Tableware washing and drying machine and control method and control program thereof

By introducing a drying fan and a drying heater into the tableware cleaning machine and adjusting the drying process according to the input of the rinse agent, the problem of low condensation and drying efficiency in the drying process in the prior art is solved, and a more efficient drying process is achieved.

CN119791536APending Publication Date: 2025-04-11PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202411299271.1
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-10-11
Filing Date
2024-09-18
Publication Date
2025-04-11

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In the drying process, the existing tableware cleaning machines are prone to condensation due to the high temperature and humidity of the exhaust gas, and the drying efficiency is low.

Method used

A tableware cleaning and drying machine is designed, including a cleaning tank, a rinse agent supply unit, a drying fan, a drying heater and a control unit. The control unit drives the drying heater in the drying process and increases the rotation speed of the drying fan, and changes the sequence of the drying process according to whether or not a rinse agent is added.

Benefits of technology

It effectively suppresses the temperature and humidity of the exhaust gas, prevents the occurrence of condensation, and improves the drying efficiency.

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Abstract

The invention provides a dishwasher dryer, and a control method and a control program thereof, which can suppress the temperature and humidity of exhaust gas in a drying process to prevent the occurrence of condensation and improve the drying efficiency. A dishwasher / dryer (1) is provided with a washing tank (3), a rinsing agent supply unit (30), a blower fan (17a), a blower heater (17b), and an operation control unit (21a). The washing tank (3) accommodates tableware to be washed. The rinsing agent supply unit (30) puts a rinsing agent into the cleaning tank (3). The blower fan supplies air to the inside of the washing tank (3) to dry the tableware. The blower heater heats the air supplied to the inside of the cleaning tank by the blower fan. The operation control unit sequentially executes a cleaning step and a drying step during the cleaning operation, drives the blower heater and increases the rotational speed of the blower fan during the drying step, determines whether or not a rinsing agent has been introduced, and changes the sequence of the drying step according to whether or not the rinsing agent has been introduced.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a tableware washing and drying machine for washing and drying tableware and the like stored in a washing tank, and a control method and a control program thereof. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, dishwashers are used that automatically wash dishes and the like placed in a washing tank provided in a main body.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a dishwashing machine including a main body mounted on a mounted portion, a cleaning tank housed inside the main body for housing the dishes, a cleaning device for cleaning the dishes housed in the cleaning tank, and a rinse agent unit for injecting a rinse agent into the cleaning tank during a cleaning process of the cleaning device, wherein the rinse agent unit includes a rinse agent tank for storing the rinse agent and a rinse agent pump for conveying the rinse agent stored in the rinse agent tank to the cleaning tank.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-166125 Summary of the invention

[0007] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] However, the above-mentioned conventional dishwasher has the following problems.

[0009] That is, in the dishwasher disclosed in the above publication, in the drying step of drying the dishes after the washing step of washing the dishes, the rinse agent is supplied to the washing tank using a rinse agent pump in order to stably supply the rinse agent.

[0010] However, in such a structure, when the humidity and temperature of the exhaust gas discharged to the outside of the box during the drying process remain high, condensation may occur around the exhaust port. On the other hand, if the temperature of the air heated during the drying process is suppressed in order to suppress the occurrence of condensation, the drying efficiency may decrease.

[0011] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a dishwashing and drying machine, a control method thereof, and a control program thereof, which can suppress the temperature and humidity of exhaust gas in a drying process to prevent condensation and improve drying efficiency.

[0012] Solutions for solving problems

[0013] The tableware washing and drying machine disclosed in the present invention includes a washing tank, a rinse agent supply unit, a drying fan, a drying heater, and a control unit. The washing tank stores tableware to be washed. The rinse agent supply unit puts rinse agent into the washing tank. The drying fan supplies air to the inside of the washing tank to dry the tableware. The drying heater heats the air supplied by the drying fan to the inside of the washing tank. The control unit sequentially performs a washing process and a drying process in a washing operation for washing the tableware stored in the washing tank, and drives the drying heater and increases the rotation speed of the drying fan in the drying process. In addition, the control unit determines whether the rinse agent is put in, and changes the sequence of the drying process according to whether the rinse agent is put in.

