JP6911612B2 - Dishwasher - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a dishwasher.

A storage unit capable of storing the cleaning liquid and foam generated on the liquid surface of the cleaning liquid, a discharge unit having an outlet that communicates with the storage unit and discharges foam used for cleaning, and a cleaning liquid from the storage unit. Bubbles are generated by introducing gas into the cleaning liquid lead-out unit, the circulation flow path through which the cleaning liquid led out from the cleaning liquid lead-out unit passes, the circulation pump that flows the cleaning liquid in the circulation flow path, and the cleaning liquid flowing through the circulation flow path. A bubble generation unit and a cleaning liquid introduction unit that introduces the cleaning liquid containing air bubbles that have passed through the bubble generation unit into the storage unit are provided, and water is sprayed from the discharge unit after the cleaning process using bubbles is completed. It is known that the object to be cleaned is rinsed and washed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-047087

However, in the dishwashing apparatus as shown in Patent Document 1, if the water for rinsing is mixed with foam, the effect of rinsing is diminished. For this reason, in addition to the storage unit capable of storing foam, a storage unit for storing water for rinsing and washing is required separately, which increases the size of the device.

The present invention has been made to solve such a problem. An object of the present invention is to obtain a dishwashing device capable of washing an object to be washed with both foam and washing water containing no foam and suppressing an increase in the size of the device.

The dishwashing apparatus according to the present invention includes a washing tank for accommodating an object to be washed, a storage unit capable of storing washing water, a foam generating means for generating foam using the washing water in the storage unit, and the storage unit. The storage unit includes a foam supply unit that supplies the foam on the surface of the cleaning water to the cleaning tank, and a water supply unit that supplies the cleaning water of the storage unit into the cleaning tank. The first storage portion and the second storage portion are divided by a wall, the first storage portion and the second storage portion are communicated with each other by a communication portion, and the foam generating means is the first storage portion. Foam is generated above the communicating portion of the washing water of the storage portion, and the water supply portion supplies the washing water of the second storage portion into the washing tank.

According to the dishwashing apparatus according to the present invention, it is possible to wash the object to be washed with both foam and washing water containing no foam, and it is possible to suppress an increase in the size of the apparatus.

It is sectional drawing which shows typically the structure of the dishwashing apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the bubble generation part provided in the dishwashing apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows typically the structure of the dishwashing apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows typically the structure of the dishwashing apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention.

A mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each figure, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be appropriately simplified or omitted. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and can be variously modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Embodiment 1.
1 and 2 relate to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a dishwashing device, and FIG. 2 shows a configuration of a bubble generating unit included in the dishwashing device. It is a cross-sectional view.

As shown in FIG. 1, the dishwashing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a washing tank 100 and a tank 200. The cleaning tank 100 exhibits, for example, a hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape in which a space is formed inside. An object to be washed can be housed inside the washing tank 100. The tableware 1 shown in FIG. 1 is an example of an object to be washed by the dishwashing device. The object to be washed by the dishwashing apparatus includes, for example, cooking utensils in addition to the tableware 1.

Inside the washing tank 100, a first tableware basket 111 and a second tableware basket 112 are provided. A plurality of tableware 1 and other objects to be washed can be placed in the first tableware basket 111. Similarly, a plurality of tableware 1 and other objects to be washed can be placed in the second tableware basket 112. The first tableware basket 111 is an example of the first placing portion on which the object to be washed is placed in the first embodiment. The second tableware basket 112 is an example of the second placing portion on which the object to be washed is placed in the first embodiment.

The tank 200 is a storage unit capable of storing wash water. Washing water is stored mainly in the lower part of the tank 200. The wash water here is tap water. Tap water as cleaning water is supplied into the tank 200 via the tap water supply valve 10. The inside of the tank 200, which is a storage unit, is divided into a first water storage unit 201 and a second water storage unit 202 by a partition wall 210. The first water storage unit 201 is a first storage unit. The second water storage unit 202 is a second storage unit.

The first water storage unit 201 and the second water storage unit 202 are communicated with each other by a communication unit 211. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, the communication portion 211 is provided as a through hole formed in the partition wall 210. However, the configuration of the communication unit 211 is not limited to this. Alternatively, for example, the first water storage unit 201 and the second water storage unit 202 may be communicated with each other by a pipe or the like to form the communication unit 211.

