JP7209142B2 - dish dryer - Google Patents

Description

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

Dishwashers having a drying function and including an ion generating section for sterilizing and deodorizing the objects to be washed and the inner surface of the washing tank have been conventionally proposed.

The configuration and operation of a conventional dishwasher will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 (see Patent Document 1, for example). FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of a conventional dishwasher having an ion generator. FIG. 6 is a detailed view of a conventional electrostatic atomizer (ion generator) of a dishwasher equipped with an ion generator.

As shown in FIG. 5, a washing tank 102 is provided inside a main body 101 of the dishwasher. Objects to be washed 108 such as tableware are housed inside the washing tank 102 and washed with washing water sprayed from the washing nozzles 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 cleaning tank 102 . A cleaning pump 105 is attached in communication with the drain hole 104 . The cleaning pump 105 is configured to circulate the cleaning water inside the cleaning tank 102 . The drain hole 104 is provided with a residue filter 106 for collecting 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 cleaning pump 105 drives the inner bottom of the cleaning tank 102. is supplied to the cleaning nozzle 107 provided in the . The washing water jetted from the washing nozzle 107 circulates through a path of washing the object to be washed 108 and then returning to the drain hole 104 again. At this time, the residue and the like dropped from the object to be washed 108 flows into the residue filter 106 together with the washing water. Residue having a size that cannot pass through the residue filter 106 is collected by the residue filter 106 .

A heater 109 for heating the cleaning water is provided between the cleaning nozzle 107 and the bottom of the cleaning tank 102 . Above the washing nozzles 107, a dish basket 110 is provided so that the objects 108 to be washed can be arranged in order. Also, the drain pump 111 discharges the washing water in the washing tank 102 to the outside of the machine through the drain hose 112 .

A drying section is provided inside the dishwasher main body 101 . The drying section sends hot air into the cleaning tank 102 to dry the object 108 to be cleaned. The drying section is configured by providing a blower fan 113 and a heater 116 in an 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 speed up the drying of the object 108 to be cleaned.

A control unit 117 is provided inside the dishwasher main body 101 . The control unit 117 controls electrical components such as the water supply valve, the cleaning pump 105, the drain pump 111, the heater 109, the blower fan 113, the heater 116, etc., and executes the washing process, the rinsing process, and the drying process. An operation unit (not shown) is provided on the front surface of the dishwasher main body 101 . The user selects a driving course, etc., using the operation unit.

Furthermore, an ion generator 118 is provided on the inner top surface of the cleaning tank 102 . The ion generator 118 generates ion particles to disinfect and deodorize the inner surface of the object to be cleaned 108 and the cleaning tank 102 .

The dishwasher disclosed in Patent Document 1 is provided with an electrostatic atomizer as the ion generator 118 . Prior to the washing process, the dishwasher starts the operation of the electrostatic atomization device, discharges the charged fine particle water generated by the electrostatic atomization device, and attaches it to the object 108 to be washed before washing, thereby preparing the water. The cleaning performance is improved.

The configuration and operation of the electrostatic atomizer (ion generator 118) in Patent Document 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The electrostatic atomizer (ion generation unit 118) cools moisture in the air with a cooling unit 118a such as a Peltier unit to generate condensed 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 condensed water is being supplied to the discharge electrode 118b, the condensed water at the tip of the discharge electrode 118b has a large energy (high density). A large amount of negatively charged nanometer-sized charged fine water particles are generated by the repulsive force of electric charges), and discharged outside the electrostatic atomizer (ion generator 118), that is, inside the cleaning tank 102 .

Also, like other conventional dishwashers, a configuration including an ion generator as the 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 disinfect and deodorize the object to be cleaned 108 and the inner surface of the cleaning tank 102 .

JP-A-2008-237439 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-351012

However, the dishwasher described in Patent Literature 1 has a simple configuration in which an electrostatic atomizer (ion generator 118 ) is provided on the top surface inside washing tank 102 . In other words, there is no device for spreading the charged fine particle water generated by the electrostatic atomizer (ion generator 118 ) throughout the cleaning tank 2 . Therefore, the charged fine particle water does not sufficiently reach all the objects to be cleaned 108 housed in the cleaning tank 102 and all the inner surfaces of the cleaning tank 102, which may lead to insufficient sterilization and deodorization. have. In addition, the generation of charged fine particle water and its supply to the cleaning tank 102 are easily affected by the environment inside the cleaning tank 102, the amount of charged fine particle water generated is unstable, and it is difficult to control the concentration of the generated charged fine water particle. It has a problem that it is.

