JP7308676B2 - Dishwasher - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to dishwashers.

Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a conventional dishwasher. This dishwasher includes a washing tank in which dishes are stored, a nozzle for injecting washing water into the washing tank, a pump for supplying washing water to the nozzle, and a control unit for controlling the pump. The controller executes a washing operation for washing the tableware stored in the washing tank. A wash run has multiple steps including a wash step and a rinse step.

In this dishwasher, a plurality of courses with different processing times for each process are set in advance for the washing operation. Then, when the user selects a desired course from a plurality of courses, the control section executes each step of the cleaning operation based on the selected course, thereby meeting the user's needs.

JP-A-2007-54506

By the way, in the above-mentioned conventional dishwasher, there are cases in which the dishes must be washed within a limited time due to a sudden visitor, forgetting to wash the dishes, or the like. In this case, if one tries to select a course that is close to the desired driving time from a plurality of courses, it is necessary for the user to know the driving time of each course, which is troublesome for the user. In addition, there are many cases where any one of the operation times of each course does not match the desired operation time, so it is difficult to complete the cleaning operation at the desired timing. Furthermore, if the course is selected incorrectly, there is a risk that the operation time for that course will be too short and the washing of the dishes will be insufficient, or that the operation time for that course will be too long and it will take too much time. be.

As a result, this dishwasher has a problem that it is difficult to improve user convenience.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above conventional circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher capable of improving convenience.

The dishwasher of the present invention comprises a washing tank in which dishes are stored,
a nozzle for injecting washing water into the washing tank;
a pump that supplies the cleaning water to the nozzle;
a control unit that controls the pump and executes a washing operation for washing the tableware contained in the washing tank;
The washing operation is a dishwasher having a plurality of steps including a washing step and a rinsing step,
further comprising operation time setting means for setting the operation time of the cleaning operation;
The operating time setting means sets an input value determined by a user increasing or decreasing a numerical value corresponding to the operating time as the operating time,
The control unit
executing a distribution process of distributing the operating time set by the operating time setting means to each of the steps at a predetermined ratio and determining the processing time of each of the steps;
Each of the steps is executed based on each of the processing times.

In the dishwasher of the present invention, when the dishes must be washed within a limited time due to a sudden visitor or forgetting to wash the dishes, the user can use the operation time setting means to specify the operation time of the washing operation. It can be set as a street. Accordingly, the control unit executes the distribution process as described above, and executes each process in the cleaning operation based on the processing time of each process determined in the distribution process. As a result, with this dishwasher, it is not necessary to keep track of the operating times of multiple courses, which saves the user time and effort. In addition, since the user can set the operating time of the cleaning operation as desired, it is possible to easily complete the cleaning operation at the desired timing. At this time, the user can easily adjust the operation time of the washing operation to be set so as not to be too short, so that it is possible to prevent the washing of the tableware from being insufficiently finished.

Therefore, the dishwasher of the present invention can improve convenience.

The dishwasher of the present invention comprises a washing tank in which dishes are stored,
a nozzle for injecting washing water into the washing tank;
a pump that supplies the cleaning water to the nozzle;
a control unit that controls the pump and executes a washing operation for washing the tableware contained in the washing tank;
The washing operation is a dishwasher having a plurality of steps including a washing step and a rinsing step,
and an operation time setting means for setting the operation time of the cleaning operation,
The control unit
executing a distribution process of distributing the operating time set by the operating time setting means to each of the steps at a predetermined ratio and determining the processing time of each of the steps;
performing each said step based on each said processing time;
At least one of dish amount detection means for detecting the amount of dishes contained in the washing tank and dirt amount detection means for detecting the amount of dirt on the dishes contained in the washing tank ,
The control unit performs a detection result acquisition process for acquiring at least one of the amount of dishes detected by the amount of dishes detected by the amount of dishes detected by the amount of dishes detected by the amount of dirt detected by the amount of dirt detected by the amount of dirt detected by the detection result acquisition process, and the operating time based on the detection results. and an operation time adequacy determination process for determining whether or not the operation time is appropriate .

In the dishwasher of the present invention , when the controller determines that the operation time is not appropriate based on the detection result in the operation time appropriateness determination process, it can appropriately take measures to improve the state. As a result, it is possible to further prevent the washing of the tableware from becoming insufficiently finished.

It is desirable that the dishwasher of the present invention include a heater controlled by the control unit to heat the wash water. Then, when the control unit determines that the operation time is not appropriate in the operation time appropriateness determination process, it is desirable to change the setting so as to increase the output of at least one of the pump and the heater in at least one of the steps. .

In this case, the control unit automatically adjusts the cleaning performance so that the operation time set by the user is appropriate, saving the user the trouble of resetting the settings, thereby further improving convenience.

When it is determined that the operation time is not appropriate in the operation time appropriateness determination process, the control unit reduces the processing time of the low-priority process among the processes, and increases the processing time of the high-priority process by the reduced amount. It is desirable to redistribute so as to increase

In this case, the control unit automatically redistributes the operating time set by the user so that the operation time is appropriate, saving the user the trouble of resetting, so that convenience can be further improved.

