JP7462260B2 - dishwasher - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a cleaning device for cleaning objects.

Traditionally, built-in dishwashers that are used in a system kitchen are mainly configured with a washing tub fixed inside the housing and a door that can be opened and closed at the front.

However, in recent years, dishwashers that have a washing tank with an opening at the top that can be pulled out from the housing to store and wash dishes have become mainstream (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

The dishwasher disclosed in Patent Document 1 comprises a washing tub with an opening at the top for storing dishes, a housing that supports the washing tub so that it can be freely inserted and removed in the forward and backward directions, a detergent inlet provided outside the washing tub for adding detergent into the washing tub, and an input path that connects the detergent inlet to the washing tub. The detergent is then added through the detergent inlet provided in a location independent of the washing tub. This allows detergent to be reliably added regardless of the size or shape of the dishes placed in the washing tub.

Also, a dishwasher with a detergent container in the washing tub has been disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

The dishwasher disclosed in Patent Document 2 has a detergent storage container that can be attached detachably or integrally to the inner wall of the washing tub. The detergent storage container is attached at approximately the same height as the washing water supply port provided on the inner wall of the washing tub, or at a position above the water supply port. This prevents the detergent from spilling, running off, or solidifying before starting to wash dishes, etc., and enables effective washing of dishes, etc.

JP 2007-135650 A JP 2000-225087 A

However, in the dishwasher configuration of Patent Document 1, when detergent is poured in from the upper opening, the detergent simply flows down into the washing tub. In other words, conventional dishwashers cannot store detergent. Therefore, when using the dishwasher, the user must pour the required amount of detergent into the washing tub each time.

As a solution, it is conceivable to detachably attach a detergent container inside the cleaning tub as disclosed in Patent Document 2. However, the inventors recognized a problem in that when inserting or removing the cleaning tub or attaching or detaching the detergent container, the liquid detergent contained in the detergent container may spill out or splash onto the detergent container or surrounding components and solidify.

The present disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned problems in the past and improve the convenience of cleaning devices.

In order to solve the above problems, a cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a housing, a cleaning tank provided within the housing for accommodating an object to be cleaned, a detergent tank for storing liquid detergent to be supplied to the cleaning tank, and a float that floats within the liquid detergent. The float has a fitting portion that fits into a cylindrical rotating shaft provided on the detergent tank or a cover that covers the opening of the detergent tank. The fitting portion has a cylindrical shape with a partial angular range of the side surface cut out in the axial direction. When the float rotates around the rotating shaft in response to the liquid level of the liquid detergent, the cut-out portion of the fitting portion is configured to face upward rather than horizontally.

This disclosure makes it possible to improve the convenience of the cleaning device.

1 is a schematic side view of a dishwasher in a state where a washing tub is pulled out from a housing in a first embodiment. 1 is a schematic front view of a dishwasher showing a detergent tank in the middle of being stored or pulled out. FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the dishwasher showing the detergent tank housed therein; 11 is a schematic side view of another example of a dishwasher in which the washing tub in embodiment 1 is pulled out from the housing. FIG. A schematic front view of a dishwasher with a detergent tank stored in embodiment 2. 11 is a schematic side view of a dishwasher in a state where the washing tub is pulled out from the housing in embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 11 is a schematic side view of a dishwasher according to a third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic front view of a dishwasher according to a third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic front view of a dishwasher according to a third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic front view of a dishwasher according to a third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic front view of a dishwasher according to a third embodiment. 4 is a partial enlarged view showing a state in which the detergent tank is stored in the detergent tank storage section. FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a detergent tank. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a detergent tank. A diagram showing the underside of the detergent tank cover. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between an arm and a rotation shaft. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an arm and a rotating shaft. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a control device for controlling a dishwasher according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the viscosity of liquid detergents measured by a rotational viscometer. 4 is a flowchart showing the steps of a method for controlling a dishwasher according to an embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing the steps of a method for controlling a dishwasher according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating another example of the detergent tank. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of a foreign matter capture section. 11 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a state in which the foreign matter capturing portion is attached to the detergent discharge port. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the detergent tank when it is stored in the detergent tank storage section; FIG.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, a schematic configuration of a dishwasher according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a dishwasher in a state where the washing tank 1 is pulled out from the housing 2 in the first embodiment. In detail, Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of the dishwasher in a state where the washing tank 1 is pulled out from the housing 2 of the dishwasher.

The dishwasher in the first embodiment is a built-in dishwasher that is installed in, for example, a system kitchen.

In the first embodiment, as shown in the figure, the forward direction is the direction in which the door body 3 and washing tank 1 are pulled out, and the rear direction is the direction in which the washing tank 1 is stored and the door body 3 is closed. In addition, in the following description, the opening 1a side of the washing tank 1 of the dishwasher is referred to as the top, the opposite side as the bottom, and further, the right side as viewed from the front of the door body 3 is referred to as the right side and the left side as the left side.

As shown in FIG. 1, the dishwasher of the first embodiment has a housing 2, a washing tub 1 arranged inside the housing 2, a side wall 12, a detergent tank 15, a control device 19, and a door body 3 that opens and closes the opening of the housing 2.

The washing tank 1 has an opening 1a at the top, and a basket 7 for storing tableware 8 is placed inside. The washing tank 1 has a first rail 5 fixed to the bottom. Meanwhile, the housing 2 has a second rail 6 fixed to the inside of the inner surface. The first rail 5 is supported movably on the second rail 6 of the housing 2. This allows the washing tank 1 to be supported so that it can be freely inserted and removed from the housing 2 in the front-to-rear direction (the left-to-right direction on the paper surface of FIG. 1).

The washing tub 1 has a flat section 23 that is located in front of the opening 1a, which is the upper front outer part of the washing tub 1. An operation unit 24, a display unit 25, and other components are arranged on the flat section 23. The operation unit 24 is operated by the user to set the dishwasher's washing course, power on/off, and other settings. The display unit 25 displays the washing status, operating status, time, and other information. An operation display board (not shown) that controls their operation is arranged on the back side of the flat section 23 on which the operation unit 24 and display unit 25 are arranged.

The side walls 12 are disposed on both sides between the washing tank 1 and the door body 3. The side walls 12 connect the washing tank 1 and the door body 3 so that they can move together. In this case, the dishwasher has a front space 13 formed by the front side of the washing tank 1, the rear side of the door body 3, the side walls 12, and the flat portion 23.

The door body 3 has a handle 4 at the top that protrudes forward. The handle 4 is used by the user to insert and remove the cleaning tank 1 from the housing 2.

In addition, in the dishwasher of embodiment 1, washing water for washing dishes in washing tub 1 is supplied via the pathway shown below. Specifically, washing water such as tap water is first supplied from a branch water faucet in the system kitchen (not shown) to a water supply pathway such as a water supply hose. The supplied washing water passes through the water supply pathway and is supplied to the washing tub 1 at the required water level and in the required amount by a water supply pump or water supply valve (not shown). Water is supplied to washing tub 1 via the pathway configured as described above.