In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, the washing water supplied into the tank 200 via the tap water supply valve 10 first enters the first water storage unit 201. Then, the water in the first water storage unit 201 passes through the communication unit 211 and enters the second water storage unit 202. Basically, the height of the washing water in the first water storage section 201 and the height of the washing water in the second water storage section 202 are the same.

A hollow tubular circulation pipe 21 is connected to the tank 200. Each of both ends of the circulation pipe 21 communicates with the inside of the first water storage unit 201 of the tank 200. The circulation pipe 21 forms a circulation flow path in which the wash water led out from the first water storage unit 201 passes through the circulation pipe 21 and returns to the first water storage unit 201.

A circulation pump 22 and a bubble generation unit 300 are provided in the middle of the circulation pipe 21. By operating the circulation pump 22, the washing water in the circulation pipe 21 can be made to flow. That is, when the circulation pump 22 is operated, the washing water in the first water storage unit 201 is drawn into the circulation pipe 21. The wash water drawn into the circulation pipe 21 passes through the circulation pipe 21 and is returned to the first water storage unit 201. In the circulation pipe 21 and the circulation pump 22 configured as described above, in the first embodiment, the washing water led out from the first water storage unit 201 passes through the circulation flow path to the first water storage unit 201. This is an example of a circulating flow generating means for generating a circulating flow returning to.

The bubble generation unit 300 generates bubbles by introducing a gas into the washing water flowing in the circulation pipe 21. The bubble generation unit 300 is arranged in the circulation pipe 21 on the downstream side of the circulation pump 22.

Next, the configuration of the bubble generation unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. The bubble generation unit 300 has, for example, the following ejector structure. That is, the bubble generation unit 300 includes a rotary blade 301, a diameter reduction unit 302, a gas-liquid mixing unit 303, and an air introduction unit 304. In FIG. 2, the liquid travels in the bubble generating portion 300 from right to left as shown by an arrow A in the figure. The traveling direction of this liquid is hereinafter referred to as "traveling direction A".

The inner diameter of the reduced diameter portion 302 is continuously or multi-staged (gradually reduced) in the traveling direction A. That is, the reduced diameter portion 302 has a substantially conical or substantially truncated cone-shaped internal space. Therefore, the inner diameter of the reduced diameter portion 302 is maximized at the upstream end of the reduced diameter portion 302. Further, at the downstream end of the reduced diameter portion 302, the inner diameter of the reduced diameter portion 302 is minimized.

On the upstream side of the reduced diameter portion 302, a substantially cylindrical internal space having the same inner diameter as the maximum inner diameter of the reduced diameter portion 302 is formed. A rotary blade 301 is provided in the internal space on the upstream side of the reduced diameter portion 302.

A gas-liquid mixing portion 303 is arranged on the downstream side of the reduced diameter portion 302. The gas-liquid mixing portion 303 is provided concentrically with respect to the reduced diameter portion 302 immediately below the reduced diameter portion 302 on the downstream side. The inner diameter of the gas-liquid mixing portion 303 is larger than the minimum inner diameter of the reduced diameter portion 302. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 2, the inner diameter of the gas-liquid mixing portion 303 is substantially constant along the traveling direction A. That is, the gas-liquid mixing section 303 has a substantially columnar internal space.

The air introduction portion 304 is formed so as to project outward from the outer peripheral portion of the gas-liquid mixing portion 303. The air introduction unit 304 is formed with a flow path through which the air introduced into the gas-liquid mixing unit 303 passes. The flow path of the air introduction unit 304 is formed so as to penetrate from the outer peripheral side of the gas-liquid mixing unit 303 toward the inner wall (inner peripheral surface) of the gas-liquid mixing unit 303, and communicates with the gas-liquid mixing unit 303. There is. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 2, the flow path of the air introduction portion 304 communicates with the vicinity of the upstream end of the gas-liquid mixing portion 303 (that is, the vicinity of the boundary between the gas-liquid mixing portion 303 and the diameter-reduced portion 302).

Further, in the configuration example shown in FIG. 2, the direction of the air flow at the air introduction unit 304 is a direction substantially orthogonal to the traveling direction A. Further, although not shown, it is preferable that the air introduction unit 304 is provided with a check valve for preventing the liquid from flowing back when the operation is stopped.

In FIG. 2, for convenience, the cross-sectional shape obtained by cutting the rotary blade 301, the diameter-reduced portion 302, and the gas-liquid mixing portion 303 at the cut surface including the center line (axis) and the cross-sectional shape of the air introduction portion 304 are shown. Shown in combination. That is, in FIG. 2, the cut surface of the rotary blade 301, the diameter reduction portion 302, and the gas-liquid mixing portion 303 and the cut surface of the air introduction portion 304 are not on the same plane.

