JPH0759713A - Dish-washer - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To accurately detect abnormal water supply into a washing chamber due to the defect of a water supply valve without decrease of the detecting accuracy, in a dish-washer for washing tableware by ejecting washing water to the tableware contained in the washing chamber. CONSTITUTION:Tapwater is supplied into a washing chamber 1 containing tableware 2 through a water supply valve 6 and the specified water level of the washing water in the washing chamber 1 is detected by a water level sensor 7. When a specified water level is detected continuously for a specified time interval by the water level sensor 7, it is regarded as an abnormal water supply into the washing chamber 1 due to the defect of water supply valve 6 by a controller 15 controlling a sequential movement in washing, rinsing, and drying processes or the tableware 2 and the abnormal water supply is alarmed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a dishwasher for washing dishes by spraying washing water on the dishes stored in a washing tank.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, dishwashers having programs such as washing, rinsing and drying have become mainstream.

Conventionally, this kind of dishwasher has been constructed as shown in FIG. The configuration will be described below.

As shown in the figure, a cleaning tank 1 stores dishes 2 inside and stores cleaning water at the bottom. Cleaning nozzle 3
Is rotatably supported in the washing tank 1 and spouts washing water toward the tableware 2. The washing pump 4 sends the washing water to the washing nozzle 3, and the washing pump 4 uses a motor 5
Driven by. A water supply valve (water supply means) 6 supplies tap water into the cleaning tank 1, and a water level sensor (water level detection means) 7
Detects a predetermined water level in the cleaning tank 1. The heater 8 is arranged at the bottom of the cleaning tank 1 to heat the cleaning water.

The thermistor 9 is attached to the bottom of the cleaning tank 1 so as to be in close contact with the outside, and detects the temperature of the cleaning water. The blower fan 10 sends out the steam in the cleaning tank 1, and is discharged from the machine through the exhaust port 11. Tableware basket 12
Is stored in the washing tank 1 and the tableware 2 is arranged. The abnormal water level detection sensor 13 detects a water level exceeding a predetermined water level by the water level sensor 7 when the water supply valve 6 malfunctions and abnormal water is supplied into the cleaning tank 1. The control means 14 controls a series of sequential operations of the washing, rinsing and drying steps of the tableware 2.

To explain the operation of the above configuration, when the user places the dishes 2 in the dish basket 12 and stores them in the washing tub 1 and puts the detergent into it and starts the operation, first, the water level at the bottom of the washing tub 1 is set. A predetermined amount of tap water is supplied by the water supply valve 6 until the sensor 7 detects a predetermined water level. Then, the motor 5 and the heater 8 are energized, and the washing water is jetted from the washing nozzle 3 toward the dishes 2 by the washing pump 4 while being heated. At this time, the temperature of the wash water is detected by the thermistor 9, and the control means 14 always grasps the temperature of the wash water. When the temperature of the cleaning water reaches a predetermined temperature and a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of cleaning, the control means 14 ends the cleaning process and once drains the cleaning water.

Next, tap water is newly supplied and the same operation as the above-mentioned washing process is performed for several minutes to drain the water. After this rinsing step is repeated several times, the same operation as a washing step called a heat rinsing step is performed, and when the predetermined temperature is reached, the operation is finished and drained. Finally, the blower fan 10 is operated to discharge the steam in the cleaning tank 1 to the outside of the machine, and at the same time, the heater 7 is intermittently energized to heat the tableware 2 and dry the attached water droplets.

[0008]

In such a conventional dishwasher, the abnormal water level detection sensor 13 detects abnormal water supply into the cleaning tank 1 due to a failure of the water supply valve 6.
Although the frequency of occurrence of this abnormality is extremely low, there is no other means for detecting the abnormal water supply to the cleaning tank 1 due to a failure of the water supply valve 6, and therefore the abnormal water level detection sensor 13 must be provided. Had a problem.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems. Even if the abnormal water level detection sensor is abolished, the accuracy of detecting the abnormal water supply into the cleaning tank due to the failure of the water supply valve is not reduced.
The first purpose is to detect this abnormality.