A circulation pump 9 is disposed below and outside the washing tank 1. The circulation pump 9 circulates the washing water supplied into the washing tank 1 through a circulation path and sprays the washing water from the washing nozzles 11. The sprayed washing water is then configured to wash the tableware 8. A heater 10 for heating the washing water is also disposed near the bottom of the washing tank 1.

The dishwasher of embodiment 1 also has a drainage path that drains the wash water from the washing tub 1. The drainage path is composed of a drain pump and a drain hose, not shown. When the washing and rinsing of the tableware 8 is completed, the drain pump is driven and the wash water is drained to the outside via the drain hose. In other words, the drainage path is configured to allow the wash water in the washing tub 1 to be drained into the sink of a system kitchen, etc.

A detergent tank storage section 14 is disposed in the front space 13, which is the outer front of the cleaning tank 1, and in which a detergent tank 15 is housed so that it can be freely inserted and removed. The detergent tank storage section 14 is formed on one side of the side wall 12 by welding, screwing, or integral molding with the side wall 12. The detergent tank storage section 14 may also be configured to be provided on the front surface of the cleaning tank 1.

The dishwasher of embodiment 1 is configured as described above.

Next, the configuration around the detergent tank 15 of the dishwasher will be explained with reference to Figures 2 and 3.

Figure 2 is a schematic front view of the dishwasher showing the detergent tank 15 in the middle of being stored or pulled out. Figure 3 is a schematic front view of the dishwasher showing the detergent tank 15 in the stored state.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the detergent tank storage section 14 has a hollow space. This allows the detergent tank 15 to be stored in and removed freely from the space of the detergent tank storage section 14. The detergent tank 15 is stored so that it can be freely inserted and removed, for example, in the left-right direction (laterally) when viewed from the front (the front side of the door body 3).

As shown in FIG. 1, the detergent tank storage section 14 is disposed substantially below (including below) the flat surface section 23 (the operation section 24 or the display section 25), for example, from the center to the right side of the cleaning tub 1, and stores the detergent tank 15.

Note that, although Figs. 2 and 3 show an example of a configuration in which the detergent tank 15 is pulled out to the right from the detergent tank storage section 14, this is not limiting. For example, the detergent tank storage section 14 and the detergent tank 15 may be disposed in symmetrical opposite positions to those shown in Figs. 2 and 3. In this case, a configuration in which the detergent tank 15 is pulled out to the left from the detergent tank storage section 14 is desirable.

With the above configuration, when the washing tub 1 is completely stored in the housing 2, the detergent tank 15 is not noticeable. This allows the dishwasher to have a simple design. Furthermore, the space (front space 13) for storing the detergent tank 15 at the front of the outside of the washing tub 1 can be effectively utilized.

As shown in FIG. 1, the detergent tank 15 is configured so that it can be freely inserted and removed from the detergent tank storage section 14 in the left-right direction when the cleaning tub 1 is pulled out forward at least distance a (dotted arrow in FIG. 1). Note that distance a indicates the shortest distance between the mating surface between the rear surface of the door body 3 and the front surface of the housing 2, and the surface of the detergent tank storage section 14 on the cleaning tub 1 side. In other words, distance a indicates a state in which at least the entire detergent tank storage section 14 is pulled out forward from the frontmost part of the housing 2.

With the above configuration, the detergent tank 15 can be inserted or removed only when the cleaning tank 1 is pulled out forward a specified distance (distance a) or more. Therefore, the user can easily insert or remove the detergent tank 15 by utilizing the space in front of the cleaning tank 1 that stores the detergent tank 15 and the space in the lateral direction when the cleaning tank 1 is pulled out from the housing 2. Note that distance a is not particularly limited as long as it is a distance that allows the detergent tank 15 to be inserted or removed left and right.

As described above, the dishwasher of embodiment 1 has an operation unit 24 that is provided on the upper front exterior of the washing tub 1 and allows the user to set the washing course, turn the power on and off, etc. This allows the user to operate the operation unit 24 with one hand, for example, from the front and above the washing tub 1. At the same time, the user can insert and remove the detergent tank 15 in the left-right direction with the other hand. As a result, the user's operability can be improved.

The detergent tank 15 is, for example, a bottle-shaped container in which liquid detergent is stored. Specifically, the detergent tank 15 is composed of a detergent tank detergent discharge port 15c, a detergent tank detergent suction path 15d, and a detergent container lid portion 15e.

The detergent tank detergent outlet 15c, the detergent tank detergent suction path 15d, and the detergent container lid 15e are integrally formed and configured to be detachable from the detergent tank 15. Therefore, when the detergent container lid 15e is removed from the detergent tank 15, the detergent tank detergent outlet 15c and the detergent tank detergent suction path 15d, which are integrally formed, can also be removed from the detergent tank 15 at the same time. The tip of the detergent tank detergent suction path 15d, which sucks up the liquid detergent, is extended to near the bottom surface of the detergent tank 15. This allows the liquid detergent to be sucked out of the detergent tank 15 until it is almost completely used up. Therefore, the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 15 can be used efficiently without waste.

When refilling the detergent tank 15 with liquid detergent, the user first removes the detergent tank 15 from the detergent tank storage section 14. Then, the user removes the detergent dispenser lid section 15e from the detergent tank 15. This allows the user to easily refill the detergent tank 15 with liquid detergent.

The above-mentioned configuration of the detergent tank 15 allows liquid detergent to be supplied and stored in the detergent tank 15 outside the cleaning tank 1. Therefore, solidification of the detergent in the detergent tank 15 due to moisture, dryness, etc. in the cleaning tank 1 during cleaning can be suppressed. In addition, the volume of the cleaning tank 1 can be increased by the amount of the detergent tank 15 not being arranged. Furthermore, the user can easily attach and detach the detergent tank 15. In other words, conventionally, a control board such as an operation unit and a display unit was arranged between the cleaning tank and the door body, and the space other than the board was dead space. Therefore, in this embodiment, the detergent tank 15 is arranged in the dead space in a line with the board in the left-right direction. This makes effective use of the dead space, and the volume of the cleaning tank 1 can be increased by the amount of the detergent tank 15 not being arranged in the cleaning tank 1 compared to conventional cleaning tanks.

As shown in FIG. 2, the detergent tank detergent outlet 15c of the detergent tank 15 has a convex portion 15f that protrudes convexly from the detergent container lid portion 15e to the left side. Meanwhile, the detergent tank storage portion 14 has a concave portion 14c with which the convex portion 15f of the detergent tank detergent outlet 15c engages. The concave portion 14c of the detergent tank storage portion 14 engages with the convex portion 15f of the detergent container lid portion 15e. This completes the storage of the detergent tank 15 in the detergent tank storage portion 14.

When the detergent tank 15 is stored in the detergent tank storage section 14, the engagement between the recess 14c and the protrusion 15f forms a path for transferring liquid detergent from the detergent tank detergent outlet 15c to the detergent tank storage section side detergent outlet path 14b. Furthermore, the engagement between the protrusion 15f and the recess 14c allows the detergent tank 15 to be stably stored in the detergent tank storage section 14.

