JP7209166B2 - dishwasher - Google Patents

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a dishwasher for washing objects such as tableware stored in a washing tank, and more particularly to a water level detection device.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a dishwasher is provided with a water level detection device for detecting the level of water supplied to a washing tub. There are various types of water level detection methods, and a typical detection method is a pressure detection method. The pressure detection method is equipped with an air chamber that communicates with the water reservoir of the cleaning tank and a pressure sensor that detects the pressure in the air chamber. to determine the water level (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the water level detection device in the dishwasher disclosed in Patent Document 1. FIG. As shown in FIG. 17, an opening 110 is formed in the right side wall of the cleaning water tank 107 above the communicating portion between the cleaning water tank 107 and the cleaning pump P1 (not shown). A connecting pipe 111 is connected to the opening 110 . A connecting portion 114 of an air trap 113 is communicated with the connecting pipe 111 via a connecting pipe 112 therebetween. The air trap 113 is divided into two chambers, an air chamber 116 and a communication chamber 117 whose upper end is open and communicated with the atmosphere, by a partition wall 115 . A tubular portion 118 that communicates with the air chamber 116 and extends upward is provided on the upper wall of the air chamber 116 . A pressure switch 120 is connected to the tubular portion 118 via a pressure detection tube 119 .

When the cleaning water is gradually supplied into the cleaning water tank 107, the cleaning water flows into the air trap 113 through the opening 110, the connecting pipe 111, the connecting pipe 112, and the connecting portion 114 as the cleaning water is supplied. . As the cleaning water flows into the air trap 113 , the pressure in the air chamber 116 increases, and this pressure is transmitted from the tubular portion 118 and the pressure detection tube 119 to the pressure switch 120 . When this pressure reaches a predetermined pressure (water pressure corresponding to the water level of the cleansing water in the cleansing water tank 107), the pressure switch 120 is turned on to detect the water level of the cleansing water in the cleansing water tank 107 and generate a water level detection signal. is output to the controller. Upon receiving this water level detection signal, the controller closes the valve V1 (not shown) to stop the supply of wash water to the wash water tank 107 .

In the dishwasher, as the used dirty tableware is washed, various food residues adhering to the tableware are washed away in the washing water, and these residues float in the washing water. In a conventional dishwasher, the cleaning water tank 107 is provided with an opening 110, which communicates with an air trap 113 through a connecting pipe 111. However, the opening 110 does not have any means for preventing food debris from entering. Not provided. For this reason, food residue may enter the interior through the opening 110, and if the communication pipe is partially blocked, the amount of washing water flowing in will decrease, and the washing water in the washing tank will reach a predetermined level. , the pressure in the air chamber 116 does not rise even when the water level reaches .

Therefore, in the invention of Patent Document 1, a locking portion 122, a shaft A cleaning member 121 consisting of a portion 123 and an extension portion 124 is arranged so as to be able to be put in and taken out. As a result, food residue adhering to the wall surface of the connecting pipe 111 and the like and food residue entering the air trap 113 through the opening 110 and the like are efficiently and reliably removed, and the opening 110 and the like are removed. Clogging is reliably prevented, and the water level of wash water in the wash water tank 107 is reliably detected by the pressure switch 120 .

Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 6-62971

However, in the configuration of the conventional dishwasher disclosed in Patent Document 1, food residue adhering to the wall surface of the connecting pipe, etc., and food residue entering the air trap through the opening, etc. are not used. must be removed by the operator by moving the cleaning member in and out. That is, every time the user uses the dishwasher or checks the contamination status of the water level detection device, the user has to remove the dirt according to the contamination status, which is troublesome. rice field.

The present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and every time the water is drained, a portion of the drain water washes away the residue adhering to the vicinity of the opening of the water level detection device, thereby preventing the opening from being blocked by the residue. An object of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher that suppresses the occurrence of troubles in a water level detection device.

In order to achieve the above object, the dishwasher of the present invention comprises a main body, a washing tank provided in the main body and containing an object to be washed, a washing device for washing the object to be washed, and a a water level detection device for detecting the water level of the wash water; a drain port provided at the bottom of the washing tank; a drain pump for discharging the wash water to the outside of the machine; a drainage path provided with a pump; and a circulation path branching from the drainage path and communicating with a predetermined position on the upstream side of the drainage path from the branched portion, wherein the water level detection device detects a water reservoir of the cleaning tank. an air chamber provided above the water level detection opening; and a pressure detection unit for detecting the pressure in the air chamber. and a cover that covers the water level detection opening and the narrowed portion are provided on the upstream side of the washing water. The wash water that flows through the narrowed portion contacts the cover and passes near the water level detection opening.

With this configuration, the washing water that passes through washes away the debris that has begun to accumulate in the vicinity of the water level detection opening. That is, the residue is removed without removing the residue with a cleaning member as in the conventional case, and the water level detection opening is not clogged with the residue. As a result, it is possible to prevent the water level detection device from malfunctioning due to residuals.

The dishwasher of the present invention can prevent the opening of the water level detection device from being clogged with residue, thereby suppressing the occurrence of troubles.

