KR20120123133A - Dishwashing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The dishwasher of this invention is equipped with a water supply valve as a water supply part which performs water supply in a washing tank, the water level detection part which detects the water level of the wash water supplied to the washing tank, and a control part. The control unit measures the water supply time from when the water supply is started by the water supply valve until the water level detection unit detects the water level. Moreover, the control part executes the replenishment water which continues to supply water for a predetermined time after the water level detection part, and changes the time of the replenishment water of a rinse process based on the difference of the water supply time in a washing process and a rinsing process. do.

Description

Dish Washer {DISHWASHING MACHINE}

The present invention relates to a dishwasher for cleaning dishware.

Conventionally, this kind of dish washer was comprised as shown in FIG. The configuration will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 4, the dish basket 2 is arrange | positioned in the washing tank 1, and the tableware 3 is accommodated in the dish basket 2. As shown in FIG. The washing water is supplied from the water supply valve 4 as the water supply unit and collected in the washing tank 1. The washing nozzle 5 as the washing unit is rotatably supported in the washing tank 1, and blows washing water toward the dishware 3. The jetted washing water enters the drain port 6 at the bottom of the washing tank 1, is transferred to the washing nozzle 5 by the washing pump 7, and is ejected again. It is provided in the lower part of the washing tank 1 with the washing pump 7 and the drain pump 8 which discharges washing water. The water level detection unit 9 detects whether the water level in the cleaning tank 1 has reached a predetermined water level, and detects the water level by the movement of the float 9a. The heater 10 is disposed at the bottom of the washing tank 1 to heat the washing water. The thermistor 11 which detects the washing temperature is provided on the outer wall of the bottom of the washing tank 1. In addition, the control unit 12 for controlling the washing pump 7, the drain pump 8, the water level detection unit 9, the heater 10, the thermistor 11 and the like, the operation unit 13, and a display unit for displaying the operation status ( 14), a power supply circuit 15 for generating power such as the control unit 12 is also provided in the main body. In addition, the liquid used for washing | cleaning and rinsing of the to-be-cleaned object, such as the tableware 3, is called washing water.

In the above configuration, when the operation is described, the user holds the contaminated tableware 3 in the dish basket 2, the detergent is put into the washing tank 1, and the operation is started by the operation unit 13. In the washing step, tap water is supplied from the water supply valve 4 until the water level detection unit 9 reaches the predetermined water level at the bottom of the washing tank 1, and when the water level is reached, the washing pump (7), the heater 10 is energized. In addition, water supply of tap water is performed by branching from a tap water tap using the branch tap water 16 or the like. While the washing water is heated, it is ejected from the washing nozzle 5 by the washing pump 7 toward the dishware 3 to wash off the contaminants attached to the dishware 3. At this time, the thermistor 11 detects and controls the temperature of the washing water. When the predetermined operation is completed, the drain pump 8 is energized to discharge the washing water including the contaminants attached to the tableware 3 once. Next, a rinse process is started to freshly tap water. The rinsing process of rinsing with water and the rinsing process of rinsing with hot water after energizing the heater 10 are repeated without energizing the heater 10 to wash the detergent component contaminants adhered to the dishware 3 and the like.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-57957

However, in the structure of the conventional dishwasher, when the dishware washes the contaminants, the washing water foams under the influence of the detergent or the contaminants adhered to the dishware, and when the washing process is completed and the washing water is drained, Foam may remain in the float in the water level detector or in the drain in the pail. At this time, in the water level detection unit that detects the water level by the vertical movement of the float, the float movement is inhibited under the influence of bubbles floating on the washing water. In addition, since the washing water including the foam is discharged, the ability of the drain pump is also affected, and the residual water remaining in the washing layer without being drained increases. Therefore, in the subsequent rinsing step, before the water supply is performed for a predetermined amount, the float detects bubbles rising in the washing water phase and incorrectly detects that the predetermined water level has been reached, and the water supply amount may be smaller than the quantity required for washing or the like. .

Since it was difficult to detect the quantity of water accurately in this way, in order to ensure the quantity of water required for washing | cleaning and rinsing, the time of the replenishment water which continues water supply for a predetermined time after water level detection by float is provided. Moreover, the time of replenishment water was taken long in consideration of the residual amount and the error by foaming. Therefore, there was a problem of consuming more water than necessary.