In the bubble generation unit 300 configured as described above, the water flow accelerated by the diameter reduction unit 302 flows into the gas-liquid mixing unit 303 from the minimum inner diameter portion, so that a negative pressure is generated in the gas-liquid mixing unit 303. appear. Then, due to this negative pressure, air is naturally aspirated from the air introduction unit 304 into the gas-liquid mixing unit 303. In the gas-liquid mixing unit 303, the accelerated water flow and the air introduced from the air introduction unit 304 are united to generate fine bubbles. The air flowing into the gas-liquid mixing section 303 swirls along the inner peripheral surface of the gas-liquid mixing section 303. In this way, the air swirling along the inner peripheral surface of the gas-liquid mixing portion 303 and the water flow flowing into the gas-liquid mixing portion 303 from the minimum inner diameter portion of the reduced diameter portion 302 come into contact with each other, so that the air is released. It is sheared and crushed to be finely mixed, efficiently mixed in the liquid, and the amount of air dissolved in the water stream increases.

Further, the water that has entered the bubble generation unit 300 is swirled around the axis of the flow path by the rotary blade 301 when passing through the rotary blade 301, and flows into the diameter reduction portion 302 as a swirling flow. At the reduced diameter portion 302, this swirling flow is accelerated. The swirling direction of this swirling flow is the same as the swirling direction of the air introduced into the gas-liquid mixing section 303 from the air introducing section 304. Therefore, the swirling of the liquid flow in the gas-liquid mixing unit 303 can be made faster. Then, the effect that the air from the air introduction unit 304 is introduced into the gas-liquid mixing unit 303 by being attracted by the swirling water flow in the gas-liquid mixing unit 303 is more remarkablely exhibited. Therefore, the amount of intake air can be further increased, and the amount of fine bubbles generated can be further increased. Further, the swirling flow of the washing water formed by the rotary blade 301 shears the bubbles to make them finer, so that a large amount of small-diameter bubbles can be generated.

The bubble generation unit 300 configured as described above generates bubbles by introducing a gas into the circulating flow generated by the circulating flow generating means described above. Further, according to the bubble generation unit 300 configured as described above, bubbles including those having an average diameter of 50 μm or less can be generated.

The bubble generating unit 300 is not limited to the one having the ejector structure as described above. Further, the method of inhaling by the bubble generating unit 300 is not limited to naturally aspirated such as an ejector. The bubble generation unit 300 may be forcibly taken in by using an air pump (not shown).

The configuration of the dishwashing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1 again. The washing water containing bubbles that has passed through the bubble generating section 300 is introduced from the circulation pipe 21 into the inside of the first water storage section 201. The air bubbles introduced into the first water storage unit 201 slowly rise to the surface of the washing water. By collecting a large number of bubbles, bubbles are generated near the liquid level (gas-liquid interface) of the washing water. In addition, in this specification, a foam means a cream-like foam (foam) formed by collecting a large number of bubbles composed of washing water and air.

A detergent storage unit 23 is connected to the tank 200. The detergent storage unit 23 is particularly connected to the first water storage unit 201 of the tank 200. The detergent storage unit 23 stores the detergent. The detergent stored in the detergent storage unit 23 contains, in particular, an ionic surfactant as a main component. The detergent stored in the detergent storage unit 23 is preferably a neutral detergent. That is, the pH of the detergent stored in the detergent storage unit 23 is, for example, 6 or more and 8 or less. The flow path between the detergent storage unit 23 and the first water storage unit 201 is opened and closed by the detergent supply valve 24. By opening the detergent supply valve 24, the detergent can be supplied from the detergent storage unit 23 into the first water storage unit 201.

The connection portion of the detergent storage portion 23 to the first water storage portion 201 is arranged above the return side opening of the circulation pipe 21. As described above, the air bubbles introduced from the circulation pipe 21 into the inside of the first water storage unit 201 float on the liquid surface of the washing water. The detergent storage unit 23 mixes the detergent into the flow in which bubbles rise in the first water storage unit 201. The detergent storage unit 23 configured as described above is an example of the surfactant supply unit that mixes the surfactant into the water stream containing the bubbles generated by the bubble generation unit 300 in the first embodiment.