[0014] Effects of the Invention

[0015] According to the dishwashing and drying machine of the present disclosure, the temperature and humidity of the exhaust gas can be suppressed during the drying process to prevent the occurrence of condensation and improve the drying efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which the openable door is rotated and opened in the dishwashing and drying machine according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, and a part of the dishwashing basket (box interior) is exposed from the opening.

[0017] Figure 2 It means in Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a state in which an opening and closing door is opened relative to a housing and a tableware basket is pulled out in a dishwashing and drying machine.

[0018] Figure 3 It is to express Figure 1 A schematic three-dimensional diagram of the internal structure of a dishwashing and drying machine with the dishware basket at the bottom removed.

[0019] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Control block diagram of a dishwashing and drying machine.

[0020] Figure 5 Yes means Figure 1 A front view of the structure of the inner surface side of the opening and closing door of the dishwashing and drying machine.

[0021] Fig. 6A It means setting Figure 5 A perspective view of the structure of the rinse agent supply unit on the inner surface side of the opening and closing door shown.

[0022] Figure 6B It means to make Fig. 6A A perspective view of a state in which a cover portion included in a rinse agent supply portion is opened.

[0023] Figure 7 Yes means Fig. 6Aand Figure 6B An enlarged front view of the structure of the rinse agent supply portion is shown.

[0024] Figure 8 Yes means Figure 7 A rear view of the structure of the back side (the side built into the opening and closing door) of the rinse agent supply unit.

[0025] Fig. 9 It means to make Figure 8 An enlarged perspective view of a state in which a cover of a rinse agent supply portion is opened.

[0026] Fig.10 It means by Figure 1 A graph showing the relationship between the rotation speed of the drying fan and the timing of turning on the power of the drying heater and the elapsed time in the drying process performed by the dishwashing and drying machine.

[0027] Fig.11 It means in Figure 1 Flowchart of a process flow for determining the presence or absence of rinse agent in a dishwashing and drying machine.

[0028] Fig.12 This is a graph showing the relationship between the rotation speed of the drying fan and the timing of turning on the power of the drying heater and the elapsed time in the drying process performed by the dishwashing and drying machine according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Fig.13 This is a graph showing the relationship between the rotation speed of the drying fan and the elapsed time in the drying process performed by the dishwashing and drying machine according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Fig.14 This is a graph showing the relationship between the rotation speed of the drying fan and the timing of turning on the power of the drying heater and the elapsed time in the drying process performed by the dishwashing and drying machine according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Description of Reference Numerals

[0032] 1. Dishwasher and dryer; 2. Shell; 2a. Side; 2b. Top; 2c. Bottom; 2d. Rear; 3. Washing tank; 4. Opening and closing door; 4b. Inner surface; 5. Opening; 7. Drainage outlet; 9. Dish basket; 9a. Handle; 10. Rotating washing nozzle; 11. Top washing nozzle; 12. Water supply path; 13a. Washing pump; 13b. Drainage pump; 14. Washing heater; 15a. Water distribution motor; 15b. Residual water motor; 16a. Water supply valve; 16b. Flow meter; 17a. Air supply fan (drying fan); 17b. Air supply heater (drying heater); 17c. Cooling fan; 18. Door opening and closing switch; 19. Middle-layer washing nozzle; 20. Control device; 20a. I / F; 21. Processor; 21a. Operation control 1. a washing and drying machine; 2. a washing and drying machine for dishes; 3. a washing and drying machine for dishes; 4. a washing and drying machine for dishes; 5. a washing and drying machine for dishes; 6. a washing and drying machine for dishes; 7. a washing and drying machine for dishes; 8. a washing and drying machine for dishes; 9. a washing and drying machine for dishes; 10. a washing and drying machine for dishes; 11. a washing and drying machine for dishes; 12. a washing and drying machine for dishes; 13. a washing and drying machine for dishes; 14. a washing and drying machine for dishes; 15. a washing and drying machine for dishes; 16. a washing and drying machine for dishes; 17. a washing and drying machine for dishes; 18. a washing and drying machine for dishes; 19. a washing and drying machine for dishes; 20. a washing and drying machine for dishes; 21. a display operation control unit; 21. a maintenance unit; 22. a memory; 22. a control program; 30. a washing and drying agent supply unit; 31a. an opening; 31b. an inlet; 31c. a locking unit; 32. a lid; 32a. a main body; 32b. an elastic ring; 32c. a locked unit; 32d. a lower end surface; 33. a rotating shaft; 35. a storage tank; 36. an inlet tank; 36a. a solenoid valve (inlet valve); 36b. a sealing unit; 36c. a communicating unit; 37. a water temperature detecting unit; 38. a washing and drying agent remaining amount detecting unit; 38a. a floating member; 39. a washing and drying agent supply unit; 41. a handle; 42. a flat surface; 43. a display operation unit; 44. a display unit; 101. a dishwashing and drying machine; R1. a washing and drying agent; R1a. a washing and drying agent for DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The following describes the embodiments in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings as appropriate. However, detailed descriptions beyond the necessary level may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of widely known matters and repeated descriptions of substantially the same structures may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following descriptions and to make it easier for those skilled in the art to understand.