A second object of the present invention is to stably detect abnormal water supply to the cleaning tank due to a failure of the water supply valve in response to fluctuations in water level during the cleaning stroke and the rinse stroke.

A third object of the present invention is to stably detect abnormal water supply to the cleaning tank due to a failure of the water supply valve in response to a sudden change in the water level at the start of the cleaning process or at the start of the rinsing process. There is.

Furthermore, even if the water level sensor detects a predetermined water level from the beginning due to factors such as turning off the power in the condition that there is cleaning water in the cleaning tank or a momentary power failure,
A fourth object is to accurately detect abnormal water supply into the cleaning tank due to a failure of the water supply valve.

[0013]

In order to achieve the first object of the present invention, a cleaning tank for storing dishes, a water supply means for supplying tap water into the cleaning tank, and a cleaning tank Water level detection means for detecting a predetermined water level of the wash water, and a control means for controlling a series of sequential operations of washing, rinsing and drying steps of the tableware, the control means, the water level detection means for a predetermined time When the predetermined water level is continuously detected, it is determined that abnormal water supply into the cleaning tank due to a failure of the water supply means is made, and the notification is made as a first problem solving means.

Further, in order to achieve the second object, when the water level detecting means detects a predetermined water level more than a predetermined number of times set in advance in the cleaning process and the rinsing process, the control means is caused by a failure of the water supply means. A second problem-solving means is that the abnormal water supply to the cleaning tank is determined and the notification is given.

Further, in order to achieve the third object, when the water level detecting means detects the predetermined water level continuously for a predetermined time after the elapse of a predetermined time from the start of the cleaning process and the start of the rinsing process, A third problem solving means is to judge that abnormal water supply into the cleaning tank due to a failure of the water supply means and to notify the abnormal water supply.

Further, in order to achieve the fourth object, when the water level detecting means detects the predetermined water level from the beginning, the control means drains the water to a water level at which the water level detecting means does not detect the predetermined water level, and then the water level. As a fourth problem solving means, when the detection means continuously detects the predetermined water level for a predetermined time, it is determined that the water supply in the cleaning tank is abnormal due to a failure of the water supply means, and this is notified. There is.

[0017]

According to the first means for solving the above problems, the present invention provides:
When the water level is detected in the washing process or the rinsing process, that is, when the washing water is being sprayed from the washing nozzle by the washing pump, if the water level detecting means detects the predetermined water level continuously for a predetermined time, it can be determined that the water supply is abnormal Even if the sensor is eliminated, the abnormality of the water supply means can be detected very easily and accurately without lowering the accuracy of detecting the abnormal water supply into the cleaning tank due to the failure of the water supply means.

Further, according to the second means for solving the problem, when the water level detecting means detects the predetermined water level more than the predetermined number of times even with respect to the fluctuation of the water level in the washing process and the rinsing process, it is determined that the water supply is abnormal. It is possible to make a judgment, and it is possible to accurately detect an abnormality in the water supply means.

Further, by the third means for solving the problems, the water level is detected after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the cleaning process and the start of the rinsing process, even with respect to the rapid fluctuation of the water level at the start of the cleaning process and the start of the rinsing process. When the means detects the predetermined water level continuously for the predetermined time, it can be determined that the water supply is abnormal, and the abnormality of the water supply means can be accurately detected.

Furthermore, according to the fourth problem solving means, when the power level is detected from the beginning due to factors such as turning off the power while the cleaning water is in the cleaning tank or a momentary power failure. Even if the water level detection means detects a predetermined water level after draining until the water level does not detect the predetermined water level, the water level detection means can detect that the water level is abnormal for a certain period of time. Can be detected.

