and execution of the low-temperature lock function is prohibited in the energy saving mode.   The operation control unit compares the second set temperature and the first reference temperature in the energy saving mode, and, when the first reference temperature is higher than the second set temperature, sets the first reference temperature to the second set temperature. The cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein the low-temperature lock function is prevented from being executed in the energy saving mode by resetting the temperature to a second reference temperature lower than the second set temperature.   The apparatus further includes a setting input unit that enables setting input of the first set temperature and the second set temperature, wherein the setting input unit is set so that setting input of a numerical value equal to or lower than the first reference temperature is not allowed. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the washing machine is provided.   The heater control unit controls the heater so that the temperature of the water in the tank becomes the second set temperature when the operation stop signal is not input and the operation suspension state continues for a predetermined time. The washing machine according to any one of items 1 to 4.   The cleaning according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, when an operation start signal is input during activation of the energy saving mode, the operation control unit extends a cleaning time in the cleaning process from an initial setting time. Machine.

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