The detergent tank storage section 14 also has a detergent tank storage section detergent outlet 14a provided in the recess 14c. One end of a detergent tank storage section side detergent outlet path 14b is disposed and connected to the detergent tank storage section detergent outlet 14a. Meanwhile, a detergent pump 16 is connected to the other end of the detergent tank storage section side detergent outlet path 14b. Furthermore, a washing tank side detergent outlet path 18 is connected between the detergent pump 16 and a washing tank detergent outlet 17 (see FIG. 1) provided on the front surface of the washing tank 1. In other words, the detergent pump 16 is disposed midway along the detergent input path, which is between the other end of the detergent tank storage section side detergent outlet path 14b and the washing tank side detergent outlet path 18.

As described above, the detergent tank 15 has a detergent tank detergent outlet 15c for discharging liquid detergent in the detergent tank storage section side detergent outlet path 14b. The detergent tank storage section side detergent outlet path 14b is connected to the detergent tank storage section 14. In other words, when the detergent tank 15 is stored in the detergent tank storage section 14, the detergent tank detergent outlet 15c is configured to be connected to the detergent tank storage section side detergent outlet path 14b.

The control device 19 is disposed below the front surface of the washing tank 1 as shown in FIG. 1. The control device 19 controls the operation of, for example, the circulation pump 9, the drain pump, the water supply pump (water supply valve), the detergent pump 16, etc.

Specifically, the control device 19 controls the drive rotation speed and drive time of the detergent pump 16. As a result, when washing tableware 8, etc., the required amount of liquid detergent is sucked from the detergent tank 15. The sucked liquid detergent is supplied to the washing tub 1 via the detergent tank detergent suction path 15d, the detergent tank detergent outlet 15c, the detergent tank storage section detergent outlet 14a, the detergent tank storage section side detergent outlet path 14b, the detergent pump 16, the washing tub side detergent outlet path 18, and the washing tub detergent outlet 17 in that order. In other words, the liquid detergent stored in the detergent tank 15 is configured to be transferred and supplied to the washing tub 1.

As described above, the detergent tank 15 of the dishwasher is configured and liquid detergent is supplied into the washing tub 1.

The configuration of a dishwasher in another example of embodiment 1 is described below with reference to Figure 4.

Figure 4 is a schematic side view of another example of a dishwasher in which the cleaning tank 1 in embodiment 1 is pulled out from the housing 2.

As shown in FIG. 4, another example of a dishwasher has a transparent portion 15a provided on at least a portion of the side of the detergent tank 15. The transparent portion 15a allows the user to visually check the remaining amount of liquid detergent in the detergent tank 15 when the detergent tank 15 is stored in the detergent tank storage section 14. The transparent portion 15a further has a scale 15b indicating the amount of liquid detergent. This allows the user to visually check the amount of detergent in the detergent tank 15 from the side through the transparent portion 15a even when the detergent tank 15 is stored in the detergent tank storage section 14. Therefore, the user can visually estimate the amount of liquid detergent remaining and the timing for refilling. As a result, the user can pull out the detergent tank 15 and easily refill the liquid detergent at the appropriate time.

(Embodiment 2)
The schematic configuration of the dishwasher according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to Figs.

Figure 5 is a schematic front view of the dishwasher with the detergent tank 15 stored in the second embodiment. Figure 6 is a schematic side view of the dishwasher with the washing tub 1 pulled out of the housing 2 in the second embodiment.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the dishwasher of the second embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in the arrangement of the operation unit 24 and the display unit 25, and in the configuration of the handle 4. The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, so a description of the overlapping configurations will be omitted.

In other words, as shown in FIG. 5, in the dishwasher of the second embodiment, the operation unit 24 and the display unit 25 are disposed on the upper front surface of the door body 3. The handle 4 is formed in a shape that is recessed toward the inside of the door body 3. As in the first embodiment, the operation unit 24 is operated by the user to set the wash course and to turn the power on and off. The display unit 25 displays the washing status, operating status, time, etc.

The operation unit 24 and display unit 25 in the second embodiment are provided on the front upper part of the outer side of the cleaning tank 1, on the front side of the door body 3. As a result, similar to the first embodiment, the user can operate the operation unit 24 from the front and above the cleaning tank 1, while, for example, simultaneously inserting and removing the detergent tank 15 from the left and right directions of the detergent tank storage section 14.

As shown in FIG. 6, either the operation unit 24 or the display unit 25 may be disposed on the planar portion 23 as in the first embodiment, and the other of the display unit 25 or the operation unit 24 may be disposed on the upper front surface of the door body 3.

In addition, the contents of the first embodiment and the contents of the second embodiment may be freely combined within the range described to construct a dishwasher. This allows for greater freedom in design and versatility.

(Embodiment 3)
7 is a schematic side view of a dishwasher according to embodiment 3. The dishwasher according to embodiment 3 differs from embodiments 1 and 2 in the configuration of the detergent tank storage section and the detergent tank. Other configurations and operations are similar to those of embodiment 1 or 2. Differences from embodiments 1 and 2 will be mainly described.

A float 34, which is an example of a floating body that floats in the liquid detergent, is provided in the detergent tank 30 to suppress waves that occur in the liquid detergent stored in the detergent tank 30 when the detergent tank 30 is inserted into or removed from the cleaning tub 1 or the housing 2. The float 34 is supported by an arm 33 on a rotating shaft provided in the lid of the detergent tank 30. A magnetic body 35 is provided on the float 34.

The detergent tank 30 is stored in the detergent tank storage section 40 so that it can be freely inserted and removed. When washing is started with the detergent tank 30 stored in the detergent tank storage section 40, an appropriate amount of liquid detergent stored in the detergent tank 30 is sucked out by the detergent pump 16 and supplied into the washing tank 1 via the detergent tank storage section side detergent discharge path 43 and the washing tank side detergent discharge path 18.

A magnetic sensor 41 for detecting the magnetism of the magnetic body 35 is provided on the side of the detergent tank storage section 40. When the magnetic sensor 41 detects the magnetism of the magnetic body 35, it is detected that the detergent tank 30 is stored in the detergent tank storage section 40.

Figures 8 to 11 are schematic front views of a dishwasher according to embodiment 3. Figure 8 is a schematic front view of the dishwasher when no liquid detergent is stored in the detergent tank 30. Figure 9 is a schematic front view of the dishwasher when the detergent tank 30 is pulled out of the detergent tank storage section 40 and no liquid detergent is stored in the detergent tank 30. Figure 10 is a schematic front view of the dishwasher when liquid detergent is stored in the detergent tank 30. Figure 11 is a schematic front view of the dishwasher when the detergent tank 30 is pulled out of the detergent tank storage section 40 and liquid detergent is stored in the detergent tank 30.

The float 34 is supported by an arm 33 on a pivot shaft 32 provided on a cover 31 that covers the opening of the detergent tank 30. As shown in Figs. 8 and 9, when no liquid detergent is stored in the detergent tank 30, the float 34 and the arm 33 hang down vertically due to their own weight. When liquid detergent is stored in the detergent tank 30, as shown in Figs. 10 and 11, the float 34 rises according to the liquid level of the liquid detergent, and the arm 33 rotates upward around the pivot shaft 32. The liquid level of the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 30 can be detected by detecting the position of the magnetic body 35 with the magnetic sensor 41. Also, as shown in Figs. 9 and 11, when the detergent tank 30 is not stored in the detergent tank storage section 40, the magnetic sensor 41 does not detect the magnetism of the magnetic body 35, so it can be detected that the detergent tank 30 is not stored in the detergent tank storage section 40.