As described above, the detergent to be mixed in the water stream containing air bubbles by the detergent storage unit 23 is an ionic surfactant. Therefore, it is possible to enhance the foaming property of water containing bubbles and generate bubbles that do not easily disappear naturally. The detergent storage unit 23 may be connected to the circulation pipe 21 on the upstream side or the downstream side of the bubble generation unit 300.

Further, the circulating flow generation means, the bubble generation unit 300, and the surfactant supply unit configured as described above generate bubbles by using the washing water of the tank 200, which is the storage unit, in the first embodiment. This is an example of foam generation means. According to such a foam generating means, foam can be generated by circulating the washing water in the tank 200 in the circulation pipe 21, so that foam can be efficiently generated with a relatively small amount of washing water.

In this way, inside the first water storage unit 201, the generated foam accumulates on the liquid surface of the washing water. In this sense, a foam storage section 220 is formed in a portion of the tank 200 that corresponds to the upper portion of the first water storage section 201. In the foam storage unit 220, foam is stored on the liquid surface of the washing water of the first water storage unit 201.

A foam nozzle 230 is provided at the upper end of the foam storage unit 220. The foam nozzle 230 is arranged above the cleaning tank 100. The foam nozzle 230 includes a foam nozzle tip portion 231 and a foam nozzle root portion 232. The foam nozzle tip 231 has a hollow tubular shape with one end closed and the other end open. The foam nozzle root portion 232 has a hollow tubular shape with both ends open.

One end of the foam nozzle root portion 232 is connected to the upper end portion of the foam storage portion 220. The other end of the foam nozzle root portion 232 is connected to the open end of the foam nozzle tip portion 231. The internal space of the foam nozzle 230 communicates with the internal space of the foam storage unit 220. A plurality of foam outlets opened toward the washing tank 100 side are formed at the tip portion 231 of the foam nozzle. These foam outlets are composed of holes having a size (for example, 10 mm or more in diameter) so that the foam can be smoothly discharged without being crushed.

The operation of generating bubbles in the foam storage unit 220 of the tank 200 by circulating the washing water in the first water storage unit 201 of the tank 200 in the circulation pipe 21 by the circulation pump 22 is hereinafter referred to as “foam generation operation”. That is. During the execution of the foam generation operation, the bubbles supplied into the tank 200 float to the liquid surface of the washing water, so that the foam continues to grow near the liquid surface. Eventually, the space inside the foam storage portion 220 on the liquid surface is filled with foam.

As the bubbles continue to be generated near the liquid surface, the bubbles reach the foam nozzle tip 231 from the inside of the foam storage 220 through the foam nozzle 230, and the bubbles are discharged from the foam nozzle tip 231. The foam discharged from the tip portion 231 of the foam nozzle is supplied to the inside of the cleaning tank 100 from the upper surface side of the cleaning tank 100. The foam nozzle 230 configured as described above is an example of the foam supply unit that supplies the foam on the surface of the cleaning water of the tank 200, which is the storage unit, into the cleaning tank 100 in the first embodiment. ..

The foam nozzle 230 is arranged above the tableware 1 placed in the first tableware basket 111. Therefore, the foam discharged from the foam nozzle 230 is supplied so as to drip onto the upper part of the object to be cleaned. Therefore, the foam dropped from the foam nozzle 230 onto the upper part of the object to be cleaned moves from the upper part to the lower part of the object to be cleaned by gravity. As the bubbles move on the surface of the object to be cleaned, shear stress acts on the dirt on the surface of the object to be cleaned, so that even a small amount of foam can remove the dirt more efficiently. ..

Further, since the foam is dropped and supplied from the foam nozzle 230, no special power such as a pump for supplying the foam is required. Further, since high cleaning power can be exhibited without using a jet water flow rotary nozzle, a large pump, or the like, quietness can be improved.

A washing water injection nozzle 31 is provided inside the washing tank 100. One end of the washing water pipe 32 is connected to the washing water injection nozzle 31. The other end of the wash water pipe 32 is connected to the second water storage portion 202 of the tank 200. A wash water pump 33 is provided in the middle of the wash water pipe 32. When the cleaning water pump 33 operates, the cleaning water of the second water storage unit 202 can be injected into the cleaning tank 100 from the cleaning water injection nozzle 31.

The washing water injection nozzle 31, the washing water pipe 32, and the washing water pump 33 configured as described above supply the washing water of the tank 200, which is a storage unit, into the washing tank 100 in the first embodiment. This is an example of the department. The water supply unit is configured to supply the cleaning water of the second water storage unit 202 of the tank 200 into the cleaning tank 100.