1 is a front external perspective view of a state in which an upper door and a lower door of the dishwasher according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention are opened; FIG. FIG. 2 is a rear external perspective view of the dishwasher according to Embodiment 1. FIG. Front view of the dishwasher according to the first embodiment Front cross-sectional view of a main part of the dishwasher according to Embodiment 1 Sectional view of the side wall portion of the dishwasher according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention in which the upper door and the lower door are closed. The side view of the state where the upper door body and the lower door body of the dishwasher in this Embodiment 1 were opened. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional top view showing the configuration of the water reservoir and the drain port of the washing tank of the dishwasher according to the first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional top view showing the configuration of the water reservoir and the drain port of the washing tub of the dishwasher according to Embodiment 1, with the water reservoir cover removed; A perspective cross-sectional view of FIG. 7 showing the structure of the water reservoir and the drain port of the washing tub of the dishwasher according to the first embodiment. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a part related to a leftover food filter of a dishwasher according to Embodiment 1. FIG. BB cross-sectional view of FIG. 7 showing the flow of washing water around the leftover food filter and the drain port during the washing and rinsing operations of the dishwasher according to the first embodiment. A cross-sectional perspective view of CC in FIG. 7 showing the flow of wash water around the leftover food filter and the drain port during the drain operation of the dishwasher according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vicinity of the water level detection device when the washing tank of the dishwasher according to Embodiment 1 is viewed from below. A perspective view of the vicinity of a water level detection device for a washing tank of a dishwasher according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a state in which the upper surface member forming the water level detection device and the drainage path is removed in FIG. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a state in which a drain port cover forming a drainage path and a circulation path is removed in FIG. Cross-sectional view of a water level detection device for a conventional dishwasher

A dishwasher according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a main body, a washing tank provided in the main body and containing an object to be washed, a washing device for washing the object to be washed, and a water level of washing water in the washing tank. a water level detection device provided at the bottom of the washing tank; a drainage pump for discharging washing water to the outside of the machine; a path, and a circulation path branching from the drainage path and communicating with a predetermined position upstream from the branched portion, the water level detection device having a water level detection opening in the water reservoir of the cleaning tank, An air chamber provided above the water level detection opening, and a pressure detection unit for detecting pressure in the air chamber. The cleaning water branched from the water level detection opening passes through the vicinity of the water level detection opening.

With this configuration, the washing water that passes through washes away the debris that has begun to accumulate in the vicinity of the water level detection opening. That is, the residue is removed without removing the residue with a cleaning member as in the conventional case, and the water level detection opening is not clogged with the residue. As a result, it is possible to prevent the water level detection device from malfunctioning due to residuals.

In a second invention, particularly in the first invention, the circulation path is formed so as to branch off from the drainage path at an angle of 90 degrees or more. This configuration makes it difficult for the debris contained in the wash water to travel straight and flow into the circulation path. This prevents clogging of the circulation path.

In a third invention, particularly in the first or second invention, a resistance part is provided in the drainage path, and the circulation path is formed to branch from the drainage path upstream of the resistance part. It is. With this configuration, the flow of wash water is blocked by the resistance portion. As a result, the water pressure in the drainage path near the branch increases, and the flow of wash water from the branch to the circulation path is promoted.

In a fourth invention, in particular, in any one of the first to third inventions, the circulation path is provided with a throttle portion that narrows the path upstream of the water level detection opening. With this configuration, the flow velocity of the water passing through the restrictor increases and passes near the water level detection opening. As a result, the residue in the vicinity of the water level detection opening is washed away more reliably.

According to a fifth invention, in any one of the first to fourth inventions, the water level detection opening is provided in the vicinity of the suction port of the drain pump. With this configuration, even if residual filament has flowed into the bottom of the air chamber, it is drawn out, making it difficult for residual filament to accumulate in the vicinity of the water level detection opening.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited by this embodiment.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a front external perspective view of the dishwasher according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention with the upper and lower doors opened. FIG. 2 is a rear external perspective view of the dishwasher according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a front view of the dishwasher according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 4 is a front cross-sectional view of the essential parts of the dishwasher according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the side wall of the dishwasher according to Embodiment 1, with the upper and lower doors closed. FIG. 6 is a side view of the dishwasher according to Embodiment 1 with the upper and lower doors opened.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, a washing tank 2 made of resin is provided inside a main body 1 of a dishwasher. The front surface of the washing tank 2 is provided with an opening 3 through which objects to be washed 6 such as tableware are taken in and out. The upper part and the lower part of the opening 3 are configured to be opened and closed by an upper door body 4 and a lower door body 5, respectively.

A seal member 9 made of an elastic material such as silicon rubber is attached to the front surface around the opening 3 . The opening is formed by the sealing member 9, an upper door body seal receiving portion (not shown) provided on the upper door body 4, and a lower door body seal receiving portion (not shown) provided on the lower door body 5. 3 seals are constructed. An inter-door sealing member 68 (not shown) is attached to the lower end of the upper door body 4, and when the upper door body 4 and the lower door body 5 are closed, the lower end of the upper door body 4 and the lower door body 5 are closed. It is constructed so as to ensure sealing performance with the upper end portion of the lower door body 5 .