[0034] In addition, the drawings and the following descriptions are provided to allow those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0035] (Implementation Method 1)

[0036] use Figures 1 to 11 The following is a description of a dishwashing and drying machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] The dishwashing and drying machine 1 of this embodiment is a built-in dishwashing machine used, for example, in an integrated kitchen, and washes dishes (not shown) and the like as objects to be washed in an internal washing tank 3. In addition, the dishwashing and drying machine 1 supplies a detergent and a rinse agent to be described later into the washing tank 3, and performs a washing process, a rinsing process, a drying process, and the like.

[0038] Tableware washed by the tableware washing and drying machine 1 includes, for example, containers (plates, bowls, etc.) used for dining, cutlery (chopsticks, spoons, forks, knives, etc.), cooking utensils such as knives, cutting boards, frying pans, pots, etc. used for cooking, and the like.

[0039] (1) Structure of the dishwashing and drying machine 1

[0040] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the dishwashing and drying machine 1 includes a housing 2, a washing tank 3 provided inside the housing 2 to accommodate dishes (washed objects), and a swingable door 4 for opening and closing an opening 5 located on the front surface of the washing tank 3.

[0041] In addition, in this embodiment, if Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the direction of pulling out the cutlery basket (box internal component) 9 from the washing tank 3 or the direction of the opening 5 side is set as the front direction, and the direction of storing the cutlery basket 9 in the washing tank 3 or the direction of the rear surface 2d side is set as the rear direction for description. In addition, hereinafter, the top surface 2b side of the washing tank 3 of the dishwashing and drying machine is set as the top, and the bottom surface 2c side is set as the bottom, and further, the right side when viewed from the front of the opening and closing door 4 is set as the right, and the left side is set as the left for description.

[0042] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the housing 2 is a box-shaped member having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and a washing tank 3 for placing tableware, a tableware basket 9, and the like are provided inside.

[0043] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the washing tank 3 is provided inside the housing 2 for washing the tableware placed in the tableware basket 9, and has an opening 5 on the front surface. In addition, the washing tank 3 is provided with a tableware basket 9 for storing tableware, a rotating washing nozzle 10, a top surface washing nozzle 11, a middle layer washing nozzle 19, etc.

[0044] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the door 4 includes a handle 41, a flat surface 42 provided on the front surface, a display operation unit 43, and a display unit 44. The door 4 is opened and closed relative to the housing 2 to cover the opening 5 by rotating about a rotation axis (not shown).

[0045] In addition, the door opening and closing switch 18 (see Figure 4 ) Detect the opening and closing status of the opening and closing door 4.

[0046] The handle 41 is a groove portion that is gripped by a user when opening and closing the door 4 relative to the housing 2 , and is provided above the flat surface portion 42 .

[0047] The flat surface portion 42 is covered with a surface material etc. A display operation portion 43 , a display portion 44 and the like are arranged on the top surface of the opening and closing door 4 .

