JP7479221B2 - Dishwasher - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a dishwasher.

Patent document 1 discloses an example of a conventional dishwasher. This dishwasher is equipped with a washing tank, a washing device, an air blowing means, a temperature detection means, and a control unit.

The cleaning tank contains the items to be cleaned. The cleaning device is made up of a nozzle and a cleaning pump, and is capable of supplying cleaning water into the cleaning tank. The air blowing means exhausts the air in the cleaning tank outside the machine. The temperature detection means detects the temperature of the cleaning water in the cleaning tank. The control unit controls the cleaning device and the air blowing means.

The control unit then executes a washing process in which the objects to be washed contained in the washing tub are washed with washing water, and a rinsing process in which the objects to be washed are rinsed with washing water after the washing process. At this time, the control unit operates the air blowing means continuously or intermittently when the temperature of the washing water detected by the temperature detection means reaches a predetermined start temperature. In this way, this dishwasher attempts to prevent condensation on the countertop of the sink by forcibly discharging steam from within the washing tub to the outside of the machine.

JP 2006-334125 A

However, for example, the degree of condensation on the countertop of the sink and other areas around the dishwasher differs between summer and winter, when room temperatures are different. Also, for example, the degree of condensation around the dishwasher differs between an open installation environment where the room temperature changes due to various external factors and a closed installation environment where the room temperature is stable due to air conditioning.

For this reason, as in the conventional dishwashers described above, simply operating the blower when the temperature of the wash water reaches a specified starting temperature makes it difficult to consistently prevent condensation around the dishwasher regardless of the season or installation environment.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above-mentioned conventional situation, and the problem to be solved is to provide a dishwasher that can stably suppress condensation around the dishwasher regardless of the season or installation environment.

The dishwasher of the present invention comprises a washing tub for accommodating items to be washed;
a cleaning device capable of supplying cleaning water into the cleaning tank;
A blower means for discharging air from the cleaning tank to the outside of the machine;
a temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the cleaning water in the cleaning tank;
A control unit that controls the cleaning device and the air blowing means,
The control unit executes a washing process of washing the object contained in the washing tank with the washing water, and a rinsing process of rinsing the object with the washing water after the washing process, and executes a condensation suppression operation of operating the air blowing means at a predetermined air volume when the temperature of the washing water detected by the temperature detection means reaches a predetermined start temperature,
Further comprising a room temperature detection means for detecting a room temperature,
The control unit, before performing the condensation suppression operation, sets the start temperature lower as the room temperature detected by the room temperature detection unit is lower ,
The control unit is characterized in that, while the condensation prevention operation is being performed, it repeats a process of resetting the air volume to increase in accordance with an increase in the difference between the temperature of the cleaning water detected by the temperature detection means and the starting temperature .

In the dishwasher of the present invention, the control unit, before performing the condensation suppression operation, lowers the predetermined start temperature the lower the room temperature detected by the room temperature detection means. For this reason, the control unit, for example, lowers the start temperature in winter when the room temperature is low than in summer when the room temperature is high. Also, for example, even in an open installation environment where the room temperature changes due to various external factors, the control unit lowers the start temperature the lower the room temperature at that time. As a result, the control unit can perform the condensation suppression operation at an appropriate timing according to the room temperature and forcibly exhaust steam in the washing tub outside the machine.

Therefore, the dishwasher of the present invention can stably prevent condensation around the dishwasher regardless of the season or installation environment.

In addition, in this dishwasher , the higher the temperature of the washing water in the washing tub, the more likely it is that steam that causes condensation will be generated in the washing tub, and the more the volume of air blown by the air blowing means increases. As a result, in this dishwasher, while the control unit is performing the condensation suppression operation, the steam in the washing tub can be discharged to the outside of the machine with high reliability, thereby further suppressing condensation around the dishwasher.

It is preferable that the control unit executes a pre-start detection operation to detect the temperature of the air in the cleaning tank using the temperature detection means before starting the cleaning process, and estimates the air temperature acquired by the pre-start detection operation to be room temperature. It is also preferable that the temperature detection means used when executing the pre-start detection operation is room temperature detection means.

In this case, the existing temperature detection means also serves as the room temperature detection means, which allows for lower manufacturing costs compared to when a new room temperature detection means is provided.

The dishwasher of the present invention can stably prevent condensation around the dishwasher regardless of the season or installation environment.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a dishwasher according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the dishwasher of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flow chart of the cleaning operation program. FIG. 4 is a flow chart of the cleaning operation program. FIG. 5 is a flow chart of the cleaning operation program. FIG. 6 is a graph showing the relationship between room temperature and a predetermined starting temperature. FIG. 7 is a table showing the relationship between the difference between the temperature of the cleaning water and a predetermined start temperature, and a predetermined air volume. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a washing operation program in the dishwasher of the second embodiment.

Below, examples 1 and 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Example 1
As shown in Fig. 1, a dishwasher 1 of Example 1 is an example of a specific embodiment of the dishwasher of the present invention. The dishwasher 1 is a front-drawer type installed under a countertop CT1 of a system kitchen.

