JPH0938602A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obviate the occurrence of the bumping phenomenon that the air in a washing chamber expands at a breath and to prevent the contamination of the washing machine, etc., by spouting of hot water by injecting the hot water in a special operating state into the washing chamber at the time of restarting the operation after the air in the washing chamber is exchanged with the cooled outdoor air. SOLUTION: The objects to be washed, for example, experimental appliances, are previously mounted at respective upper and lower stage racks UR, DR and, thereafter, these appliances are installed in the washing chamber 20 at the time of washing. A water feed valve 37 is first turned on to store the hot water in a water storage tank 27 and, thereafter, the hot water feed valve 37 is turned off at the point of the time the water attains the regulated water level as a prewashing batch stage. The temp. of the hot water is detected by a water temp. detecting thermistor 50. The bumping phenomenon that the air in the washing chamber 27 expands at a breath is judged not to arise when the detected temp. is judged to be below the specified tap. Further, the hot water is respectively supplied via first and second supplying pipes 59, 60 to upper and lower nozzles 26, 23 by continuously turning on a circulating pump 55, by which the experimental appliances are washed. At this time, the temp. of the hot water is kept constant by subjecting a heater 51 to on/off control.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a dishwasher for automatically washing dishes and a washer for automatically washing laboratory instruments such as test tubes, beakers and flasks. Regarding

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, a dishwasher for automatically washing dishes and a washer such as an instrument washer for automatically washing test instruments such as test tubes, beakers and flasks have been used. Has been. Of these, in the instrument washer, the laboratory instruments are usually placed on a dedicated rack, and the rack on which the laboratory instruments are placed is set in the washing chamber of the instrument washer for washing / rinsing.

That is, after the rack on which the laboratory equipment is mounted is set in the washing chamber, hot water having a relatively high temperature (for example, 50 ° C. to 80 ° C.) is stored at the bottom of the washing chamber. afterwards,
The stored warm water is taken out and jetted toward the laboratory equipment from the nozzle provided in the washing chamber. The hot and humid steam in the cleaning chamber can be exhausted from an exhaust duct attached to the upper part of the instrument cleaning machine.

By the way, at the start of operation, if hot water is sprayed immediately after storing high-temperature hot water, the cold air in the washing chamber is warmed at a stretch. Along with this, the air in the cleaning chamber expands at once and the pressure in the cleaning chamber rises rapidly. as a result,
There has been a phenomenon in which the high temperature hot water that has accumulated leaks out of the machine through the gap between the door and the main body formed at the location where the door is attached. This phenomenon is called "bumping phenomenon".

This bumping phenomenon also occurs, for example, when the operation is restarted after the door of the cleaning chamber is opened during the operation. That is, when the door of the washing room is opened during operation,
The air in the wash room replaces the cold outside air. On the other hand, the injection of hot water is temporarily stopped when the door is opened. Therefore, when the injection of hot water is started after the door is closed, the bumping phenomenon occurs.

When the bumping phenomenon occurs, hot water is ejected to the outside of the washing chamber, which may pollute the main body of the instrument washer or the floor. Therefore, a technique for preventing the bumping phenomenon is
For example, it is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 62-2828683. In the technique disclosed in this publication, when the temperature of the cleaning water supplied into the cleaning chamber is higher than a predetermined temperature at the time of starting operation, etc., a delay time corresponding to the temperature of the cleaning water from the nozzle is used. Injection of wash water is prohibited. That is, it is expected that the cold air in the cleaning chamber is warmed by the steam rising from the high-temperature cleaning water stored in the cleaning chamber during the delay time.

[0007]

However, since the steam from the warm water stored in the cleaning chamber rises very slowly, it is possible to reliably warm the cold air in the cleaning chamber during the above delay time. Not necessarily. Especially when using the washing machine in winter or when the washing machine is installed in a place where it is easily exposed to the outside air, the temperature of the air in the washing room is relatively low, so it is necessary to sufficiently warm the cold air. Have difficulty. Therefore, the technique disclosed in the above publication is insufficient to surely prevent the bumping phenomenon.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve the above technical problems and to provide a washing machine capable of reliably preventing the bumping phenomenon.

[0009]

A washing machine according to claim 1 for attaining the above object is a washing machine for accommodating and washing an object to be washed, the hot water being provided in the washing room. For storing hot water, an injection means for pumping out hot water stored in this hot water storage and injecting it toward the washing chamber, and a start instruction for outputting an operation start signal in response to the operation of the operator. Means and the operation start signal from the start instruction means, in order to prevent bumping of the hot water stored in the hot water storage portion, the injection means is operated in a special operating state for a predetermined time. And an injection control means for controlling

According to this structure, when the operation start is instructed, the injection of the hot water is controlled to a special operation state for preventing the bumping of the hot water, so that the steam rising from the hot water stored in the cleaning chamber is used. The cold air can be reliably warmed as compared with the case of warming the cold air in the washing chamber. Moreover, since hot water is injected in a special operating state for preventing bumping, it is not necessary to warm cold air all at once. Therefore, the bumping phenomenon can be reliably prevented.

A washing machine according to a second aspect of the present invention is the washing machine according to the first aspect, wherein temperature detecting means for detecting a temperature of hot water stored in the hot water storage portion and the temperature detecting means detect the temperature. And a temperature determination means for determining whether or not the temperature of the hot water is equal to or higher than a predetermined constant temperature, the injection control means is provided with the operation start signal, and the temperature determination means determines that the temperature of the hot water is It is characterized in that it operates in response to the determination that the temperature is equal to or higher than the certain temperature.