The magnetic sensor 41 may be, for example, a number of Hall elements provided near the positions of the magnetic body 35 corresponding to the multiple liquid levels of the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 30. This allows the liquid level of the liquid detergent to be detected more accurately. The magnetic sensor 41 may be a sensor capable of detecting the magnetism of the magnetic body 35 using any method, such as a magnetoresistance effect element or a magnetic impedance element.

The magnetic sensor 41 may be provided on the side of the detergent tank storage section 40 that is farther from the control device 50. This reduces the effect of the magnetic field generated in the electrical circuit of the control device 50, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the magnetic sensor 41.

A detergent discharge port 37 is provided at the bottom end of the side surface of the detergent tank 30 at the rear in the insertion/removal direction. A detergent receiving port 42 is provided in the detergent tank storage section 40 at a position where the detergent discharge port 37 of the detergent tank 30 abuts when the detergent tank 30 is stored in the detergent tank storage section 40. When the detergent pump 16 operates, liquid detergent in the detergent tank 30 is supplied into the washing tub 1 via the detergent discharge port 37, the detergent receiving port 42, the detergent tank storage section side detergent discharge path 43, and the washing tub side detergent discharge path 18. The inner bottom surface 36 of the detergent tank 30 is inclined so that it is lower toward the detergent discharge port 37.

Figure 12 is a partially enlarged view showing the detergent tank 30 stored in the detergent tank storage section 40. Figure 12(a) is a schematic front view of the detergent tank 30 and the detergent tank storage section 40 when the liquid level of the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 30 is low. Figure 12(b) is a schematic front view of the detergent tank 30 and the detergent tank storage section 40 when the liquid level of the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 30 is high. The liquid level of the liquid detergent can be detected by detecting the position of the magnetic body 35 with the magnetic sensor 41.

Figure 13 shows a schematic cross section of the detergent tank 30. When the washing tank 1 is pulled out from the housing 2 or the detergent tank 30 is pulled out from the detergent tank storage section 40 while liquid detergent 38 is stored in the detergent tank 30, waves are generated in the liquid detergent 38. In the dishwasher of this embodiment, a float 34 made of a material that floats on the liquid detergent 38 is provided to cancel these waves. Experiments by the inventors have revealed that the float 34 floats on the surface of the liquid detergent 38 to cancel the waves, and thus the waves generated in the liquid detergent 38 can be suppressed compared to when the float 34 is not provided. This makes it possible to prevent the liquid detergent from spilling from the detergent tank 30 or from adhering to surrounding components and solidifying when using the dishwasher or refilling the detergent tank 30 with liquid detergent.

The float 34 may be made of thermoplastic resin, metal, or the like. When the float 34 is made of metal, a cavity may be provided inside so that the float 34 floats in the liquid detergent. The float 34 and the arm 33 may be formed integrally, or may be formed separately and joined together. The arm 33 may be detachably supported on a rotating shaft 32 provided on the cover 31 of the detergent tank 30. In this case, the user can remove the arm 33 and the float 34 from the cover 31 and wash them. The arm 33 may be formed integrally with the cover 31 of the detergent tank 30.

Figure 14 shows a schematic cross section of the detergent tank 30. The cover 31 of the detergent tank 30 is provided with an air opening 39 that communicates with the outside. The cover 31 is provided to cover the opening of the detergent tank 30 airtight and liquidtight, so when the liquid detergent 38 is discharged from the detergent tank 30, the inside of the detergent tank 30 may become negative pressure, which may prevent the liquid detergent 38 from being discharged smoothly. By providing the air opening 39, it is possible to allow outside air to flow into the detergent tank 30 from the air opening 39 when the liquid detergent 38 is discharged from the detergent tank 30, so that it is possible to prevent the inside of the detergent tank 30 from becoming negative pressure. This improves the reliability of the amount of liquid detergent 38 supplied from the detergent tank 30 to the cleaning tank 1.

If liquid detergent 38 adheres to the air opening 39 and solidifies, the air opening 39 is blocked, reducing the function of allowing outside air to flow into the detergent tank 30, and there is a possibility that the detergent tank 30 will not be able to supply an appropriate amount of liquid detergent 38 to the washing tub 1. To solve this problem, in the dishwasher of this embodiment, the air opening 39 is provided on the cover 31 above the range of movement of the float 34. As a result, even when the level of liquid detergent 38 in the detergent tank 30 is high and the liquid detergent 38 is likely to splash from the liquid surface and get on the air opening 39, the float 34 rises to the liquid surface directly below the air opening 39 to cancel the waves of the liquid detergent 38, so that the liquid detergent 38 can be prevented from getting on the air opening 39.

Figure 15 shows the underside of the cover 31 of the detergent tank 30. Figure 15(a) is a bottom view of the cover 31. Figure 15(b) is a perspective view of the underside of the cover 31. Figure 15(c) is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the air opening 39. In the dishwasher of this embodiment, a protrusion 39a is provided near the air opening 39, protruding from the underside of the cover 31 toward the inside of the detergent tank 30. The protrusion 39a functions as a wall to prevent the liquid detergent 38 splashed from the liquid surface from getting on the air opening 39. This can further prevent the liquid detergent 38 from getting on the air opening 39. The protrusion 39a may be formed integrally with the cover 31, or may be formed separately from the cover 31 and attached to the cover 31.

The protrusion 39a is provided so that at least a part of the float 34 or the arm 33 comes close to or abuts against the protrusion 39a when the float 34 moves upward. When the liquid level of the liquid detergent 38 in the detergent tank 30 is high, the liquid detergent 38 is more likely to get on the air opening 39. However, the float 34 rises to the surface of the liquid detergent 38, narrowing the gap between the float 34 or the arm 33 and the protrusion 39a, reducing the possibility that the liquid detergent 38 will seep in through the gap and get on the air opening 39. The protrusion 39a may be provided so that it comes close to or abuts against at least a part of another member that moves with the float 34 when the float 34 moves upward.

The protrusion 39a has a shape that surrounds the air opening 39, and a notch 39b is provided in part of it. This prevents a film from forming at the opening of the protrusion 39a when the liquid detergent 38 comes into contact with the protrusion 39a, and prevents the film from blocking the air opening 39.

In the dishwasher of this embodiment, the washing tank 1 is provided so that it can be freely inserted and removed from the housing 2. Therefore, every time the washing tank 1 is inserted and removed from the housing 2 to insert or remove items to be washed, such as dishes, the liquid detergent 38 sways in the direction in which the washing tank 1 is inserted and removed, generating waves. Therefore, the notch 39b may be provided in a direction different from the direction in which the washing tank 1 is inserted and removed. This prevents the liquid detergent 38 from penetrating the inside of the protruding portion 39a through the notch 39b and getting onto the air opening 39 due to the waves of liquid detergent 38 generated when the washing tank 1 is inserted and removed.