<Housing, cleaning tank and lid>
The dishwasher 1 includes a housing 9, a washing tub 7, and a lid 8. In this embodiment, the side of the housing 9, which is a substantially box-shaped body, that faces a user who uses the system kitchen, i.e., the left side of the paper in Fig. 1, is defined as the front side of the housing 9, and the right side of the paper in Fig. 1 is defined as the back side of the housing 9.

The top of the housing 9 is covered with a top plate CT1. The housing 9 has a housing opening 9H. The housing opening 9H opens up a wide area from the top to the bottom of the front of the housing 9, connecting the inside of the housing 9 to the outside.

The cleaning tank 7 is housed in the housing 9. The position of the cleaning tank 7 shown in FIG. 1 is the housed position. A slide rail mechanism (not shown) is disposed between the side of the cleaning tank 7, which is a roughly box-shaped body, and the inner wall surface of the housing 9. Although not shown, the slide rail mechanism allows the cleaning tank 7 to slide relative to the housing 9.

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

When the user grasps the handle 7G and manually slides the cleaning tank 7 from the storage position to the front of the housing 9, the cleaning tank 7 is pulled out forward from the housing 9 (not shown). When the user manually slides the pulled-out cleaning tank 7 toward the back of the housing 9, the cleaning tank 7 returns to the storage position.

The lid 8 is located at the top of the housing 9 and can close and open the opening 7H of the cleaning tank 7. The lid 8 moves up and down in conjunction with the sliding of the cleaning tank 7 by a linkage mechanism (not shown) between the position shown in FIG. 1 and a position (not shown) that rises from the position shown in FIG. 1 and allows the cleaning tank 7 to slide.

When the cleaning tank 7 is in the storage position, it closes the housing opening 9H, and the opening 7H is closed by the lid 8.

Although not shown in the figure, when the washing tank 7 is pulled out from the housing 9, the lid 8 remaining inside the housing 9 opens the opening 7H exposed to the outside of the housing 9. This allows the user to place tableware TW1 in the washing tank 7 or remove tableware TW1 from the washing tank 7 through the opening 7H.

The tableware TW1 is, for example, tableware such as bowls, plates, and glasses, and eating and drinking utensils such as chopsticks, spoons, and forks. The tableware TW1 is an example of the "item to be washed" in the present invention.

A water supply pipe P1, a water supply solenoid valve 69, and a drain pipe P2 are provided within the housing 9. The water supply pipe P1 supplies water to the washing tub 7 from a water supply source (not shown) provided outside the dishwasher 1. The water supply solenoid valve 69 opens and closes the water supply pipe P1 to switch between supplying and stopping water to the washing tub 7. The drain pipe P2 drains the washing water in the washing tub 7 to the outside of the dishwasher 1.

A water storage section 71 for storing washing water is provided at the bottom of the washing tank 7. A dish basket 70 is also arranged in the washing tank 7. Tableware TW1 is placed in the dish basket 70.

The cleaning tub 7 is provided with an exhaust passage 79. The exhaust passage 79 is connected to the outside of the cleaning tub 7 via an exhaust port 79A that opens below the handle 7G on the front side of the cleaning tub 7. A communication port 79B on the opposite side of the exhaust port 79A in the exhaust passage 79 opens into the inner wall surface surrounding the dish basket 70 inside the cleaning tub 7. The exhaust passage 79 is bent in a roughly S-shape between the exhaust port 79A and the communication port 79B. Air inside the cleaning tub 7 passes through the exhaust passage 79 and is exhausted outside the machine, i.e., to the front of the housing 9.

In this embodiment, the exhaust passage 79 is not provided with a swinging shutter or the like that opens and closes depending on the presence or absence of air pressure. Therefore, the exhaust passage 79 is always connected from the communication port 79B to the exhaust port 79A.

<Nozzles and pumps>
The dishwasher 1 further includes a nozzle 61 and a pump 62. The nozzle 61 and the pump 62 are an example of a "cleaning device" of the present invention. The nozzle 61 is disposed in the cleaning tub 7. The pump 62 is attached to a lower part of a water storage section 71 of the cleaning tub 7. The nozzle 61 and the pump 62 move together with the cleaning tub 7 when the cleaning tub 7 is inserted or removed.

The nozzle 61 can spray cleaning water into the washing tank 7 from multiple outlet holes. The spray direction of the nozzle 61 can be changed in various directions to reliably wash multiple pieces of tableware TW1 stacked in the washing tank 7, and to clean the inner wall surface of the washing tank 7 and the dish basket 70.

When the pump 62 is rotating in the forward direction, it supplies the cleaning water stored in the water storage section 71 of the cleaning tub 7 to the nozzle 61 and sprays it into the cleaning tub 7. The sprayed cleaning water is stored in the water storage section 71, and is repeatedly supplied to the nozzle 61 by the pump 62. When the pump 62 is rotating in the reverse direction, it drains the cleaning water in the cleaning tub 7 to the outside of the dishwasher 1 via the food residue filter 67 and the drain pipe P2.

