Tableware washing machine

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tableware cleaning machine. The present invention aims to improve the convenience of a tableware cleaning machine. A tableware cleaning machine (40) includes: a cleaning tub (2) having an opening portion; a basket (14) housed in the cleaning tub (2) and on which a cleaning target (8) is placed; a moving portion that moves the basket (14); a plurality of support portions provided to the basket (14) and that support the cleaning target placed on the basket (14); and a spacing changing portion that changes the spacing between the support portions when the basket (14) is moved by the moving portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a tableware washing machine for cleaning tableware and other items to be cleaned. Background Technology

[0002] A dishwashing machine is provided for assembly into cabinets or the like in a complete kitchen (for example, see Patent Document 1). The dishwashing and drying machine described in Patent Document 1 is configured such that an opening and closing door is provided on the upper surface of the washing tank, through which dishes are removed and placed. Furthermore, a two-layer washing basket is configured to move up and down within the washing tank via a dish basket lifting unit.

[0003] [Prior Technology Documents]

[0004] [Patent Literature]

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-112231 Summary of the Invention

[0006] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0007] Increasing the number of dishes that can be stored in the dishwashing machine allows for the washing of more dishes at once, thus improving user convenience. However, if multiple dishes are stored in the dishwashing machine, the spacing between them becomes narrower, making it difficult to remove and place dishes.

[0008] This disclosure provides a technique for improving the convenience of dishwashing machines.

[0009] [Technical solutions used to address technical problems]

[0010] The dishwashing machine disclosed herein includes: a washing tank having an opening; a basket containing items to be washed, which is housed in the washing tank; a moving part for moving the basket; a plurality of support parts provided on the basket for supporting the items to be washed placed in the basket; and an interval changing part for changing the interval between the support parts when the basket is moved by the moving part.

[0011] Furthermore, any combination of the above-mentioned constituent elements, as well as schemes that convert the embodiment of the present invention into methods, apparatus, systems, recording media, computer programs, etc., are also valid embodiments of the present invention.

[0012] [Invention Effects]

[0013] According to this disclosure, the convenience of dishwashing machines can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the overall appearance of a kitchen equipped with the dishwashing machine of Embodiment 1.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the dishwashing machine according to Embodiment 1.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the dishwashing machine according to Embodiment 1.

[0017] Figure 4A This is a diagram showing an example of the basket of the dishwashing machine according to Embodiment 1.

[0018] Figure 4B This is a diagram showing an example of the basket of the dishwashing machine according to Embodiment 1.

[0019] Figure 4C This is a diagram showing an example of the basket of the dishwashing machine according to Embodiment 1.

[0020] Figure 5A This diagram illustrates a situation where the spacing between multiple support components has been altered.

[0021] Figure 5B This diagram illustrates a situation where the spacing between multiple support components has been altered.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the state where the spacing between multiple support parts has been increased.

[0023] Figure 7A This is a diagram showing the structure of the interval change section.

[0024] Figure 7B This is a diagram showing the structure of the interval change section.

[0025] Figure 8 This diagram shows the configuration of the control unit used to control the dishwashing machine of Embodiment 1. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, sometimes unnecessary detailed descriptions are omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters are sometimes omitted, or repeated descriptions of substantially the same configurations are omitted.

[0027] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand this disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter of the claims.

[0028] (Implementation Method 1)

[0029] The following uses Figures 1-8 To illustrate implementation method 1.

[0030] The dishwashing machine of Embodiment 1 has a mechanism that increases the spacing between dishes and other items being washed when they are being taken out and placed in. This improves user convenience by making it easier to take out and place dishes and other items. Furthermore, when the items are placed in the dishwashing machine and washed, the spacing between them is reduced. This increases the number of items that can be placed in the dishwashing machine, allowing for the washing of a larger quantity of items at once.

[0031] [1-1. Composition]

[0032] Figure 1 This diagram shows the exterior of an integrated kitchen equipped with the dishwashing machine of Embodiment 1. The dishwashing machine 40 is housed within the integrated kitchen 50. A robotic arm 52 and a camera 53 are provided within the integrated kitchen 50. The robotic arm 52 is controlled by a control device (not shown) based on images captured by the camera 53. The robotic arm 52 automatically loads the items 8 to be washed, placed on a workbench or sink in the integrated kitchen 50, into the dishwashing machine 40. Furthermore, the robotic arm 52 automatically removes the items 8 from the dishwashing machine 40. The robotic arm 52 may also be installed within the dishwashing machine 40.