In order to solve the above conventional problems, a dish dryer according to the present invention comprises a storage for storing objects to be washed, a drying section including a blower for drying the objects to be washed, and charged fine particle water or ions. an ion generating unit to generate, an iontophoresis device for supplying charged fine particle water or ions generated by the ion generating unit into the storage together with outside air taken in from an outside air introduction port by blowing air from the blower, and a drying process and a control unit that performs an iontophoresis operation, the ion generation unit has a cooling unit, the control unit stops the blower when the drying process is completed, and the iontophoresis is performed after the drying process is completed. In the operation, the air blower is operated after a predetermined period of time has passed after the ion generating section is started to operate.

With this configuration, in the ion introduction operation, the cooling part of the ion generating part can be rapidly cooled to speed up the generation of condensed water, the charged fine particle water can be generated in a short time, and the charged fine particle water or ions can be stabilized. It is generated in the state and supplied all over the cleaning tank, and it is possible to alleviate odors and eliminate bacteria.

In the ion introduction operation, the dish dryer of the present invention can rapidly cool the cooling part of the ion generating part to accelerate the generation of condensed water, and can generate charged fine particle water in a short time. By generating ions in a stable state and supplying them all over the cleaning tank, it is possible to alleviate odors and eliminate bacteria.

Side cross-sectional view of the dishwasher according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention Principal part cross-sectional view of the introduction air passage of the dishwasher according to the present embodiment A diagram showing a sequence when the dishwasher according to the present embodiment is operated in the batch washing course. Timing chart showing the operation of the iontophoresis operation of the dishwasher in the present embodiment Side sectional view of a dishwasher equipped with a conventional ion generator Detailed view of the electrostatic atomization device (ion generator) of a conventional dishwasher equipped with an ion generator

A dish dryer according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a storage for storing objects to be washed, a drying unit including an air blower and drying the objects to be washed, an ion generating unit for generating charged fine particle water or ions, and the ion An iontophoresis device that supplies charged fine particle water or ions generated by a generation unit into the storage by blowing air; and a control unit that performs a drying process and an ion introduction operation. In the iontophoresis operation, the control section operates the iontophoresis device after a predetermined time has elapsed after operating the ion generation section.

With this configuration, the cooling part of the ion generating part can be rapidly cooled to speed up the generation of condensed water, the charged fine particle water can be generated in a short time, and the charged fine particle water or ions can be generated in a stable state. By supplying all over the washing tank, it is possible to reduce odors and eliminate bacteria.

In a second invention, particularly in the first invention, the controller operates the ion generator continuously or intermittently during the ion introduction operation. With this configuration, it is possible to balance the performance and life in the operation of the device of the ion generating section, maintain the performance, and operate the device for a long life.

In a third invention, particularly in the first or second invention, the iontophoresis device also serves as a blower included in the drying section, and the control section controls the iontophoresis operation and the drying process. , and is executed by varying the air volume of the air blower. With this configuration, the air blower for drying is also used, and charged fine particle water or ions are supplied into the cleaning tank, so that there is no need for a dedicated air blower or air passage from the ion generating part to the cleaning tank. Inexpensive dishwashers can be provided.

In the iontophoresis operation and the drying process, by performing different and appropriate airflows, in the iontophoresis operation, the charged fine water particles or ions are generated in a stable state and reliably delivered to all positions in the cleaning tank. It can be used to reduce odors and eliminate bacteria. Moreover, in the drying step, the object to be washed can be dried in a short time.

In a fourth invention, in particular, in any one of the first to third inventions, an air blow detection unit that detects an air volume of the iontophoresis device is provided, and the control unit detects at least It controls either the iontophoresis device or the ion generation section. With this configuration, the control unit can appropriately control the concentration of charged fine particle water supplied into the cleaning tank, and can alleviate odors and eliminate bacteria.

Hereinafter, as one embodiment of a dish dryer according to the present invention, a dish washer having a drying function will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited by this embodiment.

