TWI505803B - Tableware cleaning machine - Google Patents

Description

Dish washing machine Technical field

The present invention relates to a dishwasher for washing dishes.

Background technique

Heretofore, such a dishwasher has been constructed as shown in Fig. 4. Hereinafter, the structure will be described.

As shown in Fig. 4, the cutlery basket 2 is placed in the washing tub 1, and the dishes 3 are housed in the cutlery basket 2. The washing water is supplied from the water supply valve 4 as the water supply unit, and is stored in the washing tank 1. The washing nozzle 5 as the washing portion is rotatably supported in the washing tub 1 and ejects the washing water toward the food container 3. The discharged washing water enters the drain port 6 on the bottom surface of the washing tank 1, and is fed into the washing nozzle 5 by the washing pump 7, and is again discharged. The washing pump 7 and the drain pump 8 for discharging the washing water are provided in the lower portion of the washing tank. The water level detecting unit 9 detects whether or not the water level in the washing tank 1 has reached a predetermined water level, and detects the water level based on the dynamics of the buoy 9a. The heater 10 is disposed at the bottom of the washing tank 1 to heat the washing water. The outer wall of the bottom of the washing tank 1 is provided with a thermistor 11 for detecting the washing temperature. Further, the control unit 12 and the operation unit 13 such as the cleaning pump 7, the drain pump 8, the water level detecting unit 9, the heater 10, and the thermistor 11, and the power supply unit such as the display unit 14 for displaying the operation state and the control unit 12 are controlled. The power circuit 15 is also disposed on the body. Moreover, the liquid used for washing and rinsing the washed matter such as the tableware 3 is called washing water.

In the above configuration, the user stores the soiled dishes 3 in the cutlery basket 2, puts the lotion into the washing tank 1, and starts the operation by the operation unit 13. In the washing step, the tap water supplied from the water supply valve 4 to the bottom water level detecting unit 9 of the washing tank 1 detects that the predetermined water level has been reached, and when the predetermined water level is reached, the washing pump 7 and the heater 10 are energized. In addition, the water supply of the tap water is carried out by using a divergent faucet 16 or the like from the faucet. The washing water is sprayed from the washing nozzle 5 to the dishware 3 by the washing pump 7, and the dirt adhering to the tableware 3 is removed. At this time, the temperature of the control washing water is detected by the thermistor 11. When the predetermined operation is completed, the drain pump 8 is energized, and then the washing water containing the dirt originally attached to the tableware 3 is discharged. Next, the rinsing step of re-supplying the tap water is started. The rinsing step of rinsing the heater 10 several times without water and the heating rinsing step of rinsing with the hot water after the heater 10 is energized is repeated, and the lotion component adhering to the tableware 3 is removed.

However, in the above-described structure of the conventional dishwashing machine, in the washing step of removing the stain of the tableware, foam is generated in the washing water due to the influence of the lotion and the stain attached to the tableware. After the washing step is completed, the washing water is drained, and foam remains in the buoy of the water level detecting portion and the internal drain port. At this time, in the water level detecting unit that detects the water level by using the buoy upper and lower, the movement of the buoy is hindered by the influence of the foam floating on the water. Further, since the washing water containing the foam is discharged, the capacity of the drain pump is also affected, and the residual water remaining in the washing layer is not sufficiently drained. Therefore, in the subsequent rinsing step, before the water supply reaches a predetermined amount, the buoy detects the foam floating on the washing water and erroneously detects "to reach the predetermined water level", so that the water supply amount becomes relatively clean, etc. The amount of water is small.

Therefore, since it is difficult to accurately detect the amount of water, in order to surely ensure the amount of water necessary for washing or rinsing, after the water level detection by the buoy is used, the time for continuing the predetermined time of the makeup water is set. Moreover, taking into account the amount of residual water and the error caused by the foam, take longer to replenish water. For this reason, there will be a problem of excessive water consumption.