In the dishwasher of this embodiment, the detergent tank 30 is provided so that it can be freely inserted and removed from the detergent tank storage section 40. Therefore, every time the detergent tank 30 is inserted and removed from the detergent tank storage section 40 to refill the liquid detergent, the liquid detergent 38 sways in the direction in which the detergent tank 30 is inserted and removed, generating waves. Therefore, the notch 39b may be provided in a direction different from the direction in which the detergent tank 30 is inserted and removed. This makes it possible to prevent the liquid detergent 38 from penetrating the inside of the protruding portion 39a through the notch 39b and getting onto the atmosphere opening 39 due to the waves of the liquid detergent 38 generated when the detergent tank 30 is inserted and removed.

The notch 39b may be provided on the side of the pivot shaft 32 on which the arm 33 is supported. When the liquid level of the liquid detergent 38 is high, the float 34 rises to the liquid surface, causing the arm 33 to move upward, and the space between the protrusion 39a and the pivot shaft 32 is separated from the liquid detergent 38 by the protrusion 39a, the pivot shaft 32, and the arm 33. This prevents the liquid detergent 38 from penetrating into the protrusion 39a through the notch 39b and reaching the air opening 39.

Figure 16 shows a schematic diagram of the relationship between the arm 33 and the rotating shaft 32. The rotating shaft 32 has a cylindrical shape. The arm 33 has a fitting portion 33a at the upper end, which fits into the cylindrical rotating shaft 32. The fitting portion 33a has a cylindrical shape with a part of the side surface cut out in the axial direction. By providing the cutout portion 33b, the arm 33 can be removed from the rotating shaft 32 for cleaning, so that the liquid detergent can be prevented from adhering between the fitting portion 33a and the rotating shaft 32 and solidifying, which causes the float 34 to stop functioning. In addition, the inside of the detergent tank 30 can be kept clean. When manufacturing a dishwasher, the arm 33 can be easily attached to the rotating shaft 32, which reduces manufacturing costs.

The liquid detergent level can also be detected by moving a float along a guide installed in the vertical direction, and a wave-breaking effect may be obtained. However, when a highly viscous liquid detergent is used, the sliding resistance between the guide and the float increases, and the float may not be able to follow the fluctuations in the liquid level. In addition, when the liquid detergent level drops, the liquid detergent adhering between the guide and the float may solidify and the float may not move. Furthermore, when the detergent tank is shallow, the range of movement of the float is narrow, so the liquid level cannot be detected in detail. According to the configuration of this embodiment, the arm 33 is supported by the pivot shaft 32 installed above the liquid detergent level, and the float 34 is rotated according to the liquid level, so that the possibility that the liquid detergent solidifies between the pivot shaft 32 and the arm 33 and the float 34 becomes stuck can be reduced. In addition, since the float 34 is displaced both horizontally and vertically according to the liquid level, the liquid level can be detected more accurately.

Figure 17 shows a schematic cross section of the arm 33 and the pivot shaft 32. Figure 17(a) shows a cross section of the arm 33 and the pivot shaft 32 when the liquid detergent level is at its highest. Figure 17(b) shows a cross section of the arm 33 and the pivot shaft 32 when the liquid detergent is empty. When the arm 33 pivots around the pivot shaft 32 in response to the liquid level over the entire range of liquid detergent levels, the notch 33b is configured to face upward rather than horizontally. This further reduces the possibility that liquid detergent splashing from the liquid surface will seep into the gap between the arm 33 and the pivot shaft 32 through the notch 33b and solidify.

In the dishwasher of this embodiment, a rotation shaft 32 is provided parallel to the direction in which the cleaning tank 1 is inserted and removed from the housing 2, and a float 34 is configured to rotate in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the cleaning tank 1 is inserted and removed from the housing 2. As a result, when the cleaning tank 1 is inserted and removed from the housing 2, the float 34 can effectively cancel waves generated in the direction of insertion and removal, so that it is possible to prevent liquid detergent from adhering to the air opening 39, the rotation shaft 32, the fitting portion 33a of the arm 33, etc. When the detergent tank 30 is inserted and removed from the detergent tank storage section 40, the float 34 can also cancel waves generated in the direction of insertion and removal, so that it is possible to prevent liquid detergent from adhering to the air opening 39, the rotation shaft 32, the fitting portion 33a of the arm 33, etc.

In another example, the rotation axis 32 may be provided parallel to the direction in which the detergent tank 30 is inserted and removed from the detergent tank storage section 40, and the float 34 may be configured to rotate in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the detergent tank 30 is inserted and removed from the detergent tank storage section 40. This allows the float 34 to effectively cancel waves that occur in the direction of insertion and removal when the detergent tank 30 is inserted and removed from the detergent tank storage section 40, so that adhesion of liquid detergent to the air opening 39, the rotation axis 32, the fitting portion 33a of the arm 33, etc. can be suppressed, and liquid detergent can be prevented from spilling from the detergent tank 30 when the user refills the detergent tank 30 with liquid detergent. When the cleaning tank 1 is inserted and removed from the housing 2, the float 34 can also cancel waves that occur in the direction of insertion and removal, so that adhesion of liquid detergent to the air opening 39, the rotation axis 32, the fitting portion 33a of the arm 33, etc. can be suppressed.

Figure 18 shows the configuration of a control device for controlling a dishwasher according to an embodiment. The control device 50 is realized by hardware such as a microcomputer, a microcontroller, or an integrated circuit.

The control device 50 comprises a process control unit 51, a detection result acquisition unit 52, a liquid level determination unit 53, a detergent tank storage determination unit 54, a liquid delivery control unit 55, a notification unit 56, a standing time acquisition unit 57, a liquid delivery target amount determination unit 58, and a memory 59. In terms of hardware, these components are realized by the CPU, memory, and other LSIs of any computer, and in terms of software, by programs loaded into memory, but here we depict functional blocks realized by the cooperation of these. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that these functional blocks can be realized in various ways, such as hardware alone or a combination of hardware and software.

The process control unit 51 controls the washing operation of the dishwasher. The process control unit 51 receives instructions from the user via the operation unit 24 of the dishwasher and controls the washing operation according to the instructions. The process control unit 51 may execute the washing process, rinsing process, and drying process consecutively, may execute only one of the processes, or may execute a combination of two or more of the processes in any order.

The detection result acquisition unit 52 acquires the detection result by the magnetic sensor 41 from the magnetic sensor 41. As described above, the magnetic sensor 41 detects the magnetism of the magnetic body 35 provided on the float 34.

The liquid level determination unit 53 determines the liquid level of the liquid detergent stored in the detergent tank 30 based on the detection results acquired by the detection result acquisition unit 52. The liquid level determination unit 53 may, for example, determine the position of the magnetic body 35 based on magnetism detected by multiple Hall elements installed at different positions, and determine the liquid level of the liquid detergent based on the determined position of the magnetic body 35.