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

As shown in FIG. 1, a washing tub 2 is provided inside a main body 1 of a dishwasher. The washing tank 2 corresponds to a storage if it is a tableware dryer. Objects 8 to be washed, such as tableware, are housed inside the washing tank 2 and washed with washing water jetted from washing nozzles 7 serving as a washing unit. Water or hot water is supplied from the water supply unit 3 into the washing tank 2 as washing water. A drain hole 4 is provided at the bottom of the cleaning tank 2 . A cleaning pump 5 is attached so as to communicate with the drain hole 4 . The cleaning pump 5 is configured to circulate the cleaning water inside the cleaning tank 2 . The drain hole 4 is provided with a residue filter 6 for collecting 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 a cleaning nozzle 7 provided at the inner bottom of the cleaning tank 2 by the cleaning pump 5 . The washing water jetted from the washing nozzle 7 circulates through a path of washing the object 8 to be washed and then returning to the drain hole 4 again. At this time, the residue and the like dropped from the object 8 to be washed flows into the residue filter 6 together with the washing water. Residue having a size that cannot pass through the residue filter 6 is collected by the residue filter 6.例文帳に追加

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 nozzles 7, a dish basket 10 configured so that the objects 8 to be washed can be arranged in an orderly manner is installed. The drain pump 11 discharges the washing water in the washing tank 2 to the outside of the machine through the drain hose 12 .

A drying section is provided inside the main body 1 . The drying part sends hot air into the washing tank 2 to dry the object 8 to be washed. The drying section is configured by providing a blower fan 13 as an air blower and a heater 16 for heating air in an air passage 20 . One end of the air passage 20 communicates with the cleaning tank 2 , and the other end communicates with the outside of the main body 1 through an outside air suction port 14 . A filter 15 is arranged at the outside air intake 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, air from which dust and the like have been removed by the filter 15 is taken into the air passage 20 through 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 dry the object 8 to be cleaned and the cleaning tank 2 . Air containing moisture in the cleaning tank 2 is discharged from an exhaust port (not shown). The drying section may include a dehumidifying section so that drying air circulates between the cleaning tank 2 and the dehumidifying section.

A control unit 17 is provided inside the main body 1 . The control unit 17 controls electrical components such as the water supply unit 3, the washing pump 5, the drainage pump 11, the washing water heater 9, the blower fan 13, the heater 16, etc., and performs a preliminary washing process, a main washing process, a rinsing process, and a drying process. to run. An operation section (not shown) is provided on the front surface of the main body 1 . The user sets the driving course and the like using the operation unit.

Furthermore, an electrostatic atomizer 18 is provided in the air passage 20 (introduction air passage) as an ion generator. The electrostatic atomizer 18 generates negatively charged charged fine particle water of nanometer size. The generated charged fine particle water is mixed with air sent into the cleaning tank 2 through an air passage 20 by a blower fan 13 as an air blowing device, and supplied into the cleaning tank 2 . Sterilize and deodorize the inside. In the present embodiment, the iontophoresis device includes an electrostatic atomization device 18 (ion generation section), a blower fan 13 that also serves as a drying section, and an air passage 20 . With this configuration, the blower fan 13 for drying is also used to supply charged fine particle water or ions into the cleaning tank 2, thereby requiring a dedicated air blower and an air path from the ion generation part to the cleaning tank 2. And not so cheap dishwashers can be offered.

In addition, the iontophoresis device and the drying section may have separate air blowers and air paths. With this configuration, the control unit 17 can control each blower individually 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 intake port 14 . The filter 15 may be arranged at any position within the air passage 20 on the upstream side of the electrostatic atomizer 18 .

Also, the blowing detection unit 23 for detecting the air volume may be arranged downstream of the heater 16 in the air passage 20 . In addition, the air blowing detection unit 23 is not limited to an air flow meter that directly detects the air volume, but has a configuration that detects the wind speed and estimates the air volume, or detects the temperature downstream of the heater 16 and detects the heat generated by the heater 16. On the other hand, a configuration in which the air volume is estimated from the cooling rate may be used.

Next, the configuration and operation of the air passage of the dishwasher according to Embodiment 1 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 sub air passages 20b branched from the main air passage 20a and provided in parallel to a part of the main air passage 20a. The electrostatic atomizer 18 is arranged in the sub air passage 20b. In the sub air passage 20b, 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. configured to merge.