<Heater, blower fan, temperature sensor and water level sensor>
The dishwasher 1 further includes a heater 63, a blower fan 68, a temperature sensor 31, and a water level sensor 34. The blower fan 68 is an example of the "blowing means" of the present invention. The temperature sensor 31 is an example of the "temperature detection means" of the present invention.

The room temperature sensor 32 shown by the two-dot chain line in Figures 1 and 2 is provided in the dishwasher of Example 2, not in the dishwasher 1 of Example 1, and will not be described in this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the heater 63, the blower fan 68, the temperature sensor 31, and the water level sensor 34 are also attached to the cleaning tank 7 and move together with the cleaning tank 7 when the cleaning tank 7 is inserted or removed.

The heater 63 is disposed at the bottom of the water storage section 71. The heater 63 heats the cleaning water stored in the water storage section 71 of the cleaning tank 7 or the air in the cleaning tank 7.

For example, when cleaning water is stored in the water storage section 71, the heater 63 is controlled to be energized to continuously generate heat or to stop generating heat, so that the cleaning water is heated to a predetermined temperature range and sprayed into the cleaning tank 7 by the nozzle 61 and pump 62.

In addition, when no cleaning water is stored in the water storage section 71, the heater 63 is controlled to be energized to continuously generate heat or to stop generating heat, thereby heating the air in the cleaning tank 7 to a predetermined temperature range.

The blower fan 68 rotates to supply air from outside the dishwasher 1 into the washing tub 7, and then exhausts the air from the washing tub 7 to the outside of the machine via the exhaust passage 79.

For example, when the cleaning water stored in the water storage section 71 of the cleaning tank 7 is sprayed into the cleaning tank 7 by the nozzle 61 and the pump 62, the blower fan 68 rotates and the air containing moisture and steam in the cleaning tank 7 is exhausted outside the machine through the exhaust port 79A of the exhaust passage 79. At this time, the higher the temperature of the cleaning water heated by the heater 63, the more likely it is that the air exhausted outside the machine will contain more steam.

When drying the dishes TW1 that have been washed and rinsed in the washing tub 7, the blower fan 68 rotates and the heater 63 is energized, so that the air supplied to the washing tub 7 is heated to a predetermined temperature range and circulates through the washing tub 7 while drying the dishes TW1. The air that has circulated through the washing tub 7 and contains moisture and steam is then exhausted to the outside of the machine through the exhaust port 79A of the exhaust passage 79.

The temperature sensor 31 is provided at a position below the heater 63 at the bottom of the water storage section 71. The temperature sensor 31 detects the temperature inside the cleaning tank 7. More specifically, the temperature sensor 31 detects the temperature of the cleaning water stored in the water storage section 71 of the cleaning tank 7 or the temperature of the air inside the cleaning tank 7 in the vicinity of the heater 63.

In addition, after the dishwasher 1 drains the wash water from the water storage section 71 of the washing tub 7 and ends its operation, it often takes several hours or more before starting the next operation. Therefore, in the dishwasher 1 before starting operation, the temperature of the washing tub 7 and the heater 63 is likely to be about the same as room temperature. In addition, in the dishwasher 1 before starting operation, the air in the washing tub 7 is likely to be ventilated while the washing tub 7 is pulled out from the storage position and the work of storing the dishes TW1 in the washing tub 7 is being performed. Therefore, in this embodiment, as will be described in detail later, the temperature of the air in the washing tub 7 detected by the temperature sensor 31 before starting the washing process is estimated to be room temperature.

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

<Control unit, operation unit and display unit>
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the dishwasher 1 further includes a control unit C1, an operation unit 40 and a display unit 47.

As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit C1 is disposed below the handle 7G at the front of the cleaning tank 7. The operation unit 40 and the display unit 47 are disposed at the upper end of the front of the cleaning tank 7.

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

The memory unit C12 stores various programs executed by the control unit C1 to operate the dishwasher 1, such as the cleaning operation programs shown in Figures 3 to 5. The memory unit C12 also stores various information such as setting information for the dishwasher 1, and initial setting information for executing the various programs, as needed.

As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit C1 receives detection signals from the temperature sensor 31 and the water level sensor 34. The control unit C1 also receives detection signals from sensors (not shown), such as a position sensor that detects whether the cleaning tank 7 is in the storage position, and a lock sensor that detects whether the cleaning tank 7 is locked in the storage position.

The control unit C1 then outputs a control signal via the drive circuit 60 to control the operation of the nozzle 61, pump 62, water supply solenoid valve 69, heater 63, and blower fan 68 to perform the cleaning operation. In this embodiment, the cleaning operation includes a cleaning process, a non-heated rinsing process, a heated rinsing process, and a drying process. The non-heated rinsing process and the heated rinsing process are examples of the "rinsing process" of the present invention.

During the washing process, the control unit C1 operates the heater 63 to wash the tableware TW1 contained in the washing tank 7 with washing water heated to a predetermined temperature range.

In the non-heated rinsing process, the control unit C1 rinses the tableware TW1 after the washing process with cleaning water while stopping the heater 63.

In the heated rinsing process, the control unit C1 operates the heater 63 to rinse the tableware TW1 after the non-heated rinsing process with cleaning water heated to a predetermined temperature range.