In this configuration, an operation start signal is given,
And if the temperature of the hot water to be sprayed is above a certain temperature,
Hot water is sprayed in a special operating state to prevent bumping.
Therefore, for example, if the above-mentioned constant temperature is set to the lower limit temperature at which the bumping phenomenon occurs, useless control can be avoided. A washing machine according to claim 3 is the washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an openable / closable door is attached to the washing chamber, and an opening / closing detection means for detecting opening / closing of the door is provided. Further, further, an opening / closing door is attached to the cleaning chamber, and the opening / closing detection means for detecting opening / closing of the door is further included, and the injection control means is provided with the operation start signal and opens / closes. It is characterized in that it operates in response to the detection means discriminating that the door has been opened.

In this structure, hot water is sprayed in a special operating state for preventing bumping, provided that the door attached to the cleaning chamber is opened. That is, for example, when the operation is instructed to start after being stopped once during operation, unless the door is opened, the air in the cleaning chamber is not replaced with the cold outside air. The washing machine according to claim 4 is the washing machine according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 3, wherein the special operating state is an operating state in which hot water stored in the hot water storage part is intermittently injected. Is characterized in that.

In this structure, hot water is jetted intermittently to prevent bumping. Therefore, the cold air in the washing chamber gradually warms up. Along with this, the air in the cleaning chamber gradually expands. As a result, the bumping phenomenon can be reliably prevented.
The washing machine according to claim 5 is the washing machine according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 3, wherein the special operating state is that the hot water stored in the hot water storage portion is jetted with a weaker force than usual. It is characterized in that it is in an operating state of injection.

With this structure, in order to prevent bumping, hot water is sprayed with a weaker spray force than usual. Therefore, the cold air in the cleaning chamber gradually warms as compared with the case where hot water is jetted with a strong jet force as usual. Therefore, the air in the cleaning chamber gradually expands, so that the bumping phenomenon can be reliably prevented.

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an external configuration of an instrument washer according to a first embodiment of the present invention. This instrument washer is for washing laboratory instruments such as test tubes, beakers and flasks, and the appearance shape is formed by the cabinet 1. A door 2 that can be opened and closed is attached to the upper front portion of the cabinet 1. Inside the door 2, a washing chamber for accommodating the laboratory equipment is arranged.

At the upper part of the door 2, there is provided a latch 3 for operating when opening the door 2. Latch 3
Functions as a stopper when closing the opened door 2. The latch 3 also functions as a door switch that detects opening / closing of the door 2. A display panel 4 is provided on the left side of the central portion of the door 2. Various display devices are arranged on the display panel 4, as described later.
An operation panel 5 is provided on the right side of the display panel 4. On the operation panel 5, start operation of this equipment washer /
Various operation keys are provided, including a start / stop key 5a for operating when stopping. Each time the start / stop key 5a is pressed, it is possible to instruct the start / stop of operation alternately. Further, a power switch SW is provided on the right side of the operation panel 5.

At the lower part of the door 2, there is provided a transparent glass window 6 through which the inside of the instrument washer can be observed from the outside. A service hatch 7 that can be opened and closed is attached to the lower front portion of the cabinet 1. The service hatch 7 is opened by a service person or the like when performing maintenance or repair of the instrument washer.

On the right side surface of the cabinet 1, an earth leakage breaker 8 and a power source 9 dedicated to the pure water pressurizing device are provided. The pure water pressurizing device-dedicated power supply 9 is a power supply necessary for operating the pure water pressurizing device including a pure water pump for pumping pure water from the pure water tank. FIG. 2 shows the display panel 4 described above.
FIG. On the display panel 4, the remaining time indicator 4
a and a temperature indicator 4b are arranged. The remaining time indicator 4a is composed of a 7-segment indicator and is for displaying the remaining time during operation. Temperature indicator 4b
Is composed of a 7-segment display for displaying the temperature of water used for cleaning.

The display panel 4 is also provided with a plurality of travel display lamps 4c composed of light emitting diode (LED) lamps. The stroke display lamp 4c is for indicating the stroke executed in the instrument washer by either lighting or extinguishing. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing the instrument cleaning machine with the door 2 removed and a part of the right side surface cut away, mainly for explaining the configuration of the cleaning chamber.

The instrument washer of the first embodiment can set the upper rack UR and the lower rack DR in the washing chamber 20. Each of the racks UR and DR is for mounting an experimental tool to be cleaned. As will be described later, each rack UR, DR is configured as a net-like container in order to spray washing water or the like from the outside toward the mounted experimental instrument. When the experimental equipment is placed on the upper rack UR or the lower rack DR, the experimental equipment is placed so that the portion to be washed faces downward. This is because, as will be described later, wash water or rinse water is jetted from the lower side of the upper rack UR or the lower rack DR toward the upper side.

An upper rack holding portion 21a for setting the upper rack UR in the cleaning chamber 20 is attached to the upper left inner wall of the cleaning chamber 20. Also, although not shown,
A similar upper rack holding portion is also attached to the right inner wall facing the upper rack holding portion 21a. A lower rack holding portion 22a for setting the lower rack DR in the cleaning chamber 20 is attached to the lower left inner wall of the cleaning chamber 20. Although not shown, this lower rack holding unit 2
A similar lower rack holding portion is attached to the right inner wall facing 2a.

When washing the laboratory equipment, the user places the laboratory equipment on the upper rack UR or the lower rack DR, and the upper rack UR or the lower rack DR is placed in the upper rack holding portion 21a or the lower rack holding portion 22a, respectively. Set to. At the bottom of the upper rack UR, the upper nozzle 23
Is rotatably mounted by a predetermined mounting member. The upper nozzle 23 is for mainly injecting cleaning water or the like to the laboratory equipment placed on the upper rack UR. On the upper surface of the upper nozzle 23, a plurality of upper injection ports 23a are arranged. In addition, the upper nozzle 23 has a water supply shaft 24 directed upward.
Is installed. When the upper rack UR is set in the cleaning chamber 20, the water supply shaft 24 comes into contact with the supply port 25 attached to the upper wall of the cleaning chamber 20. The supply port 25 is connected to a second supply pipe described later.