The sub-air passage 20b is configured such that the cross-sectional area of the air passage is smaller than that of the main air passage 20a by a predetermined ratio. As a result, the amount of air passing through the sub-air passage 20b decreases, and the flow velocity of the air passing through the electrostatic atomizer 18 becomes smaller than the flow velocity of the air passing through the main air passage 20a.

A wall surface 22 is provided at a confluence portion 20c that returns from the sub air passage 20b to the main air passage 20a so as to protrude into the main air passage 20a. The wall surface 22 is formed on the upstream side of the confluence portion 20c so as to incline toward the downstream side. That is, the confluence portion 20c on the blower fan 13 side is covered with the wall surface 22, and the cleaning tank 2 side is open. Due to this 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 conventional electrostatic atomizer (ion generator 118). Therefore, the electrostatic atomizer 18 will be described with reference to FIG. The electrostatic atomizer 18 (ion generator) cools moisture in the air with a cooling unit 18a such as a Peltier unit to generate condensed water. Then, the generated dew condensation water is supplied to the discharge electrode 18b. In addition, the discharge electrode 18b may be cooled and dew may be formed directly on the discharge electrode 18b.

When a high voltage is applied between the discharge electrode 18b and the counter electrode 18c while the condensed water is supplied to the discharge electrode 18b, the condensed water at the tip portion generates a large amount of energy (the repulsive force of the high-density charge). ), negatively charged nanometer-sized charged fine water particles are generated and emitted. The discharged charged fine particle water is introduced into the cleaning tank 2 from the sub air passage 20b through the main air passage 20a.

With respect to the dishwasher configured as described above, the operation and effect of washing the object to be washed using the generated charged fine particle water by operating the electrostatic atomization device 18 will be described.

When the blower fan 13 is operated, outside air is taken into the main body 1 through the outside air suction port 14 . The taken 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 . This configuration prevents dust from adhering to the discharge electrode 18b and the counter electrode 18c of the electrostatic atomizer 18, and stabilizes the generation of charged fine water particles 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 amount of air flows through the sub-air passage 20b than the air that flows through the main air passage 20a. The flow velocity of the air flowing through the sub-air passage 20b is smaller than the flow velocity of the air 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 condensed water generated by the cooling unit 18a such as a Peltier unit is blown away. can be prevented from being properly generated due to the influence of In addition, by adjusting the speed of the air passing through the electrostatic atomizer 18 by branching the main and sub air paths, it is possible to stabilize the supply of the generated dew condensation water to the discharge electrode 18b.

All the objects 8 set in the cleaning tank 2 and the entire inner surface of the cleaning tank 2 are adhered with charged fine water particles or ions, thereby mitigating odors, suppressing the growth of germs, and eliminating bacteria. can let In order to ensure the effect, it is desirable to generate a predetermined amount of charged fine particle water or ions.

Next, the process of drying the object to be washed and the ion introduction operation in the dishwasher will be described. In this part of the description, the items to be washed are referred to as tableware.

Drying of tableware requires the amount of heat required to dry the tableware and efficient evaporation of moisture by wind flowing over the surface of the tableware. Therefore, a relatively large air volume is required during drying. The ion introduction operation supplies charged fine water particles or ions to the washing tank 2 for deodorization and sterilization before the main washing process or after the drying process, and does not require as much air volume as the drying process. In other words, due to the relatively slow wind velocity required for the ion introduction operation by the ion generator such as the electrostatic atomizer 18, reducing the overall air volume is not beneficial for drying the dishes. As a countermeasure against this, it is conceivable to provide a dedicated fan for the electrostatic atomizer 18 . However, providing a dedicated fan for the electrostatic atomizer 18 separately from the blower fan 13 reduces the internal volume of the washing tank 2, complicates the operation of the control unit 17, and increases the price of the dishwasher. etc. is not a good idea.