In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, the foam nozzle tip portion 231 of the foam nozzle 230 is arranged above the first tableware basket 111. Therefore, the foam nozzle 230, which is the foam supply unit, supplies foam toward the tableware 1 placed in the first tableware basket 111. On the other hand, the washing water injection nozzle 31 is arranged below the second tableware basket 112. Therefore, the washing water injection nozzle 31 of the water supply unit supplies the washing water toward the tableware 1 placed in the second tableware basket 112.

Therefore, the foam supply unit described above can supply foam to the object to be washed placed in the first tableware basket 111, which is one of the first mounting unit and the second mounting portion. On the other hand, the above-mentioned water supply unit can supply cleaning water to the object to be cleaned placed in the second tableware basket 112, which is the other of the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion. be.

Therefore, the tableware 1 placed in the first tableware basket 111 can be washed with foam. On the other hand, the tableware 1 placed in the second tableware basket 112 can be washed by the water pressure of the washing water containing no foam ejected from the washing water injection nozzle 31. That is, by placing the particularly dirty or highly dirty tableware 1 in the first tableware basket 111, it is possible to strongly wash with foam containing detergent while reducing the amount of washing water used. Further, by placing the tableware 1 having relatively little dirt or light dirt in the second tableware basket 112, it is possible to wash while reducing the amount of detergent used.

Therefore, the objects to be washed such as tableware 1 having different degrees of dirt can be washed at the same time and by a washing method according to the degree of dirt on each object to be washed. Then, it is possible to achieve both optimization of the amount of detergent used and optimization of the amount of washing water used.

Here, as shown in FIG. 1, the position where the first water storage unit 201 and the second water storage unit 202 are communicated with each other by the communication unit 211 is larger than the return side opening of the circulation pipe 21 of the foam generating means. It is placed on the lower side. That is, the above-mentioned foam generation means generates foam above the washing water communication unit 211 of the first water storage unit 201. The air bubbles supplied into the first water storage unit 201 float above the return side opening of the circulation pipe 21 by buoyancy. By moving the communication portion 211 below the circulation pipe 21, it is possible to prevent air bubbles from being mixed into the second water storage portion 202 from the first water storage portion 201 through the communication portion 211. Further, as described above, by introducing the detergent from the detergent storage unit 23 into the first water storage unit 201 above the circulation pipe 21, the detergent is mixed into the second water storage unit 202. Can be suppressed.

In this way, the inside of the tank 200 is partitioned by the partition wall 210 from the first water storage section 201 and the second water storage section 202, and the first water storage section 201 and the second water storage section 202 are separated from each other. By communicating with the communication unit 211 and generating foam above the cleaning water communication unit 211 of the first water storage unit 201, both the foam and the cleaning water containing no foam can be combined into one. It can be supplied by the tank 200. That is, only one tank 200 is required for the dishwasher. Therefore, it is possible to wash the object to be washed with both foam and washing water containing no foam, and it is possible to suppress an increase in the size of the apparatus.

In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, the first tableware basket 111, which is the first mounting portion, and the second tableware basket 112, which is the second mounting portion, are provided as separate bodies. However, the configuration of the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion is not limited to this example. Alternatively, for example, the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion may be formed in the same tableware basket.

As shown in FIG. 1, a rinse water injection nozzle 41 is provided inside the cleaning tank 100. One end of the rinse water pipe 42 is connected to the rinse water injection nozzle 41. The other end of the rinse water pipe 42 is connected to the second water storage portion 202 of the tank 200. A rinse water pump 43 is provided in the middle of the rinse water pipe 42. When the rinse water pump 43 operates, the wash water of the second water storage unit 202 can be injected from the rinse water injection nozzle 41 into the wash tank 100.

In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, the rinse water injection nozzle 41 injects the cleaning water in the second water storage unit 202 into the entire cleaning tank 100 while rotating. Therefore, both the tableware 1 placed in the first tableware basket 111 and the tableware 1 placed in the second tableware basket 112 can be exposed to foam-free washing water. Rinsing can be performed by injecting wash water from the rinse water injection nozzle 41 after dropping bubbles from the foam nozzle 230 and injecting wash water from the wash water injection nozzle 31. Then, by this rinsing, the foam remaining on the tableware 1 placed in the first tableware basket 111 can be erased.