The detergent tank storage determination unit 54 determines whether the detergent tank 30 is stored in the detergent tank storage unit 40 based on the detection result acquired by the detection result acquisition unit 52. The detergent tank storage determination unit 54 determines that the detergent tank 30 is stored in the detergent tank storage unit 40 when the detection result acquisition unit 52 acquires a detection result indicating that the magnetic sensor 41 has detected the magnetism of the magnetic body 35. The detergent tank storage determination unit 54 determines that the detergent tank 30 is not stored in the detergent tank storage unit 40 when the detection result acquisition unit 52 acquires a detection result indicating that the magnetic sensor 41 has not detected the magnetism of the magnetic body 35.

The liquid delivery control unit 55 controls the detergent pump 16 to deliver the liquid detergent stored in the detergent tank 30 to the cleaning tank 1. As described below, the liquid delivery control unit 55 controls the detergent pump 16 so that the amount of liquid detergent determined by the liquid delivery target amount determination unit 58 is supplied to the cleaning tank 1. When the delivery of the amount of liquid detergent determined by the liquid delivery target amount determination unit 58 is completed, the liquid delivery control unit 55 records the liquid delivery end time in the memory 59.

When the detergent tank storage determination unit 54 determines that the detergent tank 30 is not stored in the detergent tank storage unit 40, the liquid delivery control unit 55 controls the detergent pump 16 not to deliver liquid detergent from the detergent tank 30 to the cleaning tank 1. This makes it possible to prevent the cleaning process from being performed without detergent being supplied to the cleaning tank 1. It also makes it possible to prevent air from being sent into the liquid detergent flow path from the detergent tank 30 to the cleaning tank 1, which would result in the target amount of detergent not being properly delivered to the cleaning tank 1 the next time cleaning is performed.

When the detergent tank storage determination unit 54 determines that the detergent tank 30 is not stored in the detergent tank storage unit 40, the notification unit 56 notifies the user of this fact. The notification unit 56 may notify the user by voice that the detergent tank 30 is not stored in the detergent tank storage unit 40, or may display this on the display unit 25. This allows the detergent tank 30 to be stored in the detergent tank storage unit 40 even if the user mistakenly starts washing without storing the detergent tank 30 in the detergent tank storage unit 40.

The left-standing time acquisition unit 57 acquires the time that the detergent pump 16 and the liquid detergent flow path have been left unused by calculating the elapsed time since the detergent pump 16 last supplied liquid detergent to the cleaning tank 1. The left-standing time acquisition unit 57 reads the previous liquid delivery end time from the memory 59 and calculates the elapsed time until the current time. The left-standing time acquisition unit 57 may count the elapsed time from the previous liquid delivery end time using a counter circuit or the like. The left-standing time acquisition unit 57 may acquire information indicating the previous liquid delivery end time or the left-standing time from an external server or the like.

When liquid detergent used in dishwashers is left for a long period of time, it thickens due to oxidation caused by oxygen in the air. Figure 19 shows the viscosity of liquid detergent measured using a rotational viscometer. The viscosity of the liquid detergent measured after being left for three months has only increased slightly from the initial value, but the viscosity of the liquid detergent measured after being left for six months has increased significantly from the initial value. Therefore, when a dishwasher is used again after being left unused for a long period of time, the liquid detergent remaining in the flow path including the detergent pump 16 may thicken or solidify, causing poor flow, and the detergent pump 16 may not be able to supply the specified amount of detergent to the washing tank 1.

Therefore, in this embodiment, if the standing time is longer than a predetermined threshold, the target amount of liquid detergent to be delivered is increased above the specified amount, thereby increasing the operating time, number of times it is driven, and operating voltage of the detergent pump 16 from normal levels. This makes it possible to compensate for the decrease in the amount of liquid delivered due to the thickening of the liquid detergent, so that an appropriate amount of liquid detergent can be supplied to the washing tank 1.

The liquid delivery target amount determination unit 58 determines the liquid delivery target amount when supplying liquid detergent to the cleaning tank 1. If the standing time acquired by the standing time acquisition unit 57 is shorter than the first threshold, the liquid delivery target amount determination unit 58 determines the liquid delivery target amount according to the operation mode of the cleaning process, the type of liquid detergent, the type and amount of the object to be cleaned, the water temperature, the air temperature, etc. If the standing time acquired by the standing time acquisition unit 57 is longer than the first threshold, the liquid delivery target amount determination unit 58 adds a predetermined amount to the normal liquid delivery target amount determined as described above. The additional amount may be determined according to the standing time, the season of the standing period, the air temperature, the humidity, etc. For example, the longer the standing time or the lower the air temperature or humidity during the standing period, the higher the degree of thickening of the liquid detergent is considered to be, so the additional amount may be increased.

The liquid delivery control unit 55 controls the detergent pump 16 to deliver the target amount of liquid detergent determined by the target liquid delivery amount determination unit 58. The liquid delivery control unit 55 determines the operating time, number of times of operation, and operating voltage of the detergent pump 16 according to the target liquid delivery amount, and controls the detergent pump 16.

When the liquid detergent is left unused for a time longer than the first threshold, the period during which the liquid delivery target amount determination unit 58 increases the liquid detergent delivery target amount more than usual may be only once immediately after the liquid detergent is left unused, may be a predetermined number of times, or may be until the liquid detergent stored in the detergent tank 30 is almost used and it is detected that the detergent tank 30 is almost empty. Depending on the time of leaving, which of the above periods is adopted may be determined. For example, if the time of leaving is relatively short, it is expected that the thickened liquid detergent remaining in the flow path will flow out into the washing tank 1 by sending the liquid detergent once, so the liquid delivery target amount may be increased only once immediately after the liquid detergent is left unused. If the time of leaving is relatively long, it is considered that several liquid delivery times are required until the thickened liquid detergent remaining in the flow path flows out into the washing tank 1, so the liquid delivery target amount may be increased a predetermined number of times immediately after the liquid detergent is left unused. If the time of leaving is even longer, it is considered that the liquid detergent remaining in the detergent tank 30 has also thickened, so the liquid delivery target amount may be increased until the liquid detergent remaining in the detergent tank 30 is almost used. It may be determined that the liquid detergent remaining in the detergent tank 30 has been mostly used based on the liquid detergent level determined by the liquid level determination unit 53.

The liquid delivery target amount determination unit 58 may determine the liquid delivery target amount based further on the time elapsed since the liquid detergent was stored in the detergent tank 30. When the time elapsed since the liquid detergent was stored in the detergent tank 30 is longer than a predetermined threshold, the liquid delivery target amount determination unit 58 may increase the liquid delivery target amount to compensate for the decrease in the liquid delivery amount due to the thickening of the liquid detergent stored in the detergent tank 30. In this case, the time when the liquid level determination unit 53 determines that the liquid level of the liquid detergent stored in the detergent tank 30 has reached full is recorded in the memory 59, and the liquid delivery target amount determination unit 58 may calculate the elapsed time by referring to the time recorded in the memory 59.