In this manner, the controller 17 desirably performs the iontophoresis operation and the drying process with different air volumes. The dishwasher according to the present embodiment is configured to change and control the air volume so that an appropriate air volume is used in each of these operations. That is, the control unit 17 controls the air volume suitable for generating charged fine particle water in the electrostatic atomizer 18 in the iontophoresis operation, and controls the tableware drying performance in the drying process. As a result, in the iontophoresis operation, charged fine particle water or ions are generated in a stable state, reliably supplied to all positions in the cleaning tank, and odors can be alleviated and bacteria eliminated. Moreover, in the drying process, the tableware can be dried in a short time.

In the dishwasher according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, in the air passage 20, a sub air passage 20b is branched from the main air passage 20a and provided in parallel with the main air passage 20a. An electrostatic atomizer 18 is arranged in this 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 amount of air is branched and passes through the electrostatic atomizer 18 in the sub air passage 20b. Then, the air containing charged fine particle water merges with the main air passage 20a and is supplied into the cleaning tank 2 along with the fast-flowing air 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 reliably supply the generated charged fine particle water into the cleaning tank 2 .

A 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 on the blower fan 13 side, opens toward the cleaning tank 2 side, and tilts toward the downstream side. As a result, the main air passage 20a is configured such that the cross-sectional area is locally narrowed at the confluence portion 20c where the sub air passage 20b returns to the main air passage 20a. With this configuration, even if pressure loss occurs in the main air passage 20a on the side of the cleaning tank 2, the flow of air having a large flow rate and a high flow velocity in the main air passage 20a generates a venturi effect, thereby generating a sub-air passage. Air at 20b is sucked. As a result, the air in the sub air passage 20b can be prevented from flowing back toward the electrostatic atomizer 18, and the charged fine particle water can be stably supplied into the cleaning tank 2. FIG.

In addition, during the ion introduction operation by the electrostatic atomizer 18, it is arranged downstream of the electrostatic atomizer 18 in the main air passage 20a on the downstream side of the junction 20c returning from the sub air passage 20b to the main air passage 20a. 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, an air blow detection unit 23 for detecting the air volume is arranged downstream 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 blowing detection unit 23 . The control unit 17 controls the blower fan 13 so as to achieve a predetermined air volume particularly in the iontophoresis operation. Alternatively, the controller 17 controls the electrostatic atomizer 18 so that a predetermined ion concentration is achieved during the iontophoresis operation. As a result, the concentration of the charged fine particle water supplied to the cleaning tank 2 can be properly controlled, and odor can be alleviated and bacteria can be eliminated.

The concentration of the charged fine particle water supplied into the cleaning tank 2 may be adjusted by changing the amount of air generated by the electrostatic atomizer 18 with respect to the air volume of the blower fan 13 .

Furthermore, the control of the air volume during the iontophoresis operation may be performed by estimating from the air volume during the drying process and controlling the blower fan 13 . That is, it is a method of using the cooling state of the heater 16 that is energized during the drying process as the air blow detection unit 23 for measuring the air volume. Specifically, when the heater 16 is used in the drying process, the temperature rise of the air passing through the heater 16 is measured. When the temperature rise of the air is small relative to the amount of heat input to the heater 16, the cooling effect is high because the air volume is large. Conversely, if the air temperature rises significantly, the cooling effect is low due to the small air volume. Thus, the air volume in the drying process can be estimated from the relationship between the amount of heat input to the heater 16 and the air volume.

By detecting the number of revolutions of the blower fan 13, the air volume can be determined from the characteristics of the number of revolutions and the air volume. The control unit 17 can use this characteristic to control the blower fan 13 to an air volume suitable for the iontophoresis operation. Furthermore, the air volume of the blower fan 13 decreases due to the clogging of the filter 15 of the outside air intake port 14 . Therefore, if the air volume is measured every time the drying process is performed, even changes in the air volume due to clogging of the filter 15 can be grasped. Since the clogging of the filter 15 rarely changes abruptly and greatly, it is possible to control the blower fan 13 by utilizing the air volume state in the drying process during the iontophoresis operation, and to blow air at an accurate air volume.

Next, the operation and action of the electrostatic atomizer 18 during course operation of the dishwasher according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a sequence when the dishwasher according to Embodiment 1 operates in the batch washing course.

