JP7054767B2 - dishwasher - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a dishwasher. In particular, the present invention relates to a dishwasher equipped with a device that exerts a sterilizing action on the object to be washed and the inner surface of the washing tank.

A dishwasher having an ion generating part for sterilizing and deodorizing the object to be washed and the inner surface of the washing tank and having a drying function has been conventionally proposed.

The configuration and operation of the conventional dishwasher will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 (see, for example, Patent Document 1). FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of a dishwasher provided with a conventional ion generating unit. FIG. 6 is a detailed view of an electrostatic atomizer (ion generation unit) of a dishwasher provided with a conventional ion generation unit.

As shown in FIG. 5, a washing tank 102 is provided inside the dishwasher main body 101. The object to be washed 108 such as tableware is housed inside the washing tank 102 and washed by the washing water jetted from the washing nozzle 107. Water or hot water is supplied as washing water into the washing tank 102 by a water supply valve (not shown). A drain hole 104 is provided at the bottom of the washing tank 102. A cleaning pump 105 is attached so as to communicate with the drain hole 104. The washing pump 105 is configured to circulate the washing water inside the washing tank 102. The drain hole 104 is provided with a residue filter 106 that collects the residue contained in the washing water.

In the above configuration, when the cleaning pump 105 is driven, the cleaning water supplied into the cleaning tank 102 passes through the residue filter 106 and is sucked into the cleaning pump 105, and the inner bottom portion of the cleaning tank 102 is sucked by the cleaning pump 105. It is supplied to the cleaning nozzle 107 provided in. The cleaning water ejected from the cleaning nozzle 107 circulates in a route of returning to the drain hole 104 after cleaning the object to be cleaned 108. At this time, the residue or the like that has fallen off from the object to be cleaned 108 flows into the residue filter 106 together with the cleaning water. Residues of a size that cannot pass through the residue filter 106 are collected by the residue filter 106.

A heater 109 for heating the washing water is provided between the washing nozzle 107 and the bottom of the washing tank 102. Above the washing nozzle 107, a tableware basket 110 configured so that the object to be washed 108 can be arranged in an orderly manner is provided. Further, the drainage pump 111 discharges the washing water in the washing tank 102 to the outside of the machine through the draining hose 112.

The drying portion is provided inside the dishwasher main body 101. The drying unit blows warm air into the washing tank 102 to dry the object to be washed 108. The drying portion includes a blower fan 113 and a heater 116 provided in the air passage 115. When the blower fan 113 is driven, the air in the cleaning tank 102 is heated by the drying heater 116 and then sent into the cleaning tank 102 again to accelerate the drying of the object to be cleaned 108.

The control unit 117 is provided inside the dishwasher main body 101. The control unit 117 controls electrical components such as a water supply valve, a cleaning pump 105, a drainage pump 111, a heater 109, a blower fan 113, and a heater 116 to execute a washing step, a rinsing step, and a drying step. Further, an operation unit (not shown) is provided on the front surface of the dishwasher main body 101. The user selects the driving course and the like by the operation unit.

Further, an ion generating unit 118 is provided on the inner top surface of the cleaning tank 102. The ion generation unit 118 generates ion particles to sterilize and deodorize the inner surfaces of the object to be cleaned 108 and the cleaning tank 102.

The dishwasher described in Patent Document 1 is provided with an electrostatic atomizer as an ion generating unit 118. Before the washing process, the dishwasher starts the operation of the electrostatic atomizer, discharges the charged fine particle water generated by the electrostatic atomizer, and attaches it to the object to be washed 108 before cleaning. Cleaning is performed to improve the cleaning performance.

The configuration and operation of the electrostatic atomizer (ion generation unit 118) in Patent Document 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The electrostatic atomizer (ion generation unit 118) cools the moisture in the air by the cooling unit 118a including a Pelche unit or the like to generate dew condensation water. Then, the generated dew condensation water is supplied to the discharge electrode 118b. When a high voltage is applied between the discharge electrode 118b and the counter electrode 118c while the dew water is supplied to the discharge electrode 118b, the dew water at the tip of the discharge electrode 118b has a large energy (high density). (Repulsive force of electric charge), a large amount of negatively charged nanometer-sized charged fine particle water is generated and discharged to the outside of the electrostatic atomizer (ion generation unit 118), that is, to the inside of the cleaning tank 102.

Further, like other conventional dishwashers, a configuration including an ion generator as an ion generator 118 has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2). The ion generator supplies the generated ions to the cleaning tank 102 to sterilize and deodorize the inner surface of the object to be cleaned 108 and the cleaning tank 102.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-237439 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-351012

However, as a method of using the dishwasher, there are many cases where the user cleans the dishes (objects to be washed) used in a plurality of meals at once. In other words, breakfast is easy and the number of tableware used is small, and lunch is small because the number of people is small, so the number of tableware used is small. The number of tableware used in is small. Therefore, a driving method (hereinafter referred to as "collective washing") in which the dishes used for breakfast and lunch are washed together after lunch is generally used.