The upper door 4 and the lower door 5 are rotated and opened/closed in conjunction with a pair of door opening/closing mechanisms 10 provided on the left and right outer walls of the cleaning tank 2 . The upper door body 4 and the lower door body 5 are constructed so as to be opened to a position where the inner surface thereof faces upward and is substantially horizontal under the front side of the opening portion 3 . The upper door body 4 and the lower door body 5 are positioned so that the upper door body 4 overlaps the lower door body 5 when opened.

A door body open button 11 is provided on the front surface of the lower door body 5 . A door lock device 12 is provided on the outer wall of the cleaning tank 2 to lock the upper door 4 and the lower door 5 to the cleaning tank 2 with the opening 3 closed. When the user pushes the door body open button 11, the door body lock device 12 is unlocked, the lower door body 5 is slightly rotated around the lower end, and the upper end is opened to the extent that the user's finger can be hooked. It is designed to open forward. The method of opening the upper door body 4 and the lower door body 5 may be a method of automatically opening to the open state by a biasing force in the opening direction.

An operation display section 13 is provided on the front surface of the lower door body 5 . The operation display unit 13 is electrically connected to a control unit (not shown) that controls the operation of the dishwasher, and exchanges information regarding the operation with the control unit. The controller controls the washing process, the rinsing process and the drying process, and executes the washing operation of the object 6 to be washed. The user operates the operation display unit 13 to input conditions such as the selection of the operation course and the time and frequency of washing, rinsing and drying. In addition, the user can confirm the selected driving course and driving conditions by the information displayed on the operation display unit 13 .

Inside the washing tank 2, an upper dish basket 7 and a lower dish basket 8 in which objects to be washed 6 such as dishes are set are stored. The upper dish basket 7 and the lower dish basket 8 can be individually moved in the front-rear direction by upper dish basket guide rails 71 and lower dish basket guide rails 81 provided on the left and right inner surfaces 2a and 2b of the washing tank 2. supported by The upper dish basket 7 and the lower dish basket 8 can be pulled forward from the opening 3 on the front surface of the washing tank 2 when the upper door 4 and the lower door 5 are opened. Also, the upper dish basket 7 and the lower dish basket 8 are removable from the upper dish basket guide rail 71 and the lower dish basket guide rail 81, respectively.

A water supply section for supplying washing water is provided inside the washing tank 2 . The water supply unit is composed of a water supply valve (not shown) provided on the main body 1, an internal water supply pipe connecting the water supply valve and the cleaning tank 2, and a water supply hose 96 connecting the water supply valve and the tap water pipe. It is A control unit controls a water supply valve based on information from a water level sensor (not shown) communicating with the inside of the cleaning tank 2, and supplies a predetermined amount of cleaning water to the inside of the cleaning tank 2 in the cleaning process and the rinsing process. supply.

As shown in FIG. 4, a first rotary cleaning nozzle 14 and a second rotary cleaning nozzle 15 are arranged in the lower part of the cleaning tank 2 to inject cleaning water from a plurality of injection holes. A substantially cross-shaped fixed washing nozzle 16 is arranged along the inner wall of the washing tank 2 on the inner back surface of the washing tank 2 . The fixed washing nozzle 16 is formed in a flat cylindrical shape, and secures a large internal space of the washing tank 2 . The third rotating washing nozzle 17 is arranged on the lower left side of the upper dish basket 7 . The third rotary washing nozzle 17 has a plurality of injection holes for spraying washing water on its upper surface, and sprays washing water directly below toward the objects 6 to be washed stored on the left side of the upper dish basket 7. - 特許庁

A first rotating washing nozzle 14, a second rotating washing nozzle 15, a fixed washing nozzle 16, and a third rotating nozzle communicating with the fixed washing nozzle 16 are directed toward the object to be washed 6 housed in the washing tank 2. The object 6 to be cleaned is cleaned by jetting cleaning water from the cleaning nozzles 17 in order.

As shown in FIG. 5, a drying device 30 for drying the washed object 6 after rinsing is provided outside the washing tank 2 . The drying device 30 includes a heater (not shown), a fan 31, an air temperature sensor (temperature sensor 29), a blower pipe 32, and the like. Since these configurations are the same as well-known ones, detailed descriptions thereof are omitted. One end of the blower pipe 32 of the drying device 30 communicates with the drying air outlet 2c provided in the lower right back portion of the cleaning tank 2, and the other end is close to the outside of the upper right back end of the cleaning tank 2. It is open to the public. The fan 31 is arranged near the other end of the blower pipe 32 .

With this configuration, the drying air sucked from the outside by the fan 31 is heated by the heater and then sent into the cleaning tank 2 from the drying air outlet 2c to dry the object 6 to be cleaned. Moist air containing moisture removed from the surface of the object 6 to be cleaned is discharged outside the machine through an exhaust port 33 provided on the upper surface of the main body 1 . An air temperature sensor (temperature sensor 29) is installed on the outer wall of the cleaning tank 2 at a position close to the drying air outlet 2c at the bottom.