[0021]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. The same components as those of the above-mentioned conventional example are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in the figure, a water level sensor (water level detection means) 7 detects a predetermined water level in the washing tank 1, and a control means 15 performs a series of washing, rinsing and drying steps of the tableware 2. After controlling the sequential operation and supplying water until the water level sensor 7 detects a predetermined water level in a normal water supply stroke, a washing step or a rinsing step is performed, and the water level sensor 7 continuously keeps the predetermined water level for a predetermined time (for example, 20 seconds). If it is detected, it is determined that the water supply is abnormal due to a failure of the water supply valve (water supply means) 6, and this is notified.

The operation of the above structure will be described with reference to FIG. The series of sequential operations of the cleaning, rinsing, and drying process of the tableware 2 by the control means 15 are the same as in the conventional example, and therefore the description thereof is omitted, and the water level sensor 7 causes the trouble of the water supply valve 6 into the cleaning tank 1. The detection of abnormal water supply will be described.

When the tableware 2 is installed in the tableware basket 12 and the start switch (not shown) is turned on to start the operation,
The control means 15 performs a cleaning process or a rinsing process after supplying water until the water level sensor 7 detects a predetermined water level in the water supply process. At this time, the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 1 is supplied to the cleaning nozzle 3 by the cleaning pump 4. Since it is sent in and sprayed on the tableware 2, the water level of the washing water drops significantly, and as a result,
The water level sensor 7 does not detect the predetermined water level after about 3 seconds have elapsed from the start of the cleaning process.

On the other hand, the control means 15 monitors abnormal water supply to the cleaning tank 1 due to a failure of the water supply valve 6 from the start of operation,
In step 16 of FIG. 2, it is monitored whether the predetermined water level is continuously detected for 20 seconds. That is, it is impossible for the water level sensor 7 to continuously detect the predetermined water level for 3 seconds or more in normal use. However, if abnormal water supply to the cleaning tank 1 is performed due to a failure of the water supply valve 6, it is determined in step 16 that the
The predetermined water level is continuously detected for a second, and the abnormality of the water supply valve 6 is detected in step 17 to notify the abnormality.

As a result, it can be treated in the same manner as the case of detecting an abnormal water supply into the cleaning tank 1 due to a failure of the water supply valve 6 which has been carried out using a conventional abnormal water level detection sensor.
Even if the abnormal water level detection sensor is eliminated, this abnormality can be accurately detected.

In the above embodiment, the time during which the water level sensor 7 continuously detects the predetermined water level is specifically shown, but this is particularly for detecting abnormal water supply to the cleaning tank 1 due to a failure of the water supply valve 6. It does not limit the means.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. When the water level sensor 7 detects a predetermined water level beyond a predetermined number of times (for example, four times) set in advance in the cleaning process and the rinsing process, the control means 15 in FIG. 1 moves into the cleaning tank 1 due to a failure of the water supply valve 6. It is judged that there is an abnormal water supply, and this is notified. The other structure is the same as that of the first embodiment.

The operation of the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG. When abnormal water supply to the cleaning tank 1 due to a failure of the water supply valve 6 is started to be monitored, various variables are initialized in step 18 of FIG. 3, and it is determined in step 19 that the cleaning process is in progress. When the predetermined water level is not continuously detected for 10 seconds or more, the process returns to step 18, and when the predetermined water level is continuously detected for 10 seconds or more, the process proceeds to step 21 and the step 21 is continuously performed for 3 seconds or more. If the predetermined water level is not detected, the process returns to step 19, and if the predetermined water level is continuously detected for 3 seconds or more in step 21, the process proceeds to step 22, and the number of times of detection is added in step 22, When the number of times of detection reaches a predetermined number (for example, 4 times) or more in 23, the abnormality of the water supply valve 6 is detected and the abnormality is notified in step 24.

As a result, it can be treated in the same manner as in the case of detecting an abnormal water supply into the cleaning tank 1 due to a failure of the water supply valve 6 which has been performed using a conventional abnormal water level detection sensor.
This abnormality can be accurately detected with respect to the fluctuation of the water level during the cleaning process and the rinsing process.