In such a case, the tableware used for breakfast may be easily washed and then set in the washing tank, but food residue or the like remains on the surface of the tableware. Since the dishes used for breakfast are left in this state until the dishwasher is washed after lunch, there is a possibility that odors will be generated and germs attached to the residue will propagate.

The above-mentioned conventional dishwasher is configured to alleviate odors, suppress the growth of various germs, and sterilize by using charged fine particle water or ions. However, none of the configurations has a problem that the tableware set before the final washing is not supported at the time of bulk washing.

In order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, the dishwasher according to the present invention has a washing tank for storing the object to be washed, a washing section for washing the object to be washed, and an ion generating section for generating charged fine particle water or ions. And an ion introducing device that supplies charged fine particle water or ions generated by the ion generating unit into the washing tank by blowing air, and a control unit that executes a preliminary washing step, a main washing step, a rinsing step, and a drying step. The control unit is configured to perform the pre-washing step after the object to be cleaned is stored in the cleaning tank and before performing the main washing step, and the pre-washing step is performed from the cleaning unit. The pre-washing operation with the sprayed washing water and the ion introducing operation of operating the ion generating portion to supply charged fine particle water or ions into the washing tank are included.

With this configuration, when performing bulk washing, charged fine particle water and ions are attached to the object to be washed that was set before the main washing step, thereby alleviating the odor, suppressing and eliminating the growth of germs. Bacteria are possible.

The dishwasher of the present invention reduces odors and propagates germs by adhering charged fine particle water and ions to the object to be washed that has been set before the main washing process when performing bulk washing. Suppression and eradication are possible.

Side sectional view of the dishwasher according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Cross-sectional view of the main part of the introduction air passage of the dishwasher in this embodiment The figure which shows the sequence at the time of the summary washing course operation of the dishwasher in this embodiment Timing chart showing the operation of the iontophoresis operation of the dishwasher in this embodiment Side sectional view of a dishwasher equipped with a conventional ion generator Detailed view of the electrostatic atomizer (ion generator) of a dishwasher equipped with a conventional ion generator

The dishwasher of the first invention is generated by a washing tank for storing an object to be washed, a washing section for washing the object to be washed, an ion generating section for generating charged fine particle water or ions, and the ion generating section. It is provided with an ion introducing device that supplies charged fine particle water or ions into the washing tank by blowing air, and a control unit that executes a preliminary washing step, a main washing step, a rinsing step, and a drying step. After the object is stored in the washing tank, the pre-washing step is configured to be performed before the main washing step is performed. And an ion introduction operation of operating the ion generation unit to supply charged fine particle water or ions into the washing tank.

With this configuration, when performing bulk washing, charged fine particle water and ions are attached to the object to be washed that was set before the main washing step, thereby alleviating the odor, suppressing and eliminating the growth of germs. Bacteria are possible.

The second invention, in particular, in the first invention, enables the control unit to execute the pre-washing step every time the object to be washed is stored in the washing tank by the main washing step. It is composed. With this configuration, for example, when a pre-washing step is performed before the main washing step, such as a bulk washing course, each time the object to be washed is set in the washing tank multiple times before the main washing. , Pre-washing operation and iontophoresis operation are performed. As a result, each time the object to be cleaned is newly set, the object to be cleaned and the inner surface of the cleaning tank can be sterilized and deodorized. Then, the main washing step performed after that can be efficiently performed, and the washing effect can be enhanced.

A third aspect of the invention is, in particular, in the first or second invention, in the pre-washing step, the iontophoresis operation is performed after the pre-washing operation. Charged fine particles Water and ions are fine, and it is difficult for them to penetrate to the inside of thick food residue. With the above configuration, the pre-washing process reduces the amount of dirt adhering to the object to be cleaned before the ions are supplied, and then performs the iontophoresis operation to leave charged fine particle water and ions. It can be penetrated into the inside to enhance the sterilizing effect and the deodorizing effect.

In the fourth invention, in particular, in any one of the first to third inventions, whether or not the pre-washing step is carried out is configured to be selectable by the user. With this configuration, if the user determines that the object to be cleaned is very clean, or if the user has easily washed the dirty object in advance and set it in the washing tank, It is possible to eliminate the pre-washing process and reduce the amount of water used in the dishwasher. In addition, when the object to be cleaned is heavily soiled, the pre-washing process is set to be performed before the main washing process to reduce the amount of dirt adhering to the object to be cleaned and to be covered with charged fine particle water or ions. It is possible to disinfect and deodorize the washed object and the inner surface of the washing tank.

In the fifth aspect of the invention, in particular, in any one of the first to fourth inventions, the ion generating unit includes a cooling unit, and the control unit has elapsed a predetermined time after operating the ion generating unit. After that, the ion introduction unit is operated. With this configuration, the ion generating part can rapidly cool the cooling part and accelerate the generation of dew condensation water.