As shown in FIG. 3, the user first sets the objects to be washed 8 such as dishes in the dish basket 10 and stores them inside the washing tank 2 (step S1). When the user adds items to be washed 8 after this and performs collective washing after the additional set, or when the main washing is postponed for some reason, the user operates the operation unit to select the collective washing course (step S2). The control unit 17 executes the preliminary washing process for the set objects 8 to be washed by selecting the collective washing course. The preliminary washing step includes a preliminary washing operation (step S3) using the washing water sprayed from the washing nozzle 7, and an introduction operation ( iontophoresis operation, step S4).

The control unit 17 performs the preliminary washing operation for a predetermined time (step S3). Next, the control unit 17 performs charged fine particle water introduction operation (step S4). Specifically, the controller 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 suppresses the generation of odors and the growth of germs caused by the food residue adhering to the objects 8 to be cleaned stored in the cleaning tank 2. can.

The charged fine particle water is supplied into the cleaning tank 2 by operating the electrostatic atomizer 18 continuously or intermittently. The charged fine particle water may be supplied only for a predetermined period of time, or may be continuously supplied until the next main washing process is started, and the operation time is not particularly limited. The continuous or intermittent operation of the electrostatic atomizer 18, which is the ion generating section, may be set by balancing the performance and life in the operation of the device of the ion generating section. As a result, the ion generating section can maintain its performance and operate with a long life.

In the case of the collective washing course, the user additionally sets the objects 8 to be washed in the dish basket 10 and stores them inside the washing tank 2 before the main washing process is started (Yes in step 5). . In this case, the control unit 17 executes the pre-washing process of steps S3 to S4 again each time it detects that the objects 8 to be washed are stored in the washing tank 2 and that the setting is completed. With this configuration, when the object 8 to be cleaned is set in the cleaning tank 2 a plurality of times before the main cleaning process, the preliminary cleaning operation and the ion introduction operation are performed as the preliminary cleaning process each time. Thus, the objects to be washed 8 and the inner surface of the washing tank 2 can be disinfected and deodorized each time the objects to be washed 8 are newly set. Then, the subsequent main washing process can be efficiently performed, and the washing effect can be enhanced.

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

Even after the drying process is finished, the short-time ion introduction operation may be repeated at predetermined time intervals until the object 8 to be cleaned is removed from the cleaning tank 2 (step 8). As a result, charged fine particle water or ions can be appropriately supplied into the cleaning tank 2 to continue mitigation of odor and sterilization.

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

Details of the operation of the electrostatic atomizer 18 will now be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing operations of the electrostatic atomizer 18 and the blower fan 13 in the iontophoresis operation of the dishwasher of the present embodiment. The structure of the electrostatic atomizer 18 is the same as the conventional structure, and FIG. 6 is used.

As shown in FIG. 4, the controller 17 starts operating the blower fan 13 with a delay of time T from the start of operation of the electrostatic atomizer 18 . The electrostatic atomizer 18 cools the air with a cooling unit 18a made up of a Peltier unit or the like to generate condensed water. In the electrostatic atomizer 18 of the present embodiment, the discharge electrode 18b is cooled by the cooling portion 18a. In this way, the condensed water is directly generated and supplied to the discharge electrode 18b, but the blower fan 13 is not operated in the initial state of the electrostatic atomizer 18 in order to stabilize the condensed state.

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

The control unit 17 starts the operation of the blower fan 13 at the timing when the dew condensation water is continuously generated and the charged fine particle water is generated (for example, after the time T), 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 portion 18a to accelerate the generation of condensed water, and can generate charged fine particle water in a short period of time.

The length of time T from when the electrostatic atomizer 18 is started to when the blower fan 13 is started 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 the charged fine particle water while the dew condensation state is maintained. , the time T may be determined by the time of stopping the operation. Moreover, since the time required for condensation water to occur varies depending on the humidity of the air to be cooled, the time T may be determined by detecting the occurrence of condensation water.

The washing operation of the dishwasher according to the present embodiment has been described above by exemplifying the batch washing course. However, it is also possible to perform the ion introduction operation after the rinsing process, the drying process, or after the end of the operation, and the above description is effective when operating the electrostatic atomizer 18 .