The liquid delivery target amount determination unit 58 may determine the liquid delivery target amount based on the liquid detergent level determined by the liquid level determination unit 53. When the difference between the target liquid level obtained by subtracting the cumulative total of the liquid delivery target amount from the liquid level determined by the liquid level determination unit 53 at the first time point, for example, the liquid detergent level determined by the liquid level determination unit 53 when the liquid detergent level is full to the second time point, from the liquid level determined by the liquid level determination unit 53 at the first time point, and the actual liquid level determined by the liquid level determination unit 53 at the second time point is greater than a predetermined value, the liquid delivery target amount determination unit 58 may determine that the amount of liquid detergent actually delivered is significantly different from the liquid delivery target amount, and adjust the liquid delivery target amount according to the difference between the target liquid level and the actual liquid level. For example, if the target liquid level is higher than the actual liquid level by a predetermined value or more, the liquid delivery target amount may be increased. The liquid delivery target amount for calculating the difference between the target liquid level and the actual liquid level may be a value before being increased by the liquid delivery target amount determination unit 58.

The liquid delivery control unit 55 may discard the liquid detergent stored in the detergent tank 30 if the left-standing time acquired by the left-standing time acquisition unit 57 is longer than a second threshold value, or if the time elapsed since the liquid detergent was stored in the detergent tank 30 is longer than a predetermined threshold value. In this case, the liquid delivery control unit 55 may supply water into the cleaning tank 1 and discharge the liquid detergent together with the water after sending all the liquid detergent stored in the detergent tank 30 to the cleaning tank 1. At this time, the notification unit 56 may notify the user that the liquid detergent is to be discarded. This makes it possible to prevent the object to be cleaned from being washed with liquid detergent that has been stored in the detergent tank 30 for a long period of time and may have deteriorated due to oxidation or the like.

Figure 20 is a flowchart showing the steps of the control method for a dishwasher according to an embodiment. The flowchart shown in Figure 20 shows the steps before the washing process is started in the dishwasher. When the washing process is started by the process control unit 51 (S10), the detection result acquisition unit 52 acquires the detection result from the magnetic sensor 41, and the detergent tank storage determination unit 54 determines whether the detergent tank 30 is stored in the detergent tank storage unit 40 based on the detection result (S12). If the detergent tank 30 is not stored in the detergent tank storage unit 40 (N in S12), the notification unit 56 notifies the user of this (S14) and the process returns to S12. If the detergent tank 30 is stored in the detergent tank storage unit 40 (Y in S12), the process control unit 51 executes the washing process (S16).

Figure 21 is a flowchart showing the steps of the control method for a dishwasher according to an embodiment. The flowchart shown in Figure 21 shows the steps of the washing process executed in the dishwasher. The standing time acquisition unit 57 reads the previous liquid transfer end time from the memory 59 (S20) and calculates the standing time (S21). If the standing time is greater than the second threshold value t2 (Y in S22), the liquid transfer control unit 55 transfers all of the liquid detergent stored in the detergent tank 30 to the washing tub 1 (S24), supplies water into the washing tub 1 and discharges it together with the liquid detergent (S26), and ends the washing process.

If the standing time is equal to or less than the second threshold t2 (N in S22), the liquid delivery target amount determination unit 58 determines the normal liquid delivery target amount (S28). If the standing time is greater than the first threshold t1 (Y in S30), the liquid delivery target amount determination unit 58 increases the liquid delivery target amount (S32). If the standing time is equal to or less than the first threshold t1 (N in S30), S32 is skipped and the liquid delivery target amount is not changed. The liquid delivery control unit 55 controls the detergent pump 16 to deliver the liquid delivery target amount to the cleaning tank 1 (S34), and when the liquid delivery ends, records the liquid delivery end time in the memory 59 (S36). The process control unit 51 executes the cleaning process (S38).

Figure 22 shows a schematic diagram of another example of the detergent tank 30. Figure 22(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the detergent tank 30, and Figure 22(b) is a schematic side view of the detergent tank 30 as viewed from the rear side in the insertion/removal direction. A detergent discharge port 71 is provided at the bottom end of the side surface of the detergent tank 30 at the rear side in the insertion/removal direction. The detergent discharge port 71 has a roughly cylindrical shape, and a foreign matter capture section 70 for capturing foreign matter mixed in the detergent tank 30 is inserted into the internal cavity. An O-ring 72 is provided between the foreign matter capture section 70 and the detergent discharge port 71. This provides a liquid-tight connection between the foreign matter capture section 70 and the detergent discharge port 71. The liquid detergent stored in the detergent tank 30 is discharged from a flow path 73 provided inside the foreign matter capture section 70.

The inner end of the foreign object capture part 70 on the detergent tank 30 has an outer diameter smaller than the inner opening of the detergent discharge port 71, and the outer end has an outer diameter larger than the outer opening of the detergent discharge port 71. Therefore, the foreign object capture part 70 is detachably inserted into the detergent discharge port 71 from the outside of the detergent tank 30. Since the foreign object capture part 70 is fixed to the detergent discharge port 71 only by the sliding resistance of the O-ring 72, the user can easily remove the foreign object capture part 70 by simply pushing the foreign object capture part 70 from the inside to the outside of the detergent tank 30 as shown by the arrow in FIG. 22(a). In addition, the foreign object capture part 70 can be easily attached by simply pushing it into the detergent discharge port 71 from the outside of the detergent tank 30. This allows the foreign object capture part 70 to be easily attached and detached to wash the detergent discharge port 71 and its surroundings, so that the foreign object captured by the foreign object capture part 70 can be easily removed.

23 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the foreign object capture unit 70. The foreign object capture unit 70 includes a cover 76 having a substantially cylindrical shape, a throttle unit 74 connected to an end of the cover 76, and a valve body 80 provided in a cavity inside the cover 76. A groove 78 is provided in the center of the cover 76, and an O-ring 72 is provided on the outside of the groove 78. A throttle unit opening 75 is provided near the connection between the throttle unit 74 and the cover 76, and a cover opening 77 is provided near the connection between the cover 76 and the throttle unit 74. The liquid detergent stored in the detergent tank 30 flows into the inside of the cover 76 through the throttle unit opening 75 and the cover opening 77. The valve body 80 is biased to the left in the figure by a biasing spring 81. At this time, the valve body 80 is pressed against the inside of the groove 78, and the gap between the valve body 80 and the cover 76 is liquid-tightly sealed by a seal member 82, so that the liquid detergent does not flow into the flow path 73.

Figure 24 shows a schematic diagram of the foreign object capture portion 70 attached to the detergent discharge port 71. Figure 24(a) shows a cross section of the foreign object capture portion 70 attached to the detergent discharge port. Figure 24(b) is a partially enlarged view of the rectangular portion of Figure 24(a). Figure 24(c) is a side view of the foreign object capture portion 70 as viewed from inside the detergent tank 30. Figure 24(d) is a side view of another example of the throttle portion 74 of the foreign object capture portion 70. Figure 24 shows the valve body 80 in an open state, but the opening and closing of the valve body 80 will be described later.