It is desirable that the dishwasher of the present invention further includes a notification unit that performs notification. Then, when the control unit determines that the operation time is not appropriate in the operation time appropriateness determination process, it is preferable that the control unit performs notification processing for notifying that the operation time is not appropriate by controlling the notification unit.

In this case, the user can be made to recognize that the operation time is not appropriate by the notification process, and can be prompted to reset the operation time, thereby further suppressing insufficient washing of the dishes.

The dishwasher of the present invention comprises a washing tank in which dishes are stored,
a nozzle for injecting washing water into the washing tank;
a pump that supplies the cleaning water to the nozzle;
a control unit that controls the pump and executes a washing operation for washing the tableware contained in the washing tank;
The washing operation is a dishwasher having a plurality of steps including a washing step and a rinsing step,
and an operation time setting means for setting the operation time of the cleaning operation,
The control unit
executing a distribution process of distributing the operating time set by the operating time setting means to each of the steps at a predetermined ratio and determining the processing time of each of the steps;
performing each said step based on each said processing time;
A drying fan controlled by the control unit to send air into the cleaning tank, a heater controlled by the control unit to heat the cleaning water and air, and a drying process selection for selecting whether or not to include a drying process in each process. comprising means and
When the drying process is selected to be included in each process by the drying process selection means, the control unit executes the distribution process by setting the drying corresponding ratio corresponding to each process including the drying process to a predetermined ratio.

In the dishwasher of the present invention , when the user selects to include the drying process, the control unit executes the distribution process at the ratio corresponding to the drying, so that the processing time of the drying process is different from the processing time of the other processes. It becomes easy to secure the time required to suppress insufficient drying of the tableware while keeping the balance. Also, when the user wants to shorten the operation time, by selecting not to include the drying process, which takes a relatively long processing time, it is possible to easily complete the cleaning operation at the target timing.

According to the dishwasher of the present invention, it is possible to improve convenience.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the dishwasher of the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the dishwasher of the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a front view showing an operation part and a display part, relating to the dishwasher of the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flow chart of washing operation in the dishwasher of the embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments embodying the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Example)
As shown in FIG. 1, the dishwasher 1 of the embodiment is an example of a specific aspect of the dishwasher of the present invention. The dishwasher 1 is of the front drawer type installed under the top plate CT1 of the system kitchen.

<Case, cleaning tank and lid>
The dishwasher 1 includes a housing 9 , a washing tank 7 and a lid 8 . In this embodiment, the side facing the user who uses the system kitchen in the substantially box-shaped housing 9, that is, the left side of the paper surface of FIG. 1 is defined as the front side of the housing 9, and the right side of the paper surface of FIG. It is defined as the back side of the housing 9 .

The upper surface side of the housing 9 is covered with a top plate CT1. The housing 9 has a housing opening 9H. The housing opening 9H opens a wide range from the upper end to the lower end on the front side of the housing 9, and allows communication between the inside of the housing 9 and the outside.

As shown in FIG. 1, the cleaning tank 7 is housed within a housing 9 . Let the position of the washing tank 7 shown in FIG. 1 be an accommodation position. A slide rail mechanism (not shown) is arranged between the bottom of the substantially box-shaped cleaning tank 7 and the bottom wall of the housing 9 . Although not shown, the cleaning tank 7 is slidable with respect to the housing 9 by its slide rail mechanism.

The cleaning tank 7 has an opening 7H. The opening 7H opens the upper side of the cleaning tank 7 . A handle portion 7G is provided at the upper end portion on the front side of the cleaning tank 7 .

Although not shown, the cleaning tank 7 is pulled forward from the housing 9 by manually sliding the cleaning tank 7 from the housing position to the front side of the housing 9 while gripping the handle 7G. state. When the user manually slides the drawn-out cleaning tank 7 to the back side of the housing 9, the cleaning tank 7 returns to the accommodation position.

The lid 8 is arranged on the upper side inside the housing 9 and can close and open the opening 7H of the cleaning tank 7 . The lid body 8 is interlocked with the sliding of the cleaning tank 7 by an interlocking mechanism (not shown) to rise from the position shown in FIG. 1 and the position shown in FIG. It is adapted to move up and down between positions.

The cleaning tank 7 closes the housing opening 9H and the opening 7H is closed by the lid 8 in a state of being in the housed position.

Although not shown, the cleaning tank 7 has an opening 7H exposed to the outside of the housing 9 with the cover 8 remaining inside the housing 9 in a state of being pulled out of the housing 9 . Thereby, the user can store the tableware DB1 in the washing tank 7 or take out the tableware DB1 from the washing tank 7 through the opening 7H.

A water supply pipe P1, a water supply solenoid valve 69, and a drain pipe P2 are provided in the housing 9. As shown in FIG. The water supply pipe P<b>1 supplies water to the washing tank 7 from a water supply source (not shown) provided outside the dishwasher 1 . The water supply electromagnetic valve 69 opens and closes the water supply pipe P1 to switch between supplying water to the cleaning tank 7 and stopping it. The drain pipe P<b>2 drains the washing water in the washing tank 7 to the outside of the dishwasher 1 .

