JPH10323318A - Dish washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To restrain an increase in foam of wash water during a washing operation using a washing pump. SOLUTION: During the washing operation in a washing process in which a washing pump is operated and a wash water containing detergent is injected to dishes to wash them, several stop periods t1 are provided where the operation of the washing pump is stopped. One stop period is five seconds for example. As the stop periods of the washing pump are provided during the washing operation, bubbling is restrained, and a part of bubbles disappears. Therefore, even if a detergent with higher bubbling ability is used, an increase of bubbles can be restrained to prevent aeration in the washing pump and wash water leakage due to excessive bubbles.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a dishwasher in which a washing pump is operated to inject washing water containing a detergent into dishes to wash them.

[0002]

Conventionally, this type of dishwasher has a configuration in which the steps of washing, rinsing, heating and rinsing, and drying are sequentially performed. In the washing process, in the state where the dishes are housed in the washing room, first, the detergent is supplied and the water supply valve is opened to supply water. Next, the washing pump is operated to inject washing water containing a detergent into the dishes from the washing arm, thereby executing a washing operation for washing the dishes. At this time, the cleaning water is heated by the heater. Further, the cleaning water jetted from the cleaning arm is stored at the bottom of the cleaning chamber, and the stored cleaning water is circulated so as to be jetted again. During this washing operation, the washing pump is continuously operated. When the temperature of the washing water reaches about 60 ° C., the operation of the washing pump is stopped, and the heating operation of the heater is stopped. Then, the drainage pump is operated to drain water.

[0003] In recent years, various kinds of detergents for dishwashers used in dishwashers of this type have appeared. Some of these types of detergents have a high foaming property, and particularly when such a high-foaming detergent is used, the amount of foam generated during the above-mentioned washing operation increases, and the influence of the foam increases. The cleaning pump may cause air bleeding.

If air is generated in the cleaning pump as described above, the cleaning pump does not operate normally, and the cleaning performance is reduced, the operation noise is increased, and cavitation (cracks or chips) is generated in the cleaning pump. May occur. Also, if the bubbles are excessively increased, the washing water may leak from the washing chamber.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher capable of suppressing an increase in bubbles of washing water during a washing operation.

[0006]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The dishwasher of the present invention comprises:
A washing chamber for accommodating tableware, heating means for heating the washing water, and a washing pump for jetting washing water to the tableware accommodated in the washing chamber; A stop period for stopping the operation of the washing pump is provided during the execution of the washing operation of washing the dishes with the washing water containing the detergent by operating the washing pump.

According to the above-described means, the stop period for stopping the operation of the washing pump is provided during the execution of the washing operation, so that the generation of bubbles is suppressed during the stop period of the washing pump, and a part of the washing pump is stopped. Disappears. Therefore, even when a highly foaming detergent is used,
Bubble growth can be suppressed.

[0008] In this case, it is preferable that the stoppage period of the washing pump is provided a plurality of times during the execution of the washing operation.

[0009] Further, as the washing operation progresses, it is preferable that the operation time from the start of the operation of the washing pump to the stop thereof is gradually shortened, or the stop period of the washing pump is sequentially elongated. (Claims 3 and 4
Invention). In the apparatus provided with the temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the washing water, the stop time of the washing pump during the execution of the washing operation can be controlled based on the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means. .

[0010] In the apparatus provided with a blower for blowing air into the cleaning chamber, it is preferable that the blower be operated while the cleaning pump is stopped during the cleaning operation (the invention of claim 7). Further, a bubble detecting means for detecting the degree of bubbles of the washing water is provided, and one or both of the operation time and the stop period of the cleaning pump during the washing operation is controlled based on the detection result of the foam detecting means. (The invention of claim 8).

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. First, in FIGS. 2 and 3, an inner box 2 is provided inside a main body 1 of the dishwasher, and the inside of the inner box 2 is a washing room 3. At the front of the main body 1, a door 4 for opening and closing the front opening of the cleaning chamber 3 is provided. The lower part of the door 4 is pivotally supported by the main body 1 and is configured to be turned up and down. An upper tableware basket 5 is housed in the upper part of the washing room 3 so as to be able to be taken in and out.
The lower tableware basket 7 is housed so as to be able to be taken in and out, and a lower washing arm 8 and a heater 9 constituting a heating means are provided below. Tableware (not shown) to be cleaned is accommodated in each of the upper and lower tableware baskets 5 and 7.