A sixth aspect of the invention is, in particular, in any one of the first to fifth inventions, the control unit continuously or intermittently operates the ion generation unit in the ion introduction operation. With this configuration, it is possible to balance the performance and the life of the device of the ion generating unit, maintain the performance, and operate the device for a long life.

A seventh aspect of the invention is, in particular, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the iontophoresis device also includes a blower device included in a drying section for performing the drying step, and the control section includes the control section. In the iontophoresis operation and the drying step, the air volume of the blower is different. With this configuration, it is also used as a blower for drying, and by supplying charged fine particle water or ions into the washing tank, there is no need for a dedicated blower or air passage from the ion generator to the washing tank. Inexpensive dishwashers can be provided.

In addition, by executing the iontophoresis operation and the drying process with different and appropriate air volumes, in the iontophoresis operation, charged fine particle water or ions are generated in a stable state, and all positions in the cleaning tank are ensured. It can alleviate odors and suppress the growth of germs. Further, in the drying step, the object to be cleaned can be dried in a short time.

The eighth invention, in particular, in any one of the first to seventh inventions, includes a ventilation detection unit that detects the air volume of the iontophoresis device, and the control unit is at least said based on the detection result of the ventilation detection unit. It controls either the ion introduction device or the ion generation unit. With this configuration, the control unit can appropriately control the concentration of the charged fine particle water supplied into the washing tank, alleviate the odor, suppress the growth of various germs, and the like.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the dishwasher according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, the dishwasher according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of the dishwasher according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the introduction air passage of the dishwasher in the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, a washing tank 2 is provided inside the main body 1 of the dishwasher. The object to be washed 8 such as tableware is housed inside the washing tank 2 and washed by the washing water jetted from the washing nozzle 7 which is a washing part. Water or hot water is supplied as washing water from the water supply unit 3 into the washing tank 2. A drain hole 4 is provided at the bottom of the washing tank 2. The cleaning pump 5 is attached so as to communicate with the drain hole 4. The washing pump 5 is configured to circulate the washing water inside the washing tank 2. The drain hole 4 is provided with a residue filter 6 for collecting the residue contained in the washing water.

When the cleaning pump 5 is driven, the cleaning water supplied into the cleaning tank 2 passes through the residue filter 6 and is sucked into the cleaning pump 5. Then, it is supplied to the cleaning nozzle 7 provided at the inner bottom of the cleaning tank 2 by the cleaning pump 5. The cleaning water ejected from the cleaning nozzle 7 circulates in a route of returning to the drain hole 4 after cleaning the object to be cleaned 8. At this time, the residue or the like that has fallen off from the object to be cleaned 8 flows into the residue filter 6 together with the cleaning water. The residue having a size that cannot pass through the residue filter 6 is collected by the residue filter 6.

A washing water heater 9 for heating washing water is provided between the washing nozzle 7 and the bottom of the washing tank 2. Above the washing nozzle 7, a tableware basket 10 configured so that the object to be washed 8 can be arranged in an orderly manner is installed. The drainage pump 11 discharges the wash water in the wash tank 2 to the outside of the machine through the drain hose 12.

A drying portion is provided inside the main body 1. The drying unit blows warm air into the washing tank 2 to dry the object to be washed 8. The drying portion is configured by providing a blower fan 13 which is a blower device and a heater 16 for heating air in the air passage 20. One end of the air passage 20 is communicated with the cleaning tank 2, and the other end is communicated with the outside of the main body 1 by the outside air suction port 14. The filter 15 is arranged in the outside air suction port 14. The filter 15 collects dust and the like contained in the outside air, and keeps the air taken into the air passage 20 from the outside air suction port 14 clean.

When the blower fan 13 is driven, the air from which dust and the like have been removed by the filter 15 is taken into the air passage 20 from the outside air suction port 14. The air taken into the air passage 20 is heated by the heater 16 and then sent into the cleaning tank 2 to be used for drying the object to be cleaned 8 and the cleaning tank 2. In this way, the air containing water in the cleaning tank 2 is discharged from the exhaust port (not shown). The drying portion may be provided with a dehumidifying portion, and may be configured such that air for drying circulates between the washing tank 2 and the dehumidifying portion.

The control unit 17 is provided inside the main body 1. The control unit 17 controls electrical components such as a water supply unit 3, a cleaning pump 5, a drainage pump 11, a cleaning water heater 9, a blower fan 13, and a heater 16, and controls a preliminary washing process, a main washing process, a rinsing process, and a drying process. To execute. Further, an operation unit (not shown) is provided on the front surface of the main body 1. The user sets the driving course and the like by the operation unit.

Further, an electrostatic atomizer 18 is provided in the air passage 20 (introduced air passage) as an ion generating unit. The electrostatic atomizer 18 produces negatively charged nanometer-sized charged fine particle water. The generated charged fine particle water is mixed with the air sent into the cleaning tank 2 through the air passage 20 by the blower fan 13 which is a blower and supplied into the cleaning tank 2, and the object to be cleaned 8 and the cleaning tank 2 are supplied. Performs sterilization and deodorization of the inner surface. In the present embodiment, the ion introduction device includes an electrostatic atomizer 18 (ion generation unit), a blower fan 13 that also serves as a drying unit, and an air passage 20. With this configuration, a blower fan 13 for drying is also used, and a dedicated blower or air passage from the ion generator to the wash tank 2 is required by supplying charged fine particle water or ions into the wash tank 2. Therefore, it is possible to provide an inexpensive dishwasher.