 The dishwasher of the present invention includes a washing tank having an opening for dispensing the to-be-washed object, a washing unit for spraying washing water to the to-be-cleaned object contained in the washing tank, a water supply unit for supplying water into the washing tank, It has a water level detection part which detects the water level of the wash water supplied to the washing tank, and a control part which measures the water supply time until water level detection part detects a water level after water supply is started by a water supply part. The control unit executes the replenishment water to continue the water supply for a predetermined time after the water level detection by the water level detection unit, and changes the time of the replenishment water in the rinsing step based on the difference in the water supply time in the washing step and the rinsing step. do.

As a result, the foaming occurs under the influence of contaminants adhering to detergents and dishes in the washing step, and bubbles remain in the float in the float of the water level detection unit or in the drain in the pail, until the float movement is inhibited by the influence of foam. Since a difference occurs in the water supply time, it is possible to determine whether there is an influence of bubbles based on the difference. And the energy which heats water saving and water more than necessary can be saved by adjusting the replenishment water time after water level detection by the presence or absence of bubble influence.

1 is a longitudinal sectional view of the dishwasher of the embodiment of the present invention;
2 is a block circuit diagram of a dish washer according to the embodiment of the present invention;
3 is an operation flowchart of the dish washing machine of the embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a conventional dishwasher.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited by this embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The longitudinal cross-sectional view of the dishwasher in embodiment of this invention, FIG. 2 is a block circuit diagram of the dishwasher in embodiment of this invention, FIG. 3 is an operation flowchart of the dishwasher in embodiment of this invention. to be.

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiment of this invention is described, referring FIGS. 1-3.

The dish basket 2 is arranged to be movable in the washing tank 1, and the tableware 3 is stored in the dish basket 2. The washing water is supplied by the drive of the water supply valve 4 as the water supply part and collected in the washing tank 1. The washing nozzle 5 as the washing unit is rotatably supported on the bottom surface of the washing tank 1, and sprays washing water toward the dishes 3 while rotating. The jetted washing water enters the drain port 6 at the bottom of the washing tank 1, presses the washing water into the washing nozzle 5 with the washing pump 7, and supplies the washing water to the washing nozzle 5 again. The washing water is ejected. The washing pump 7 is disposed on the bottom outer wall of the washing tank 1 together with the drain pump 8 for discharging the washing water. The water level detection unit 9 detects the water level by the vertical motion of the float 9a by detecting whether the water level in the cleaning tank 1 has reached a predetermined water level. The water level detection unit 9 may be configured by a pair of electrodes, and may be configured to detect the water level when the electrode is energized.

The heater 10 is disposed at the bottom of the washing tank 1 to heat the washing water.

On the outer wall of the bottom of the washing tank 1, the thermistor 11 which detects the temperature of washing water or air through a wall surface is provided. In addition, the control unit 12, the operation unit 13, and the operation control the washing pump 7, the drain pump 8, the heater 10 and the like and receive signals from the water level detection unit 9, the thermistor 11 and the like. A power supply circuit 15 for generating power such as a display unit 14 for displaying a situation, a control unit 12, and the like is also provided in the main body. In addition, the liquid used for washing | cleaning and rinsing of the to-be-cleaned object, such as the tableware 3 and chopsticks, is named generically and it is called washing water.

The water level detection part 9 of embodiment of this invention is connected by the channel which is the washing tank 1 and the communication pipe 9b, and is provided in the side outer wall of the washing tank 1. The water level detection unit 9 is configured such that the microswitch 9c is turned on and off in accordance with the movement of the vertical movement of the float 9a.