A water storage tank 10 is provided at the bottom of the cleaning chamber 3. In the vicinity of the water storage tank 10, a cleaning pump 11 and a drainage pump 12 are located outside and below the cleaning chamber 3.
Are arranged. Among them, the cleaning pump 11 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, the washing water in the water storage tank 10 is connected to the water storage tank 10 through the connection part 13 and is connected to the connection part 1.
The cleaning water is sucked through the cleaning arm 3 and fed to the upper and lower cleaning arms 6 and 8 so that the cleaning water is jetted from the cleaning arms 6 and 8 to the tableware stored in the upper and lower tableware baskets 5 and 7. It has become.

The drainage pump 12 is connected to the water storage tank 10 through a connection pipe 14, sucks the washing water stored in the water storage tank 10 through the connection pipe 14, and drains through the drainage hose 15. It is designed to be discharged outside the machine. In the case of this embodiment, the cleaning pump 11 and the drainage pump 12 use a common pump motor 16 as a drive source.
The cleaning pump 11 is operated by the forward rotation of the pump motor 16, and the drainage pump 12 is operated by the reverse rotation.

A temperature sensor 20 composed of a thermistor is provided outside the bottom of the washing chamber 3, and this temperature sensor 20 constitutes a temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the washing water. In addition, the washing room 3
A water level switch 21 for detecting a water level in the inside is provided.

In the water storage tank 10, as shown in FIG.
An optical sensor 24 having a light emitting element 22 formed of a light emitting diode and a light receiving element 23 formed of a phototransistor in an opposed state is provided. The optical sensor 24 constitutes a transmittance detecting means for detecting the transmittance of the washing water stored in the water storage tank 10. In this case, as the degree of contamination of the washing water increases, the amount of light received from the light emitting element 22 and received by the light receiving element 23 decreases,
By observing the absolute value of the detection signal of the light receiving element 23, the degree of dirt (dirt degree) can be detected.

A water supply valve 25 is provided at the back of the washing chamber 3, and a water supply hose 26 is connected to the water supply valve 25. The cleaning chamber 3 is supplied through the cleaning chamber 3. Further, a blower 27 and a blow duct 28 are arranged at the back of the washing room 3, and an air supply duct 29 and an exhaust duct 30 are arranged above the washing room 3. Blower 27
Has a fan motor 31 and a fan 32 rotated by the fan motor 31. By the blowing action of the fan 32,
Air outside the machine is sucked in through the air supply duct 29 and supplied into the washing room 3 through the air duct 28.
The inside air is discharged to the outside of the machine via the exhaust duct 30.

On the inner surface side of the door 4, a concave portion 33 for containing a detergent is provided. Although not shown in detail, an operation panel 35 and a control device 36 are provided on the upper front surface of the door 4. As shown in FIG. 6, a switch input unit 37 such as a power switch and a start switch, a display unit 38, a buzzer 39 are provided on the operation panel 35.
And so on.

FIG. 6 shows an electrical configuration of a portion related to the gist of the present invention. In FIG. 6, the control device 36 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer, and has a control program for controlling the overall operation of the dishwasher of the present embodiment. The control device 36 receives signals from the switch input unit 37, the water level switch 21, the optical sensor 24, and the temperature sensor 20 on the operation panel 35. These input signals and the signals stored in advance are stored. Based on the control program
The pump motor 16, the water supply valve 25, the heater 9, the fan motor 31 of the blower 27, the display unit 38 and the buzzer 39, which are common to the cleaning pump 11 and the drain pump 12, are controlled via the drive circuit 40. ing.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. When washing dishes, the user first opens the door 4 and accommodates the dishes to be washed (not shown) in the upper and lower tableware baskets 5 and 7 and stores them in the washing room 3. With door 4
A predetermined amount of a detergent (not shown) made of a powder detergent dedicated to a dishwasher is put into the concave portion 33 of. Then, when the door 4 is closed, the detergent contained in the concave portion 33 is put into the cleaning chamber 3. With the door 4 closed, the start switch of the switch input unit 37 on the operation panel 35 is operated. Then, the control device 36 controls the water supply valve 25, the pump motor 16, the heater 9, the fan motor 31, and the like according to a control program stored in advance.

FIG. 1 shows, for example, a time chart of a washing step, a rinsing step 1, a rinsing step 2, a heating rinsing step, and a drying step in a standard course, and a temperature change of the washing water. Note that, in the time chart, hatched portions indicate operating states of the respective devices.