In this structure, when the cleaning water or the like is supplied from the second supply pipe to the supply port 25, if the upper rack UR is set in the upper rack holding portion 21a, the cleaning water or the like will pass through the water supply shaft 24. Is guided to the upper nozzle 23 and is jetted upward from the upper jet port 23a. As a result, cleaning water or the like can be sprayed onto the laboratory equipment placed on the upper rack UR.

The upper nozzle 23 is rotatably attached to the upper rack UR so as to rotate in the rotation direction A. In this configuration, when the cleaning water or the like is sprayed from the upper jet port 23a, the cleaning water or the like supplied to the upper nozzle 23 rotates in the rotation direction A by the water pressure.
More specifically, a rotation injection port (not shown) is formed on each of the front side surface of the left tip portion of the upper nozzle 23 and the side surface on the other side of the right tip portion of the upper nozzle 23. . When washing water or the like is supplied to the upper nozzle 23, this washing water or the like is jetted from the rotation jet port.
As a result, a rotational force along the rotational direction A is applied to the upper nozzle 23. As a result, the cleaning water and the like can be evenly sprayed onto the laboratory equipment placed on the upper rack UR.

The upper nozzle 23 also has a plurality of injection ports (not shown) arranged on the lower surface thereof. This jet is
This is mainly for cleaning the outside of the experimental equipment placed on the lower rack DR. A lower nozzle 26 is provided below the cleaning chamber 20. The lower nozzle 26 is for injecting washing water or the like onto the laboratory equipment placed on the lower rack DR. On the upper surface of the lower nozzle 26, a plurality of lower injection ports 26a are arranged. Cleaning water or the like to be sprayed from the lower nozzle 26 is supplied from a first supply pipe described later. According to this configuration, the lower nozzle 26 from the first supply pipe
When the cleaning water or the like is supplied to the nozzles, the cleaning water or the like is sprayed upward from the lower injection port 26a. At this time, if the lower rack DR is set in the lower rack holding portion 22a, the washing water or the like can be sprayed on the laboratory equipment placed on the lower rack DR.

The lower nozzle 26 is rotatably supported in the lower portion of the cleaning chamber 20 used as a water storage tank 28 described later so as to rotate in the rotation direction B. In this configuration, when washing water or the like is jetted from the lower jet port 26a, the washing water or the like supplied to the lower nozzle 26 rotates in the rotation direction B by the water pressure. More specifically, a rotation injection port (not shown) is formed on each of the front side surface of the left tip portion of the lower nozzle 26 and the side surface on the other side of the right tip portion of the lower nozzle 26. . When washing water or the like is supplied to the lower nozzle 26, this washing water or the like is jetted from the rotation jet port. As a result, a rotational force along the rotational direction B is applied to the lower nozzle 26. At this time, if the lower rack DR is set in the lower rack holding portion 22a, the washing water or the like can be sprayed evenly on the laboratory equipment mounted on the lower rack DR.

FIG. 4 is a view for mainly explaining the supply mechanism of the cleaning water and the like of the instrument cleaning machine. Note that FIG. 4 shows a case where both the upper rack UR and the lower rack DR are set in the cleaning chamber 20. A hot water supply port 30, a water supply port 31, and a pure water port 32 are formed on the inner wall of the cleaning chamber 20. A hot water supply pipe 33 to which a hot water supply pipe (not shown) can be connected is connected to the hot water supply port 30. A hot water supply valve 34 is interposed in the hot water supply pipe 33. In this configuration, when the hot water supply valve 34 is turned on, hot water is supplied to the cleaning chamber 20 via the hot water supply pipe 33 and the hot water supply port 30. This warm water can be used in the pre-wash batch process, batch rinse process and overflow rinse process described below.

A first detergent supply pipe 35 branches off from the hot water supply pipe 33. A first detergent input port 36 is connected to the tip of the first detergent supply pipe 35. The first detergent input port 36 is a space formed on the inner wall of the cleaning chamber 20 and used to store the detergent for cleaning the laboratory equipment. First
A first detergent valve 37 is provided in the detergent supply pipe 35.

In this structure, when the hot water supply valve 34 is turned off and the first detergent valve 37 is turned on, the hot water is supplied to the first hot water supply pipe 33 and the first detergent supply pipe 35.
It is supplied to the detergent inlet 36. As a result, the detergent and the warm water are mixed in the first detergent input port 36 to produce the wash water. The produced washing water is supplied to the washing chamber 20. This washing water can be used in the main washing step described later.

A water supply pipe 38 to which a water supply pipe (not shown) can be connected is connected to the water supply port 31. A water supply valve 39 is provided in the water supply pipe 38. In this configuration, when the water supply valve 39 is turned on, water is supplied to the water supply pipe 3
8 and the water supply port 31 to supply the cleaning chamber 20.
This water can be used in the pre-wash batch process and the like, like the warm water.

A second detergent supply pipe 40 is branched from the middle of the water supply pipe 38. A second detergent input port 41 is connected to a tip portion of the second detergent supply pipe 40. The second detergent input port 41 is similar to the first detergent input port 36 in the cleaning chamber 2
It is a space that is formed on the inner wall of No. 0 and is filled with detergent. A second detergent valve 42 is provided in the second detergent supply pipe 40.