[0033] Figure 2 and Figure 3 A cross-section of the dishwashing machine according to Embodiment 1 is shown in schematic. The main body 1 of the dishwashing machine 40 is a housing with a front opening, and a washing tank 2 is provided inside. The washing tank 2 is supported by a pull-out guide rail or other unit (not shown) so that it can be pulled forward and backward from the front opening of the main body 1. The washing tank 2 has an opening at the top, through which tableware or other items to be washed 8 can be taken out and placed. A basket 14 is provided in the washing tank 2. In the example shown in this figure, a single-layer basket 14 is provided, but two or more layers of baskets may also be provided.

[0034] When cleaning the object 8, water or hot water is supplied from the outside to the cleaning tank 2 via the water supply valve 3. The cleaning water supplied to the cleaning tank 2 is discharged from the drain hole 4 at the bottom of the cleaning tank 2, and then sprayed onto the object 8 from the cleaning nozzle 7 via the cleaning pump 5 connected to the drain hole 4, circulating inside the cleaning tank 2. A heater 9 for heating the cleaning water is provided between the cleaning nozzle 7 and the bottom of the cleaning tank 2. A residue filter 6 for collecting residue is provided at the drain hole 4. The control unit 12 controls the electrical components such as the water supply valve 3 and the cleaning pump 5.

[0035] The basket 14 is configured to be raised and lowered by a lifting unit when the washing tank 2 is pulled out from the main body 1. The lifting unit includes a fixed plate fixed to the bottom of the washing tank 2 and X-shaped lifting links 18 and 19. The lifting links 18 and 19 have the same length and are arranged in a cross configuration at the central axis 17. The lower end of at least one of the lifting links 18 and 19 is pivotally supported by elongated holes provided at the left and right ends of the fixed plate. By sliding the lower end of the lifting link 18 or 19 in the elongated holes, the upper ends of the lifting links 18 and 19 rise and fall, thereby raising and lowering the basket 14 placed on the lifting links 18 and 19. Figure 2 This indicates that basket 14 is in a downward state. Figure 3 This indicates the state of basket 14 being raised. As a lifting unit, actuators such as ball screws, belts, or cylinders can also be used to raise or lower basket 14.

[0036] The basket 14 can also be configured to automatically rise and fall. In this case, the lifting unit includes a drive unit such as a motor for raising and lowering the lifting links 18 and 19, and a control unit for controlling the drive unit. The control unit can raise and lower the basket 14 based on button operations performed by the user, or it can automatically raise and lower the basket 14 when a sensor or the like detects that the washing tank 2 has been pulled out of the main body 1. The basket 14 can also be configured to be raised and lowered manually by the user. In this case, the lifting unit includes a lifting mechanism such as a rotating shaft for raising and lowering the lifting links 18 and 19, and an operating unit such as a handle for operating the lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism can also be a mechanism that raises and lowers the lifting links 18 and 19 by means of a spring or the like when the washing tank 2 is pulled out of the main body 1.

[0037] Figure 4A , Figure 4B as well as Figure 4C An example of the basket 14 of the dishwashing machine 40 in Embodiment 1. Figure 4A This indicates multiple support sections 41 that support the items 8 to be washed, which are placed in the basket 14. Figure 4B The interval changing part 42 represents the interval that changes the spacing between the multiple support parts 41. Figure 4CThe load-holding part 43 represents the load that holds the support part 41, the spacing change part 42, and the load on the object being cleaned 8. The spacing change part 42 has a structure that can extend and retract in the horizontal direction, and is configured such that the spacing between the multiple support parts 41 increases or decreases in conjunction with the extension and retraction of the spacing change part 42. By providing most of the components constituting the spacing change part 42 on the side of the basket 14, the area of ​​the bottom surface blocked by the spacing change part 42 can be reduced, thus enabling efficient spraying of cleaning water onto the object being cleaned 8 from the cleaning nozzle 7. Furthermore, the spacing change part 42 changes the horizontal spacing of the multiple support parts 41, so that the multiple support parts 41 can move in the horizontal direction or in the oblique vertical direction. That is, the direction of movement of the multiple support parts 41 only needs to have a horizontal component. In addition, the spacing change part 42 can change the horizontal spacing of the multiple support parts 41, the vertical spacing, and the oblique spacing.