In the above embodiment, the time and the number of times the water level sensor 7 continuously detects the predetermined water level are shown concretely, but this is especially the abnormal water supply to the cleaning tank 1 due to the failure of the water supply valve 6. The means for detecting is not limited.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The control means 15 in FIG. 1 has a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) from the start of the cleaning process or the start of the rinsing process.
When the water level sensor 7 continuously detects the predetermined water level after a lapse of a predetermined time (for example, 20 seconds), the water supply valve 6
It is determined that the water is abnormally supplied to the cleaning tank 1 due to the failure of (1), and this is notified. The other structure is the same as that of the first embodiment.

The operation of the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG. When it is detected in step 25 in FIG. 4 that 5 seconds have elapsed from the start of the cleaning process, abnormal water supply into the cleaning tank 1 due to a failure of the water supply valve 6 is monitored in step 26, and the predetermined water level is continuously maintained for 20 seconds. Is detected,
In step 27, the abnormality of the water supply valve 6 is detected and the abnormality is notified.

Thus, the abnormal water supply to the cleaning tank 1 due to the failure of the water supply valve 6 which is performed by using the conventional abnormal water level detection sensor can be treated in the same manner, and the cleaning process can be started easily. This abnormality can be accurately detected even when the water level suddenly changes at the start of the passing stroke.

In the above embodiment, the time during which the water level sensor 7 continuously detects the predetermined water level is specifically shown. However, this is particularly when abnormal water supply to the cleaning tank 1 due to a failure of the water supply valve 6 is detected. The means for doing so is not limited.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. When the water level sensor 7 detects the predetermined water level from the beginning, the control means 15 in FIG. 1 drains the water to a water level at which the water level sensor 7 does not detect the predetermined water level, and then the water level sensor 7 continuously detects the predetermined water level for a predetermined time. In this case, it is determined that the abnormal water supply to the cleaning tank 1 due to the failure of the water supply valve 6 is given, and this is notified. The other structure is the same as that of the first embodiment.

The operation of the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG. When the abnormal water supply to the cleaning tank 1 due to the failure of the water supply valve 6 is started, if the water level sensor 7 does not detect the predetermined water level in step 28 of FIG. 5, that is, if there is no cleaning water in the cleaning tank 1, Step 32 and Step 33
In the same manner as in the first embodiment, the failure of the water supply valve 6 is detected and notified. If the water level sensor 7 detects the predetermined water level in step 28, that is, if the cleaning water is already present in the cleaning tank 1, drainage is started in step 29, and the water level sensor 7 in steps 30 and 31. After draining until the predetermined water level is no longer detected, the abnormal water supply into the cleaning tank 1 due to the failure of the water supply valve 6 is monitored again in step 32, and when the predetermined water level is continuously detected for 20 seconds, in step 33. The abnormality of the water supply valve 6 is detected and the abnormality is notified.

This makes it possible to treat the cleaning tank 1 in the same manner as when detecting abnormal water supply to the cleaning tank 1 due to a failure of the water supply valve 6 which has been performed using a conventional abnormal water level detection sensor. This abnormality can be accurately detected even when the water level sensor 7 has detected the predetermined water level from the beginning due to factors such as turning off the power in the presence of water or momentary power failure.

In the above embodiment, the time during which the water level sensor 7 continuously detects the predetermined water level is specifically shown. This is particularly for detecting abnormal water supply to the cleaning tank 1 due to a failure of the water supply valve 6. The means for doing so is not limited.

[0040]

As is apparent from the above embodiments, according to the present invention, a cleaning tank for storing dishes, a water supply means for supplying tap water into the cleaning tank, and a cleaning water in the cleaning tank. Water level detection means for detecting a predetermined water level of, and washing of the tableware,
Rinse, comprising a control means for controlling a series of sequential operations of the drying process, the control means, when the water level detection means continuously detects a predetermined water level for a predetermined time, into the cleaning tank due to a failure of the water supply means. It is determined that the water supply is abnormal, and the notification is given.Therefore, when the cleaning water is being jetted from the cleaning nozzle by the cleaning pump in the operating state during the cleaning process or the rinsing process, the water level detection means keeps the predetermined time. When a predetermined water level is detected continuously, it can be judged as an abnormal water supply, and even if the abnormal water level detection sensor is abolished, this abnormality can be detected without lowering the accuracy of detecting an abnormal water supply into the cleaning tank due to a failure of the water supply means. Can be detected extremely easily and accurately.