In the cleaning step, first, the water supply valve 25 is opened to supply tap water into the cleaning chamber 3. The water level in the cleaning chamber 3 is detected by the water level switch 21. When the water level reaches a preset water level, the water supply valve 25 is closed to stop the water supply.

Then, the cleaning operation is executed by rotating the pump motor 16 in the normal direction to operate the cleaning pump 11 and energizing the heater 9 to perform the heating operation.
When the cleaning pump 11 is operated, cleaning water containing a detergent is sprayed onto the tableware from the ejection holes of the upper and lower cleaning arms 6, 8, whereby the tableware is washed. At this time, the cleaning water is heated by the heater 9 and gradually rises in temperature, and the cleaning water jetted from the cleaning arms 6 and 8 is stored in a water storage tank 10 at the bottom of the cleaning chamber 3, and the stored cleaning water is removed. Circulate to inject again. As the washing operation is performed, the detergent contained in the washing water foams, and the amount of the foam gradually increases.

Here, in this washing operation, the washing pump 1
1 is operated for 10 minutes, then stopped for 5 seconds (stop period), operated again for 10 minutes, and then stopped for 5 seconds. The temperature of the washing water detected by the temperature sensor 20 reaches 60 ° C. Repeat until In the example of FIG. 1, three stop periods of 5 seconds each are provided during the execution of the washing operation. Note that the heater 9 is continuously energized and is continuously heated.

In the washing operation of such a control, a stop period for stopping the operation of the washing pump 11 is provided during execution, so that the generation of bubbles can be suppressed during the stopping period of the washing pump 11, and Some will disappear. Therefore, even when a detergent having a high foaming property is used, an increase in foam can be suppressed.

When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 20 (the temperature of the washing water) reaches 60 ° C., the operation of the washing pump 11 and the heater 9 is stopped, and thereafter the motor pump 16 is reversed and the drain pump 12 is operated. By operating
Drainage for discharging the cleaning water in the cleaning room 3 to the outside of the machine is performed. Then, the water supply valve 25 is opened to supply water to the inside of the cleaning chamber 3, and then, after performing water supply and drainage while performing water supply and drainage, drainage is performed. Thus, the cleaning process is completed.

Next, a rinsing step 1 is performed. In the rinsing step 1, first, water is supplied into the cleaning chamber 3, and then the cleaning pump 11 is operated for one minute to perform a rinsing operation. In this rinsing operation, water is sprayed onto the dishes from the upper and lower washing arms 6 and 8, and the detergent attached to the dishes is dropped. Then, after the cleaning pump 11 is stopped, the drainage pump 12 is operated to perform drainage, and thereafter, the water supply valve 25 is opened to supply water into the cleaning chamber 3. After the water supply and drainage, drainage is performed. Thus, the rinsing process 1 is completed.

Next, a rinsing step 2 is performed. The rinsing process 2 performs exactly the same control as the rinsing process 1 described above. When the tinning stroke 2 is completed, a heating rinsing stroke is performed.

In the heating and rinsing step, first, the cleaning chamber 3
After supplying water into the inside, the cleaning operation is performed by operating the cleaning pump 11 and energizing the heater 9 to perform the heating operation. In the heating and rinsing operation, the cleaning pump 11 and the heater 9 are continuously operated until the temperature of the rinsing water reaches 70 ° C. When the temperature of the rinsing water reaches 70 ° C., the operations of the cleaning pump 11 and the heater 9 are stopped, and thereafter, the drainage pump 12 is operated to drain water. The drainage in this case is performed by operating the drainage pump 12 in this case divided into four times. Thus, the heating and rinsing process is completed.

Next, a drying step for drying the dishes is performed. In this drying step, the heater 9 is intermittently operated, and the fan motor 31 of the blower 27 is continuously operated to send drying air into the washing room 3 to dry the dishes.
In this case, for example, the heater 9 repeats the control of energizing for 25 seconds and disconnecting for 35 seconds. This drying step is performed for about 20 minutes. When the drying process is completed, the display unit 38 and the buzzer 39 notify that the drying is completed.