A water reservoir 71 for storing washing water is provided at the bottom of the washing tank 7 . A dish basket 70 is arranged in the washing tank 7 . The tableware DB 1 is placed in the tableware basket 70 . The tableware DB 1 includes, for example, eating utensils such as bowls, plates, and glasses, and eating utensils such as chopsticks, spoons, and forks.

<Nozzle and pump>
Dishwasher 1 further comprises nozzle 61 and pump 62 . The nozzle 61 is arranged inside the cleaning tank 7 . The pump 62 is assembled below the water reservoir 71 of the cleaning tank 7 . The nozzle 61 and the pump 62 move together with the cleaning tank 7 when the cleaning tank 7 is moved in and out.

The nozzle 61 injects washing water into the washing tank 7 from a plurality of discharge holes. The spray direction of the nozzle 61 changes in various directions in order to reliably wash a plurality of stacked dishes DB1 in the washing tank 7 and to wash the inner wall surface of the washing tank 7 and the dish basket 70. It's like

The pump 62 supplies the washing water stored in the water storage portion 71 of the washing tank 7 to the nozzle 61 and causes it to be sprayed during forward rotation. The jetted cleansing water is stored in the water reservoir 71 and is repeatedly supplied to the nozzle 61 by the pump 62 . Further, the pump 62 discharges the washing water in the washing tank 7 to the outside of the dishwasher 1 through the residual food filter 67 and the drain pipe P2 during the reverse rotation operation.

<Heater, temperature sensor, drying fan and water level sensor>
The dishwasher 1 further comprises a heater 63 , a temperature sensor 33 , a drying fan 68 and a water level sensor 34 . A heater 63, a temperature sensor 33, a drying fan 68, and a water level sensor 34 are also assembled in the cleaning tank 7 and move together with the cleaning tank 7 when the cleaning tank 7 is taken in and out.

The heater 63 heats the cleaning water stored in the water reservoir 71 of the cleaning tank 7 or the air in the cleaning tank 7 . A temperature sensor 33 detects the temperature of the cleaning tank 7 .

The drying fan 68 rotates while the heater 63 is activated, thereby sending heated air into the washing tank 7 to dry the tableware DB1. The air sent into the washing tank 7 by the drying fan 68 is exhausted to the outside of the dishwasher 1 through a vent hole 7E formed in the front surface of the washing tank 7 .

The water level sensor 34 is a float type sensor provided in a water level detection tank 34A arranged next to the water reservoir 71 of the cleaning tank 7 . The water level detection tank 34A is connected to the water storage part 71 of the cleaning tank 7 via a communicating pipe P3. A water level sensor 34 detects the water level of the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 7 .

<Dish Amount Detection Means and Dirt Amount Detection Means>
The dishwasher 1 further includes dish amount detection means 31 and dirt amount detection means 32 .

The dish quantity detecting means 31 includes a plurality of load transducers (load cells) arranged on a support portion formed on the inner wall surface of the washing tank 7 to support the dish basket 70 . The tableware amount detection means 31 detects the amount of tableware in the tableware DB1 accommodated in the washing tank 7 based on the change in the load detected by the weight converter.

The dirt amount detection means 32 includes lighting means and photographing means provided on the lower surface of the lid 8 . The dirt amount detection means 32 captures an image of the tableware DB 1 stored in the washing tank 7 with the photographing means while the interior of the washing tank 7 is illuminated by the lighting means, and analyzes the image to determine the area of the dirt portion. By extracting, the dirt amount of tableware DB1 accommodated in the washing tank 7 is detected.

<Control unit, operation unit, display unit and notification unit>
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the dishwasher 1 further includes a control section C1, an operation section 40, a display section 47 and a notification section 49. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the controller C1 is arranged behind the handle 7G on the front side of the cleaning tank 7. As shown in FIG. The operation part 40 and the display part 47 are arranged at the upper end of the front side of the cleaning tank 7 .

The control unit C1 is an electronic circuit unit including a CPU, memory, interface circuit, etc. (not shown). As shown in FIG. 2, the control section C1 includes a storage section C12. The storage unit C12 is a memory that configures the control unit C1, and is configured by storage elements such as ROM and RAM.

The storage unit C12 stores various programs executed by the control unit C1 to operate the dishwasher 1, such as the washing operation program shown in FIG. The storage unit C12 also stores various information such as setting information of the dishwasher 1, for example, initial setting information for executing the washing operation program shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, detection signals from the temperature sensor 33, the water level sensor 34, the tableware amount detection means 31, and the dirt amount detection means 32 are input to the control section C1. The controller C1 outputs control signals through the drive circuit 60 to control the operation of the heater 63, the pump 62, the water supply electromagnetic valve 69, and the drying fan 68, thereby A cleaning operation is performed to clean DB1.