During the drying process, the control unit C1 operates the blower fan 68 and the heater 63 to dry the tableware TW1 after the rinsing process using warm air heated to a predetermined temperature range.

The control unit C1 can change the air volume of the blower fan 68 by varying the drive voltage, etc. to change the rotation speed during continuous rotation, or by changing the time allocation between rotation and stop during intermittent rotation.

In this embodiment, the air volume of the blower fan 68 during the drying process is set to 100%. As will be described in detail later, when it is necessary to rotate the blower fan 68 during the cleaning process and rinsing process, the control unit C1 is configured to set a predetermined air volume W1 that is lower than 100% depending on the situation.

The operation unit 40 has a power button and multiple buttons (not shown) for the user to perform input operations. As shown in FIG. 1, the operation unit 40 is covered by the top plate CT1 when the cleaning tank 7 is in the storage position, so that the user cannot operate it. On the other hand, although not shown, the operation unit 40 is exposed when the cleaning tank 7 is pulled out, so that the user can operate it. The control unit C1 acquires information on various operational inputs made by the user to the operation unit 40.

The display unit 47 has a lamp and a display element capable of displaying numbers, letters, etc. to convey various information to the user. The display unit 47 is also exposed when the cleaning tank 7 is pulled out, so it can be seen by the user. The control unit C1 transmits various information, such as information regarding the settings of the cleaning operation and the progress of the cleaning operation, to the display unit 47 to display it.

<Multiple steps and condensation suppression operations performed during cleaning operation>
When a user causes the dishwasher 1 to perform a cleaning operation, the user first pulls out the cleaning tank 7 from the housing 9, places the dishes TW1 to be cleaned in the dish basket 70, and then presses the power button on the operating unit 40 to turn on the dishwasher 1.

In this state, no washing water is stored in the water storage section 71 of the washing tub 7, and the air inside the washing tub 7 is ventilated by pulling out the washing tub 7 and placing tableware TW1. Therefore, the temperature sensor 31 can detect the temperature of the ventilated air inside the pulled-out washing tub 7.

When the dishwasher 1 is powered on, the control unit C1 executes steps S101 to S144 of the cleaning operation program shown in Figures 3 to 5.

Specifically, in step S101 shown in FIG. 3, the control unit C1 acquires the detection result of the temperature sensor 31 from the time when the dishwasher 1 is turned on.

Next, the control unit C1 proceeds to step S102 and determines whether the operation unit 40 has received an operation to start operation and the cleaning tank 7 has been returned to the storage position.

After the user places the dishes TW1 to be washed in the dish basket 70 and inputs various settings to the operation unit 40, the washing tank 7 is returned to the storage position to start the washing operation, and step S102 becomes "Yes" and the process moves to step S103.

On the other hand, if the user is continuing to place dishes TW1 to be washed in the dish basket 70 and input various settings to the operation unit 40, and the washing tank 7 has not been returned to the storage position, the result in step S102 will be "No," and steps S101 and S102 will be repeated.

In other words, the control unit C1 continuously acquires the detection results of the temperature sensor 31 before starting the cleaning process in steps S101 and S102. Steps S101 and S102 are an example of a "pre-start detection operation" of the present invention. The temperature sensor 31 when executing steps S101 and S102 is an example of a "room temperature detection means" of the present invention.

When the process moves from step S102 to step S103, the control unit C1 judges whether the temperature of the cleaning tank 7 and the heater 63 has been sufficiently decreased after the previous operation based on the obtained detection result of the temperature sensor 31. As a specific example, it judges whether the temperature of the cleaning tank 7 and the heater 63 has been sufficiently decreased after the previous operation based on whether the temperature decrease rate calculated from the obtained detection result of the temperature sensor 31 is higher than a predetermined threshold value.

If the answer is "No" in step S103, the control unit C1 determines that the temperatures of the cleaning tank 7 and heater 63 have dropped sufficiently since the previous operation, and proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, if the answer is "Yes" in step S103, the control unit C1 determines that the temperatures of the cleaning tank 7 and heater 63 have not dropped sufficiently since the previous operation, and proceeds to step S105.

When the process moves from step S103 to step S104, the control unit C1 estimates the detection result of the temperature sensor 31 acquired in steps S101 and S102 to be room temperature.

As shown in FIG. 6, the memory unit C12 stores information about the relationship between room temperature and a predetermined start temperature T1. The control unit C1 refers to the information stored in the memory unit C12 and sets the predetermined start temperature T1 according to the room temperature detected by the temperature sensor 31.

For example, if the room temperature detected by the temperature sensor 31 is 15°C, the predetermined start temperature T1 is set to 38°C, and if the room temperature is 35°C, the start temperature T1 is set to 45°C. In other words, as is clear from the upward sloping broken line in the graph shown in Figure 6, the control unit C1 lowers the start temperature T1 the lower the room temperature detected by the temperature sensor 31.

Then, the control unit C1 stores the set predetermined start temperature T1 in the memory unit C12 as the value for the current operation. After that, the control unit C1 proceeds to step S111 shown in FIG. 4.