Further, as described above, the bubbles generated by the bubble generation unit 300 include those having an average diameter of 50 μm or less. Therefore, the contact area between the surfactant surrounding the bubbles and the object to be cleaned can be increased as compared with the bubbles having a diameter of several mm obtained by ordinary bubbling, and high cleaning power can be obtained. Therefore, it is not necessary to use an alkaline detergent dedicated to the dishwasher. Therefore, as described above, a neutral detergent having a pH of, for example, 6 or more and 8 or less can be used.

In addition, for example, alkaline water may be used as cleaning water by installing an electrolysis unit in a path for supplying tap water in the tank 200. By doing so, after washing with foam, the foam can be quickly defoamed and foaming can be suppressed.

Embodiment 2.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the dishwashing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

In the second embodiment described here, in the configuration of the first embodiment described above, whether the foam is supplied to the tableware 1 placed in the first tableware basket 111 or the second tableware basket 112. Is made possible to switch. Further, it is possible to switch whether to supply the washing water to the tableware 1 placed in the first tableware basket 111 or the second tableware basket 112. Hereinafter, the dishwashing apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

In the dishwashing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 3, the foam nozzle 230 is a telescopic type. That is, the foam nozzle tip portion 231 can be slidably moved with respect to the foam nozzle root portion 232. When the foam nozzle 230 is contracted with the foam nozzle tip 231 at a position overlapping the foam nozzle root 232, the foam outlet of the foam nozzle tip 231 is arranged above the second tableware basket 112. Therefore, when the foam nozzle 230 is shrunk, foam can be supplied toward the tableware 1 placed in the second tableware basket 112, which is the second placing portion.

On the other hand, when the foam nozzle 230 is extended, the foam outlet of the foam nozzle tip portion 231 is arranged above the first tableware basket 111. Therefore, when the foam nozzle 230 is extended, foam can be supplied toward the tableware 1 placed in the first tableware basket 111, which is the first placing portion.

By expanding and contracting the foam nozzle 230 in this way, it is possible to switch whether to supply the foam to the cleaning object placed on the first mounting portion or the second mounting portion. That is, in the expansion / contraction mechanism of the foam nozzle 230 configured as described above, in the second embodiment, the foam supply portion described above is mounted on either the first mounting portion or the second mounting portion. This is an example of a foam supply destination switching means for switching whether to supply foam toward the object to be cleaned.

The foam supply destination switching means is not limited to the one configured by such a telescopic foam nozzle 230. Alternatively, for example, the foam nozzle 230 may be bendable. Further, the foam outlet may be formed not only at the foam nozzle tip portion 231 but also at the foam nozzle root portion 232. Then, by making these foam outlets openable and closable, it may be possible to switch between the foam outlet of the foam nozzle tip portion 231 and the foam outlet of the foam nozzle root portion 232 to discharge the foam. ..

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, in the dishwashing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the first water injection nozzle 51 and the second water injection nozzle 52 are provided in the washing tank 100. .. Further, one end of the injection water pipe 53 is connected to the second water storage portion 202 of the tank 200. The other end side of the injection water pipe 53 is divided into two hands. One of the two parts is connected to the first water injection nozzle 51. The other divided into two hands is connected to the second water injection nozzle 52.

An injection water pump 54 is provided between the branch point of the injection water pipe 53 and the second water storage unit 202. A first injection water supply valve 55 is provided between the branch point of the injection water pipe 53 and the first water injection nozzle 51. A second water injection water supply valve 56 is provided between the branch point of the water injection pipe 53 and the second water injection nozzle 52.

The flow path between the second water storage unit 202 and the first water injection nozzle 51 is opened and closed by the first injection water supply valve 55. When the injection water pump 54 operates with the first injection water supply valve 55 open, the cleaning water of the second water storage unit 202 can be injected into the cleaning tank 100 from the first water injection nozzle 51. .. The first water injection nozzle 51 is arranged below the first tableware basket 111. Therefore, the first water injection nozzle 51 of the water supply unit supplies the washing water toward the tableware 1 placed in the first tableware basket 111.

The flow path between the second water storage unit 202 and the second water injection nozzle 52 is opened and closed by the second water injection water supply valve 56. When the injection water pump 54 operates with the second injection water supply valve 56 open, the cleaning water of the second water storage unit 202 can be injected into the cleaning tank 100 from the second water injection nozzle 52. .. The second water injection nozzle 52 is arranged below the second tableware basket 112. Therefore, the second water injection nozzle 52 of the water supply unit supplies the washing water toward the tableware 1 placed in the second tableware basket 112.