As shown in FIG. 3, the operation unit 40 has a power button 46, a start button 45, a course selection button 44, a drying process selection button 42, an operation time setting button 41, an addition button 43A and a subtraction button 43B. It is exposed from the front surface of the cleaning tank 7 and is designed to be operated by the user.

The display unit 47 has display elements, lamps, and the like capable of displaying numbers, letters, and the like, and these are exposed from the front surface of the cleaning tank 7 so as to be visually recognized by the user.

As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit C1 acquires information on various types of input operations performed by the user on the operation unit 40. FIG. In addition, the control unit C1 transmits various types of information such as information regarding the setting of the cleaning operation and the progress of the cleaning operation to the display unit 47 and causes the display unit 47 to display the information.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the notification unit 49 is arranged below the operation unit 40 on the front side of the cleaning tank 7 . The notification unit 49 is, for example, a buzzer that generates a warning sound, a speaker that generates a warning message, or a lamp that emits warning light. As shown in FIG. 2, the notification section 49 is connected to the control section C1. The control unit C1 controls the notification unit 49 to notify the user of a warning or the like when various troubles occur.

<Multiple steps of cleaning operation>
The cleaning operation executed by the controller C1 can include a wide variety of processes, but in this embodiment, it has a cleaning process, a rinsing process without heating, a rinsing process with heating, and a drying process. The rinsing step without heating and the rinsing step with heating are examples of the "rinsing step" of the present invention.

In the cleaning process, the detergent that has been put into the cleaning tank 7 at a predetermined position in advance dissolves in the cleaning water that is supplied to the cleaning tank 7 . Then, while the heater 63 heats the washing water stored in the water storage portion 71 of the washing tank 7 , the pump 62 is operated to inject the heated washing water from the nozzle 61 into the washing tank 7 . As a result, the detergent contained in the wash water accelerates the decomposition of the dirt on the tableware DB1 stored in the washing tank 7, and the dirt components are transferred from the tableware DB1 to the wash water. At least at the end of the washing process, the reverse rotation of the pump 62 discharges the wash water containing the detergent and the dirt component to the outside of the dishwasher 1 through the drain pipe P2.

In the non-heating rinsing process, clean washing water newly supplied to the washing tank 7 is used. Then, the washing water is jetted from the nozzle 61 into the washing tank 7 without being heated by the heater 63, and the washing water containing the detergent and the dirt component is removed from the tableware DB1. At least at the end of the non-heating rinsing process, the reverse rotation of the pump 62 discharges the wash water soiled by rinsing to the outside of the dishwasher 1 through the drain pipe P2.

In the rinsing process with heating, clean washing water newly supplied to the washing tank 7 is used as in the rinsing process without heating. Then, while the heater 63 is heating the washing water, the washing water is sprayed from the nozzle 61 into the washing tank 7 to completely remove the washing water containing the detergent and the dirt component from the tableware DB1. At least at the end of the rinsing process with heating, the reverse rotation of the pump 62 discharges the wash water soiled by rinsing to the outside of the dishwasher 1 through the drain pipe P2. It should be noted that the tableware DB1 that has reached a high temperature in the rinsing process with heating is likely to be dried in a short time in the next drying process or in a state of being left without the drying process.

In the drying process, the air heated by the drying fan 68 is sent into the washing tank 7 to dry the tableware DB1 while the heater 63 is in operation.

In this embodiment, the user can select whether or not to include the drying process in the multiple processes of the cleaning operation by operating the drying process selection button 42 shown in FIG. The drying process selection button 42 is an example of the "drying process selection means" of the present invention.

In this embodiment, a plurality of courses with different processing times for the plurality of steps of the cleaning operation are set in advance, and the user can select a desired course by operating the course selection button 44 shown in FIG. It is selectable. The setting of a plurality of courses and the washing operation by selecting a desired course are well known, so the explanation is omitted in this embodiment.

<Washing operation by setting the operation time>
In the present embodiment, when the tableware DB 1 must be washed within a limited time due to a sudden visitor, forgetting to wash, etc., the user can start the washing operation by executing the washing operation program shown in FIG. The time TT1 can be set as desired, and the cleaning operation is performed after the operation time TT1 is distributed to each process at a predetermined ratio.

The cleaning operation program shown in FIG. 4 is executed according to the procedure described below. That is, when the user presses the operation time setting button 41 shown in FIG. 3, the numerical value corresponding to the operation time TT1 is displayed on the display section 47. Then, the user operates the addition button 43A and the subtraction button 43B shown in FIG. 3 to increase or decrease the numerical value displayed on the display unit 47, thereby determining the input value of the operation time TT1.

The operating time setting button 41, the addition button 43A and the subtraction button 43B are examples of the "operating time setting means" of the present invention.

Next, when the user presses the drying process selection button 42 shown in FIG. 3, the numerical value displayed on the display unit 47 is stored in the storage unit C12 as the input value of the operation time TT1, and then "with drying process" or " No drying process” is displayed on the display unit 47 . Every time the user presses the drying process selection button 42, "with drying process" and "without drying process" are alternately displayed. The user selects whether or not to include the drying process by displaying the desired option of "with drying process" and "without drying process".