The blower and the air passage may be individually configured by the iontophoresis device and the drying unit. With this configuration, the control unit 17 can individually control each blower device with higher accuracy.

The electrostatic atomizer 18 is arranged in the air passage 20 on the downstream side of the blower fan 13. The heater 16 is arranged in the air passage 20 on the downstream side of the electrostatic atomizer 18. The filter 15 is arranged at the outside air suction port 14. The filter 15 may be arranged at any position in the air passage 20 on the upstream side of the electrostatic atomizer 18.

Further, the blower detection unit 23 for detecting the air volume may be arranged on the downstream side of the heater 16 in the air passage 20. The blower detection unit 23 is not limited to the air flow meter that directly detects the air volume, but has a configuration that detects the wind speed to estimate the air volume, or detects the temperature on the downstream side of the heater 16 to generate heat of the heater 16. On the other hand, a configuration in which the air volume is estimated from the cooling ratio may be used.

Next, the configuration and operation of the air passage of the dishwasher according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 2, the air passage 20 is composed of a main air passage 20a and a sub air passage 20b which is branched from the main air passage 20a to a part of the main air passage 20a and is provided in parallel. The electrostatic atomizer 18 is arranged in the sub air passage 20b. In the sub air passage 20b, a part of the air taken into the air passage 20 by the blower fan 13 branches from the main air passage 20a to the sub air passage 20b, passes through the electrostatic atomizer 18, and then enters the main air passage 20a. It is configured to merge.

The sub air passage 20b is configured to have a smaller cross-sectional area of the air passage with respect to the main air passage 20a at a predetermined ratio. As a result, the amount of air passing through the sub air passage 20b is reduced, and the flow velocity of the wind passing through the electrostatic atomizer 18 becomes smaller than the flow velocity of the wind passing through the main air passage 20a.

A wall surface 22 is provided at the confluence portion 20c returning from the sub air passage 20b to the main air passage 20a so as to project into the main air passage 20a. The wall surface 22 is formed by tilting toward the downstream side on the upstream side of the confluence portion 20c. That is, the blower fan 13 side of the merging portion 20c is covered with the wall surface 22, and the cleaning tank 2 side is opened. Due to the wall surface 22, the main air passage 20a is configured to be locally narrowed at this portion.

The electrostatic atomizer 18 is configured in the same manner as the electrostatic atomizer (ion generation unit 118) described in the conventional example. Therefore, the electrostatic atomizer 18 will be described with reference to FIG. The electrostatic atomizer 18 (ion generation unit) cools the moisture in the air by the cooling unit 18a including a Pelche unit or the like to generate dew condensation water. Then, the generated dew condensation water is supplied to the discharge electrode 18b. The discharge electrode 18b may be cooled and may be configured to directly condense dew on the discharge electrode 18b.

When a high voltage is applied between the discharge electrode 18b and the counter electrode 18c while the dew water is supplied to the discharge electrode 18b, the dew water at the tip portion has a large energy (repulsive force of high-density electric charge). ), Negatively charged nanometer-sized charged fine particle water is generated and discharged. The discharged charged fine particle water is introduced into the inside of the washing tank 2 from the sub air passage 20b through the main air passage 20a.

The operation and operation of the dishwasher configured as described above when the electrostatic atomizer 18 is operated and the object to be washed is washed with the generated charged fine particle water will be described.

When the blower fan 13 is operated, the outside air is taken into the main body 1 from the outside air suction port 14. The taken-in outside air passes through the filter 15 to remove dust and the like, and then passes through the air passage 20 and is introduced into the cleaning tank 2. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent dust and the like from adhering to the discharge electrode 18b and the counter electrode 18c of the electrostatic atomizer 18, and to stabilize the generation of charged fine particle water or ions.

At this time, the cross-sectional area of the sub-air passage 20b branched from the main air passage 20a is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the main air passage 20a. Therefore, a smaller flow rate of wind flows in the sub air passage 20b with respect to the wind flowing in the main air passage 20a. The flow velocity of the wind flowing through the sub air passage 20b is smaller than the flow velocity of the wind flowing through the main air passage 20a. The wind flowing through the sub air passage 20b passes through the electrostatic atomizer 18 arranged in the sub air passage 20b.

By reducing the flow velocity of the air passing through the electrostatic atomizer 18 in this way, when the electrostatic atomizer 18 is operated, the dew condensation water generated by the cooling unit 18a of the Pelche unit or the like is winded. It is possible to prevent it from being properly generated due to the influence of. Further, by adjusting the velocity of the wind passing through the electrostatic atomizer 18 by the branch configuration of the main and sub air passages, the supply of the generated dew condensation water to the discharge electrode 18b can be stabilized.