According to the above-described first embodiment, during the cleaning operation, the stop period for stopping the operation of the cleaning pump 11 is provided during the execution of the cleaning operation performed by operating the cleaning pump 11. During the stoppage of the cleaning pump 11, the generation of bubbles is suppressed and a part of the bubbles disappears. Therefore, even when a detergent having a high foaming property is used, it is possible to suppress an increase in bubbles, and it is possible to prevent the generation of air in the cleaning pump 11 as much as possible. As a result, it is possible to prevent the cleaning performance from being reduced, the operating noise from increasing, and the occurrence of cavitation. Further, it is possible to prevent the cleaning water from leaking from the cleaning chamber 3 due to the excessive increase of the bubbles.

Further, during the washing operation, the washing pump 11 is operated intermittently. However, since the heater 9 is continuously energized and is continuously heated, bubbles contained in the washing water are also removed. It easily floats on the surface and disappears, and the increase in bubbles can be further suppressed. Further, as compared with the case where the heater 9 is operated intermittently as in the case of the cleaning pump 11, it is possible to prevent the temperature rising time of the cleaning water from being lengthened, and to shorten the life of the relay for the heater 9. .

FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the following points. That is, in the washing operation in the washing process, the operation time of the washing pump 11 is set so as to be sequentially shortened, for example, 10 minutes, 9 minutes, 8 minutes, 7 minutes, and 6 minutes as the washing operation proceeds. ing. In this case, the suspension period is set to 5 seconds each as in the first embodiment.

In general, the higher the water temperature of the detergent, the higher the foaming action. Therefore, in the above-described washing operation, the amount of foam generated increases as the detergent proceeds. Therefore, as in the second embodiment, by controlling the operation time of the cleaning pump 11 to be sequentially shortened with the progress of the cleaning operation, an increase in bubbles can be suppressed more effectively. .

FIG. 8 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. The third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in the following points. That is, in the washing operation in the washing process, the operation stop period of the washing pump 11 is
As the washing operation progresses, it is set so as to become longer sequentially, for example, 5 seconds, 7 seconds, and 10 seconds. In this case, the operation time of the cleaning pump 11 is set to 10 minutes each as in the first embodiment. In the third embodiment, the same operation and effect as those in the second embodiment can be obtained.

FIG. 9 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The fourth embodiment differs from the first to third embodiments in the following points. That is, in the washing operation in the washing process, the operation stop timing of the washing pump 11 is controlled based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 20 (the temperature of the washing water). In this case, when the temperatures detected by the temperature sensor 20 reach 50 ° C., 53 ° C., and 57 ° C., the operation is stopped for 5 seconds each. In the fourth embodiment as well, the increase in bubbles can be suppressed more effectively.

FIG. 10 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the following points. That is, in the washing operation in the washing process, the fan motor 31 of the blower 27 is operated during each stop period of the washing pump 11 to blow air into the washing chamber 3. According to the fifth embodiment, the bubbles are easily eliminated by blowing the air into the cleaning chamber 3, so that the increase of the bubbles can be suppressed more effectively.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The sixth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the following points. That is, in the washing operation in the washing process, the optical sensor 24 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) provided in the water storage tank 10 is used as a foam detecting unit, and the degree of the foam is detected by the optical sensor 24. When a bubble passes between the light emitting element 22 and the light receiving element 23, the light emitted from the light emitting element 22 is irregularly reflected by the bubble and cannot be received by the light receiving element 23. The degree of bubbles (the amount of bubbles) can be detected based on the corresponding detection signal.

For example, when the amount of bubbles is small and the light emitted from the light emitting element 22 is not irregularly reflected by the bubbles,
As shown in FIG. 11A, and when there are many bubbles and the light emitted from the light emitting element 22 is often irregularly reflected by the bubbles, the state becomes as shown in FIG. 11B.

As described above, based on the detection of the rate at which light cannot be received within a predetermined time (the rate at which a signal cannot be detected),
The degree of foam can be quantified. For example, if all of them can be detected per unit time, the bubble level is 0%,
If 50% is detected, it is determined that the degree of bubbles is 50%. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, control is performed to change the operation time of the cleaning pump 11 according to the degree of the bubbles. That is, when it is determined that there are many bubbles, the operation time of the cleaning pump 11 is set to be short.

According to the sixth embodiment, by controlling the operation time of the cleaning pump 11 according to the degree of foam, the increase in foam can be suppressed more effectively. In this case, the stop period of the washing pump 11 during the washing operation may be controlled according to the degree of the foam.