Next, when the user presses the start button 45 shown in FIG. 3, "with drying process" or "without drying process" displayed on the display unit 47 is stored in the storage unit C12 as the selection result of whether or not to include the drying process. After being stored, the cleaning operation program shown in FIG. 4 is executed.

Then, the controller C1 performs initial setting in step S101 shown in FIG. Specifically, a predetermined ratio for allocating the operation time TT1 to each process is read from the storage unit C12. The predetermined ratio is a ratio set in advance by conducting an experiment or the like. When the user desires to change, the predetermined ratio is appropriately changed by a change operation or the like on the operation unit 40 and overwritten in the storage unit C12.

An example of the predetermined ratio corresponding to each step that does not include the drying step is (washing step: rinsing step without heating: rinsing step with heating=X:Y:Z).

An example of the predetermined ratio corresponding to each step including the drying step, that is, the ratio corresponding to drying, is (washing step: rinsing step without heating: rinsing step with heating: drying step = A: B: C: D). .

In step S101, a predetermined ratio corresponding to each process that does not include the drying process is set as an initial setting, and a drying corresponding ratio is set as a preliminary setting.

Also, in step S101, the settings of the standard cleaning performance and the high cleaning performance are read. The standard cleaning performance is set somewhat lower than the limit outputs of the heater 63, the pump 62 and the drying fan 68, giving priority to reducing power consumption and noise. On the other hand, the high cleaning performance is set so that the heater 63, the pump 62, and the drying fan 68 are close to their limit outputs, giving priority to shortening the cleaning time over reducing power consumption and noise.

In step S101, standard cleaning performance is set as an initial setting, and high cleaning performance is set as a preliminary setting.

Next, the control unit C1 proceeds to step S102, reads the input value of the operating time TT1 from the storage unit C12, and sets the operating time TT1 as input by the user.

Next, the control unit C1 moves to step S103, reads out the selection result as to whether or not the drying process is included from the storage unit C12, and sets the presence or absence of the drying process as selected by the user.

Next, the controller C1 proceeds to step S104. Then, when the selection not to include the drying process is made in step S103, it becomes "No" in step S104, and the predetermined ratio corresponding to each process not including the drying process (washing process: rinsing process without heating: Without changing the rinsing process with heating=X:Y:Z), the process proceeds to step S106. On the other hand, if the selection to include the drying process is made in step S103, it becomes "Yes" in step S104, and the process proceeds to step S105.

When the process proceeds from step S104 to step S105, the controller C1 sets the drying ratio (washing process: rinsing process without heating: rinsing process with heating: drying process=A:B:C:D) as a predetermined ratio. Then, the process proceeds to step S106.

When the process proceeds from step S104 or step S105 to step S106, the control unit C1 distributes the operation time TT1 to each process at a predetermined ratio, and determines the processing time of each process. Step S106 is an example of the "distribution process" of the present invention.

More specifically, the processing time of the washing process is TW1, the processing time of the rinsing process without heating is TR1, the rinsing process with heating is TR2, and the drying process is TD1.

If it is selected not to include the drying process in step S103, in step S106, the operation time TT1 is set to a predetermined ratio (TW1:TR1:TR2=X:Y:Z) for the washing process, the non-heating rinsing process, and the heating process. Distribute to the rinse step and set (TT1=TW1+TR1+TR2).

On the other hand, if the selection to include the drying process is made in step S103, the operation time TT1 is set at a predetermined ratio (TW1:TR1:TR2:TD1=A:B:C:D) in step S106, and the washing process and the heating process are performed. It is distributed to the non-rinsing process, the rinsing process with heating, and the drying process, and is set to (TT1=TW1+TR1+TR2+TD1).

Next, the control section C1 proceeds to step S107 and controls the tableware amount detection means 31 to detect the amount of tableware in the tableware DB1 accommodated in the washing tank 7 .

Next, the controller C1 proceeds to step S108 and controls the dirt amount detection means 32 to detect the dirt amount of the tableware DB1 accommodated in the washing tank 7. FIG.

Next, the control unit C1 proceeds to step S109, and acquires the amount of dishes detected by the amount of dishes detection means 31 and the amount of dirt detected by the amount of dirt detection means 32 as detection results. Step S109 is an example of the "detection result acquisition process" of the present invention.

Next, the control unit C1 proceeds to step S111, and determines whether or not the operation time TT1 is appropriate when the washing operation is performed with the standard washing performance, based on the detection result of the amount of dishes and the amount of dirt. Step S111 is an example of the "operation time adequacy determination process" of the present invention.

Here, when the operation time TT1 is appropriate, the operation time TT1 is longer than the time estimated to be required for the finished state of washing of the tableware DB1 accommodated in the washing tank 7 to reach a predetermined washing rate. means that

More specifically, for each of the washing process, the rinsing process without heating, and the rinsing process with heating, it consists of the detection results of the amount of dishes and the amount of dirt, and the minimum required processing time that is finely defined according to the change in the detection results. A judgment table is set in advance. For example, if the detection result indicates that the amount of tableware and the amount of soiling are considerably large, the minimum required processing time becomes long for each of the washing process, the non-heated rinsing process, and the heated rinsing process.