By reliably adhering charged fine particle water or ions to all the objects to be cleaned 8 set in the cleaning tank 2 and the entire inner surface of the cleaning tank 2, the odor is alleviated, the growth of various germs is suppressed, and the bacteria are sterilized. Can be made. In order to surely exert the effect, it is desirable to generate a predetermined amount of charged fine particle water or ions.

Next, the drying process and the iontophoresis operation of the object to be washed in the dishwasher will be described. In this explanation part, the object to be washed is referred to as tableware.

To dry the tableware, the amount of heat required to dry the tableware and the efficient evaporation of water by the wind flowing on the surface of the tableware are required. Therefore, a relatively large air volume is required during drying. In the ion introduction operation, charged fine particle water or ions are supplied to the washing tank 2 for deodorization and sterilization before the main washing step or after the drying step, and the air volume as in the drying step is not required. That is, reducing the overall air volume is not beneficial for tableware drying due to the relatively slow wind speed required for the iontophoresis operation by the ion generator such as the electrostatic atomizer 18. As a countermeasure, it is conceivable to provide a dedicated fan for the electrostatic atomizer 18. However, if a fan dedicated to the electrostatic atomizer 18 is provided separately from the blower fan 13, the internal volume of the washing tank 2 becomes small, the operation of the control unit 17 becomes complicated, and the dishwasher becomes expensive. Etc., it is not a good idea.

As described above, it is desirable that the control unit 17 is executed with different air volumes in the iontophoresis operation and the drying step. The dishwasher in the present embodiment is configured to change and control the air volume so as to use an appropriate air volume in each of these operations. That is, the control unit 17 controls the air volume suitable for the generation of charged fine particle water in the electrostatic atomizer 18 in the iontophoresis operation, and controls so as to exhibit the drying performance of the tableware in the drying step. As a result, in the iontophoresis operation, charged fine particle water or ions are generated in a stable state and reliably supplied to all positions in the washing tank, and odor can be alleviated and sterilized. Further, in the drying step, the tableware can be dried in a short time.

In the dishwasher of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, in the air passage 20, the sub air passage 20b is branched from the main air passage 20a and is provided in parallel with the main air passage 20a.
The electrostatic atomizer 18 is arranged in the sub air passage 20b. The control unit 17 controls the blower fan 13 so that the air volume is suitable for the iontophoresis operation by the electrostatic atomizer 18. With this configuration, a predetermined air volume branches and passes through the electrostatic atomizer 18 in the sub air passage 20b. Then, the air containing the charged fine particle water joins the main air passage 20a and is supplied into the cleaning tank 2 on the air having a high flow velocity flowing through the main air passage 20a. As a result, the electrostatic atomizer 18 can sufficiently generate charged fine particle water, and the blower fan 13 can surely supply the generated charged fine particle water into the washing tank 2.

The confluence portion 20c returning from the sub air passage 20b to the main air passage 20a is provided with a wall surface 22 that is closed to the blower fan 13 side, is open toward the cleaning tank 2 side, and is tilted to the downstream side. As a result, the main air passage 20a is configured so that the cross-sectional area is locally narrowed at the confluence portion 20c returning from the sub air passage 20b to the main air passage 20a. With this configuration, even if pressure loss occurs in the main air passage 20a toward the cleaning tank 2, the sub air passage causes a venturi effect due to the flow of air having a large flow rate and a high flow velocity in the main air passage 20a. 20b of air is sucked. As a result, it is possible to prevent the air in the sub air passage 20b from flowing back in the direction of the electrostatic atomizer 18, and it is possible to stably supply the charged fine particle water into the cleaning tank 2.

During the iontophoresis operation by the electrostatic atomizer 18, it is arranged in the main air passage 20a on the downstream side of the confluence 20c returning from the sub air passage 20b to the main air passage 20a and on the downstream side of the electrostatic atomizer 18. The provided drying heater 16 is not operated. As a result, the state of the charged fine particle water generated by the electrostatic atomizer 18 can be kept stable.

Further, a blower detection unit 23 for detecting the air volume is arranged on the downstream side of the electrostatic atomizer 18. The control unit 17 measures the amount of air passing through the air passage 20 based on the detection result of the air blow detection unit 23. The control unit 17 controls the blower fan 13 so that the air volume becomes a predetermined value particularly in the iontophoresis operation. Alternatively, the control unit 17 controls the electrostatic atomizer 18 so that the ion concentration becomes a predetermined value in the ion introduction operation. As a result, the concentration of the charged fine particle water supplied into the washing tank 2 can be appropriately controlled, and the odor can be alleviated and sterilized.

As a method for adjusting the concentration of the charged fine particle water supplied into the washing tank 2, the amount generated by the electrostatic atomizer 18 may be changed with respect to the air volume of the blower fan 13.