[0048] The display operation unit 43 receives an operation input from the user and inputs the washing course of the dishwashing and drying machine 1 , the power on and off, and the like.

[0049] The display unit 44 displays information such as the status of washing and drying performed by the dishwashing and drying machine 1 , the operation status, time, and the setting contents input to the display operation unit 43 .

[0050] The opening 5 is opened and closed by the opening and closing door 4 which is installed in a state of being rotatable relative to the housing 2. Figure 2 As shown, the dish basket 9 is provided in the washing tank 3 in a state where it can be inserted and removed in the front-rear direction.

[0051] The tableware basket 9 is used to place the washed or cleaned tableware. Figure 2 As shown, after the user opens the door 4, the user pulls the cutlery basket 9 forward by gripping the handle 9a to put the cutlery basket 9 in and out.

[0052] In addition, Figure 1 to Figure 3 In the figure, a three-layer structure is shown in which the tableware baskets 9 are arranged in the upper layer, the middle layer, and the lower layer, respectively. However, a structure in which the tableware baskets 9 are arranged in two layers, or in four or more layers, of the upper layer and the lower layer may also be used.

[0053] Furthermore, the dishwasher 1 includes a water supply unit (not shown) for supplying water to the washing tank 3, a washing pump 13a (see Figure 4 ), a water supply path 12 from the cleaning pump 13a toward the top surface cleaning nozzle 11, a water supply path from the cleaning pump 13a toward the middle layer cleaning nozzle 19, a cleaning path from the cleaning pump 13a toward the rotating cleaning nozzle 10 (not shown), and a water distribution mechanism, which includes a water distribution motor 15a for distributing cleaning water to the cleaning path toward the rotating cleaning nozzle 10 and the water supply path 12 toward the top surface cleaning nozzle 11 (refer to Figure 4 ).

[0054] The water supply unit includes a water supply hose (not shown), a water supply valve 16a (see Figure 4 ) etc. Specifically, first, Figure 4The control device 20 shown controls the water supply valve 16a to supply washing water such as tap water from a branch faucet in the kitchen to a water supply path such as a water supply hose. The supplied washing water is supplied to the washing tank 3 in a required amount through the water supply path.

[0055] At this time, the washing water supplied to the washing tank 3 may also be heated by the washing heater 14 (see Figure 4 ) is heated and circulated in a warm water state.

[0056] The washing pump 13a pressurizes and delivers washing water to the rotary washing nozzle 10 and the top washing nozzle 11. When a plurality of rotary washing nozzles 10 are provided, washing water is pressurized and delivered from the washing pump 13a to each rotary washing nozzle 10 and / or the top washing nozzle 11 via a water distribution mechanism including a water distribution motor 15a.

[0057] For example, Figure 3 As shown, rotary washing nozzle 10 is provided below tableware basket 9 and sprays washing water from below toward tableware placed in tableware basket 9 while rotating due to the reaction force of pressurized washing water.

[0058] Alternatively, rotating cleaning nozzle 10 may be a type of nozzle that sprays cleaning water toward dishes from a cleaning hole provided in a cleaning path (not shown) provided on a side surface (side surface 2a other than the top surface) in cleaning tank 3 .

[0059] For example, Figure 3 As shown, the top surface cleaning nozzle 11 is provided above the cutlery basket 9, that is, on the top surface of the washing tank 3. The top surface cleaning nozzle 11, like the rotating cleaning nozzle 10, sprays cleaning water from above toward the cutlery placed in the cutlery basket 9 while rotating by the reaction force of the pressurized cleaning water.

[0060] For example, Figure 2 As shown, the middle cleaning nozzle 19 is provided on the bottom surface of the middle tableware basket 9. The middle cleaning nozzle 19, like the rotating cleaning nozzle 10, sprays cleaning water from below toward the tableware placed in the middle tableware basket 9 while rotating by the reaction force of the pressurized cleaning water, and sprays cleaning water from above toward the tableware placed in the lower tableware basket 9.