Moreover, the control program which performs water level detection is comprised as follows. Water supply is performed in the washing tank 1 by the operation of the water supply valve 4 as the water supply unit. The control part 12 which performs control of the washing | cleaning pump 7, the drainage pump 8, and the heater 10 which is a heating part receives a signal from the water level detection part 9, and water supply is started by the water supply valve 4, Then, the water supply time until the water level detection unit 9 detects the water level is measured. Moreover, the control part 12 controls so that the water level detection part 9 may perform replenishment water which continues to supply water for a predetermined time after detecting the water level. Moreover, the control part 12 is made to perform replenishing water for a 2nd predetermined time shorter than a 1st predetermined time, when the difference of the water supply time in a washing | cleaning process and a rinsing process is in a 1st determination time and a 2nd determination time. Take control. In addition, when the difference of the water supply time in a washing process and a rinsing process, ie, the value which subtracted the water supply time in a rinsing process from the water supply time in a washing process, is more than a 1st determination time or less than a 2nd determination time. The control is executed to execute the replenishment water for the first predetermined time. In this embodiment, the time in which the predetermined time of the replenishing water assumes the influence of foaming, the water supply time difference is the value obtained by subtracting the water supply time of the rinsing process from the water supply time of the washing process, plus the first determination time. A numerical value and a 2nd determination time are made into negative values.

In the above, the operation will be described. When the dishwasher starts to operate, the control unit 12 controls the water supply valve 4 to be opened, and tap water is supplied to the bottom of the washing tank 1 as washing water. Since the water level detection unit 9 and the cleaning tank 1 communicate with each other by the communication tube 9b, tap water is also supplied into the water level detection unit 9 at the same time. When the water supply step progresses, the water level in the water level detection unit 9 rises, the float 9a floats, and the switch of the micro switch 9c is turned on and off to detect a predetermined water level. Here, the replenishment water is executed for the first predetermined time. After the water supply is finished, the water supply valve 4 is closed and the washing process starts. In this washing step, the washing water in which the detergent is dissolved is pressurized by the washing pump 7 and circulated. At this time, there is also the influence of the contaminants adhering to the tableware 3, bubbles may form. When the washing water including the foam is drained off after the washing step is completed, bubbles gather in the drain port 6, and the speed of inflow of the washing water decreases. In addition, the washing water containing bubbles also lowers the discharge capacity of the drain pump 8. This is because, in the drain pump 8, the flow velocity of the liquid when the washing water is pressurized and drained at a portion without foam is high, but the flow velocity of the foam when the drainage is pressurized with a foam portion is slow.

When the control of the drain pump 8 is programmed to operate for a predetermined time, even if the drain pump 8 affected by the foam is operated for a predetermined time, a variation occurs in the amount of washing water remaining in the washing tank 1. In addition, since the washing water containing bubbles also enters the water level detection unit 9 through the communication tube 9b, the bubbles remain in the water level detection unit 9 after draining the washing water. Therefore, in the rinsing step of the next step, since a large amount of washing water remains in the washing tank 1, even if the water supply amount is executed up to a predetermined water level at which the water level detection unit 9 operates, the absolute amount of newly supplied water supply decreases. In addition, the float 9a incorrectly detects the bubbles floating on the washing water under the influence of the bubbles remaining in the water level detecting unit 9, and detects that the washing water reaches the predetermined water level before the washing water reaches the predetermined water level. . Under these influences, when the water supply time until the water level is detected is faster than when there is no bubble, it is possible to determine whether bubbles have occurred by measuring the water supply time. That is, when the water supply time difference in the washing process and the rinsing process is a positive value, bubbles are generated. When no bubbles are generated, the water supply time is the same as the reference value, so the water supply time does not change.

Therefore, when the water supply time after the water level detection is set to the first predetermined time when the bubbles are affected, and the second predetermined time is shorter than the first predetermined time when the bubbles are not affected, the water supply more than necessary is not supplied. Can be done without. That is, saving water can be realized, and since it is not necessary to heat the washing water more than necessary, the heater 10 can realize energy saving.

However, if it is determined that all of the cases where the water supply time difference is a positive value are the generation of bubbles, there is a possibility that it is determined that the bubbles are generated even without the occurrence of bubbles in the actual use state. Because, when water supply is performed using another water supply near the dishwasher during the water supply of the dishwasher, the water pressure of the water fluctuates. In addition, the contaminants accumulate in the float 9a of the water level detection unit 9 and the buoyancy changes, or the water supply time fluctuates due to various deviation factors such as the operation deviation of the water supply valve 4. Therefore, an unbalance is achieved by setting the time without the influence of the generation of bubbles to be greater than or equal to the second determination time and less than or equal to the first determination time, and setting the time with the influence of the generation of bubbles to be equal to or greater than the first determination time and determining. Factors can be corrected, and the determination of the water supply time difference can be performed with high accuracy. By setting the determination value by this water supply time difference not only to zero but also within a 1st determination time and a 2nd determination time, it is effective also for determination of generation | occurrence | production of some bubbles. This is because the water supply amount that does not affect the operation of the washing pump 7 does not need to be reduced even if bubbles are generated and a predetermined water supply amount cannot be secured. Therefore, when the difference in water supply time is more than the positive value of 1st determination time, if there exists an influence of generation | occurrence | production of a bubble, it can determine with high precision.