Further, when the water level detecting means detects the predetermined water level more than the predetermined number of times in the cleaning stroke and the rinsing stroke, the control means judges that the water supply means has an abnormal water supply to the cleaning tank. Since this is notified, even if the water level changes in the cleaning process and the rinsing process, if the water level detection means detects the predetermined water level beyond the predetermined number of times set in advance, it can be determined that the water supply is abnormal. Abnormality can be detected very easily and accurately.

Further, when the water level detecting means continuously detects the predetermined water level for a predetermined time after the elapse of a predetermined time from the start of the cleaning stroke and the start of the rinsing stroke, the control means controls the inside of the cleaning tank due to the failure of the water supply means. Since it is determined that the water supply is abnormal and the notification is given, even if the water level changes suddenly at the start of the cleaning process or at the start of the rinsing process, a predetermined time is required from the start of the cleaning process and the start of the rinsing process. When the water level detecting means detects the predetermined water level continuously for a predetermined time after the elapse, it can be determined that the water supply is abnormal, and this abnormality can be detected extremely easily and accurately.

Further, when the water level detecting means detects the predetermined water level from the beginning, the control means drains the water to a water level at which the water level detecting means does not detect the predetermined water level, and then the water level detecting means continuously operates for the predetermined water level for a predetermined time. In case of detecting water, it is judged that there is abnormal water supply to the cleaning tank due to a failure of the water supply means, and the notification is given. Even if the water level detecting means has detected the predetermined water level from the beginning due to a power outage or the like, after draining until the water level detecting means detects a water level that does not detect the predetermined water level, the water level detecting means continues for a predetermined time. When the predetermined water level is detected, it can be determined that the water supply is abnormal, and this abnormality can be detected extremely easily and accurately.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a dishwasher according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a process of detecting a failure of water supply means of the dishwasher.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a process of detecting a failure of the water supply means of the dishwasher according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a process of detecting a failure of the water supply means of the dishwasher according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a process of detecting a failure of the water supply means of the dishwasher according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 6] System configuration diagram of a conventional dishwasher

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Cleaning Tank 2 Tableware 6 Water Supply Valve (Water Supply Means) 7 Water Level Sensor (Water Level Detection Means) 15 Control Means

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Takayuki Ishihara 1006 Kadoma, Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A washing tank for storing dishes, a water supply means for supplying tap water to the washing tank, a water level detecting means for detecting a predetermined water level of the washing water in the washing tank, and And a control means for controlling a series of sequential operations of cleaning, rinsing, and drying processes, wherein the control means is a cleaning tank due to a failure of the water supply means when the water level detection means continuously detects a predetermined water level for a predetermined time. A dishwasher that detects abnormal water supply to the inside and informs of this. 2. The control means, when the water level detecting means detects a predetermined water level more than a predetermined number of times in the cleaning stroke and the rinsing stroke, determines that the water supply means has an abnormal water supply to the cleaning tank. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the dishwasher is informed of this. 3. The control means, when the water level detecting means detects a predetermined water level continuously for a predetermined time after a lapse of a predetermined time from the start of the cleaning stroke and the start of the rinsing stroke, the control means supplies the water to the cleaning tank by a failure. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein it is determined that the water supply is abnormal and that the water supply is notified. 4. The control means, when the water level detection means detects the predetermined water level from the beginning, after draining the water level to a water level at which the water level detection means does not detect the predetermined water level, the water level detection means continuously operates for the predetermined water level for a predetermined time. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein when the water is detected, it is determined that the water is abnormally supplied into the cleaning tank due to a failure of the water supply means, and this is notified.