The configuration of the water reservoir 18 of the cleaning tank 2 will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional top view showing the configuration of the water reservoir and the drain port of the washing tub of the dishwasher according to the first embodiment. 8 is a cross-sectional top view of the state in which the water reservoir cover and the leftover food filter are removed from the state of FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along the line AA of FIG. 7. FIG. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a portion related to the leftover food filter of the dishwasher according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view along BB in FIG. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along line CC of FIG.

In the bottom of the cleaning tank 2, a water reservoir 18 is recessed to store the supplied cleaning water during the cleaning process and the rinsing process. The water reservoir 18 has an opening 18a that opens to the bottom of the cleaning tank 2 and is formed in a horizontally long, substantially rectangular shape, and is recessed substantially vertically from the opening 18a to a predetermined depth. The water reservoir 18 is provided in the front part of the washing tank 2 at the center of the left and right sides.

A substantially central portion of the water reservoir 18 is provided with a recess that is one step lower. A drain port 19 is provided in the concave portion. The bottom surface of the water reservoir 18 is formed with a gentle downward slope toward the drain port 19 .

A water reservoir cover 20 is detachably fitted into an opening 18 a in the upper part of the water reservoir 18 so as to be continuous with the bottom of the cleaning tank 2 . The water reservoir cover 20 has an outer peripheral shape of a substantially oblong oblong shape corresponding to the opening 18a of the water reservoir 18, and has a central portion recessed to form a recess 20a. A circular opening 20b is provided in the center of the recess 20a. When the water reservoir cover 20 is attached to the opening 18 a of the water reservoir 18 , the recess 20 a is located directly above the drain port 19 .

The drain port 19 is provided with a leftover filter 23 for collecting leftovers and the like. The leftover food filter 23 is arranged below the lower surface of the recessed portion 20 a of the water reservoir lid 20 . When the leftover food filter 23 is attached to the drain port 19, the lower surface of the recess 20a is configured such that the central circular opening 20b and the upper surface of the outer edge of the first filter 51 of the leftover food filter 23 are continuous. It is

The water reservoir cover 20 is provided with a plurality of extremely small holes 20d in most of the flat surface other than the inclined surface of the recess 20a. Most of the washing water drops into the water reservoir 18 through the holes 20d. Washing water that has not fallen through the holes 20d flows into the residue filter 23 provided on the lower surface of the recess 20a together with the residue.

As shown in FIG. 9, the drain port 19 is composed of an external drain port 41 located in the center and a hollow circular circulation drain port 42 provided around the outer drain port 41 isolated from the external drain port 41. It is configured. The outside drain port 41 communicates with the suction side of the drain pump 27, and the wash water is discharged out of the machine. The circulation drain port 42 communicates with the suction side of the cleaning pump 22 and jets cleaning water into the cleaning tank 2 .

As shown in FIG. 10 , the leftover filter 23 is composed of a first filter 51 forming an outer peripheral portion and a second filter 52 arranged inside the first filter 51 . When attached to the drain port 19, the second filter 52 is inserted inside the first filter 51, locked and integrated, and the first filter 51 is locked and fixed to the drain port 19. It is

The first filter 51 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape without a bottom. The cylindrical outer peripheral portion 51a is made of a metal plate such as stainless steel, and is formed with a large number of holes 51b in a mesh shape through which washing water can flow in both directions.

The second filter 52 is made of a resin material and is shaped like a substantially cylindrical pail with a bottom. A single handle portion 52c is formed extending upward from the upper surface of the outer peripheral portion 52b of the body portion 52a which is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with a bottom. When the second filter 52 is attached to or detached from the first filter 51, the handle 52c is held by a user's hand and operated in the vertical direction. When the first filter 51 and the second filter 52 are attached to and detached from the drain port 19 in a state in which the first filter 51 and the second filter 52 are integrated, the handle part 52c is operated by a user to hold it by hand and rotate it horizontally.

When the second filter 52 is inserted inside and integrated with the first filter 51, the outer surface of the outer peripheral portion 52b of the second filter 52 faces the inner surface of the outer peripheral portion 51a of the first filter 51. ing. The outer peripheral portion 52b of the body portion 52a of the second filter 52 is provided with a large number of holes 52d through which washing water can flow in both directions. This hole 52 d is set larger than the hole 51 b of the first filter 51 .

As shown in FIG. 11 , the drain port 19 communicates with the suction side of the cleaning pump 22 through the cleaning water circulation path 21 . In the washing process and the rinsing process, the wash water passes through the hole 20d of the water reservoir cover 20 and the leftover filter 23 and accumulates in the water reservoir 18 and the drain port 19. As shown in FIG. Washing water accumulated in the water reservoir 18 and the drain port 19 is sucked into the washing pump 22 and pressurized, and a water diversion section (not shown) selects a destination for water supply, divides the water, and supplies the water.