[0061] That is, the washing pump 13a pressurizes the washing water accumulated in the washing tank 3 and supplies it to the rotating washing nozzle 10, the top surface washing nozzle 11 and the middle layer washing nozzle 19. The washing water sprayed from the rotating washing nozzle 10 and the top surface washing nozzle 11 washes away the dirt attached to the tableware and washes the tableware. In addition, the washing water includes: a washing liquid containing a detergent and sprayed on the object to be washed, and a rinsing liquid containing a rinsing agent R1 added when rinsing the object to be washed.

[0062] The suction side of the washing pump 13a is connected to the drain port 7, and the washing water supplied to the washing tank 3 is circulated through the washing path and the water supply path 12, and the washing water is sprayed from the rotating washing nozzle 10 and the top surface washing nozzle 11. Then, the dishes are washed with the sprayed washing water.

[0063] like Figure 3 As shown, the drain port 7 is arranged at the bottom of the cleaning tank 3 .

[0064] A residue filter (not shown) is detachably provided at the drain port 7 to collect the residues cleaned and removed from the object to be cleaned.

[0065] Drain pump 13b (see Figure 4 ) After the cleaning process is completed, the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 3 is discharged.

[0066] Cleaning heater 14 (refer to Figure 4 ) heats the washing water accumulated in the washing tank 3 during the washing process. The washing heater 14 is arranged near the bottom of the washing tank 3. In addition, the washing heater 14 may not be arranged near the bottom of the washing tank 3, but may be built into the washing pump 13a.

[0067] Washing pump 13a may also function as a drain pump by reversing the rotation direction of the motor during circulation to discharge washing water from washing tank 3. In this case, washing pump 13a may also function as a drain pump, thereby eliminating the need for a drain pump.

[0068] In addition, a drain valve may be provided instead of drain pump 13b. In this case, by opening the drain valve, washing water can be discharged from washing tank 3 by natural fall due to gravity.

[0069] Here, the dishwashing and drying machine 1 includes a drainage path (not shown) for draining washing water from the washing tank 3. The drainage path includes a drainage port 7, a drainage pump 13b, a drainage hose (not shown), and the like.

[0070] When the washing process and the rinsing process of the dishes are finished, the drain pump 13b is driven, and the washing water passes through the drain port 7 and is discharged to the outside through the drain hose.

[0071] Furthermore, the dishwashing and drying machine 1 of the present embodiment dries the washed dishes.

[0072] That is, Figure 4 As shown, the dishwashing and drying machine 1 of the present embodiment includes an air blowing fan (drying fan) 17a and an air blowing heater (drying heater) 17b.

[0073] Blowing fan 17a and blowing heater 17b are provided in a drying air passage connected to an air supply port provided at a lower portion of a side wall of washing tub 3, and suck air from an air intake port (not shown) and supply the air into washing tub 3 to dry washed dishes.

[0074] That is, when the air blower fan 17a is driven, the tubular air blower heater 17b is also driven, so that the air sucked from the air supply port and heated in the drying air passage is sent to the dishes in the washing tub 3.

[0075] In addition, a first exhaust port (not shown) is provided at the upper portion of the side wall of the washing tank 3, and an exhaust path is provided outside the side surface 2a of the washing tank 3. The air supplied from the air supply port to the washing tank 3 contains moisture in the washing tank 3, and is discharged from the first exhaust port through the exhaust path and from the second exhaust port (not shown) to the outside of the machine. In this way, the drying of the tableware in the washing tank 3 can be promoted by conveying the heated air and discharging the air containing moisture.

[0076] Here, in the dishwashing and drying machine 1 of the present embodiment, Figure 4 As shown, each part provided inside the housing 2 is controlled by the control device 20 .

[0077] like Figure 4 As shown, the control device 20 includes an I / F (interface) 20a, a processor 21, and a memory 22, and is provided as a control substrate below the washing tank 3. In the control device 20, the processor 21 reads a control program 22a stored in the memory 22 to execute a washing operation and a drying operation.

[0078] More specifically, the control device 20 implements a washing process for washing the dishes, a rinsing process for rinsing out detergent and residues adhering to the dishes, a drying process for drying the washed dishes, and the like.