Further, the control of the air volume during the iontophoresis operation may be a method of controlling the blower fan 13 by estimating from the air volume during the drying process. That is, it is a method of utilizing the cooling state of the heater 16 that is energized during the drying process as the ventilation detection unit 23 for measuring the air volume. Specifically, when the heater 16 is used in the drying step, the temperature rise of the air passing through the heater 16 is measured. When the temperature rise of the air is small with respect to the input heat amount of the heater 16, the cooling effect is high because the air volume is large. On the contrary, when the temperature rise of the air is large, the cooling effect is low because the air volume is small. In this way, the air volume in the drying step can be estimated from the relationship between the input heat amount of the heater 16 and the air volume.

If the rotation speed of the blower fan 13 is detected, the air volume can be known from the characteristics of the rotation speed and the air volume. The control unit 17 can control the blower fan 13 to an air volume suitable for the iontophoresis operation by utilizing this characteristic. Further, the air volume of the blower fan 13 is reduced due to the clogging of the filter 15 of the outside air suction port 14. Therefore, if the air volume is measured at each drying step, changes in the air volume due to clogging of the filter 15 or the like can be grasped. Since the clogging of the filter 15 does not change significantly suddenly, the blower fan 13 can be controlled by utilizing the air volume state in the drying process during the iontophoresis operation, and the air can be blown with an accurate air volume.

Next, the operation and operation of the electrostatic atomizer 18 during the course operation of the dishwasher in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a sequence during operation of the collective washing course of the dishwasher of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3, the user first sets the object to be washed 8 such as tableware in the tableware basket 10 and stores it in the washing tank 2 (step S1). When the user continues to add the object to be washed 8 and performs the batch wash after the additional set, or when the main wash is postponed for convenience, the user operates the operation unit to select the batch wash course (step). S2). The control unit 17 executes the pre-washing step for the set object 8 to be washed by selecting the bulk washing course. The pre-washing step includes a pre-washing operation using the washing water ejected from the washing nozzle 7 (step S3) and a charged fine particle water introduction operation (step S3) in which the electrostatic atomizer 18 is operated to supply the charged fine particle water into the washing tank 2. The ion introduction operation, step S4) and the like are included.

The control unit 17 performs the preliminary washing operation for a predetermined time (step S3). Next, the control unit 17 performs a charged fine particle water introduction operation (step S4). Specifically, the control unit 17 operates the electrostatic atomizer 18 and the blower fan 13. The electrostatic atomizer 18 generates charged fine particle water. The generated charged fine particle water is supplied into the cleaning tank 2 by the blower fan 13, and can suppress the generation of odor and the growth of germs caused by the food residue adhering to the object to be cleaned 8 stored in the cleaning tank 2. can.

The supply of the charged fine particle water into the washing tank 2 is performed by continuously or intermittently operating the electrostatic atomizer 18. The supply of the charged fine particle water may be carried out for a predetermined time or continuously until the next main washing step is started, and the operation time thereof is not particularly limited. Regarding the continuous or intermittent operation of the electrostatic atomizer 18 which is an ion generating unit, it may be set in a balance between the performance and the life of the device of the ion generating unit. As a result, the ion generating unit can maintain its performance and operate for a long life.

In the case of the bulk washing course, the user additionally sets the object to be washed 8 in the tableware basket 10 and stores it in the washing tank 2 by the time the main washing process is started (Yes in step 5). .. In this case, the control unit 17 re-executes the pre-washing steps of steps S3 to S4 each time the object to be cleaned 8 is stored in the cleaning tank 2 and it is detected that the setting is completed. With this configuration, when the object to be washed 8 is set in the washing tank 2 a plurality of times before the main washing step, a preliminary washing operation and an iontophoresis operation are performed as the preliminary washing step each time. As a result, each time the object to be cleaned 8 is newly set, the inner surface of the object to be cleaned 8 and the cleaning tank 2 can be sterilized and deodorized. Then, the main washing step performed after that can be efficiently performed, and the washing effect can be enhanced.

Next, when the user finishes setting the final object to be washed 8 or when it is time to carry out the main washing step after setting (No in step S5), the operation unit performs a setting completion operation (No. in step S5). Step S6). This operation serves as an instruction to move to the next step, and the control unit 17 executes the main washing step, the rinsing step, and the drying step (step S7). Then, when all the steps of the bulk washing course are completed, the washing operation is completed.

Even after the drying step is completed, the iontophoresis operation for a short time may be repeated at predetermined time intervals until the object to be cleaned 8 is taken out from the cleaning tank 2 (step 8). As a result, charged fine particle water or ions can be appropriately supplied into the washing tank 2, and odor alleviation and sterilization can be continued.

As described above, the dishwasher of the first embodiment executes the washing operation of the bulk washing course.

Here, the details of the operation of the electrostatic atomizer 18 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing the operation of the electrostatic atomizer 18 and the blower fan 13 in the iontophoresis operation of the dishwasher of the present embodiment. The configuration of the electrostatic atomizer 18 is the same as that of the conventional one, and FIG. 6 is incorporated.