In this structure, when the water supply valve 39 is turned off and the second detergent valve 42 is turned on, water is supplied to the second detergent input port 41 via the water supply supply pipe 38 and the second detergent supply pipe 40. To be done. As a result, similar to the above,
Cleaning water is produced at the second detergent input port 41. The produced washing water is supplied to the washing chamber 20. This washing water can be used in the main washing process, like the washing water.

A pure water supply pipe 43 connectable to a pure water pressurizing device (not shown) is connected to the pure water port 32. A pure water valve 44 is provided in the pure water supply pipe 43. In this configuration, when the pure water valve 44 is turned on, pure water is supplied to the cleaning chamber 20 via the pure water supply pipe 44. This pure water can be used in the pure water batch rinsing process described later.

The warm water, water or pure water (hereinafter collectively referred to as “rinsing water”) or cleaning water supplied to the cleaning chamber 20 is stored in a water storage tank 27 below the cleaning chamber 20. In the first embodiment, the water storage tank 27 can store approximately 9 liters of wash water or the like. A water temperature detection thermistor 50 is attached to the water storage tank 27. The water temperature detection thermistor 50 detects the temperature T of the wash water or the like stored in the water storage tank 27.

The water tank 27 also includes a loop type heater 5
1 is provided. The heater 51 is for allowing the appliance washer to be installed in a place where a hot water supply pipe is not provided. That is, in order to wash the laboratory equipment, warm water may be preferable, and when only water can be supplied to the washing chamber 20, the water needs to be heated.

The heating capacity of the heater 51 is 3 in this first embodiment, assuming that the electric power of the heater 51 is 3 (KW).
(KW) power will heat 9 liters of water, so about 5 (℃
/ Min). Therefore, for example, water at 10 ° C
It takes about 12 (min) to raise to 0 ℃. Therefore, if both hot water supply and water supply are possible,
By selecting hot water supply, it is possible to shorten the time until the start of cleaning.

A drain port 52 is formed at the bottom of the water storage tank 27. One end of an outflow pipe 54 is connected to the drain port 52 via a filter 53 for removing dirt. The other end of the outflow pipe 54 is branched and connected to the inlet side of the circulation pump 55 and the inlet side of the drainage pump 56. Also,
A water level detection device 58 is connected to the other end of the outflow pipe 54 via a float pipe 57. Water level detector 58
Is for detecting the water level of the wash water or the like stored in the water storage tank 27. Details will be described later.

A first supply pipe 59 and a second supply pipe 60 are connected to the discharge side of the circulation pump 55. The first supply pipe 59 is connected to the lower nozzle 26 supported by the water storage tank 27. The second supply pipe 60 is connected to the supply port 25 attached to the upper wall of the cleaning chamber 20. In this configuration, when the circulation pump 55 is turned on, the cleaning water and the like flowing out to the outflow pipe 54 are sucked into the circulation pump 55, and the first supply pipe 59 and the second supply pipe 60 from the discharge side of the circulation pump 55. Is discharged. As a result, the cleaning water and the like are jetted from the lower jet port 26a (see FIG. 3) of the lower nozzle 26 and the upper jet port 23a of the upper nozzle 23.
And jetted from the jet port formed on the lower surface.

A drain pipe 61 extending outside the machine is connected to the discharge side of the discharge pump 56. A check valve 62 is provided in the drain pipe 61. The check valve 62 is for preventing overflow water discharged from a second overflow pipe, which will be described later, from flowing back to the drain pipe 61. In this configuration, when the drainage pump 56 is turned on, the wash water and the like that have flowed out to the outflow pipe 54 will not be discharged.
Is sucked into and discharged to the outside of the machine through the drainage pipe 61.

The first overflow pipe 63 is provided outside the cleaning chamber 20. First overflow pipe 63
In the overflow rinsing stroke described later, is for draining the wash water or the like, which is equal to or higher than a predetermined overflow drainage water level, out of the wash chamber 20, among the wash water and the like stored in the water storage tank 27. More specifically, one end of the first overflow pipe 63 extends from the bottom of the water tank 27 to the water tank 2
The intake port 64 is formed so as to enter the inside. Inlet 64
An overflow cap 67 is put around the periphery of the. The overflow drainage water level corresponds to the height from the bottom of the water storage tank 27 to the lower end of the overflow cap 67. The other end of the first overflow pipe 63 is connected to the inlet side of the overflow pump 65. One end of the second overflow pipe 66 is connected to the discharge side of the overflow pump 65. The other end of the second overflow pipe 66 is connected to the drain pipe 61 via a check valve 62.

In this structure, when the overflow pump 65 is turned on, cleaning water or the like in the water storage tank 27 above the overflow drainage water level is sucked into the overflow pump 65 via the first overflow pipe 63 and the second overflow pipe 66. And it is drained out of the machine through the drainage pipe 61. An exhaust duct 67 is further provided at the upper part of the cleaning chamber 20.
Is installed. The exhaust duct 67 is for exhausting the hot and humid steam inside the cleaning chamber 20 to the outside of the cleaning chamber 20. A hose 68 for a siphon breaker extends from the exhaust duct 67 to a check valve 62 which is provided in the drain pipe 61. In order to prevent the so-called siphon phenomenon, the siphon breaker hose 68
It is for sending air into the drainage pipe 66.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing the structure of the exhaust duct 67. The exhaust duct 67 is filled with steam in the cleaning chamber 20.
An intake port 67a for taking in the inside and an exhaust port 67b for exhausting the taken-in steam are provided. From the intake port 67a, not only the steam but also the cleaning water and the like scattered by the rotation of the upper nozzle 23 are taken in. for that reason,
In order to prevent the washing water and the like from being discharged to the outside of the washing chamber 20, the exhaust duct 67 is provided with a water splash prevention wall 67c. The exhaust duct 67 is also provided with a hose attachment portion 67d for attaching the siphon breaker hose 68 to the exhaust duct 67.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing the structure of the water level detecting device 58. The water level detection device 58 is for detecting the water level of the wash water or the like stored in the water storage tank 27 by using the principle of Pascal, and is a cylindrical float formed integrally with the float pipe 57. Box 58a
It has. The washing water or the like introduced from the outflow pipe 52 to the float pipe 57 is collected in the float box 58a. A lid 58b is covered on the upper portion of the float box 58a. A float hole having a predetermined diameter is formed in the center of the lid 58b. Further, a shaft insertion hole 58c is provided in the center of the float box 58a. Shaft insertion hole 58c
Protrudes from the lower end of the float box 58a through the vicinity of the center of the float hole and above the float box 58a.