[Practical Technical Literature] [Patent Literature]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2001-57957

Summary of invention

The dishwasher of the present invention includes: a washing tank provided with an opening for taking out and placing the object to be washed; and a washing unit for spraying the washing water stored in the washing tank; a water supply unit that performs water supply in the washing tank; a water level detecting unit that detects the water level of the washing water that has been supplied to the washing tank; and a control unit that measures the water supply time from the water supply unit to the water level detecting unit to detect the water level. The control unit performs the supply water for continuing the water supply for a predetermined time after the water level detection by the water level detecting unit, and changes the time of the makeup water in the rinsing step according to the difference between the washing step and the water supply time of the rinsing step.

Thereby, in the washing step, foaming occurs due to the influence of the lotion and the stain adhering to the tableware, the foam remains in the buoy of the water level detecting portion and the internal drain port, and the buoy moves due to the influence of the foam. Since there is a difference in the water supply time until the water level is detected, it is possible to determine whether or not there is a foam influence based on the difference. Moreover, the time of the water supply after the water level detection is adjusted according to the influence of the influence of the foam, thereby saving water and saving the energy of the heated water.

Simple illustration

Fig. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a block circuit diagram of the dishwasher of the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a flow chart showing the operation of the dishwasher of the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of a conventional dishwasher.

Form for implementing the invention

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Furthermore, the invention is not limited by the embodiments.

1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block circuit diagram of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a dishwasher of an embodiment of the present invention. Action flow chart.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

The cutlery basket 2 is movably disposed in the washing tub 1 and the cutlery 3 is housed in the cutlery basket 2. The washing water is supplied by the driving of the water supply valve 4 as the water supply unit, and is stored in the washing tank 1. The washing nozzle 5 as the washing unit is rotatably supported by the bottom surface in the washing tub 1 and ejects the washing water to the dish 3 while rotating. The discharged washing water enters the drain port 6 on the bottom surface of the washing tank 1, and the washing pump 7 pressurizes the washing water and sends it to the washing nozzle 5, and the washing nozzle 5 discharges the washing water. The washing pump 7 is disposed on the outer wall of the bottom surface of the washing tank 1 together with the drain pump 8 that discharges the washing water. The water level detecting unit 9 detects whether or not the water level in the washing tank 1 has reached a predetermined water level, and detects the water level by moving the buoy 9a up and down. Further, the water level detecting unit 9 may be constituted by a pair of electrodes, and may be configured to detect a water level when the electrodes are energized.

The heater 10 is disposed at the bottom of the washing tank 1 and is a person who heats the washing water. A thermocouple 11 is provided on the outer wall of the bottom of the washing tank 1, and the temperature of the washing water and the air is detected through the wall surface. Further, the control unit 12 and the power supply circuit 15 are also provided in the main body, and the control unit 12 controls the washing pump 7, the drain pump 8, the heater 10, and the like, and receives signals from the water level detecting unit 9, the thermistor 11, and the like; The power supply circuit 15 generates a power source such as the operation unit 13, the display unit 14 that displays the operation status, and the control unit 12. Further, the liquid used for washing and rinsing the washed matter such as the tableware 3 or the chopsticks is collectively referred to as washing water.

The water level detecting unit 9 according to the embodiment of the present invention is connected to the washing tank 1 by the water passage of the communicating pipe 9b, and is provided on the side wall outer wall of the washing tank 1. The water level detecting unit 9 is configured to activate/turn off (n-OFF) the micro switch 9c by moving downward from the buoy 9a.

Further, the control program for performing the water level detection is configured as follows. The inside of the washing tank 1 is supplied with water by the operation of the water supply valve 4 as the water supply unit. The control unit 12 that controls the washing pump 7, the drain pump 8, and the heater 10 that is the heating unit receives a signal from the water level detecting unit 9 and measures the water supply from the water supply valve 4 until the water level detecting unit 9 detects the water level. Water supply time. Moreover, the control unit 12 controls to continue the supply of water only for a predetermined time after the water level detecting unit 9 detects the water level. Further, the control unit 12 further controls the second predetermined time to be shorter than the first predetermined time when the difference between the water supply time of the washing step and the flushing step is within the first determination time and the second determination time. Time to make up the water. Further, the control is performed in such a manner that the difference between the water supply time of the washing step and the washing step, that is, the value obtained by subtracting the water supply time of the washing step from the water supply time of the washing step, is greater than or equal to the first determination time or When the second determination time is less than or equal to the second determination time, the makeup water is supplied only for the first predetermined time. In the present embodiment, the predetermined time of the makeup water is assumed to be the time when the influence of the foam is generated, and the difference in the water supply time is a value obtained by subtracting the water supply time of the washing step from the water supply time of the washing step, and 1 The determination time is a positive value, and the second determination time is a negative value.