On the other hand, when the process moves from step S103 to step S105, the control unit C1 determines that the detection result of the temperature sensor 31 acquired in steps S101 and S102 cannot be estimated as room temperature, and sets the predetermined start temperature T1 for starting the condensation suppression operation to the value stored in the memory unit C12 during the previous operation, and stores this in the memory unit C12 as the value for the current operation. After that, the control unit C1 moves to step S111 shown in FIG. 4.

When the process moves from step S104 or step S105 shown in FIG. 3 to step S111 shown in FIG. 4, the control unit C1 controls the water supply solenoid valve 69 to supply clean cleaning water to the cleaning tank 7.

Next, the control unit C1 proceeds to step S112 and starts the washing process. Specifically, the control unit C1 operates the pump 62 while heating the washing water stored in the water storage section 71 of the washing tank 7 with the heater 63, and sprays the heated washing water from the nozzle 61 into the washing tank 7. At this time, detergent that has been previously poured into a predetermined position in the washing tank 7 dissolves in the washing water supplied to the washing tank 7. As a result, the detergent contained in the washing water promotes the decomposition of dirt on the tableware TW1 stored in the washing tank 7, and the dirt components are transferred from the tableware TW1 to the washing water.

The cleaning process continues until a predetermined time has elapsed after the cleaning water heated by the heater 63 reaches the upper limit temperature and the answer in step S117 becomes "Yes." At this time, the temperature sensor 31 detects the temperature of the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 7.

After the cleaning process is started in step S112, the control unit C1 proceeds to step S113 and determines whether the temperature of the cleaning water detected by the temperature sensor 31 is equal to or higher than a predetermined start temperature T1.

The cleaning water supplied at a low temperature from a water supply source such as a water pipe increases in temperature by heating with the heater 63, but until the temperature reaches the predetermined start temperature T1, step S113 becomes "No" and step S113 is repeated. Then, when the temperature of the cleaning water reaches the predetermined start temperature T1 due to further heating with the heater 63, step S113 becomes "Yes" and the process moves to step S114.

When the process proceeds to step S114, the control unit C1 sets a predetermined air volume W1 to perform condensation suppression operation using the blower fan 68.

As shown in FIG. 7, the memory unit C12 stores information about the relationship between the difference between the temperature of the cleaning water and a predetermined start temperature T1 and the predetermined air volume W1. The control unit C1 refers to the information stored in the memory unit C12 and sets the predetermined air volume W1 according to the difference between the temperature of the cleaning water and the predetermined start temperature T1.

Specifically, the air volume of the blower fan 68 during the drying process is set to 100%, and if the difference between the temperature of the cleaning water and the predetermined starting temperature T1 is 0°C or more and less than 6°C, the predetermined air volume W1 is set to 30%, if the difference is 6°C or more and less than 11°C, the air volume W1 is set to 50%, and if the difference is 11°C or more, the air volume W1 is set to 70%. In other words, the higher the temperature of the cleaning water detected by the temperature sensor 31, the more the control unit C1 increases the air volume W1 during the condensation suppression operation.

Next, the control unit C1 proceeds to step S115 shown in FIG. 4 and operates the blower fan 68 at a predetermined air volume W1 as a condensation suppression operation. As a result, the blower fan 68 supplies air from outside the dishwasher 1 into the washing tub 7, and exhausts the air containing moisture and steam from inside the washing tub 7 to the outside of the machine through the exhaust port 79A of the exhaust passage 79.

Next, the control unit C1 proceeds to step S116 and resets the predetermined air volume W1 in response to an increase in the difference between the temperature of the cleaning water and the predetermined start temperature T1.

Next, the control unit C1 proceeds to step S117 and determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the cleaning water heated by the heater 63 reached the upper limit temperature. In this embodiment, as an example, the upper limit temperature of the cleaning water in the cleaning process is 60°C, and the predetermined time after the upper limit temperature is reached is 10 minutes.

If the answer is "No" in step S117, steps S115 to S117 are repeated. In this case, when the controller C1 resets the predetermined air volume W1 in step S116, the controller C1 operates the blower fan 68 at the reset predetermined air volume W1 in the next step S115.

On the other hand, if step S117 returns "Yes", the cleaning process is completed and the process proceeds to step S121.

For example, if the room temperature detected by the temperature sensor 31 is 15°C, and the predetermined starting temperature T1 is set to 38°C in step S104, the difference between the cleaning water temperature (38°C) and the predetermined starting temperature T1 (38°C) is 0°C in step S114, so the predetermined air volume W1 is set to 30%. Thereafter, steps S115 to S117 are repeated, and when the difference between the cleaning water temperature and the predetermined starting temperature T1 becomes 44°C-38°C=6°C, the predetermined air volume W1 is reset to 50%, and when the difference becomes 49°C-38°C=11°C, the predetermined air volume W1 is reset to 70%. Even if the cleaning water reaches the upper limit temperature of 60°C, the predetermined air volume W1 is maintained at 70%.

When the process moves from step S117 to step S121, the control unit C1 performs the following operations multiple times: draining the washing water containing detergent and dirt components to the outside of the dishwasher 1 via the drain pipe P2 by reversing the rotation of the pump 62; supplying clean washing water to the washing tub 7 by controlling the water supply solenoid valve 69; and performing a non-heating rinse process.