A float shaft 58d is interposed in the shaft insertion hole 58c. Float knobs 58e and 58f are attached to the upper and lower ends of the float shaft 58d so that the float shaft 58d does not come out of the shaft insertion hole 58c. A float 58g is attached to the float shaft 58d and the float knob 58e. The float 58g is provided inside the float box 58a and has a shape surrounding the periphery of the shaft insertion hole 58c.

The float 58g is so heavy that it floats on water. Therefore, the float 58g moves up and down together with the float shaft 58d depending on the water level of the wash water or the like accumulated in the float box 58a. Float shaft 58d
Above and below the overflow water level switch 5
8h and a prescribed water level switch 58i are arranged. The overflow water level switch 58h is for detecting that the water level of the wash water or the like stored in the water storage tank 27 has reached the overflow start water level. The overflow start water level is the water level of wash water or the like that needs to be stored in the water storage tank 27 in advance when the overflow rinsing stroke described below is executed. The overflow water level switch 58h is turned off when the contact 58j is in the state shown by the solid line in the figure, and is turned on when it is in the state shown by the chain double-dashed line in the figure. Therefore, it can be detected that the water level of the wash water or the like stored in the water storage tank 27 has reached the overflow start water level.

The prescribed water level switch 58i is for detecting that the water level of the wash water or the like stored in the water storage tank 27 has reached the prescribed water level. The prescribed water level is the water level of the wash water or the like that needs to be stored in the water tank 27 in advance when the prewashing step described later is executed. The specified water level switch 58i is turned off when the contact 58k is in the state shown by the solid line in the figure, and is turned on when it is in the state shown by the chain double-dashed line in the figure.
Therefore, it can be detected that the water level of the wash water or the like stored in the water storage tank 27 has reached the specified water level.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electric control circuit of this equipment washer. The control circuit is provided with a microcomputer 200 as a control center. Signals from various switches and sensors are given to the microcomputer 200. Microcomputer 2
At 00, control signals are output to various elements and devices based on the applied signals.

Specifically, in response to the pressing of various keys provided on the operation panel 5, the corresponding key switch 201.
Various setting values are given to the microcomputer 200 from. Further, the outputs of the water temperature detecting thermistor 50, the door switch (latch) 3, the regulated water level switch 58i, and the overflow water level switch 58h are given to the microcomputer 200.

The microcomputer 200 gives a segment signal to the remaining time indicator 4a and the temperature indicator 4b provided on the display panel 4 based on the above-mentioned input signals. At the same time, a control signal is given to the remaining time indicator 4a, the temperature indicator 4b, and the process indicator lamp 4c. Further, a light emitting diode (LED) output is given to the stroke display lamp 4c.

The microcomputer 200 also supplies control signals to the hot water supply valve 34, the water supply valve 39, the first detergent valve 37, the second detergent valve 42, and the pure water valve 44, respectively. As a result, the opening and closing of each valve is controlled.
Further, control signals are given to the overflow pump 65, the drainage pump 56, the pure water pump 202, and the circulation pump 55, respectively. As a result, the suction operation of each pump is controlled.

The microcomputer 200 further gives control signals to the heater 51 and the buzzer 203, respectively. FIG. 8 is a flow chart for explaining a prewash batch process executed in this equipment washer. In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the appliance washer is installed at a hot water supply site and hot water supply / water supply is selected.

Prior to describing the pre-wash batch process, first, the overall flow of the cleaning process performed in the first embodiment will be briefly described mainly with reference to FIG.
It should be noted that a plurality of cleaning steps to be performed by the instrument cleaning machine of the first embodiment are set, and a desired cleaning step can be selected from among them by operating a key or the like on the operation panel 5. The following cleaning process is an example of a plurality of cleaning processes set.

When the user cleans the laboratory equipment, the user has an upper rack UR and a lower rack DR on which the laboratory equipment is placed.
Is set in the cleaning chamber 20. After that, the power switch S
Turn on W and operate the start / stop key 5a to instruct the start of operation. In response to this, the cleaning process is started in the instrument cleaning machine. When the cleaning process is started, first, a pre-cleaning batch process described below is performed.

When the prewash batch process is completed, the main wash process is performed. In the main washing process, the first detergent valve 37 or the second detergent valve 42 is turned on. As a result, cleaning water is produced at the first detergent input port 36 or the second detergent input port 41,
This wash water is stored in the water storage tank 27. When the wash water is stored up to the specified water level, the circulation pump 55 is turned on. In response to this, the cleaning water is supplied to the lower nozzle 26 and the upper nozzle 23 via the first supply pipe 59 and the second supply pipe 60, respectively. As a result, cleaning water is sprayed from the lower jet outlet 26a, the upper jet outlet 23a, and the jet port. As a result, it is possible to reliably clean the laboratory equipment placed on the upper rack UR and the lower rack DR.