[0038] Figure 5A and Figure 5B This indicates a situation where the spacing between multiple support parts 41 has been changed. Figure 5A This indicates the state in which the intervals between the multiple support portions 41 are contracted when the basket 14 is housed inside the washing tank 2 and the items to be washed 8 are being washed. During this contraction, the interval between adjacent support portions 41 is such that the washing water can enter the gaps between adjacent items to be washed 8. Figure 5B This indicates the state where the spacing between the multiple support portions 41 expands when the basket 14 rises via the lifting unit. In this expanded state, the spacing between adjacent support portions 41 is such that the user's finger or the fingertip of the robot arm 52 can easily enter the gap between adjacent items 8 to be cleaned. Therefore, whether the items 8 are manually removed and placed in, or automatically removed and placed by the robot arm 52, removal and placement can be easily performed. Furthermore, it prevents contact with other items 8 during removal and placement, thus preventing damage or contamination of the items 8.

[0039] Figure 6 This indicates that the spacing between the multiple support sections 41 has been increased. The spacing change section 42 increases the spacing between the support sections 41 when the basket 14 rises via the lifting unit. For example... Figure 6 As shown, at least a portion of the plurality of support portions 41 can also be moved outward from the opening of the washing tank 2 when viewed from above. This allows the items to be washed 8 to be easily removed and placed between worktables or other surfaces in the overall kitchen 50.

[0040] Figure 7A and Figure 7BThe structure of the interval changing section 42 is shown. In this embodiment, the interval changing section 42 has a telescopic mechanism that alternately connects a plate 44 having a slot 45 and a slider 46 to a plate 47 having a slot 48 and a slider 49. The slider 46b of plate 44b slides in the slot 48b of plate 47b. The slider 49c of plate 47c slides in the slot 45b of plate 44b. Figure 7A During the maximum contraction shown, slider 49 of plate 47 is located at the leftmost position of slot 45 of plate 44, and slider 46 of plate 44 is located at the leftmost position of slot 48 of plate 47. Figure 7B When fully extended as shown, slider 49 of plate 47 is located at the rightmost position of slot 45 of plate 44, and slider 46 of plate 44 is located at the rightmost position of slot 48 of plate 47.

[0041] The spacing change unit 42 may also be a mechanism that changes the spacing between the support portions 41 in conjunction with the lifting action based on the lifting unit. Alternatively, the spacing change unit 42 may automatically change the spacing between the support portions 41 in conjunction with the lifting action. In this case, the spacing change unit 42 may also include a drive unit such as a motor for moving the support portions 41 and a control unit for controlling the drive unit.

[0042] The interval changing unit 42 can also change all the intervals of multiple support sections 41 simultaneously. This shortens the operation time. The interval changing unit 42 can also change only a portion of the multiple support sections 41 individually. Therefore, since only the support sections 41 in the area required for removing and placing the item 8 to be cleaned can be changed, the area occupied during operation can be reduced.

[0043] Figure 8 This drawing shows the configuration of the control unit used to control the dishwashing machine of Embodiment 1. The control unit 12 is implemented using hardware such as a microcomputer, microcontroller, and integrated circuit. This drawing shows the configuration of the control unit 12 when at least one of the lifting unit and the interval changing unit 42 is automatically controlled.

[0044] The control unit 12 includes a process control unit 23, a drive control unit 24, and a memory 25. These components are implemented in hardware using any computer's CPU, memory, other LSIs, etc., and in software using programs downloaded to the memory, etc. Functional modules implemented through their cooperation are described herein. Therefore, those skilled in the art should understand that these functional modules can be implemented in various forms, either solely in hardware or as a combination of hardware and software.

[0045] The process control unit 23 controls the cleaning operation of the dishwashing machine 40. The process control unit 23 receives instructions from the user from the operation unit 22, which consists of buttons or switches provided on the main body 1 of the dishwashing machine 40, and controls the cleaning operation according to the instructions. The process control unit 23 can continuously execute the cleaning process, the rinsing process, and the drying process, or it can execute only one process, or it can execute any combination of two or more processes in any order.