The divided washing water is supplied to the first rotary washing nozzle 14, the second rotary washing nozzle 15, the fixed washing nozzle 16, and the third rotary washing nozzle 17 communicating with the fixed washing nozzle 16. , is injected from the injection hole of each nozzle. The jetted cleaning water cleans or rinses the object 6 to be cleaned, and returns to the water reservoir 18 and the drain port 19 again. In this way, the wash water is circulated during the washing or rinsing process.

A heater 25 is installed in the washing pump 22 . The circulating washing water is appropriately heated as necessary by energizing the heater 25 . A temperature sensor 29 for detecting the temperature of the cleaning water is installed on the outer wall at the bottom of the cleaning tank 2 . An outer wall portion at the bottom of the cleaning tank 2 where the temperature sensor 29 is installed bulges inside the cleaning tank 2 . By arranging the temperature sensor 29 inside the bulging portion 2e, the detection sensitivity of the temperature sensor 29 is improved. The controller controls energization of the heater 25 based on detection information from the temperature sensor 29 . The temperature sensor 29 is composed of a thermistor or the like. The temperature sensor 29 also serves as an air temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the air in the cleaning tank 2 during the drying process.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12 , the drain port 19 communicates with the suction side of the drain pump 27 through the drain path 26 . Further, the drainage path 26 communicates with the connection port of the drainage hose 97 outside the machine. The washing water discharged after the washing process and the rinsing process are completed is discharged outside the dishwasher from the drain path 26 via the drain hose 97 by the drain pump 27 .

Next, configurations of the drainage path 26, the circulation path 66, and the water level detection device 60 will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 16. FIG.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the washing tank of the dishwasher according to the first embodiment, viewed from below, near the water level detection device. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the vicinity of the water level detection device for the washing tub of the dishwasher according to the first embodiment. 15 is a perspective view of FIG. 14 with the water level detection device and the upper surface member forming the drainage path removed. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of FIG. 15 with the drain port cover forming the drain path and the circulation path removed.

As shown in FIGS. 13 to 16, the resin-molded washing tank 2 has a groove of a drainage path 26 extending from a drainage port 19 to the outside of the apparatus, a mounting portion 27a for a drainage pump 27, and the like, which are integrally molded at the bottom. ing. Further, among the parts constituting the water level detection device 60 for detecting the water level of the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 2, the air chamber 61, the water level detection opening 62 through which the air chamber 61 communicates with the water reservoir 18, and the inside of the air chamber 61 A connecting portion 65 of a communicating tube 64 communicating with a pressure detecting portion 63 for detecting pressure is integrally molded.

The water level detection device 60 is of a pressure detection type. The water level detection device 60 includes an air chamber 61 having a water level detection opening 62 communicating with the water reservoir 18 of the cleaning tank 2, a pressure detection unit 63 for detecting the pressure in the air chamber 61, and the air chamber 61 and the pressure detection unit. and a communicating tube 64 communicating with 63 . With this configuration, the pressure in the air chamber 61 is changed according to the water level in the water reservoir 18, and the pressure is detected to determine the water level.

The air chamber 61 is molded integrally with the water level detection opening 62 at the bottom of the cleaning tank 2 and formed upward from the water level detection opening 62 . The air chamber 61 is formed at the bottom of the washing tank 2 at a position higher than the water reservoir 18, and is molded so that the open surface 61a formed by die-cutting faces upward. The open surface 61a is sealed by welding a top surface member 70 around it. As a result, the air chamber 61 becomes airtight when washing water flows in during the washing process operation. Moreover, it is reliably adhered by welding and cannot be easily removed. Incidentally, the upper surface member 70 is a composite part in which a flow path for circulating washing water is formed inside during the washing process.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the drainage path 26 is formed at the bottom of the washing tank 2 so as to communicate from the drainage port 19 to the outside of the machine. The drainage path 26 has a pump chamber 27 b for the drainage pump 27 . By driving the drain pump 27, the wash water flows through the drain path 26 as indicated by the arrow E and is discharged out of the machine.

Further, the circulation path 66 is provided so as to branch from the drainage path 26 at a branch portion 67 . The circulation path 66 is formed with a relatively narrow width so as to make a 180-degree U-turn at the branch portion 67 . Then, it communicates with the drainage path 26 on the upstream side of the branch portion 67 . The washing water flows through the circulation path 66 as indicated by arrow F, and joins the drainage path 26 upstream of the branch 67 and upstream of the drainage pump 27 (pump chamber 27b).

The drain port 19 is provided with a drain port cover 19a. The drain port cover 19a is integrally formed with a drain channel cover 19b that configures the drain channel 26 and a circulation channel cover 19c that configures the circulation channel 66. As shown in FIG. The drainage path cover 19b constitutes the upper surface of the drainage path 26 upstream of the drainage pump 27 and from the drainage port 19 to the suction port 27c of the drainage pump 27. As shown in FIG. The circulation path cover 19 c constitutes the upper surface immediately before the circulation path 66 merges with the drainage path 26 . The upper surface of the drainage path 26 downstream from the drainage pump 27 and the upper surface of the circulation path 66 immediately after the branch portion 67 are covered with the same upper surface member 70 that seals the open surface 61a of the air chamber 61. be.

Here, the air chamber 61 of the water level detection device 60 will be described.