When the main washing process is completed, the batch rinsing process is performed. In the batch rinsing process, the hot water supply valve 34 is turned on and warm water rinsing water is stored in the water storage tank 27.
Subsequent operations are the same as those in the main washing process, and therefore will be omitted. This batch rinse step allows the laboratory equipment to be rinsed after cleaning. At the end of the batch rinse process,
An overflow rinse step is performed. In the overflow rinsing process, the hot water supply valve 34 is turned on and warm water rinsing water is stored in the water storage tank 27. When the rinse water is stored up to the overflow start water level, the circulation pump 55 is turned on. As a result, rinse water is jetted from the lower jet port 26a and the like. Further, hot water supply valve 34 and overflow pump 65 are turned on intermittently. As a result, while the rinsing water of the warm water is being supplied, the rinsing water of the overflow drainage water level or higher is supplied to the first overflow pipe 63,
Via the second overflow pipe 66 and the drain pipe 61,
Drained out of the machine. As a result, dirt such as blood floating on the water surface can be discharged to the outside of the machine. Therefore, highly effective rinsing can be performed.

At the end of the overflow rinse step,
A pure water batch rinse step is performed. In the pure water batch rinsing process, the pure water valve 44 is turned on and pure water is stored in the water storage tank 27. Since the operation performed thereafter is the same as that of the batch rinsing process, the subsequent description is omitted. When the pure water batch rinsing process is completed, the cleaning process is completed.

Next, the prewash batch process will be described with reference to FIG. In the prewash batch process, first, the hot water supply valve 39
Is turned on (step S1). As a result, warm water is stored in the water storage tank 27. During this time, the microcomputer 2
At 00, it is monitored whether or not the regulated water level switch 58i is turned on (step S2). As a result, when it is determined that the regulated water level switch 58i is turned on, it is determined that the water level of the hot water stored in the water tank 27 has reached the regulated water level, and the hot water supply valve 39 is turned off. This allows
Cleaning preparation is completed.

By the way, at the start of the operation, the air in the cleaning chamber 20 is cold. Therefore, if hot water is jetted from the upper jet port 23a or the like in this state, the air in the cleaning chamber 20 may expand at once and a bumping phenomenon may occur.
On the other hand, the degree of expansion of the air in the cleaning chamber 20 depends on the cleaning chamber 2
The greater the difference between the temperature of the air in 0 and the temperature of the hot water injected from the upper injection port 23a, the greater the temperature.

Therefore, in the microcomputer 200, when the cleaning preparation is completed, the operation time is started, and the temperature T of the hot water stored in the water tank 27 detected by the water temperature detection thermistor 50 is read. (Step S3). Then, it is judged whether or not the temperature T of the read hot water is equal to or higher than a predetermined constant temperature T _TH (for example, T _TH = 55 ° C.) (step S4). As a result, when it is determined that the temperature T of the hot water is lower than the constant temperature T _TH, it is determined that the air in the cleaning chamber 20 does not expand at once, and the normal pre-cleaning batch process is performed (step S6). .

That is, the circulation pump 55 is continuously turned on. As a result, the warm water stored in the water storage tank 27 is sucked into the circulation pump 55, and the lower nozzle 26 and the upper nozzle 2 pass through the first supply pipe 59 and the second supply pipe 60.
3 respectively. Then, the upper injection port 23a,
It is continuously ejected from the ejection port and the lower ejection port 26a. The jetting force cleans the experimental instruments placed on the upper rack UR and the lower rack DR to some extent.

On / off control of the heater 51 is also performed. That is, the on / off control of the heater 51 is performed so that the temperature of the hot water stored in the water storage tank 27 becomes constant (for example, 60 ° C. to 65 ° C.). On the other hand, if it is determined that the temperature T of the read warm water is _{equal to} or higher than the constant temperature T _TH as a result of the determination in step S4, it is determined that the air in the cleaning chamber 20 may expand at once. A special operation for preventing bumping, which is one of the features of the first embodiment, is performed (step S5).

That is, the circulation pump 55 is turned on intermittently. Specifically, the control of turning on for 1 second and turning off for 3 seconds is repeated 5 times. Therefore, the circulation pump 55 is intermittently turned on for 20 seconds. Along with this, hot water is intermittently supplied to the lower nozzle 26 and the upper nozzle 23. As a result, hot water is intermittently jetted from the upper jet port 23a, the jet port, and the lower jet port 26a. When this special operation is completed, the normal prewash batch process is started (step S6).

In this way, the air in the cleaning chamber 20 is blown at once.
If there is a possibility of expansion, use the upper injection port 23a, etc.
Since hot water is sprayed intermittently from the
The air is gradually warmed. Therefore, in the cleaning room 20
The air gradually expands. Therefore, the bumping phenomenon is sure
It can be prevented. The normal pre-wash batch process, etc. described above is performed.
In the microcomputer 200,
The preset time t which is the time measured from the end₀To
Whether or not it has reached is monitored (step S7). That
As a result, the measured time is the set time t ₀Is determined to have reached
It is judged that the pre-wash batch process has ended, and the book for the next process is
The process proceeds to the washing process (step S8).

On the other hand, during the operation until the measured time reaches the set time t ₀ , the microcomputer 200 determines whether the door 2 is opened and the operation is restarted (steps S9 to S12). That is, when the door 2 is opened during operation, the air in the cleaning chamber 20 replaces the cold outside air. When the operation is restarted in this state, the bumping phenomenon may occur.

As a case where the door 2 is opened during operation, for example, a case where the user opens the door 2 by mistake, a case where an experimental tool to be cleaned is added later, or the like can be assumed. The microcomputer 200 first determines whether or not the start / stop key 5a has been pressed (step S9). As a result, when it is determined that the start / stop key 5a is not pressed, it is determined that the operation stop is not instructed, and it is determined whether the door opening signal is output from the latch 3 (step S1).
0). As a result, if it is determined that the door open signal is not output, it is determined that the door 2 is opened and the operation is not likely to be restarted, and the prewash batch process is continued as it is.