Explain the above actions. When the dishwasher starts to operate, the control unit 12 controls to open the water supply valve 4, and supplies tap water to the bottom of the washing tank 1 as washing water. Since the water level detecting unit 9 and the washing tank 1 are connected by the communication pipe 9b, the tap water is also supplied to the water level detecting unit 9 at the same time. When the water supply step is performed, the water level in the water level detecting unit 9 rises, the buoy 9a floats, and the switch of the micro switch 9c is turned on/off to detect a predetermined water level. Here, the makeup water is only supplied at the first predetermined time. After the water supply is completed, the water supply valve 4 is closed and the washing step is started. In the washing step, the washing water in which the lotion is dissolved is pressurized by the washing pump 7 to be circulated. At this time, there is a case where there is foaming due to the influence of the stain attached to the tableware 3. When the washing water containing foam is drained after the end of the washing step, the foam gathers at the drain port 6, and the rate of inflow of the washing water is lowered. Further, the washing water containing the foam also lowers the discharge capacity of the drain pump 8. This is because in the drain pump 8, although the washing water is pressurized in the portion where there is no foam and the liquid flow rate in the case of draining is fast, the flow rate of the foam is slow in the case where the foam portion is pressurized and drained.

In the case where the control of the drain pump 8 is programmed to operate in a predetermined time, even if the drain pump 8 affected by the foam is operated for a predetermined period of time, the amount of the washing water remaining in the washing tank 1 remains. There will be deviations. Further, since the washing water containing the foam also enters the water level detecting portion 9 through the communication pipe 9b, the foam remains in the water level detecting portion 9 after the washing water is drained. 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 is supplied to the predetermined water level at which the water level detecting unit 9 operates, the absolute amount of the water supply for re-supplying will still change. less. Further, due to the influence of the residual foam in the water level detecting portion 9, the buoy 9a erroneously detects the foam floating on the washing water, and erroneously detects that the washing water has reached the predetermined water level before the washing water reaches the predetermined water level. . Due to these effects, in the case of foaming, the water supply time until the water level detection will be earlier than in the case of no foaming, and therefore it is possible to determine whether or not foam is generated by measuring the water supply time. That is, when the difference in the water supply time between the washing step and the rinsing step is positive, there is a result of foam generation. In the case where no foam is generated, since the water supply time is the same as the reference value, the water supply time does not change.

Therefore, if the water supply time after the water level detection is set to be the first predetermined time in the case where the foam is affected, and the second predetermined time shorter than the first predetermined time in the case where the foam is not affected, It can be ended without supplying an excessive amount of water. That is, water saving can be achieved, and since it is not necessary to heat the excess washing water by the heater 10, energy saving can be achieved.

However, if the case where the water supply time difference is positive is judged to be foamy, in actual use, even if no foam is generated, it is possible to misjudge that foam is generated. The reason is that if the water supply is used in the vicinity of the dishwasher in the water supply process of the dishwasher, the tap water pressure changes. In addition, the buoyancy is changed by the buoy 9a accumulated in the water level detecting unit 9, and the water supply time varies depending on various differences such as the difference in the operation of the water supply valve 4. For this reason, the cause of the difference can be corrected by the following determination, and the determination of the difference in the water supply time can be accurately performed, that is, the time during which the influence of the bubble is not generated is maintained at the second determination time or longer and the first determination time or lower. The amplitude is determined by setting the time when the influence of the bubble is generated to the first determination time or more. The value determined based on the water supply time difference is not limited to zero, and the generation of a small amount of foam can be effectively determined by the first determination time and the second determination time. The reason is that if there is a generation of foam, even if the predetermined amount of water supply cannot be ensured, as long as the amount of water supply does not affect the operation of the washing pump 7, it is not necessary to reduce the time of the makeup water, and it is also possible to determination. Therefore, when the difference in the water supply time is equal to or greater than the positive value of the first determination time, the influence of the foam can be accurately determined.