In the present embodiment, the open surface 61a of the air chamber 61 is formed upward, but the open surface may be formed downward as a molding method. In this case, the bottom surface of the air chamber 61 is sealed, but cleaning water is accumulated in the sealed portion during the cleaning process and the rinsing process. In the unlikely event that this sealing part deteriorates due to aging etc. and leakage occurs, not only will it not function correctly as a water level detection device, but also washing water will leak, resulting in double damage. It becomes a problem.

In the configuration of the present embodiment, the open surface 61a to be sealed is positioned higher than the water surface of the wash water stored in the water reservoir 18 in the washing process and the rinsing process, and the sealing part is formed on the bottom surface of the air chamber 61. don't have With this configuration, even if the sealing portion deteriorates and leakage occurs, the water level detection device will simply not function correctly, and the wash water will not leak.

The operation and effects of the dishwasher configured as described above will be described.

A user pushes the door body open button 11 of the lower door body 5 . Next, the user puts his hand on the upper end of the lower door body 5 and pulls it forward and downward, so that the upper door body 4 and the lower door body 5 are placed in a state in which the upper door body 4 overlaps the lower door body 5 . , is opened to a substantially horizontal state, and the front opening 3 of the cleaning tank 2 is opened forward.

The user pulls out the lower dish basket 8 forward from the opened opening 3 of the washing tank 2 and sets the objects 6 to be washed in the lower dish basket 8. - 特許庁When the setting of the objects 6 to be washed in the lower dish basket 8 is completed, the user pushes the lower dish basket 8 into the washing tank 2 to accommodate it.

Next, the user pulls out the upper dish basket 7 forward and sets the objects 6 to be washed in the upper dish basket 7 . When the setting of the objects 6 to be washed in the upper dish basket 7 is completed, the user pushes the upper dish basket 7 into the washing tank 2 to accommodate it.

Next, the user puts an appropriate amount of detergent into the water reservoir 18 of the washing tub 2 from the detergent put-in portion 90 provided in the lower dish basket 8 and closes the upper door 4 and the lower door 5 . The user turns on the power through the operation display unit 13, inputs conditions such as the driving course and time, and presses the start button. Then, the control unit starts the operation of the dishwasher, and sequentially executes the washing process, the rinsing process, and the drying process according to the input conditions.

First, the water supply valve operates to supply a predetermined amount of washing water into the washing tank 2 . When the water supply valve stops and the water supply ends, the washing pump 22 is driven. The washing water is heated by the heater 25, pressurized by the washing pump 22, and communicated with the first rotary washing nozzle 14, the second rotary washing nozzle 15, the fixed washing nozzle 16, and the fixed washing nozzle 16 from the water diversion section. The water is selectively diverted and sent to the third rotating washing nozzle 17 .

The water diversion section includes, for example, a first rotary washing nozzle 14, a first rotary washing nozzle 14 and a second rotary washing nozzle 15, a second rotary washing nozzle 15, a fixed washing nozzle 16, and a third nozzle communicating therewith. It operates so as to switch the supply of cleaning water every predetermined time in the order of the rotating cleaning nozzles 17 .

Leftovers dropped from the object to be washed 6 by the sprayed washing water are collected by the water reservoir lid 20 and the leftovers filter 23 . Further, the temperature of the washing water is detected by a temperature sensor 29, and when the temperature of the washing water exceeds a predetermined temperature, power supply to the heater 25 is stopped. Thereby, the washing water is always maintained at a temperature suitable for washing.

When the cleaning process for a predetermined time is completed, the cleaning water containing dirt is discharged outside the machine by the drain pump 27, and the cleaning tank 2 is supplied with new cleaning water. The supplied washing water is pressurized by the washing pump 22, and the first rotating washing nozzle 14, the second rotating washing nozzle 15, the fixed washing nozzle 16, and the third rotating washing nozzle 17 communicating with the fixed washing nozzle 16. sent to The supplied washing water is sprayed from the injection holes of the washing nozzles, and a rinsing step is performed to wash off the detergent, leftovers, etc. adhering to the object 6 to be washed.

In this rinsing step, after the rinsing operation is performed for a predetermined time, the washing water in which the detergent and leftovers are washed out of the object 6 to be washed by the rinsing operation is discharged outside the machine by the drain pump 27 . Then, new washing water is supplied into the washing tank 2, and the rinsing operation is performed again. In the standard setting, this rinsing operation is performed three times, the washing water is discharged outside the machine by the drain pump 27, and the rinsing process is completed.

Here, the flow of washing water around the leftover food filter 23 and the drain port 19 during washing and rinsing operations will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG.

During washing and rinsing operations, washing water accumulated in the water reservoir 18 is sucked by the washing pump 22, and as shown in FIG. The washing water is sucked into the washing water circulation path 21 from the washing water circulation suction port 48 . The washing water circulation suction port 48 is circumferentially provided outside the leftover food filter 23 .

With this arrangement, the wash water flows generally as indicated by arrow C during washing and rinsing operations. Washing water generally flows from the inside to the outside in the holes 51 b of the first filter 51 and the holes 52 d of the second filter 52 .