In addition, regarding the drying process, a determination table is set in advance, which includes the detection result of the amount of tableware and the minimum required processing time that is finely determined according to the change in the detection result. For example, if the detection result indicates that the amount of tableware is considerably large, the minimum required processing time for the drying process will be longer.

Then, the control unit C1 determines whether each of the processing time TW1 of the cleaning process, the processing time TR1 of the rinsing process without heating, and the processing time TR2 of the rinsing process with heating is equal to or longer than the minimum required processing time for the standard cleaning performance. to judge whether When the selection to include the drying process is made, the processing time TD1 of the drying process is also included in the determination.

If the processing time of each step with the standard cleaning performance is equal to or longer than the minimum required processing time, the control unit C1 determines that "the operation time TT1 is appropriate when the cleaning operation is performed with the standard cleaning performance." do. In this case, it becomes "Yes" in step S111, and transfers to step S114.

On the other hand, if at least one of the processing times of each step is not longer than the minimum required processing time with the standard cleaning performance, the control unit C1 will say, "When the cleaning operation is performed with the standard cleaning performance, the operation time TT1 is not appropriate. ” and judge. In this case, it becomes "No" in step S111, and it transfers to step S112.

After shifting from step S111 to step S112, the controller C1 changes the settings of the heater 63, the pump 62, and the drying fan 68 from standard cleaning performance to high cleaning performance, and then moves to step S113.

After proceeding to step S113, the control unit C1 determines whether or not the operation time TT1 is appropriate when the washing operation is performed with high washing performance, based on the detection result of the amount of dishes and the amount of dirt. Step S113 is also an example of the "operation time adequacy determination process" of the present invention.

More specifically, the control unit C1 performs the minimum necessary It is determined whether or not the processing time is longer than the required processing time.

If the processing time of each process with high cleaning performance is equal to or longer than the minimum required processing time, the control unit C1 determines that "the operation time TT1 is appropriate when the cleaning operation is performed with high cleaning performance." do. In this case, it becomes "Yes" in step S113, and it transfers to step S114.

On the other hand, if at least one of the processing times of each step is not equal to or longer than the minimum required processing time with high cleaning performance, the control unit C1 will say, "When the cleaning operation is performed with high cleaning performance, the operation time TT1 is not appropriate. ” and judge. In this case, it becomes "No" in step S113, and it transfers to step S121.

Control part C1 will perform washing operation, if it transfers to step S114 from step S111 or step S113. More specifically, the cleaning process is performed based on the processing time TW1, the rinsing process without heating is performed based on the processing time TR1, and the rinsing process with heating is performed based on the processing time TR2. If the selection to include the drying step is made, the drying step is performed based on the processing time TD1.

At this time, if the standard cleaning performance is set, the heater 63, the pump 62, and the drying fan 68 are operated at settings somewhat lower than the limit output, giving priority to reducing power consumption and noise.

On the other hand, if high cleaning performance is set, time reduction is prioritized over power consumption and noise reduction, and the heater 63, pump 62, and drying fan 68 are operated at settings close to their limit outputs.

Next, the controller C1 proceeds to step S115 and repeats step S115 until the operation time TT1 elapses. Then, when the operation time TT1 has elapsed, the washing operation is terminated, and after the cleanly washed tableware DB1 in the washing tank 7 can be taken out, the washing operation program is terminated.

Retrospectively, when the control unit C1 shifts from step S113 to step S121, the control unit C1 controls the notification unit 49 to notify that the operation time TT1 is not appropriate by, for example, a warning sound, a warning message, or warning light emission. Step S121 is an example of the "notification process" of the present invention. Note that the display unit 47 may also display a warning message or the like. As a result, the user can be made aware that the operating time TT1 is not appropriate, and can be prompted to reset the operating time TT1.

Next, the control unit C1 proceeds to step S122, and estimates an appropriate operating time that is longer than the operating time TT1 based on the detection result of the amount of dishes and the amount of dirt. Then, the control unit C1 controls the notification unit 49 to notify the estimated appropriate driving time. The estimated appropriate operating time may also be displayed on the display unit 47 . As a result, it becomes easier for the user to reset the proper operating time. Then, the controller C1 terminates this cleaning operation program.

<Effect>
In the dishwasher 1 of the embodiment, when the tableware DB 1 must be washed within a limited time due to a sudden visitor or forgetting to wash, the user executes the washing operation program shown in FIG. In step S102, the user can use the operation time setting button 41, addition button 43A and subtraction button 43B to set the operation time TT1 of the cleaning operation as desired.

Thereby, the control unit C1 executes the distribution process of step S106, and determines the processing times TW1, TR1, and TR2 of the washing process, the rinsing process without heating, and the rinsing process with heating, respectively. If the inclusion of the drying process is selected in step S103, the processing time TD1 of the drying process is also determined in step S106.

Then, in step S114, the control unit C1 executes each step of the cleaning operation based on the processing time of each step determined in step S106.