Further, when the water supply time difference is less than the negative value of the second determination time, it is generally considered that the water supply time difference cannot be correctly determined for some reason. For example, there is a case where the water supply time itself or the like cannot be accurately measured because of the reason that the water supply is temporarily stopped during the water supply step. On the other hand, in the case where the bubble is generated in the washing step, although the water supply time is shortened in the next flushing step, the water supply time is rather lengthened if it is temporarily stopped during the running. As a result, the difference in the water supply time is a negative value and the absolute value is large. For this reason, in this case, it is determined that the water supply time cannot be determined, and the water supply time is set to the first predetermined time in the same manner as in the case of the foam, and the washing due to the erroneous detection can be prevented. Poor performance. On the other hand, in the case where the water supply step is temporarily stopped, the difference in the water supply time is determined to be foamed, so that there is no problem.

Next, the operation of the dishwasher of the embodiment of the present invention will be described in accordance with the operation flowchart shown in FIG. First, after the start of the operation, the water supply time until the water supply to the predetermined water level is measured is performed (step S1). Thereafter, the makeup water for a predetermined time is performed (step S2). Next, the washing pump is operated to be cleaned (step S3), and thereafter, it is determined whether or not the washing step has been completed (step S4). If the washing step has not been completed (in the case of "N" in step S4), the process returns to step S3. When the washing step is completed (in the case of "Y" in the step S4), the drain pump is operated to discharge the washing water (step S5). Next, the water supply for the first rinsing step is started, and the water supply time until the water is supplied to the predetermined water level is measured (step S6). Thereafter, the bubble determination procedure is entered.

Next, the washing pump is operated to perform flushing (step S12), and thereafter, it is determined whether or not the first washing step has been completed (step S13). If the first flushing step has not been completed (in the case of "N" in step S13), the process returns to step S12. When the first flushing step is completed (in the case of "Y" in step S13), the drain pump is operated to drain (step S14). Next, the water supply is performed to the predetermined water level (step S15), and the makeup water for a predetermined time is performed (step S16). Here, the water supply time measurement is also performed, and the same bubble determination procedure as the first rinse step is performed. Thereafter, the washing pump is operated to perform flushing (step S17), and then it is determined whether or not the second flushing step is completed (step S18). If the second flushing step has not been completed (in the case of "N" in step S18), the process returns to step S17. When the second flushing step is completed (in the case of "Y" in step S18), the drain pump is operated to drain (step S19).

Finally, the heating and rinsing steps are performed in steps S20 to S24 to end the operation. Since the heating and rinsing steps are the same as the second rinsing step, they will not be described again.

As described above, the present invention includes a washing tank having an opening for taking out and placing the object to be washed, and a washing unit for spraying the washing water into the object to be washed in the washing tank, a water supply unit that supplies water to the washing tank, a water level detecting unit that detects the water level of the washing water supplied to the washing tank, and a control unit that measures the water supply time, and the water supply time is detected from the water supply unit. The time until the water level is detected. The control unit performs the water supply for continuing the water supply for a predetermined period of time after the water level is detected by the water level detecting unit, and the dishwasher of the water supply time of the rinsing step is changed according to the difference between the washing step and the water supply time of the rinsing step. .

Thereby, in the washing step, foaming is caused by the influence of the lotion or the stain attached to the tableware, and the foam in the buoy of the water level detecting portion or the internal drain port remains, and the buoy action is hindered by the influence of the foam. In the case of a difference in the water supply time until the water level is detected, it is possible to determine whether or not there is a foam. According to the presence or absence of the influence of the foam, adjusting the water supply time after the water level detection can save water and save energy for heating excess water.