As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 17 starts the operation of the blower fan 13 later than the start of the operation of the electrostatic atomizer 18 by a time T. The electrostatic atomizer 18 cools the air by the cooling unit 18a made of a Pelche unit or the like to generate dew condensation water. In the electrostatic atomizer 18 of the present embodiment, the discharge electrode 18b is cooled by the cooling unit 18a. In this way, dew condensation water is directly generated and supplied to the discharge electrode 18b, but in order to make this dew condensation state more stable, the blower fan 13 is intentionally not operated in the initial state of the electrostatic atomizer 18.

By such control, the cooling unit 18a can rapidly cool the discharge electrode 18b, and can accelerate the generation of dew condensation water. That is, continuous cooling including the same air in the vicinity of the discharge electrode 18b can be cooled more efficiently than cooling including air that is replaced with new air one after another by blowing air. Once the discharge electrode 18b is cooled and dew condensation water begins to be generated, dew condensation water is continuously and stably generated. At this stage, the dew condensation water is sufficiently supplied to the discharge electrode 18b, and the generation of charged fine particle water due to the discharge begins.

The control unit 17 starts the operation of the blower fan 13 at the timing (for example, after time T) when the dew condensation water is continuously generated and the charged fine particle water is generated, and the charged fine particle water is washed. It is supplied into the tank 2. As a result, the electrostatic atomizer 18 can rapidly cool the cooling unit 18a to accelerate the generation of dew condensation water and generate charged fine particle water in a short time.

The length of the time T from the start of operation of the electrostatic atomizer 18 to the start of operation of the blower fan 13 is not particularly limited. For example, if the time from the stop of the electrostatic atomizer 18 to the start of the next operation is short, it may be possible to immediately and stably generate charged fine particle water while the dew condensation state is maintained. , The time T may be determined by the time when the operation is stopped. Further, since the time during which the dew condensation water is generated differs depending on the humidity of the air to be cooled, the time T may be determined by detecting the generation state of the dew condensation water.

As described above, the washing operation of the dishwasher in the present embodiment has been described by exemplifying a summary washing course. However, it is also possible to perform the iontophoresis operation after the rinsing step, the drying step, or the end of the operation, and the above description is effective when the electrostatic atomizer 18 is operated.

As described above, the dishwasher according to the present embodiment includes an electrostatic atomizer 18 for generating charged fine particle water, and the control unit 17 is set after the object 8 to be washed is stored in the washing tank 2. It is configured to perform a pre-washing step before performing the washing step. The pre-washing step includes a pre-washing operation using the washing water ejected from the washing nozzle 7 and an iontophoresis operation of operating the electrostatic atomizer 18 to supply charged fine particle water into the washing tank 2 by blowing air. With this configuration, when performing bulk washing, by adhering charged fine particle water to the object to be washed 8 set before the main washing, odor can be alleviated, the growth of germs can be suppressed, and sterilization can be achieved. It will be possible.

Further, the control unit 17 is configured to be able to execute the preliminary washing step every time the object to be washed 8 is stored in the washing tank 2 by the main washing step. With this configuration, when the pre-washing step is performed before the main washing step, for example, as in the bulk washing course, when the object to be washed 8 is set in the washing tank 2 multiple times before the main washing. Each time, a preliminary washing operation and an iontophoresis operation for supplying charged fine particle water are performed. As a result, each time the object to be cleaned 8 is newly set, the inner surfaces of the object to be cleaned 8 and the cleaning tank 2 can be sterilized and deodorized. Then, the main washing step performed after that can be efficiently performed, and the washing effect can be enhanced.

Further, in the pre-washing step, after the pre-washing operation, an iontophoresis operation of supplying charged fine particle water is performed. The charged fine particle water is fine, and it is difficult for it to penetrate to the inside of thick food residue and the like. With the above configuration, the pre-washing step reduces the amount of dirt adhering to the object to be cleaned 8 before ions such as charged fine particle water are supplied, and then the ion introduction operation is performed to charge the charged fine particle water. Can be infiltrated into the residue to enhance the sterilizing effect and deodorizing effect.

In addition, whether or not to carry out the preliminary washing process is configured to be selectable by the user. With this configuration, when the user determines that the object to be cleaned 8 is very clean, and when the user has easily washed the dirty object 8 in advance, the object 8 is set in the cleaning tank 2. In that case, the pre-washing process can be eliminated and the amount of water used in the dishwasher can be reduced. Further, when the object to be cleaned 8 is heavily soiled, the pre-washing step is set to be performed before the main washing process to reduce the amount of stains adhering to the object to be cleaned 8 and to be covered with charged fine particle water. The inner surfaces of the cleaning object 8 and the cleaning tank 2 can be sterilized and deodorized.

Further, the electrostatic atomizing device 18 which is an ion generating unit includes a cooling unit 18a, and the control unit 17 is an electrostatic atomizing device after a predetermined time T has elapsed after operating the electrostatic atomizing device 18. 18 is operated. With this configuration, the electrostatic atomizer 18 can rapidly cool the cooling unit 18a to accelerate the generation of dew condensation water and generate charged fine particle water in a short time.