[0046] The drive control unit 24 controls the lifting unit for raising and lowering the basket 14. The drive control unit 24 is linked to the raising and lowering action of the basket 14 based on the lifting unit, and changes the spacing of the support portions 41 via the spacing change unit 42. The drive control unit 24 can change the spacing of the support portions 41 simultaneously with raising and lowering the basket 14 via the lifting unit, or it can change the spacing of the support portions 41 when the basket 14 moves to a predetermined position. For example, when at least a portion of the item 8 to be washed is moved outside the opening of the washing tank 2, the drive control unit 24 can also widen the spacing of the support portions 41 when the bottom surface of the basket 14 is moved to a position higher than the opening of the washing tank 2. Furthermore, when at least a portion of the item 8 to be washed is moved to the worktable of the integrated kitchen 50, the drive control unit 24 can also widen the spacing of the support portions 41 when the bottom surface of the basket 14 is moved to a position higher than the worktable.

[0047] The direction, amount, timing, and which support 41 to move can also be set by the user. In this case, the settings made by the user via the operation unit 22 are stored in the memory 25. When the drive control unit 24 controls the lifting unit to raise and lower the basket 14, it reads the settings stored in the memory 25 and controls the interval changing unit 42 according to the settings to change the interval of the support 41.

[0048] The direction, amount, timing, and which support 41 is moved can be determined by the drive control unit 24 based on the spacing or placement of the items 8 being cleaned. The spacing or placement of the items 8 can also be detected using a camera or sensor. If the spacing between the items 8 is narrower than a pre-set threshold based on the size of a standard human finger or the finger of a robotic arm 52, the drive control unit 24 can move the support 41 to a distance greater than the threshold. If the spacing between the items 8 is greater than the threshold, the drive control unit 24 can also prevent the support 41 from moving.

[0049] [1-2. Actions]

[0050] The following describes the operation and function of the dishwashing machine 40 as described above.

[0051] When the user pulls the washing tank 2 forward from the main body 1 of the dishwashing machine 40 and moves the basket 14 upward, the spacing change unit 42 expands the spacing of the support part 41 in conjunction with this movement. When the user or the robot arm 52 places the item 8 to be washed in the basket 14 and moves the basket 14 downward, the spacing change unit 42 shrinks the spacing of the support part 41 in conjunction with this movement. The user adds detergent to the washing tank 2, stores the washing tank 2 in the main body 1, and begins washing.

[0052] The control unit 12 opens the water supply valve 3 to supply water or hot water to the cleaning tank 2. The cleaning water supplied to the cleaning tank 2 is drawn into the cleaning pump 5 through the drain hole 4 via the residue filter 6, and then supplied to the cleaning nozzle 7 located at the bottom of the cleaning tank 2. The cleaning water sprayed from the cleaning nozzle 7 circulates back to the drain hole 4 after cleaning the object 8. At this time, residues that fall off the object 8 flow into the residue filter 6 along with the cleaning water, and residues that cannot pass through the residue filter 6 are captured by the residue filter 6.

[0053] When the user removes the cleaned item 8 after washing, the interval changing part 42 expands the interval of the support part 41 in conjunction with the user pulling the washing tank 2 forward from the main body 1 of the dishwashing machine and moving the basket 14 upward. When the user removes the cleaned item 8 from the basket 14 and moves the basket 14 downward, the interval changing part 42 shrinks the interval of the support part 41 in conjunction with the user.

[0054] [1-3. Effects, etc.]

[0055] As described above, in this embodiment, the dishwashing machine 40 includes: a washing tank 2 with an opening; a basket 14 housed in the washing tank 2 and holding the items to be washed 8; a lifting unit for raising and lowering the basket 14; a plurality of support portions 41 provided on the basket 14 for supporting the items to be washed 8 placed on the basket 14; and an interval changing portion 42 for changing the interval between the support portions 41 when the basket 14 is raised and lowered by the lifting unit. Therefore, since the items to be washed 8 can be easily removed and placed in, user convenience is improved.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the opening is located above the washing tank 2, and the lifting unit causes the basket 14 to move up and down in the vertical direction. The interval changing part 42 is linked to the lifting action of the basket 14 based on the lifting unit, causing the support part 41 to move in the horizontal or vertical direction. As a result, the convenience of the user can be improved because the items to be washed 8 can be easily removed and placed in.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, at least a portion of the plurality of support portions 41 moves outward from the top of the cleaning tank 2 when viewed from above via the spacing change portion 42. This improves user convenience by allowing easy removal and placement of the item 8 to be cleaned.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the dishwashing machine includes a control unit 12 that controls at least one of the lifting unit and the interval changing unit 42. The control unit 12 causes the basket 14 to automatically rise and fall via the lifting unit, or causes the support unit 41 to automatically move via the interval changing unit 42. As a result, the convenience for the user is improved because the items to be washed 8 can be easily removed and placed in.