In the non-heating rinsing process, cleaning water is sprayed from the nozzle 61 into the cleaning tank 7 without being heated by the heater 63, and the cleaning water containing detergent and dirt components is removed from the tableware TW1. At this time, the temperature sensor 31 detects the temperature of the cleaning water or air in the cleaning tank 7.

During the drain-water supply-non-heated rinse process, the control unit C1 proceeds to step S122 and determines whether the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 31 is below the predetermined start temperature T1.

By performing the non-heated rinsing process using cleaning water supplied at a low temperature from a water supply source such as a water pipe, the temperature inside the cleaning tank 7 drops, but until the temperature falls below a predetermined start temperature T1, step S122 becomes "No" and step S122 is repeated. Then, when the temperature inside the cleaning tank 7 falls below the predetermined start temperature T1, step S122 becomes "Yes" and the process moves to step S123.

When the process proceeds to step S123, the control unit C1 stops the blower fan 68 and ends the condensation suppression operation. Thus, in the washing process, the control unit C1 executes the condensation suppression operation when the temperature in the washing tub 7 reaches the predetermined start temperature T1, and continues the condensation suppression operation during the non-heating rinsing process until the temperature in the washing tub 7 falls below the predetermined start temperature T1, forcibly discharging the steam in the washing tub 7 outside the machine, thereby suppressing condensation on the top plate CT1 and other areas around the dishwasher 1.

Next, the control unit C1 proceeds to step S124 and determines whether or not multiple executions of the non-heating rinsing process have been completed. If the answer is "No" in step S124, step S124 is repeated. On the other hand, if the answer is "Yes" in step S124, the control unit C1 proceeds to step S125 shown in FIG. 5.

When the process proceeds to step S125, the control unit C1 reverses the rotation of the pump 62 to drain the cleaning water used for rinsing outside the dishwasher 1.

Next, the control unit C1 proceeds to step S126 and controls the water supply solenoid valve 69 to supply clean cleaning water to the cleaning tank 7.

Next, the control unit C1 proceeds to step S131 and starts the heating and rinsing process. In the heating and rinsing process, cleaning water heated by the heater 63 is sprayed from the nozzle 61 into the cleaning tank 7 to remove the cleaning water containing detergent and dirt components from the tableware TW1.

The heating and rinsing process continues until a predetermined time has elapsed after the cleaning water heated by the heater 63 reaches the upper limit temperature and the answer in step S136 becomes "Yes." At this time, the temperature sensor 31 detects the temperature of the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 7.

After the heating and rinsing process is started in step S131, the control unit C1 proceeds to step S132 and determines whether the temperature of the cleaning water detected by the temperature sensor 31 is equal to or higher than a predetermined start temperature T1.

The cleaning water supplied at a low temperature from a water supply source such as a water pipe increases in temperature by heating with the heater 63, but until the temperature reaches the predetermined start temperature T1, step S132 becomes "No" and step S132 is repeated. Then, when the temperature of the cleaning water reaches the predetermined start temperature T1 due to further heating with the heater 63, step S132 becomes "Yes" and the process moves to step S133.

When the process proceeds to step S133, the control unit C1 sets a predetermined air volume W1 to perform condensation suppression operation using the blower fan 68.

The control unit C1 refers to the information stored in the memory unit C12 shown in FIG. 7 and sets the predetermined air volume W1 according to the difference between the temperature of the cleaning water and the predetermined start temperature T1. This setting is similar to step S114, so a description thereof will be omitted.

Then, the control unit C1 proceeds to step S134 shown in FIG. 5 and operates the blower fan 68 at a predetermined air volume W1 as a condensation suppression operation. As a result, the blower fan 68 supplies air from outside the dishwasher 1 into the washing tub 7, and exhausts the air containing moisture and steam from inside the washing tub 7 to the outside of the machine through the exhaust port 79A of the exhaust passage 79.

Next, the control unit C1 proceeds to step S135 and resets the predetermined air volume W1 in response to an increase in the difference between the temperature of the cleaning water and the predetermined start temperature T1.

Next, the control unit C1 proceeds to step S136 and determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the cleaning water heated by the heater 63 reached the upper limit temperature. In this embodiment, as an example, the upper limit temperature of the cleaning water in the heating and rinsing process is 70°C, and the predetermined time after the upper limit temperature is reached is 2 minutes.

If the answer is "No" in step S136, steps S134 to S136 are repeated. At this time, when the controller C1 resets the predetermined air volume W1 in step S135, the controller C1 operates the blower fan 68 at the reset predetermined air volume W1 in the next step S134. In other words, in the heated rinsing process, as in the washing process, the controller C1 increases the air volume W1 in the condensation suppression operation the higher the temperature of the washing water detected by the temperature sensor 31.

On the other hand, if step S136 is "Yes", the heating and rinsing process is completed and the process proceeds to step S137. Thus, in the heating and rinsing process, the control unit C1 executes the condensation suppression operation when the temperature in the cleaning tub 7 reaches the predetermined start temperature T1, and continues the condensation suppression operation until the heating and rinsing process is completed, forcibly discharging the steam in the cleaning tub 7 outside the machine, thereby suppressing condensation on the top plate CT1 and other areas around the dishwasher 1.