Moreover, in the dishwasher of the present invention, the control unit determines that there is no influence of the bubble generation when the difference in the water supply time between the washing step and the rinsing step is within the first determination time and the second determination time. According to this, even if the supply water time is not regular due to the influence of the change in the water supply pressure of the tap water or the deterioration of the water level detecting unit over the years, the determination can be made within a predetermined time, and the difference can be corrected and the water supply time difference can be accurately determined. Ground judgment.

Moreover, the present invention is a dishwasher that determines that the influence of bubble generation is caused when the difference in the water supply time between the washing step and the rinsing step is equal to or longer than the first determination time or the second determination time. Thereby, even if the water supply time difference cannot be accurately measured due to some reasons, the water supply necessary for washing and rinsing can be replenished. For example, in the course of water supply in the rinsing step, irregularities such as the water supply time itself cannot be accurately measured due to temporary suspension or the like. Even in this case, if it is considered that the water supply time cannot be determined and the same makeup water time as in the case of the foam is performed, the water supply necessary for washing and rinsing can be performed by the erroneous detection, and the washing can be prevented. The net performance is low.

Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, the initial value of the time for replenishing water is affected by the presence of bubbles, and the time of the replenishment water is set to be shorter than the initial value in the case of the occurrence of no bubble generation, but Conversely, the initial value of the time of the makeup water can be set to the case of the influence of no bubble generation.

Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of rinsing steps after the second time and the further heating rinsing step performed thereafter are performed to determine the difference in the water supply time to adjust the time of the replenishment water. However, if necessary, the foam determination procedure may be omitted in the second and subsequent rinsing steps.

1. . . Washing tank

2. . . Cutlery basket

3. . . Tableware

4. . . Water supply valve

5. . . Washing nozzle

6. . . Drainage port

7. . . Washing pump

8. . . Drain pump

9. . . Water level detection department

9a. . . buoy

9b. . . Connecting pipe

9c. . . . Microswitch

10. . . Heater

11. . . Thermistor

12. . . Control department

13. . . Operation department

14. . . Display department

15. . . Power circuit

16. . . Disagreement

Fig. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a block circuit diagram of the dishwasher of the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a flow chart showing the operation of the dishwasher of the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of a conventional dishwasher.

1. . . Washing tank

2. . . Cutlery basket

3. . . Tableware

4. . . Water supply valve

5. . . Washing nozzle

6. . . Drainage port

7. . . Washing pump

8. . . Drain pump

9. . . Water level detection department

9a. . . buoy

9b. . . Connecting pipe

9c. . . . Microswitch

10. . . Heater

11. . . Thermistor

12. . . Control department

13. . . Operation department

14. . . Display department

15. . . Power circuit

16. . . Disagreement

Claims (4)

A dishwasher capable of performing at least a washing step and a rinsing step; and having: a washing tank provided with an opening for taking out and placing the object to be washed; and spraying the object stored in the washing tank a washing unit for washing water; a water supply unit that supplies water to the washing tank; and a water level detecting unit that detects the water level of the washing water supplied to the washing tank; and measures water supply from the water supply unit to the water level detecting a control unit that detects a water supply time until the water level; and a drain pump that discharges the washing water; and the control unit controls the drain pump to operate for a predetermined time after the washing step is completed, and then supplies the water to the water level The detecting unit detects the water level, and performs the water supply for continuing the water supply for a predetermined time after the water level detection by the water level detecting unit, and determines the bubble generation based on the difference between the washing step and the water supply time of the rinsing step. Affects that the time of the makeup water in the rinsing step is set to the first predetermined time when the bubble generation occurs, and is set to be smaller when there is no influence of the bubble generation. The second predetermined time when the first predetermined time is short. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the control unit has a difference between the washing step and the water supply time of the flushing step in a first determination time and a second determination time shorter than the first determination time. At the time, it was judged that there was no influence of bubble generation. The dishwasher according to claim 2, wherein the control unit determines that a difference between the washing step and the water supply time of the flushing step is equal to or longer than the first determination time or less than the second determination time For the effects of bubbling. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the control unit has a difference between the washing step and the water supply time of the rinsing step is longer than the first determination time or shorter than the first determination time When it is less than the second determination time, it is determined that there is an influence of bubble generation.