As described above, the dishwasher according to the present embodiment includes the washing tank 2 for storing the objects 8 to be washed, the drying section including the blower fan 13 for drying the objects 8 to be washed, and the An electrostatic atomizer 18 that is an ion generator, an iontophoresis device that supplies charged fine water particles or ions generated by the electrostatic atomizer 18 into the cleaning tank 2 by blowing air, and a drying process and an iontophoresis operation are performed. The electrostatic atomizer 18 has a cooling unit 18a, and the controller 17 operates the electrostatic atomizer 18 in the iontophoresis operation. Then operate the iontophoresis device.

With this configuration, the electrostatic atomizer 18 can quickly cool the cooling part 18a to accelerate the generation of condensed water, generate charged fine particle water in a short time, and stabilize the charged fine particle water or ions. is generated and supplied all over the cleaning tank 2 to alleviate odors and eliminate bacteria.

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

In addition, the iontophoresis device also includes a blower fan 13 included in the drying section that performs the drying process, and the control section 17 performs the iontophoresis operation and the drying process by varying the air volume of the blower fan 13. . With this configuration, the blower fan 13 for drying is also used to supply the charged fine particle water or ions into the cleaning tank 2, thereby supplying the dedicated blower fan 13 from the electrostatic atomizer 18 to the cleaning tank 2. Since the air passage 20 is not required, an inexpensive dishwasher can be provided.

In the iontophoresis operation and the drying process, the iontophoresis operation is performed with different and appropriate air volumes, so that the iontophoresis operation generates charged fine water particles or ions in a stable state and distributes them to all positions in the cleaning tank 2. It is possible to reliably supply, alleviate odors, and eliminate bacteria. Moreover, in the drying step, the object to be cleaned 8 can be dried in a short time.

Further, a blowing detection unit 23 for detecting the air volume of the blowing fan 13 is provided, and the control unit 17 controls at least one of the blowing fan 13 and the electrostatic atomizer 18 based on the detection result of the blowing detection unit 23 . With this configuration, the control unit 17 can appropriately control the concentration of the charged fine particle water supplied into the cleaning tank 2, thereby reducing odors and eliminating bacteria.

Further, an outlet air passage (not shown) through which air flows out from the cleaning tank 2 and an introduction air passage (not shown) through which air flows into the cleaning tank 2 are provided, and the outlet air passage and the introduction air passage are provided. A circulation air passage (not shown) is formed independent of the air passage 20 by connecting, and an ion generating unit such as the electrostatic atomizer 18 and an ion introduction device such as a fan are provided in the circulation air passage. good. With this configuration, the charged fine particle water or ions supplied into the cleaning tank 2 circulate and are not released to the outside, so more charged fine particle water or ions can be supplied into the cleaning tank 2 .

Although the electrostatic atomizer 18 is assumed to be automatically operated as standard in the bulk washing course, it may be set as an optional function, and may be operated as necessary according to the judgment of the user. good too.

In the present embodiment, the ion generator is an electrostatic atomizer. can also obtain the same effect.

As described above, in the ion introduction operation, the dish dryer according to the present invention rapidly cools the cooling part of the ion generation part to accelerate the generation of condensed water, generates charged fine particle water in a short time, and Since fine particle water or ions are generated in a stable state and supplied to the inside of the storage, odors can be alleviated and bacteria can be eliminated.

1 main body 2 washing tank (storage)
7 Washing nozzle (washing part)
13 Blower fan (blower, iontophoresis device)
14 External Air Suction Port 15 Filter 16 Heater 17 Control Unit 18 Electrostatic Atomization Device (Ion Generator)
18a cooling unit 20 air passage 20a main air passage 20b sub-air passage 22 wall surface 23 blowing detection unit

Claims (2)

A storage for storing an object to be washed, a drying unit including a blower for drying the object to be washed, an ion generation unit for generating charged fine particle water or ions, and air taken in from an outside air introduction port by blowing air from the blower. An iontophoresis device that supplies charged fine particle water or ions generated by the ion generation unit together with the outside air into the storage , and a control unit that performs a drying process and an iontophoresis operation,
Having a cooling part in the ion generating part,
The control unit stops the air blower at the end of the drying process, and operates the air blower after a predetermined time has elapsed after starting the operation of the ion generation unit in the ion introduction operation after the drying process. let
Dish dryer. A blowing detection unit that detects the air volume of the iontophoresis device,
The control unit controls at least one of the iontophoresis device and the ion generation unit based on the detection result of the blowing detection unit.
The dish dryer according to claim 1 .

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