At this time, as for the leftovers and dirt contained in the circulated washing water, large leftovers are collected by the second filter 52 and fine leftovers and dirt are collected by the first filter 51 .

On the other hand, during the draining operation, the wash water accumulated in the water reservoir 18 is sucked by the drain pump 27, and as shown in FIG. sucked in. The washing water drain suction port 45 is provided in a circular shape substantially below and inside the leftover food filter 23 . In the state immediately before draining, the amount of washing water existing in the water reservoir 18 around the outer peripheral portion of the leftover food filter 23 is larger than the amount of washing water existing right above the leftover food filter 23 .

With this configuration, the wash water generally flows as indicated by arrow D during the drain operation. Washing water generally flows from the outside to the inside through the holes 51 b of the first filter 51 and the holes 52 d of the second filter 52 . Therefore, dirt and fine leftovers adhering to the inner peripheral surface of the first filter 51 during cleaning and rinsing are washed off by the cleaning water flowing from the outside to the inside (the cleaning water to be drained), and the cleaning water is drained. are ejected out of the aircraft.

Next, the detailed configuration of the circulation path 66 provided together with the drainage path 26 and the flow of washing water will be described with reference to FIGS. 12, 15 and 16. FIG.

A branching portion 67 from the drainage path 26 to the circulation path 66 is provided downstream of the cleaning pump 27 (pump chamber 27 b ) provided in the drainage path 26 . A narrowed resistance portion 68 is provided in the drain path 26 on the downstream side of the branch portion 67 . With this configuration, the resistance portion 68 blocks the flow of washing water. As a result, the water pressure in the drainage path 26 near the branch 67 increases, and the flow of wash water from the branch 67 to the circulation path 66 is promoted.

Also, the discharged wash water contains debris of a size that can pass through the holes 52 d of the second filter 52 . The circulation path 66 is bent at a branch portion 67 so as to make a 180-degree U-turn, and is formed with a relatively narrow width. This configuration makes it difficult for the debris contained in the wash water to travel straight and flow into the circulation path 66 . This prevents clogging of the circulation path 66 . The direction in which the circulation path 66 is bent and branched at the branching portion 67 is not limited to 180 degrees with respect to the drainage path 26, and may be 90 degrees or more.

The branched circulation path 66 is provided with a throttle portion 69 that narrows the path on the upstream side of the water level detection opening 62 . As a result, the flow velocity of the washing water passing through the narrowed portion 69 increases. Then, as indicated by an arrow F, it hits the circulation path cover 19c and flows down, passing near the water level detection opening 62. In this manner, the washing water flows from the branch portion 67 to the upstream side of the drainage path 26 and merges therewith.

Here, the water level detection opening 62 will be described.

The water level detection opening 62 is positioned substantially at the bottom of the water reservoir 18 and adjacent to the drainage path 26 . For this reason, if the debris that is washed away during drainage remains without being completely discharged, it may accumulate near the water level detection opening 62 . If they pile up and block the water level detection opening 62, the water level detection device 60 will not operate normally.

In the present embodiment, the circulation path 66 is formed to pass near the water level detection opening 62, and the wash water branches from the drainage path 26 to the circulation path 66 when discharged to the outside of the machine. flow. With this configuration, the passing wash water washes away the debris that has started to accumulate near the water level detection opening 62 . That is, the residue is removed without removing the residue with a cleaning member as in the prior art, and the water level detection opening 62 is not clogged with the residue. As a result, it is possible to prevent the water level detection device 60 from malfunctioning due to residuals.

Also, the wash water passes through the narrowed portion 69 before passing near the water level detection opening 62, so that the flow speed increases. As a result, the residue in the vicinity of the water level detection opening 62 is more reliably washed away.

Furthermore, since the water level detection opening 62 is provided in the vicinity of the suction port 27c of the drainage pump 27, the residual waste is easily drawn into the drainage pump 27. As a result, even if residual filaments flow into the bottom of the air chamber 61, they are drawn out, making it difficult for residual filaments to accumulate in the vicinity of the water level detection opening 62.例文帳に追加

A drain operation is performed at the end of each of the washing and rinsing steps. Therefore, although a large amount of residue is contained in the washing water discharged in the washing process, the amount of residue contained in the washing water decreases in the rinsing process, and the vicinity of the water level detection opening 62 is washed more cleanly.

In the present embodiment, the circulation path 66 is configured to communicate with the upstream of the drainage path 26. However, if it is configured to pass through the vicinity of the water level detection opening 62, the final communication position is It is not particularly limited.

After the rinsing process is completed, the drying process is performed. The drying device 30 operates, the outside air supplied into the cleaning tank 2 by the built-in fan 31 is heated by the heater, and the water droplets adhering to the object 6 to be cleaned evaporate due to the effects of both the air blowing and the heating. is done. After this drying is performed for a predetermined time, the operation of the drying device 30 is stopped and the drying process is completed. All steps for cleaning the object 6 to be cleaned are completed, and execution of the selected operation course is completed.