In addition, when the water supply time difference is less than or equal to the negative value of the 2nd determination time, it can be considered that the water supply time difference could not be measured correctly for some reason. For example, the water supply time itself could not be accurately measured because it was temporarily stopped during the water supply of the rinsing step. In the case where the generation of bubbles was the washing step, the water supply time is shortened in the rinsing step of the next step. As a result, the water supply time difference is negative, and the absolute value is a large value. Therefore, in such a case, it is impossible to determine the water supply time, and if the water supply time is the first predetermined time as in the case of the influence of bubbles, the deterioration of the cleaning performance due to misdetection can also be prevented. On the contrary, when it pauses in the middle of a water supply process, since there exists a bubble as a difference of water supply time, there is no problem.

Next, the operation flow of the dishwasher of embodiment of this invention is demonstrated along the operation flowchart shown in FIG. First, when the operation is started, the water supply time for starting the water supply and supplying the water to the predetermined water level is measured (step S1). Thereafter, the replenishment water for a predetermined time is executed (step S2). Then, the cleaning pump is operated to perform cleaning (step S3), and then a judgment is made as to whether or not the cleaning process is completed (step S4). If the cleaning process has not yet been completed (when "N" in step S4), the flow returns to step S3 again. When the washing step is completed (when "Y" is made in step S4), the drainage pump is operated to drain the washing water (step S5). Next, water supply time is started for the first rinsing step and water supply time for supplying water to a predetermined water level is measured (step S6). After that, it enters the bubble determination sequence.

In the bubble determination procedure, first, the water supply time difference between the washing step and the first rinsing step is determined (step S7), and a determination is made as to whether or not the water supply time difference is equal to or greater than the first determination time (step S8). If the water supply time difference is equal to or greater than the first determination time (when it is Y in step S8), the flow advances to step S10 to execute the replenishment water for the first predetermined time. On the other hand, if the water supply time difference is smaller than the first determination time (when "N" in step S8), the flow advances to step S9 to determine whether the water supply time difference is equal to or less than the second determination time. . On the other hand, if the water supply time difference is less than or equal to the second determination time (when it is "Y" in step S9), the flow advances to step S10 to execute the replenishment water for the first predetermined time. On the other hand, if the water supply time difference is greater than the second determination time (when "N" in step S9), the flow advances to step S11 to reduce the replenishment water of the second predetermined time to reduce the replenishment water of the first predetermined time. Run The bubble determination procedure ends here.

Next, the washing pump is operated to perform rinsing (step S12), and then a determination is made as to whether or not the first rinsing step is finished (step S13). If the first rinsing step has not yet been completed (when "N" in step S13), the flow returns to step S12 again. When the first rinsing step is completed (when "Y" in step S13), the drain pump is operated to perform drainage (step S14). Next, water supply is executed up to a predetermined water level (step S15), and replenishment water for a predetermined time is executed (step S16). Here, the water supply time is measured, and the same foam determination sequence as the first rinsing step is executed. Thereafter, the washing pump is operated to perform rinsing (step S17), and then a determination is made as to whether or not the second rinsing step is finished (step S18). If the second rinsing step has not yet been completed (when "N" in step S18), the flow returns to step S17 again. When the second rinsing step is completed (when "Y" in step S18), the drainage pump is operated to perform drainage (step S19).

Finally, the heat rinsing process is executed in steps S20 to S24, and the operation ends. Since the heating rinsing step is the same operation as the second rinsing step, the description is omitted.