[0059] In this embodiment, the lifting unit allows the basket 14 to be moved manually, or the spacing change unit 42 allows the support unit 41 to be moved manually. This improves user convenience by making it easier to remove and place the items 8 to be washed.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cleaning tank 2 is designed to be easily removed and inserted from the front and rear of the housing, which has a front opening. This allows for easy removal and insertion of the item 8 to be cleaned, thus improving user convenience.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the opening and closing door of the washing tank 2 is located above the washing tank 2. This allows for easy removal and placement of the items 8 to be washed, thus improving user convenience.

[0062] (Other implementation methods)

[0063] As described above, Embodiment 1 has been presented as an example of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology disclosed herein is not limited to this and can be applied to embodiments with modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. Furthermore, new embodiments can be formed by combining the constituent elements described in Embodiment 1 above.

[0064] Therefore, other implementation methods will be illustrated below.

[0065] In Embodiment 1, an example is shown where the cleaning tank 2, having an opening at the top, is designed to be easily removed and inserted from the front and rear of the main body 1, which has an opening at the front. However, in other embodiments, the opening and closing door of the cleaning tank 2 may also be located at the top of the cleaning tank 2. In this case, the cleaning tank 2 can be either easily removed and inserted from the front and rear of the main body 1 or fixedly stored inside the main body 1.

[0066] In Embodiment 1, an example of basket 14 being raised and lowered by a lifting unit is shown, but in other examples, basket 14 may be configured to be able to move in the horizontal direction, or it may be configured to be able to move in both the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0067] In one embodiment, an example is shown where the dishwashing machine 40 is housed inside an integrated kitchen 50, but in other examples, the dishwashing machine 40 may also be configured as a stand-alone device.

[0068] Furthermore, the above embodiments are merely illustrative of the technology disclosed herein, and therefore various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc., can be made without departing from the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0069] [Industrial Availability]

[0070] This invention can be used in tableware washing machines for cleaning tableware and other items.

[0071] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0072] 1 Main body, 2 Cleaning tank, 3 Water supply valve, 4 Drain hole, 5 Cleaning pump, 6 Filter, 7 Cleaning nozzle, 8 Cleaned item, 9 Heater, 12 Control unit, 17 Axis, 18 Lifting linkage, 22 Operation unit, 23 Process control unit, 24 Drive control unit, 25 Memory, 40 Dishwashing machine, 41 Support unit, 42 Interval changing unit, 43 Load holding unit, 44 Plate, 45 Slot, 46 Slider, 47 Plate, 48 Slot, 49 Slider, 50 Integrated kitchen, 52 Robot arm.

Claims

1. A dishwashing machine, wherein, include: A cleaning tank with an opening, The basket containing the items to be cleaned is stored inside the cleaning tank. A cleaning nozzle that sprays cleaning water onto the object being cleaned. The moving part that moves the basket The basket contains multiple support portions that support the items to be washed, which are placed in the basket. An interval changing part that alters the spacing between the support parts when the basket is moved by the moving part. The movable part causes the basket to move up and down in the vertical direction; The spacing change section is located on the side of the basket and is linked to the upward movement of the basket based on the moving section, thereby increasing the horizontal spacing between multiple adjacent support sections.

2. The dishwashing machine as described in claim 1, wherein, At least a portion of the plurality of supports moves outward from the opening of the cleaning tank when viewed from above by the spacing change portion.

3. The dishwashing machine as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, This includes a control unit that controls at least one of the moving part and the interval changing part; The control unit causes the basket to move automatically via the moving part, or causes the support part to move automatically via the interval changing part.

4. The dishwashing machine as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The moving part causes the basket to move manually, or the interval changing part causes the support part to move manually.

5. The dishwashing machine as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The cleaning tank is designed to be removed and inserted from the front and rear of a housing having a front opening.

6. The dishwashing machine as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The opening and closing door of the cleaning tank is located above the cleaning tank.

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