As a result, with this dishwasher 1, there is no need to keep track of the operation times of a plurality of courses, and there is no need to set the processing times TW1, TR1, TR2, and TD1 for each process individually, thus saving the user time and effort. can be omitted. In addition, since the user can set the operation time TT1 of the cleaning operation as desired, it is possible to easily complete the cleaning operation at the desired timing. At this time, the user can easily adjust the operation time TT1 of the washing operation to be set so as not to be too short, so that it is possible to prevent the finished state of washing of the tableware DB1 from becoming insufficient. In addition, in the distribution process of step S106, the washing of the tableware DB1 can also be improved by appropriately determining the processing times TW1, TR1, TR2, and TD1 of each process at a predetermined ratio set in advance by conducting an experiment or the like. Insufficient finish condition can be suppressed.

Therefore, the dishwasher 1 of the embodiment can improve convenience.

Further, in this dishwasher 1, if the control unit C1 determines that the operation time TT1 is not appropriate in the operation time appropriateness determination process of step S111 based on the detection result acquired in step S109, the state is improved. For example, steps S112 and S113 or steps S121 and S122 can be appropriately implemented. As a result, it is possible to further suppress insufficient finishing of washing of the tableware DB1.

Furthermore, in the dishwasher 1, when the control unit C1 determines that the operation time TT1 is not appropriate in the operation time appropriateness determination process in step S111, the setting is changed from standard cleaning performance to high cleaning performance in step S112. After that, the operation time appropriateness determination process of step S113 is performed, and when it is determined that the operation time TT1 is appropriate, each step of the cleaning operation is performed in step S114. In this manner, in this dishwasher 1, the control unit C1 automatically adjusts the washing performance so that the operation time TT1 set by the user is appropriate, saving the user the trouble of resetting, thereby improving convenience. more can be achieved.

Further, in the dishwasher 1, when the control unit C1 determines that the operation time TT1 is not appropriate in the operation time appropriateness determination processing in steps S111 and S113, the control unit C1 controls the notification unit 49 in the notification processing in step S121. to notify that the operating time TT1 is not appropriate. As a result, the user can be made to recognize that the operation time TT1 is not appropriate, and can be urged to reset the operation time TT1, thereby further suppressing insufficient finishing of washing of the tableware DB1.

Furthermore, in this dishwasher 1, when the selection to include the drying process in each process is made by the drying process selection button 42 in step S103, the control unit C1 corresponds to each process including the drying process in step S104. After setting the ratio corresponding to drying to a predetermined ratio, the distribution process of step S106 is executed. Thus, when the user selects to include the drying process, the processing time TD1 of the drying process is balanced with the processing times TW1, TR1, and TR2 of the other processes to suppress insufficient drying of the tableware DB1. It becomes easier to secure the time necessary for In addition, when the user wants to shorten the operation time TT1, the cleaning operation can be easily completed at the target timing by selecting not to include the drying process with the relatively long processing time TD1.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be appropriately modified and applied without departing from the scope of the invention.

(Modification)
In the modified example of the dishwasher, the processing contents of steps S112 and S113 of the washing operation program shown in FIG. 4 are changed as follows, although illustration is omitted.

That is, when the control unit C1 determines that the operation time TT1 is not appropriate based on the detection result in the operation time appropriateness determination process in step S111, the control unit C1 shifts to the changed step S112 to determine the priority of each process. Reduce the processing time of processes with low priority and increase the processing time of processes with high priority by the reduced amount. For example, the time TM1 is subtracted from the treatment time TR1 allocated to the low-priority non-heating rinsing process, and the time TM1 is added to the treatment time TW1 allocated to the high-priority washing process.

Next, the control unit C1 proceeds to the changed step S113 and determines whether or not the operating time TT1 is appropriate when the processing time is redistributed.

Even in such a modified dishwasher, the control unit C1 automatically redistributes the operating time TT1 set by the user so that it becomes appropriate, saving the user the trouble of resetting the setting, thereby improving convenience. more can be achieved.

In the embodiment, in the detection result acquisition process of step S109, both the amount of dishes detected by the amount of dishes detection means 31 and the amount of dirt detected by the amount of dirt detection means 32 are acquired as detection results. However, it is not limited to this configuration, and one of the amount of tableware and the amount of dirt may be acquired as a detection result.

In the example, the washing water is heated from beginning to end in the washing process, but the invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the washing process may consist of a washing process without heating and a washing process with heating.

In the examples, the rinsing process consists of a rinsing process without heating and a rinsing process with heating, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the rinsing process may be only a rinsing process with heating or only a rinsing process without heating.

In the embodiment, the tableware amount detection means 31 detects the amount of tableware based on the change in the load detected by the load transducer, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the amount of dishes detecting means may detect the amount of dishes based on the vibration of the wall when the washing water is sprayed from the nozzle, or the washing water heated by the heater may be applied to the dishes contained in the washing tank from the nozzle. The amount of dishes may be detected based on the temperature rise of the washing water when it is directed and sprayed.