On the other hand, as a result of the discrimination in step S9,
When it is determined that the start / stop key 5a is pressed, it is determined that the operation stop is instructed. Then, it is presumed that the door 2 will be opened thereafter, and the operation is temporarily stopped until the start / stop key 5a is pressed again and the operation restart is instructed (steps S11 and S1).
2). Further, when it is determined that the door opening signal is output from the latch 3 as a result of the determination in step S10, it is determined that the door 2 is opened, and similarly, the start / stop key 5a is pressed again to restart the operation. The operation is temporarily stopped until instructed (steps S11 and S1).
2). When it is determined that the start / stop key 5a is pressed again (YES in step S11), it is determined that the operation restart is instructed, and the steps S3 to S are performed.
Step 5 is repeated. That is, a special operation for preventing bumping is performed.

As described above, when it is determined that the door 2 is opened and the operation is restarted during the operation, the special operation for preventing bumping in which hot water is intermittently injected from the upper injection port 23a and the like. As a result, the bumping phenomenon can be reliably prevented. FIG. 9 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the instrument washer according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the description of FIG. 9, reference is made to FIGS. 1 to 8 as needed.

In the first embodiment, the condition that the temperature T of the hot water stored in the water storage tank 27 is equal to or higher than the constant temperature T _TH is the condition for performing the special operation for preventing bumping. The second embodiment is characterized in that a special operation for preventing bumping is unconditionally performed at the start of the operation and when the operation is restarted after the door 2 is opened.
That is, even if the temperature T of the hot water stored in the water storage tank 27 is lower than the constant temperature T _TH , if the temperature of the air in the cleaning chamber 20 is lower than that, the bumping phenomenon may occur. .

To briefly explain the characteristic processing of the second embodiment, when the operation is started, the microcomputer 200 determines that the hot water level stored in the water tank 27 has reached the specified water level. (YES in step P2), the circulation pump 55 is unconditionally turned on (step P3). Further, during operation, when the start / stop key 5a is pressed to instruct the operation stop (YES in step P7) or the door 2 is opened (YES in step P8), the operation restart is instructed. (YES in step P9), the circulation pump 55 is unconditionally turned on (step P3).

As described above, according to the instrument washer of the second embodiment, the special operation for preventing bumping is always performed at the time of starting and restarting the operation, so that the bumping phenomenon can be reliably prevented. 10 and 11 are flowcharts for explaining the operation of the washing machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In the description of FIGS. 10 and 11, FIGS. 1 to 8 are referred to as necessary.

In the first and second embodiments described above, if it is instructed to stop the operation during the operation until the timed time reaches the set time t ₀ , the door 2 is presumed to be opened thereafter, While the special operation for preventing bumping is unconditionally performed, in the third embodiment, when the operation stop is instructed during operation, it is confirmed that the door 2 is opened. The feature is that special operation is performed to prevent bumping only.

That is, even if an instruction to stop the operation is given during the operation, the instruction to restart the operation may be given without opening the door 2. In this case, the air in the washing chamber 20 is not replaced with the cold outside air. Therefore, it is not always necessary to perform the special operation for preventing bumping. The characteristic processing of the third embodiment will be briefly described. In the microcomputer 200, the start / stop key 5 is pressed during operation until the time count reaches the set time t _0.
When a is pressed (YES in step T9 of FIG. 10),
It is determined that the operation stop is instructed, and it is determined whether or not the door opening signal is output from the latch 3 (step T13 in FIG. 11).

As a result, when it is determined that the door opening signal is output from the latch 3, it is determined that the door 2 is opened, and the operation is temporarily stopped until the start / stop key 5a is pressed again and the operation restart is instructed. After being stopped temporarily (steps T11 and T12 in FIG. 10), the special operation for preventing bumping is restarted (steps T3 to T5 in FIG. 10).

On the other hand, while it is determined that the door open signal is not output from the latch 3, the operation is temporarily stopped until the start / stop key 5a is pressed again to instruct the operation restart (Fig. 11 steps T14, T
15). Then, before it is determined that the door 2 is opened, it is determined that the start / stop key 5a is pressed again to instruct the restart of the operation (step T in FIG. 11).
14), the pre-wash batch process is continued.

As described above, according to the instrument washer of the third embodiment, when the operation stop is instructed during operation and the operation restart is instructed before the door 2 is opened, it is necessary. Since no special operation for preventing bumping is not performed, the cleaning time can be shortened as compared with the first and second embodiments. Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, in the above-described first embodiment, second embodiment, and third embodiment, the time during which the circulation pump 55 is intermittently turned on is set to a constant value during the special operation for preventing bumping. Alternatively, or continuously, the length may be increased. For example, 0.5 seconds on → 3 seconds off → 0.5 seconds on → 3
Second off → 1 second on → 3 seconds off → 1 second on → 3 seconds off → 1
Circulation pump 5 according to the flow of second on → off for 3 seconds
On / off of 5 may be controlled. Also, turn on for 0.5 seconds →
3 seconds off → 0.75 seconds on → 3 seconds off → 1 second on → 3 seconds off → 1.25 seconds on → 3 seconds off → 1.5 seconds on → 3 seconds off May be. With this configuration, the cold air in the cleaning chamber 20 can be gradually and quickly warmed. Therefore, the cleaning time can be shortened.