When the process proceeds to step S137, the control unit C1 reverses the rotation of the pump 62 to drain the cleaning water used for the heated rinse outside the dishwasher 1.

Next, the control unit C1 proceeds to step S141 and starts the drying process. Then, the control unit C1 proceeds to step S142 and operates the blower fan 68 at 100% airflow. In the drying process, the heater 63 is operated to dry the tableware TW1 after the rinsing process with hot air heated to a predetermined temperature range. At this time, the temperature sensor 31 detects the temperature of the hot air in the washing tub 7.

Next, the control unit C1 proceeds to step S143 and determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed. In this embodiment, as an example, the temperature range of the hot air in the drying process is 50°C to 60°C, and the predetermined time is 60 minutes.

If step S143 is "No", step S143 is repeated. On the other hand, if step S143 is "Yes", the drying process is completed and the process proceeds to step S144.

When the process proceeds to step S144, the control unit C1 executes the process of ending the cleaning operation. Specifically, the heater 63 is stopped, and the blower fan 68 supplies outside air into the cleaning tank 7 until the temperature of the air in the cleaning tank 7 drops to a predetermined ending temperature, and then the blower fan 68 is stopped. Then, the user is notified of the end of the cleaning operation, and the program is terminated.

<Action and effect>
In the dishwasher 1 of the first embodiment, when the power of the dishwasher 1 is turned on, the control unit C1 executes steps S101 to S144 of the washing operation program shown in Figures 3 to 5. Then, when the user places the dishes TW1 to be washed in the dish basket 70 and completes various setting inputs to the operation unit 40, and then returns the washing tub 7 to the storage position to start the washing operation, the washing operation including the washing step, the non-heating rinsing step, the heating rinsing step, and the drying step is executed.

Here, the control unit C1 executes steps S101 to S104 shown in FIG. 3, and the lower the room temperature detected by the temperature sensor 31, the lower the predetermined start temperature T1. For this reason, the control unit C1 lowers the start temperature T1, for example, in winter when the room temperature is low, compared to summer when the room temperature is high. Also, the control unit C1 lowers the start temperature T1, for example, in an open installation environment where the room temperature changes due to various external factors, the lower the room temperature at each time. As a result, the control unit C1 executes the condensation suppression operation of step S115 shown in FIG. 4 and the condensation suppression operation of step S134 shown in FIG. 5 at an appropriate timing according to the room temperature, and can forcibly exhaust the steam in the cleaning tank 7 outside the machine.

Therefore, the dishwasher 1 of Example 1 can stably suppress condensation around the dishwasher 1 regardless of the season or installation environment.

In addition, in this dishwasher 1, the control unit C1 executes steps S114 and S116 shown in FIG. 4, so that the higher the temperature of the washing water detected by the temperature sensor 31 in the washing process, the higher the air volume W1 in the condensation suppression operation in step S115 shown in FIG. 4. In addition, the control unit C1 executes steps S133 and S135 shown in FIG. 5, so that the higher the temperature of the washing water detected by the temperature sensor 31 in the heating and rinsing process, the higher the air volume W1 in the condensation suppression operation in step S134 shown in FIG. 5. Therefore, in this dishwasher 1, the higher the temperature of the washing water in the washing tub 7 becomes, and the more likely the environment is for steam, which causes condensation, to be generated in the washing tub 7, the more the air volume W1 by the blower fan 68 increases. As a result, in this dishwasher 1, while the control unit C1 is executing the condensation suppression operation, the steam in the washing tub 7 can be discharged outside the machine with high reliability, so that condensation around the dishwasher 1 can be further suppressed.

Furthermore, in this dishwasher 1, before starting the washing process in step S112 in FIG. 4, the control unit C1 executes a pre-start detection operation in steps S101 and S102 in FIG. 3 to detect the temperature of the air in the washing tub 7 using the temperature sensor 31, and estimates the air temperature acquired by the pre-start detection operation to be room temperature. The temperature sensor 31 used when executing the pre-start detection operation is the room temperature detection means. With this configuration, the existing temperature sensor 31 also serves as the room temperature detection means, making it possible to achieve lower manufacturing costs compared to the case of providing a new room temperature detection means.

Example 2
The dishwasher of Example 2 includes a room temperature sensor 32 shown by a two-dot chain line in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 in addition to the configuration of the dishwasher 1 of Example 1. The room temperature sensor 32 is disposed between the handle 7G at the front of the washing tub 7 and the exhaust port 79A. The room temperature sensor 32 detects the room temperature. The room temperature sensor 32 is an example of the "room temperature detection means" of the present invention. Accordingly, the temperature sensor 31 of Example 1 is modified in Example 2 so that it does not also function as the room temperature detection means.

The dishwasher of Example 2 is modified so that steps S201 to S203 shown in FIG. 8 are executed instead of steps S101 to S105 shown in FIG. 3 of the washing program executed by the dishwasher 1 of Example 1. The other configurations of Example 2 are the same as those of Example 1.