In the embodiment, the dirt amount detection means 32 detects the amount of dirt by taking an image of the tableware DB 1 stored in the washing tank 7 and analyzing the image to extract the area of the dirt portion. The invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the dirt amount detection means includes a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion, and after a predetermined time has passed since the cleaning operation was started and the cleaning water started to be sprayed into the cleaning tank, The amount of dirt on the tableware stored in the washing tank may be detected by irradiating the washing water with light and detecting the attenuation of the light, etc., which changes according to the turbidity of the washing water.

In the embodiment, the controller C1 performs notification processing in step S121 only when the operating time TT1 is not appropriate, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, when the operating time TT1 is appropriate, the control unit C1 may control the notification unit 49 or the display unit 47 to notify the user accordingly.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used, for example, in dishwashers or kitchen equipment.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Dishwasher TW1... Tableware 7... Washing tank 61... Nozzle 62... Pump 63... Heater 68... Drying fan C1... Control part 49... Notification part TT1... Operation time of washing operation TW1, TR1, TR2, TD1... Each process (TW1 ... processing time of the washing process, TR1 ... processing time of the rinsing process without heating, TR2 ... processing time of the rinsing process with heating, TD1 ... processing time of the drying process)
41, 43A, 43B...Operating time setting means (41...Operating time setting button, 43A...Addition button, 43B...Subtraction button)
42 ... Drying process selection means (drying process selection button)
31... Tableware amount detection means 32... Dirt amount detection means S106... Distribution process S109... Detection result acquisition process S111, S113... Operation time appropriateness determination process S121... Notification process

Claims (6)

a washing tank in which tableware is accommodated;
a nozzle for injecting washing water into the washing tank;
a pump that supplies the cleaning water to the nozzle;
a control unit that controls the pump and executes a washing operation for washing the tableware contained in the washing tank;
The washing operation is a dishwasher having a plurality of steps including a washing step and a rinsing step,
further comprising operation time setting means for setting the operation time of the cleaning operation;
The operating time setting means sets an input value determined by a user increasing or decreasing a numerical value corresponding to the operating time as the operating time,
The control unit
executing a distribution process of distributing the operating time set by the operating time setting means to each of the steps at a predetermined ratio and determining the processing time of each of the steps;
A dishwasher, wherein each of the steps is executed based on each of the processing times. a washing tank in which tableware is accommodated;
a nozzle for injecting washing water into the washing tank;
a pump that supplies the cleaning water to the nozzle;
a control unit that controls the pump and executes a washing operation for washing the tableware contained in the washing tank;
The washing operation is a dishwasher having a plurality of steps including a washing step and a rinsing step,
and an operation time setting means for setting the operation time of the cleaning operation,
The control unit
executing a distribution process of distributing the operating time set by the operating time setting means to each of the steps at a predetermined ratio and determining the processing time of each of the steps;
performing each said step based on each said processing time;
At least one of tableware amount detection means for detecting the amount of the tableware contained in the washing tank and dirt amount detection means for detecting the amount of dirt on the tableware contained in the washing tank,
The control unit
a detection result acquisition process for acquiring, as a detection result, at least one of the amount of tableware detected by the amount of tableware detection means and the amount of dirt detected by the amount of dirt detection means;
and an operation time appropriateness determination process for determining whether or not the operation time is appropriate based on the detection result. a heater that is controlled by the control unit and heats the washing water;
The control unit changes settings so as to increase the output of at least one of the pump and the heater in at least one of the steps when the operation time is determined to be inappropriate in the operation time appropriateness determination process. The dishwasher according to claim 2. When it is determined that the operation time is not appropriate in the operation time appropriateness determination process, the control unit reduces the processing time of the process with a low priority among the processes, and increases the priority by the reduced amount. 4. A dishwasher according to claim 2 or 3, wherein redistribution is performed to increase the treatment time of the step having a high . Further comprising a notification unit for notification,
5. When the control unit determines that the operation time is not appropriate in the operation time appropriateness determination processing, the control unit performs notification processing for controlling the notification unit to notify that the operation time is not appropriate. Dishwasher according to any one of the above. a washing tank in which tableware is accommodated;
a nozzle for injecting washing water into the washing tank;
a pump that supplies the cleaning water to the nozzle;
a control unit that controls the pump and executes a washing operation for washing the tableware contained in the washing tank;
The washing operation is a dishwasher having a plurality of steps including a washing step and a rinsing step,
and an operation time setting means for setting the operation time of the cleaning operation,
The control unit
executing a distribution process of distributing the operating time set by the operating time setting means to each of the steps at a predetermined ratio and determining the processing time of each of the steps;
performing each said step based on each said processing time;
a drying fan that is controlled by the control unit and feeds air into the cleaning tank;
a heater controlled by the controller to heat the cleaning water and the air;
Drying process selection means for selecting whether or not to include a drying process in each of the processes,
When the drying process selection means selects to include the drying process in each process, the control unit performs the distribution process with the drying correspondence ratio corresponding to each process including the drying process as the predetermined ratio. A dishwasher characterized by running

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