When the foreign object capture unit 70 is attached to the detergent discharge port 71, the gap d between the outside of the body of the foreign object capture unit 70 and the inner opening of the detergent discharge port 71 is configured to be smaller than the inner diameter of the liquid detergent flow path from the throttle unit opening 75 to the washing tank 1. The liquid detergent flow path from the throttle unit opening 75 to the washing tank 1 includes the cover opening 77, the flow path between the valve body 80 and the cover 76 when the valve body 80 is open, the flow path 73, the outer opening of the detergent discharge port 71, the detergent tank storage unit side detergent discharge path 43, the flow path in the detergent pump 16, the washing tank side detergent discharge path 18, and the washing tank detergent discharge port 17. When the liquid detergent is sent from the detergent tank 30 to the washing tank 1 by the detergent pump 16, foreign objects larger than the gap d in the detergent tank 30 cannot pass through the gap d and therefore remain in the detergent tank 30. Foreign objects smaller than the gap d and capable of passing through the gap d flow to the washing tank 1 without clogging the flow path on the way. This prevents foreign matter from clogging the liquid detergent flow path from the detergent discharge port 71 to the cleaning tank 1. Any foreign matter that does not pass through the gap d and remains in the detergent tank 30 can be easily washed away and removed by removing the foreign matter capture unit 70.

In the example shown in FIG. 24(c), the liquid detergent flows into the foreign matter capture section 70 only through the gap d formed in a concentric ring shape, and is discharged from the detergent discharge port 71. The gap d functions as a foreign matter capture flow path for capturing foreign matter in the detergent tank 30.

In the example shown in FIG. 24(d), the liquid detergent can flow into the foreign object capture section 70 through the gap d as well as through the hole 83 provided in the narrowing section 74. The diameter of the hole 83 is also configured to be smaller than the diameter of the liquid detergent flow path from the detergent discharge port 71 to the cleaning tank 1. That is, the hole 83 also functions as a flow path for capturing foreign objects. Foreign objects larger than the hole 83 cannot pass through the hole 83 and remain in the detergent tank 30. Foreign objects smaller than the hole 83 and able to pass through the hole 83 flow to the cleaning tank 1 without clogging the flow path. This makes it possible to prevent foreign objects from clogging the flow path of the liquid detergent from the detergent discharge port 71 to the cleaning tank 1. Foreign objects that do not pass through the hole 83 and are attached to the periphery of the hole 83 can be easily removed by removing the foreign object capture section 70 and washing it.

By providing additional holes 83, the cross-sectional area of the flow path for the liquid detergent can be increased, thereby reducing pressure loss and the negative pressure that occurs when the liquid detergent is sucked out by the detergent pump 16. In addition, the area through which the liquid detergent can pass can be increased, so that even if a portion is blocked by foreign matter, the effect of clogging can be reduced. Therefore, the performance and reliability of the liquid detergent delivery can be maintained at a good level.

Figure 25 shows a schematic cross section of the detergent tank 30 when it is stored in the detergent tank storage section 40. A rib 45 is provided at the tip of the elbow 44 that constitutes the detergent discharge path 43 on the detergent tank storage section side. When the detergent tank 30 is stored in the detergent tank storage section 40, the rib 45 is inserted into the flow path 73 of the foreign matter capture section 70 and pushes in the valve body 80. This opens the valve body 80 and allows liquid detergent to flow into the flow path 73. While the detergent tank 30 is removed from the detergent tank storage section 40, the valve body 80 is pressed against the groove portion 78 by the biasing spring 81, and the flow path between the valve body 80 and the cover 76 is closed, so that the liquid detergent stored inside can be prevented from leaking out of the detergent discharge port 71.

In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the foreign object capture unit 70 has a foreign object capture flow path for capturing foreign objects, but the foreign object capture unit 70 may also have a filter for capturing foreign objects. In this case, the foreign object capture unit 70 may also be provided removably on the outer side of the detergent tank 30. This allows the filter to be easily removed to remove the foreign objects.

The present disclosure has been described above based on examples. These examples are merely illustrative, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in the combination of each component and each processing process, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention.

In the embodiment, an example is shown in which the cleaning tank 1 having an opening at the top is provided so as to be removable from the housing 2 having a front opening at the front, but in another example, a door for opening and closing the cleaning tank 1 may be provided above the cleaning tank 1. In this case, the cleaning tank 1 may be provided so as to be removable from the housing 2 at the front, or may be fixedly stored inside the housing 2.

In the embodiment, an example is shown in which the dishwasher is stored inside the kitchen, but in another example, the dishwasher may be configured as a separate device.

In the embodiment, a dishwasher for washing items such as dishes has been described, but the technology disclosed herein can also be applied to washing machines for washing clothes and other items, and cleaning devices for washing other items.

The present invention can be used in a cleaning device for cleaning objects.

1 Washing tank, 1a opening, 2 Housing, 3 Door body, 4 Handle, 5 First rail, 6 Second rail, 8 Tableware, 9 Circulation pump, 10 Heater, 11 Washing nozzle, 12 Side wall, 13 Front space, 14 Detergent tank storage section, 14a Detergent tank storage section detergent outlet, 14b Detergent tank storage section side detergent outlet path, 14c Recess, 15 Detergent tank, 15a Transparent section, 15c Detergent tank detergent outlet, 15d Detergent tank detergent suction path, 15e Lid section, 15f Convex section, 16 Detergent pump, 17 Washing tank detergent outlet, 18 Washing tank side detergent outlet path, 19 Control device, 23 Planar section, 24 Operation section, 25 Display section, 30 Detergent tank, 31 Cover, 32 Rotating shaft, 33 Arm, 33a Fitting section, 33b Notch section, 34 Float, 35 magnetic body, 36 inner bottom surface, 37 detergent discharge port, 38 liquid detergent, 39 air opening port, 39a protrusion, 39b notch, 40 detergent tank storage section, 41 magnetic sensor, 42 detergent receiving port, 43 detergent discharge path on detergent tank storage section side, 44 elbow, 45 rib, 50 control device, 51 process control section, 52 detection result acquisition section, 53 liquid level determination section, 54 detergent tank storage determination section, 55 liquid delivery control section, 56 notification section, 57 left-standing time acquisition section, 58 liquid delivery target amount determination section, 59 memory, 70 foreign matter capture section, 71 detergent discharge port, 72 o-ring, 73 flow path, 74 throttle section, 75 throttle section opening, 76 cover, 77 cover opening, 78 groove section, 80 valve body, 81 biasing spring, 82 seal member, 83 hole.

Claims (2)

A housing and
a cleaning tank provided within the housing and supported so as to be freely inserted and removed from the housing, the cleaning tank containing an object to be cleaned;
a detergent tank for storing liquid detergent to be supplied to the washing tank and having a scale indicating the amount of the liquid detergent;
A floating body floating in the liquid detergent;
Equipped with
The float has a fitting portion that fits onto a cylindrical rotating shaft provided on the detergent tank or a cover that covers an opening of the detergent tank,
the rotation axis is provided parallel to a direction in which the cleaning tank is inserted into and removed from the housing,
The fitting portion has a cylindrical shape with a part of a side surface cut out in an axial direction along an angular range,
The dishwasher is configured such that, when the float rotates around the rotation axis in response to the level of the liquid detergent, the cut-out portion of the fitting portion faces upward from the horizontal direction. The dishwasher according to claim 1 , wherein the detergent tank is provided so as to be freely inserted and removed from the washing tub or the housing.

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