FIG. 13 shows a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The seventh embodiment differs from the sixth embodiment in the following points. In FIG. 13, when the cleaning pump 11 is operated during the cleaning process (O
In N), as shown on the left side of the figure, the rate at which the detection signal detected by the light receiving element 23 cannot be received increases due to the influence of bubbles in the cleaning water. Then, when the operation of the cleaning pump 11 is stopped (OFF), the ratio (time) of receiving the detection signal detected by the light receiving element 23 increases, as shown in the center of the figure, and gradually becomes sporadic. In a state where it cannot be received, that is, a state where there is almost no bubble.

Then, the time during which a detection signal is continuously obtained is detected, and this detection time is set to a predetermined set time T.
If it becomes larger, it is determined that the bubbles have almost disappeared, and the operation of the cleaning pump 11 is restarted.

Also in the seventh embodiment, by controlling the stop period of the operation of the cleaning pump 11 according to the degree of foam, the increase of foam can be suppressed more effectively.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, the cleaning pump 11 and the drainage pump 1
2 can be appropriately modified and implemented without departing from the gist, such as a configuration driven by separate motors.

[0045]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a stop period for stopping the operation of the cleaning pump is provided during the execution of the cleaning operation performed by operating the cleaning pump in the cleaning process. During the period when the washing pump is stopped, generation of bubbles is suppressed, and a part of the bubbles disappears. Therefore, even when a highly foaming detergent is used,
Since the increase in foam can be suppressed, it is possible to prevent the generation of air in the cleaning pump as much as possible, and also that the cleaning water leaks out of the cleaning chamber due to excessive foam. Can also be prevented.

According to the second to eighth aspects of the present invention, the increase in bubbles can be suppressed more effectively.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a view showing a first embodiment of the present invention, showing a time chart of each stroke and a change in water temperature in a standard course.

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional side view of the dishwasher.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state where a door is opened.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a water storage tank part.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of an optical sensor.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration.

FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram showing a time chart of a washing process in a standard course and a change in water temperature.

FIG. 8 is a view corresponding to FIG. 7, showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a view corresponding to FIG. 7, showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a view corresponding to FIG. 7, showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

11A and 11B show a sixth embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 11A shows a change in a detection signal of a light receiving element when there are few bubbles, and FIG. 11B shows a detection signal of the light receiving element when there are many bubbles. Diagram showing changes in

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the relationship between the degree of foam and the operation time of the cleaning pump.

FIG. 13 is a view showing a seventh embodiment of the present invention, showing a state of a cleaning pump and a change in a detection signal of a light receiving element.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 is a main body, 3 is a washing room, 6 is an upper washing arm, 8 is a lower washing arm, 9 is a heater (heating means), 11 is a washing pump,
12 is a drainage pump, 16 is a pump motor, 20 is a temperature sensor (temperature detecting means), 24 is an optical sensor (bubble detecting means), 25 is a water supply valve, 27 is a blower, and 36 is a control device.

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A washing room for accommodating tableware, heating means for heating washing water, and a washing pump for jetting washing water to the tableware accommodated in the washing room, wherein the tableware is washed. In the washing process, a stop period for stopping the operation of the washing pump is provided during the execution of the washing operation in which the washing pump is operated to wash the dishes with the washing water containing the detergent. washing machine. 2. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the washing pump is stopped a plurality of times during the execution of the washing operation. 3. The dishwasher according to claim 2, wherein the operation time from when the cleaning pump is operated to when it is stopped is sequentially reduced as the washing operation proceeds. 4. The dishwasher according to claim 2, wherein the stoppage period of the washing pump is made longer as the washing operation progresses. 5. A washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a temperature detecting means for detecting a temperature of the washing water, wherein a stop timing of the washing pump during execution of the washing operation is controlled based on the temperature detected by said temperature detecting means. The dishwasher according to claim 1. 6. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the heating means is operated for heating while the washing pump is stopped during execution of the washing operation. 7. The air conditioner according to claim 1, further comprising a blower for blowing air into the cleaning chamber, wherein the blower is operated to blow air while the cleaning pump is stopped during execution of the cleaning operation. A dishwasher according to claim 1. 8. A cleaning device, comprising: a bubble detecting unit for detecting a degree of bubbles of the washing water, wherein one or both of an operation time and a stop period of the cleaning pump during execution of the washing operation are controlled based on a detection result of the bubble detecting unit. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein
Or the dishwasher according to 2.