In Example 2, when the dishwasher is turned on, the control unit C1 determines in step S201 shown in FIG. 8 whether the operation unit 40 has received a start operation and the washing tub 7 has been returned to the storage position.

After the user places the dishes TW1 to be washed in the dish basket 70 and inputs various settings to the operation unit 40, the washing tank 7 is returned to the storage position to start the washing operation, and step S201 becomes "Yes" and the process moves to step S202.

On the other hand, if the user is continuing to place dishes TW1 to be washed in the dish basket 70 and input various settings to the operation unit 40, and the washing tank 7 has not been returned to the storage position, the result in step S201 becomes "No" and step S201 is repeated.

When the process moves from step S201 to step S202, the control unit C1 acquires the room temperature detected by the room temperature sensor 32.

Next, the control unit C1 proceeds to step S203, and sets a predetermined start temperature T1 according to the room temperature detected by the room temperature sensor 32, referring to the information stored in the memory unit C12 shown in FIG. 6.

For example, if the room temperature detected by the room temperature sensor 32 is 15°C, the predetermined start temperature T1 is set to 38°C, and if the room temperature is 35°C, the start temperature T1 is set to 45°C. In other words, the lower the room temperature detected by the room temperature sensor 32, the lower the start temperature T1 is set by the control unit C1.

Then, the control unit C1 stores the set predetermined start temperature T1 in the memory unit C12, and then proceeds to step S111 shown in FIG. 4. The process from step S111 onwards is the same as in Example 1, so the description will be omitted.

The dishwasher of Example 2, which has this configuration, can stably suppress condensation around the dishwasher 1 regardless of the season or installation environment, just like the dishwasher 1 of Example 1.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to Examples 1 and 2, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above Examples 1 and 2, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

The timing at which the temperature sensor 31 in Example 1 detects the room temperature may be any time before the cleaning process is started, when no cleaning water is stored in the water storage section 71 of the cleaning tank 7, and when the heater 63 is stopped, for example, before the cleaning tank 7 is returned to the storage position.

The timing for the room temperature sensor 32 in Example 2 to detect the room temperature may be any time before the condensation suppression operation is performed, for example, when water is supplied before starting the cleaning process or the heated rinsing process.

The room temperature sensor 32 in Example 2 is provided in front of the cleaning tank 7, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the room temperature detection means may be installed anywhere as long as it is capable of detecting the room temperature, and may be installed away from the cleaning tank and the housing.

Although the exhaust port 79A in Examples 1 and 2 opens below the handle 7G, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the exhaust port that exhausts the air in the cleaning tank to the outside of the machine may open to the side of the cleaning tank, or to the side of the handle 7G. Also, although a swinging shutter or the like is not provided in the exhaust passage 79 in Examples 1 and 2, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the exhaust passage that exhausts the air in the cleaning tank to the outside of the machine may be provided with an opening and closing mechanism such as a swinging shutter.

In Examples 1 and 2, in step S114 of the wash operation program, the predetermined air volume W1 is set according to the difference between the temperature of the wash water and the predetermined start temperature T1, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, in step S114, the predetermined air volume W1 can be set according to the difference between the temperature of the wash water and room temperature, or the predetermined air volume W1 can be set according to only the temperature of the wash water and not the difference. The same applies to steps S116, S133, and S135.

The present invention can be used, for example, in dishwashers, dishwasher-dryers, kitchen equipment, etc.

1... Dishwasher TW1... Items to be washed (dishes)
7... cleaning tank 61, 62... cleaning device (61... nozzle, 62... pump)
68...Ventilation means (blower fan)
31...Temperature detection means (temperature sensor)
C1: control unit T1: predetermined start temperature W1: predetermined air volume 31, 32: room temperature detection means (31: temperature sensor when performing pre-start detection operation, 32: room temperature sensor)

Claims (2)

A cleaning tank in which an object to be cleaned is accommodated;
a cleaning device capable of supplying cleaning water into the cleaning tank;
A blower means for discharging air from the cleaning tank to the outside of the machine;
a temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the cleaning water in the cleaning tank;
A control unit that controls the cleaning device and the air blowing means,
The control unit executes a washing process of washing the object contained in the washing tank with the washing water, and a rinsing process of rinsing the object with the washing water after the washing process, and executes a condensation suppression operation of operating the air blowing means at a predetermined air volume when the temperature of the washing water detected by the temperature detection means reaches a predetermined start temperature,
Further comprising a room temperature detection means for detecting a room temperature,
The control unit, before performing the condensation suppression operation, sets the start temperature lower as the room temperature detected by the room temperature detection unit is lower ,
The control unit, while performing the condensation prevention operation, repeats a process of resetting the air volume to increase in accordance with an increase in the difference between the temperature of the cleaning water detected by the temperature detection means and the starting temperature. The control unit executes a pre-start detection operation to detect the temperature of the air in the cleaning tank using the temperature detection means before starting the cleaning process, and estimates the air temperature obtained by the pre-start detection operation as the room temperature;
2. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein said temperature detection means when said pre-start detection operation is performed is said room temperature detection means.

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