By opening and closing the first jet water supply valve 55 and the second jet water supply valve 56 in this way, the water supply section described above is mounted on either the first mounting section or the second mounting section. It is possible to switch whether to supply purified water to the cleaned object. That is, the first water injection nozzle 51, the second water injection nozzle 52, the first injection water supply valve 55, and the second injection water supply valve 56 configured as described above are the second embodiment. In this example, it is an example of a water supply destination switching means for switching whether the water supply unit described above supplies cleaning water to a cleaning object placed on the first mounting portion or the second mounting portion.

The tableware 1 and the like can be washed by the water pressure of the washing water from the first water injection nozzle 51 and the second water injection nozzle 52 of the water supply unit. Further, washing water containing no foam is injected from the first water injection nozzle 51 and the second water injection nozzle 52. Therefore, the washing water jetted from these nozzles can also be used for rinsing.
Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted here.

Even in the dishwashing apparatus configured as described above, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained. Further, since it is possible to switch whether to supply the foam to the cleaning object placed on the first mounting portion or the second mounting portion, the mounting portion used for foam cleaning can be cleaned. It can be easily switched according to the amount, size, degree of dirt, etc. of the object.

The same applies to cleaning with the water pressure of the cleaning water. That is, since it is possible to switch whether to supply the cleaning water to the cleaning object placed on the first mounting portion or the second mounting portion, the mounting used for cleaning by the hydraulic pressure of the cleaning water. The placement portion can be easily switched according to the amount, size, degree of dirt, etc. of the object to be cleaned.

Further, it is possible to apply water containing no foam to the cleaning object placed on either the first mounting portion or the second mounting portion with the cleaning nozzle by the water pressure of the cleaning water. Therefore, since rinsing and cleaning is possible with these nozzles, it is not necessary to separately provide a water supply system dedicated to rinsing. Therefore, it is possible to expand the internal capacity of the cleaning tank 100 without reducing the size of the device or increasing the size of the device.

The degree of dirt on the tableware 1 of the first tableware basket 111 and the second tableware basket 112 may be detected, and the cleaning method may be automatically selected. For example, it is conceivable to provide a camera or the like in the washing tank 100 to detect the degree of dirt on the tableware 1. By doing so, the user does not hesitate whether to place the tableware 1 in the first tableware basket 111 or the second tableware basket 112, and the usability can be improved.

Embodiment 3.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the dishwashing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

In the third embodiment described here, in the configuration of the first or second embodiment described above, the water supply unit described above is provided with a spray nozzle for atomizing the cleaning water and supplying it into the cleaning tank 100. It was done. Hereinafter, the dishwashing apparatus according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to the case based on the configuration of the first embodiment, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

In the dishwashing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 4, one or more spray nozzles 61 are provided inside the washing tank 100. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of spray nozzles 61, specifically six, for example, are provided. Each spray nozzle 61 is attached to the inner wall of the cleaning tank 100. Each spray nozzle 61 is connected to a second water storage unit 202 of the tank 200 by a spray water pipe 62. A spray water pump 63 is provided in the spray water pipe 62 between each spray nozzle 61 and the second water storage unit 202.

When the spray water pump 63 operates, the cleaning water of the second water storage unit 202 can be sprayed from each spray nozzle 61 into the entire cleaning tank 100 in the form of mist. A valve may be provided in the spray water pipe 62, and by opening and closing the valve, it may be possible to selectively switch from which spray nozzle 61 the cleaning water is to be sprayed.

In the configuration example shown in FIG. 4, foam outlets are formed at both the foam nozzle tip portion 231 and the foam nozzle root portion 232. Therefore, from the foam nozzle 230, foam can be dropped onto both the tableware 1 of the first tableware basket 111 and the tableware 1 of the second tableware basket 112. Then, the spray nozzle 61 can also spray the mist-like washing water onto both the tableware 1 of the first tableware basket 111 and the tableware 1 of the second tableware basket 112. Therefore, in this configuration example, it is possible to perform foam washing on all the dishes 1 in the washing tank 100 and then rinse with mist-like washing water. Further, if the dirt is extremely weak, it can be washed by simply spraying mist-like washing water from the spray nozzle 61 without using foam.