Further, in the above embodiment, as a special operation for preventing bumping, a process of intermittently injecting hot water from the upper injection port 23a or the like is adopted, but it is weaker than a normal injection force, for example. You may employ | adopt the process which injects warm water with an injection force. That is, if hot water is sprayed from the upper spray port 23a or the like, the air in the cleaning chamber 20 can be gradually warmed. As a result, the air in the cleaning chamber 20 can be gradually expanded. Therefore, the bumping phenomenon can be reliably prevented.

In this case, the ejection force may be gradually increased. With this configuration, the cold air in the cleaning chamber 20 can be gradually and quickly warmed. for that reason,
The cleaning time can be shortened. Further, as a specific configuration capable of varying the injection force in this manner, for example, an inverter capable of controlling the on / off of the circulation pump 55 is applicable.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the special operation for preventing bumping is performed only in the prewash batch step performed immediately after the start of the operation is explained, but, for example, also in the wash step after the prewash batch step. Of course, it is preferable to always perform a special operation for preventing bumping. That is, for example, in the main washing process, after the circulation pump 55 is turned on and the injection of washing water is started, steps T9 to T in FIGS.
The processes up to 15 are executed. As a result, when the door 2 is opened and the operation restart is instructed, the special operation for preventing bumping in steps T3 to T5 of FIG. 10 is executed.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, an instrument washer for washing laboratory instruments is described as an example of the washer, but the present invention is, for example, a dish washer for washing dishes. It can be widely applied to other washing machines. Other various design changes can be made within the scope described in the claims.

[0081]

As described above, according to the washing machine of the present invention, bumping of hot water is prevented at the time of starting the operation or at the time of restarting the operation after the air in the washing chamber is replaced with the cold outside air during the operation. Hot water is sprayed in a special operating state for
Therefore, as compared with the case where the cold air in the cleaning chamber is warmed by the steam rising from the warm water stored in the cleaning chamber, the cold air can be reliably warmed. Moreover, since hot water is injected in a special operating state for preventing bumping, it is not necessary to warm cold air all at once. Therefore, the bumping phenomenon can be reliably prevented. As a result, the main body of the washing machine and the floor are not soiled.

According to the washing machine of the second aspect, when the temperature of the hot water to be sprayed is lower than the predetermined temperature, the hot water is not sprayed in the special operation state for preventing bumping. Therefore, by setting the constant temperature to the lower limit temperature at which the bumping phenomenon occurs, unnecessary control can be avoided.
Therefore, cleaning can be efficiently performed. Claim 3
According to the described washing machine, the hot water is sprayed in a special operating state for preventing bumping only when the air in the washing chamber is replaced with the cold outside air. Similarly, unnecessary control is not required. for that reason,
Cleaning can be performed efficiently.

According to the washing machine of the fourth aspect, since hot water is intermittently jetted as a special operating state for preventing bumping, the cold air in the washing chamber can be gradually warmed. Therefore, the air in the cleaning chamber can be gradually expanded. Therefore, the protrusion phenomenon can be reliably prevented. Further, according to the washing machine of claim 5, the warm water is jetted with a weaker jet force than usual as a special operating state for preventing bumping, so that when hot water is jetted with a strong jet force as usual. In comparison, the cold air in the washing chamber can be gradually warmed. Therefore, the air in the cleaning chamber can be gradually expanded, and the bumping phenomenon can be reliably prevented.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an external configuration of an instrument washer according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a display panel provided in the instrument washer.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing the instrument washer with the door removed and the right side surface cut out, mainly for explaining the configuration of the washing tank.

FIG. 4 is a view mainly for explaining a water channel structure of the instrument washer.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an exhaust duct provided in the instrument washer.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a water level detection device provided in the instrument washer.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electric control circuit of the instrument washer.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart for explaining a pre-wash batch process in the above-mentioned equipment washer.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a prewash batch process in the instrument washer according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart for explaining a prewash batch process in the instrument washer according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart for explaining a pre-wash batch process in the instrument washer according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 door 3 latch 5a start / stop key 20 washing room 23 upper nozzle 23a upper injection port 26 lower nozzle 26a lower injection port 27 water tank 50 water temperature detection thermistor 55 circulation pump 200 microcomputer

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification number Internal reference number FI technical display location // B08B 3/02 2119-3B B08B 3/02 H (72) Inventor Tetsuo Sakane Moriguchi City, Osaka Prefecture 2-5-5 Keihan Hondori Sanyo Denki Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Takenari 2-5-5 Keihan Hondori, Moriguchi-shi, Osaka Sanyo Denki Co., Ltd.

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A washing machine for accommodating and washing an object to be washed in a washing chamber, comprising a hot water storage unit for storing hot water provided in the washing chamber, and pumping out the hot water stored in the hot water storage unit. Injecting means for injecting into the washing chamber, start instructing means for outputting an operation start signal in response to the operation of the operator, and responding to the operation start signal given from the start instructing means. In order to prevent bumping of the hot water stored in the hot water storage section, the washing machine includes an injection control unit that controls the injection unit to a special operating state for a predetermined time. 2. A temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the hot water stored in the hot water storage portion, and a temperature for judging whether or not the temperature of the hot water detected by the temperature detecting means is a predetermined temperature or higher. The injection control means is operable in response to the operation start signal being provided and the temperature determination means determining that the temperature of the hot water is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein: 3. An openable / closable door is attached to the cleaning chamber, further comprising an opening / closing detection means for detecting opening / closing of the door, wherein the injection control means receives the operation start signal, and The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the opening / closing detection means operates in response to the determination that the opening of the door is detected. 4. The washing machine according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the special operating state is an operating state in which the hot water stored in the hot water storage section is intermittently injected. 5. The special operating state is an operating state in which hot water stored in the hot water storage section is injected with a weaker injection force than usual. washing machine.