As described above, the dishwasher according to the present embodiment includes a main body 1, a washing tank 2 provided in the main body 1 and containing objects 6 to be washed such as tableware, and a water level of washing water in the washing tank 2. a water level detector 60, a drain port 19 provided at the bottom of the washing tank 2, a drain pump 27 for discharging the wash water to the outside of the machine, and a drain pump 27 that communicates the drain port 19 with the outside of the machine. and a circulation path 66 that branches from the drainage path 26 and communicates with the drainage path 26 on the upstream side of the branched portion 67 . An air chamber 61 having a water level detection opening 62 and provided above the water level detection opening 62, a pressure detection unit 63 for detecting the pressure in the air chamber 61, and a circulation path 66 through which washing water flows. The washing water branching from the drainage path 26 to the circulation path 66 is configured to pass through the vicinity of the water level detection opening 62 when discharged to the outside of the machine.

With this configuration, the passing wash water washes away the debris that has started to accumulate near the water level detection opening 62 . That is, the residue is removed without removing the residue with a cleaning member as in the prior art, and the water level detection opening 62 is not clogged with the residue. As a result, it is possible to prevent the water level detection device 60 from malfunctioning due to residuals.

Also, the circulation path 66 is formed so as to branch off from the drainage path 26 at an angle of 90 degrees or more. This configuration makes it difficult for the debris contained in the wash water to travel straight and flow into the circulation path 66 . This prevents clogging of the circulation path 66 .

A resistance portion 68 is provided in the drainage path 26 , and the circulation path 66 is formed so as to branch from the drainage path 26 on the upstream side of the resistance portion 68 . With this configuration, the resistance portion 68 blocks the flow of washing water. As a result, the water pressure in the drainage path 26 near the branching portion 67 increases, and the flow of washing water from the branching portion 67 to the circulation path 66 is promoted.

Further, the circulation path 66 is provided with a throttle portion 69 that narrows the path upstream of the water level detection opening 62 . With this configuration, the flow velocity of water passing through the narrowed portion 69 increases and passes near the water level detection opening 62 . As a result, the residue in the vicinity of the water level detection opening 62 is more reliably washed away.

Also, the water level detection opening 62 is provided close to the suction port 27c of the drainage pump 27 . With this configuration, even if residual filaments flow into the bottom portion of the air chamber 61, they are drawn out, and the residual filaments are less likely to accumulate in the vicinity of the water level detection opening 62.例文帳に追加

As described above, in the dishwasher according to the present invention, when the washing water is discharged to the outside of the machine, the washing water that flows branching from the drainage path to the circulation path passes through the vicinity of the water level detection opening. Since it is configured and can prevent the occurrence of malfunction of the water level detection device, it is useful as a home dishwasher that is used by being placed on a kitchen worktop or the like or built in a system kitchen.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 main body 2 cleaning tank 3 opening 4 upper door body (door body)
5 lower door body 6 object to be washed 7 upper dish basket 8 lower dish basket 14 first rotary washing nozzle (washing device)
15 Second rotating washing nozzle (washing device)
16 fixed cleaning nozzle (cleaning device)
17 Third rotating washing nozzle (washing device)
17a rotary washing nozzle water conduit 18 water reservoir 19 drain port 20 water reservoir cover 21 washing water circulation path 22 washing pump 23 residue filter 25 heater 26 drainage path 27 drainage pump 27b pump chamber 27c suction port 29 temperature sensor 30 drying device 41 outside Drain port 42 Circulation drain port 45 Cleaning water drainage suction port 48 Cleaning water circulation suction port 51 First filter 52 Second filter 60 Water level detector 61 Air chamber 61a Open surface 62 Water level detection opening 63 Pressure detector 66 Circulation path 67 Branching portion 68 Resistance portion 69 Constricted portion 70 Upper surface member

Claims (4)

the main body;
a washing tank provided in the main body and containing an object to be washed;
a cleaning device for cleaning the object to be cleaned;
a water level detection device for detecting the water level of the cleaning water in the cleaning tank;
a drain port provided at the bottom of the cleaning tank;
a drainage pump that discharges wash water to the outside of the machine;
a drainage path communicating between the drainage port and the outside of the machine and provided with the drainage pump;
a circulation path that branches from the drainage path and communicates with a predetermined position on the upstream side of the drainage path from the branched part,
The water level detection device has a water level detection opening in the water reservoir of the cleaning tank, and includes an air chamber provided above the water level detection opening, and a pressure detection unit for detecting the pressure in the air chamber. ,
The circulation path is provided with a constricted portion that narrows the path upstream of the water level detection opening and a cover that covers the water level detection opening and the constricted portion. , the washing water branching from the drainage path to the circulation path passes through the narrowed portion, comes into contact with the cover, and passes near the water level detection opening;
dishwasher. The circulation path is formed to branch at an angle of 90 degrees or more from the drainage path,
A dishwasher according to claim 1. A resistance part is provided in the drainage path, and the circulation path is formed to branch from the drainage path upstream of the resistance part,
A dishwasher according to claim 1 or 2. The water level detection opening is provided in proximity to the suction port of the drainage pump,
A dishwasher according to any one of claims 1-3.

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