As described above, in the configuration example shown in FIG. 4 of the dishwashing apparatus according to the third embodiment, the spray nozzle 61, instead of the washing water injection nozzle 31, the washing water pipe 32, and the washing water pump 33 of the first embodiment, The water supply unit described above is configured by providing the spray water pipe 62 and the spray water pump 63. Further, the rinse water injection nozzle 41, the rinse water pipe 42, and the rinse water pump 43 of the first embodiment are not provided.
The other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment or the second embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted here.

Even in the dishwashing apparatus configured as described above, the same effect as that of the first embodiment or the second embodiment can be obtained. Further, by using the spray nozzle 61, it is possible to supply the necessary cleaning water into the cleaning tank 100 with a lower water pressure. Therefore, the noise of the nozzle rotation, the noise of the jet water hitting the washing tank 100 and the tableware 1, and the like are eliminated, and the quietness can be improved. Moreover, since a large high-pressure pump and a rotating nozzle are not required, vibration during operation can be suppressed. Further, since it is not necessary to take measures for sound insulation and vibration suppression, for example, installation of a sound insulation material or a vibration suppression material, improvement of the housing strength, etc., the cleaning tank 100 can be used without reducing the size of the device or increasing the size of the device. It is possible to expand the content. Further, by using the spray nozzle 61, it is possible to reduce the amount of water used.

1 Tableware 10 Tap water supply valve 21 Circulation pipe 22 Circulation pump 23 Detergent storage part 24 Detergent supply valve 31 Washing water injection nozzle 32 Washing water pipe 33 Washing water pump 41 Rinse water injection nozzle 42 Rinse water pipe 43 Rinse water pump 51 1st Water injection nozzle 52 Second water injection nozzle 53 Injection water pipe 54 Injection water pump 55 First injection water supply valve 56 Second injection water supply valve 61 Spray nozzle 62 Spray water pipe 63 Spray water pump 100 Cleaning tank 111 1st tableware basket 112 2nd tableware basket 200 Tank 201 1st water storage part 202 2nd water storage part 210 Section wall 211 Communication part 220 Foam storage part 230 Foam nozzle 231 Foam nozzle tip 232 Foam nozzle root 300 Bubble generation part 301 Rotating blade 302 Reduced diameter part 303 Gas-liquid mixing part 304 Air introduction part

Claims (8)

A cleaning tank that houses the objects to be cleaned and
A storage unit that can store wash water and
A foam generating means for generating foam using the washing water of the storage portion, and
A foam supply unit that supplies foam on the surface of the cleaning water in the storage unit into the cleaning tank, and a foam supply unit.
A water supply unit that supplies the cleaning water of the storage unit into the cleaning tank is provided.
The storage section is divided into a first storage section and a second storage section by a partition wall.
The first storage unit and the second storage unit are communicated with each other by a communication unit.
The foam generating means generates foam above the communicating portion of the first storage portion.
The water supply unit is a dishwashing device that supplies the cleaning water of the second storage unit into the cleaning tank. A first mounting portion and a second mounting portion provided in the cleaning tank on which the object to be cleaned is placed are further provided.
The foam supply unit can supply foam toward the object to be cleaned placed on one of the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion.
The dishwashing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the water supply unit can supply washing water to a cleaning object placed on the other of the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion. A claim further provided with a foam supply destination switching means for switching whether the foam supply unit supplies foam to the cleaning object placed on the first mounting portion or the second mounting portion. Item 2. The dishwashing apparatus according to item 2. A claim further comprising a water supply destination switching means for switching whether the water supply unit supplies cleaning water to a cleaning object mounted on the first mounting portion or the second mounting portion. 2 or the dishwashing apparatus according to claim 3. The dishwashing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the foam supply unit supplies foam into the washing tank from the upper surface side of the washing tank. The foam generating means is
A circulating flow generating means for generating a circulating flow in which the washing water led out from the first storage section returns to the first storage section through the circulation flow path.
A bubble generating unit that generates bubbles by introducing a gas into the circulating flow generated by the circulating flow generating means, and a bubble generating unit.
The dishwashing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a surfactant supply unit that mixes a surfactant into a water stream containing bubbles generated by the bubble generation unit. The bubbles generated in the bubble generating section include those having an average diameter of 50 μm or less.
The dishwashing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the pH of the surfactant supplied by the surfactant supply unit is 6 or more and 8 or less. The dishwashing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the water supply unit is provided with a spray nozzle that atomizes the washing water and supplies it into the washing tank.

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