As described above, the present invention provides a cleaning tank having an opening for dispensing the object to be cleaned, a washing unit for spraying the washing water into the object to be stored in the washing tank, and a water supply unit for supplying water into the washing tank; The water level detection part which detects the water level of the wash water supplied to the washing tank, and a control part which measures the water supply time from the start of water supply by the water supply part until the water level detection part detects the water level. The control unit executes the replenishment water to continue the water supply for a predetermined time after the water level detection by the water level detection unit, and changes the time of the replenishment water in the rinsing step based on the difference in the water supply time in the washing step and the rinsing step. It's a dishwasher.

As a result, the foaming occurs under the influence of contaminants adhering to detergents and dishes in the washing step, and bubbles remain in the float in the float of the water level detection unit or in the drain in the pail, until the float movement is inhibited by the influence of foam. Since a difference occurs in the water supply time, it is possible to determine whether there is an influence of bubbles. By adjusting the presence or absence of the bubble, by adjusting the replenishment water time after the water level detection, energy saving of heating water and water more than necessary can be saved.

Moreover, this invention is a dishwasher which a control part judges that there is no influence of foaming, when the difference of the water supply time in a washing | cleaning process and a rinsing process is in a 1st determination time and a 2nd determination time. This makes it possible to correct the deviation by judging within a predetermined time even if the water supply time has a slight deviation due to fluctuations in the water supply pressure of the water supply, aging deterioration of the water level detector, and so on. Judgment can be made with high accuracy.

Moreover, this invention is a dishwasher which determines that there exists an influence of foaming, when the difference of the water supply time in a washing | cleaning process and a rinsing process is more than a 1st determination time or less than a 2nd determination time. This makes it possible to replenish the water supply necessary for washing or rinsing even when the water supply time difference cannot be accurately measured due to any cause. For example, it is a case where the water supply time itself was not able to be measured accurately because it was temporarily stopped etc. during the water supply of a rinsing process. Even in such a case, if it is impossible to determine the water supply time, and the water supply time is the same as in the case where there is a bubble effect, the water supply necessary for cleaning or rinsing can be executed due to the erroneous detection, thereby preventing the deterioration of the cleaning performance. Can be.

In addition, in the embodiment of the present invention, the initial value of the time of the replenishment water is set as the case where there is the influence of the generation of bubbles, and when it is not affected by the generation of the bubbles, it is set to be shorter than the initial value. The initial value of can be set to the case where there is no influence of the generation of bubbles.

In addition, in embodiment of this invention, also in the several rinsing process after the 2nd time, and also the last heating rinsing process performed after that, determination of the water supply time difference was made to adjust the time of replenishment water, but 2 In the rinsing process after the first time, it is also possible to omit the foam determination procedure if it is not necessary.

As described above, when the float movement is inhibited by the influence of bubbles, a difference occurs in the water supply time until the water level detection. Therefore, by determining whether there is a bubble and adjusting the water supply time after the water level detection, The problem of consuming water can be solved, which is useful as a water saving measure for a dish washer.

1: washing tank 2: dish basket
3: tableware 4: water supply valve (water supply)
5: cleaning nozzle (washing part) 6: drain
7: washing pump 8: drain pump
9: water level detection unit 9a: float
9b: communicating tube 9c: micro switch
10: heater 11: thermistor
12 control unit 13 control panel
14 display unit 15 power circuit
16: branch faucet

Claims (3)

In a dishwasher in which at least a washing step and a rinsing step are performed,
A washing tank having an opening for dispensing the object to be cleaned, a washing unit for spraying washing water into the washing object contained in the washing tank, a water supply unit for supplying water into the washing tank, and a water supply in the washing tank It has a water level detection part which detects the water level of the wash | cleaning water which has been supplied, and a control part which measures the water supply time until water level detection part detects a water level after starting water supply by the said water supply part,
The control unit executes replenishment water for continuing water supply for a predetermined time after the water level detection by the water level detection unit, and based on the difference in the water supply time in the washing step and the rinsing step, To change the time of replenishment
dish washer. The method of claim 1,
The control unit determines that there is no influence of foaming when the difference between the water supply time in the washing step and the rinsing step is within a first determination time and a second determination time.
dish washer. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
The control unit determines that there is an effect of foaming when the difference between the water supply time in the washing step and the rinsing step is equal to or greater than the first determination time or less than the second determination time.
dish washer.

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