Further, in the iontophoresis operation of supplying charged fine particle water, the electrostatic atomizer 18 is continuously or intermittently operated. As a result, the performance and the life of the device of the electrostatic atomizer 18 can be balanced, and the performance can be maintained and the device can be operated for a long life.

Further, the iontophoresis device also includes a blower fan 13 included in the drying unit for performing the drying step, and the control unit 17 executes the iontophoresis operation and the drying step with different air volumes of the blower fan 13. .. With this configuration, a blower fan 13 for drying is also used, and a dedicated blower fan 13 from the electrostatic atomizer 18 to the washing tank 2 is supplied by supplying charged fine particle water or ions into the washing tank 2. Since the air passage 20 is not required, an inexpensive dishwasher can be provided.

In addition, by executing the iontophoresis operation and the drying process with different appropriate air volumes, in the iontophoresis operation, charged fine particle water or ions are generated in a stable state and moved to all positions in the cleaning tank 2. It can be reliably supplied, alleviate odors, and suppress the growth of germs. Further, in the drying step, the object to be cleaned 8 can be dried in a short time.

Further, the electrostatic atomizer 18 includes a blower detection unit 23 that detects the air volume of the blower fan 13, and the control unit 17 has at least the blower fan 13 and the electrostatic atomizer 18 according to the detection result of the blower detection unit 23. Control one of them. With this configuration, the control unit 17 can appropriately control the concentration of the charged fine particle water supplied into the washing tank 2, alleviate the odor, suppress the growth of various germs, and the like.

Further, a lead-out air passage (not shown) from which air flows out from the washing tank 2 and an introduction air passage (not shown) into which air flows into the washing tank 2 are provided, and the lead-out air passage and the introduction air passage are separated from each other. Even if a circulating air passage (not shown) independent of the air passage 20 is formed by being connected, and an ion generating unit such as an electrostatic atomizer 18 and an ion introduction device such as a fan are provided in the circulating air passage. good. With this configuration, the charged fine particle water or ions supplied into the washing tank 2 circulate and are not released to the outside, so that more charged fine particle water or ions can be supplied into the washing tank 2.

In the above-mentioned bulk washing course, the electrostatic atomizer 18 is automatically operated as a standard, but it is set as an optional function and is configured to be operated as needed at the discretion of the user. May be good.

Further, in the present embodiment, the ion generating part is an electrostatic atomizer, but by using an ion generator that disinfects and deodorizes the object to be cleaned and the inner surface of the washing tank by generating ions. Can also obtain the same effect.

As described above, in the dishwasher according to the present invention, when the user determines that the object to be washed is heavily soiled during bulk washing, the dishwasher supplies charged fine particle water or ions into the washing tank in the preliminary washing step. It is useful as a household dishwasher, dishwasher or dishwasher because it can suppress the generation of odors and the growth of germs caused by food debris adhering to the object to be washed in the washing tank.

1 Main body 2 Cleaning tank 7 Cleaning nozzle (cleaning part)
13 Blower fan (blower, iontophoresis device)
14 Outside air suction port 15 Filter 16 Heater 17 Control unit 18 Electrostatic atomizer (ion generator)
18a Cooling unit 20 Air passage 20a Main air passage 20b Sub air passage 22 Wall surface 23 Blower detection unit

Claims (8)

The cleaning tank for storing the object to be cleaned, the cleaning unit for cleaning the object to be cleaned, the ion generating unit for generating charged fine particle water or ions, and the charged fine particle water or ions generated by the ion generating unit are blown to the above. It is equipped with an ion introduction device that supplies water to the washing tank and a control unit that executes the preliminary washing process, main washing process, rinsing process, and drying process.
The control unit is configured to perform the preliminary washing step after the object to be washed is stored in the washing tank and before performing the main washing step.
The pre-washing step includes a pre-washing operation with washing water sprayed from the washing unit and an ion introduction operation of operating the ion generating unit to supply charged fine particle water or ions into the cleaning tank.
dishwasher. The control unit is configured to be capable of performing the pre-washing step an arbitrary number of times after the object to be washed is stored in the washing tank and before the main washing step.
The dishwasher according to claim 1. In the pre-washing step, the iontophoresis operation is performed after the pre-washing operation.
The dishwasher according to claim 1 or 2. Whether or not to carry out the pre-washing step is configured to be selectable by the user.
The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The ion generating unit includes a cooling unit and has a cooling unit.
The control unit operates the ion introduction device after a predetermined time has elapsed after operating the ion generation unit.
The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The control unit continuously or intermittently operates the ion generation unit in the ion introduction operation.
The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The iontophoresis device also includes a blower device included in the drying section for performing the drying step, and the control section executes the iontophoresis operation and the drying step with different air volumes of the blower device. do,
The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 6. It is equipped with a ventilation detection unit that detects the air volume of the iontophoresis device.
The control unit controls at least one of the ion introduction device and the ion generation unit based on the detection result of the ventilation detection unit.
The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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