[0079] In the washing process and the rinsing process, the control device 20 controls Figure 4 The dishes in the washing tub 3 are washed by the washing pump 13a, the washing heater 14, the drain pump 13b, the water distribution motor 15a, the residual water motor 15b, the water supply valve 16a, the flow meter 16b, etc. shown.

[0080] In addition, during the drying process, the control device 20 controls Figure 4 The washed dishes are dried by using the air blowing fan 17a and the air blowing heater 17b shown.

[0081] The processor 21 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPC (Micro Processing Unit). The processor 21 reads out and executes a control program 22a stored in the memory 22 to function as an operation control unit (control unit) 21a, a display operation control unit 21b, and a maintenance unit 21c.

[0082] The operation control unit 21a controls various devices connected to the control device 20, thereby controlling the washing operation of the dishwashing and drying machine 1. The washing operation controlled by the operation control unit 21a may be an operation in which the washing process, the rinsing process, the drying process, and the storage process are continuously performed in sequence, or an operation in which only any one process is performed, or an operation in which any two or more processes are performed in any order.

[0083] Here, the storage process is a process of storing tableware in the washing tank 3 when the opening and closing door 4 is in a closed state. The storage process includes at least one of a drying storage process and a sterilization storage process. The drying storage process is a process of drying and storing tableware using the air supply fan 17a. The sterilization storage process is a process of transporting charged fine particle water or ions generated by an electrostatic atomization device (not shown) into the washing tank 3 and sterilizing and storing the tableware.

[0084] The operation control unit 21a can perform water-saving and energy-saving operation during the washing operation. The water-saving and energy-saving operation is an operation for saving water and energy during the washing operation. The washing operation accompanied by the water-saving and energy-saving operation can save water and reduce power consumption compared to the washing operation not accompanied by the water-saving and energy-saving operation. During the washing operation, the operation control unit 21a determines whether to perform the water-saving and energy-saving operation based on the temperature change per unit time detected by the water temperature detection unit 37 and the detection signal of the turbidity detection sensor (not shown). And, when it is determined that the water-saving and energy-saving operation is to be performed, the operation control unit 21a performs the water-saving and energy-saving operation during the washing operation.

[0085] In addition, detailed control contents of the operation control unit 21 a will be described in detail later.

[0086] The display operation control unit 21b causes the display operation unit 43 to display various information. In addition, the display operation control unit 21b receives various operations from the user via the display operation unit 43.

[0087] Maintenance unit 21 c performs maintenance operation for cleaning a detergent supply passage that supplies liquid or solid detergent stored in detergent supply unit 39 into cleaning tank 3 using the liquid stored in detergent supply unit 39 .

[0088] During the maintenance operation, the liquid stored in the detergent supply unit 39 is, for example, water at 40° C. in which citric acid is dissolved. The liquid stored in the detergent supply unit 39 may be water at 40° C. or below in which citric acid is dissolved, water at 40° C. or above in which citric acid is dissolved, water in which citric acid is not dissolved, or water in which a component other than citric acid is dissolved.

[0089] The memory 22 is a storage device for storing programs, various data, etc., and stores various data processed by the control program 22a and the processor 21. The memory 22 has a nonvolatile storage area. In addition, the memory 22 may also have a volatile storage area to constitute a work area of ​​the processor 21.

[0090] The I / F 20a has communication hardware that complies with a predetermined communication standard such as a connector and a communication circuit. Figure 4 As shown, I / F 20a is connected to the cleaning pump 13a, the drain pump 13b, the cleaning heater 14, the water diversion motor 15a, the residual water motor 15b, the water supply valve 16a, the flow meter 16b, the air supply fan 17a, the air supply heater 17b, the cooling fan 17c, the door opening and closing switch 18, the display operation unit 43, the solenoid valve 36a, the water temperature detection unit 37 and the rinse agent remaining amount detection unit 38, and communicates with these devices.

[0091] (2) Structure of the rinse agent supply unit 30

[0092] like Figure 5 As shown, the dishwashing and drying machine 1 of this embodiment has a function of supplying a rinse agent R1 (see Figure 8 ) of the rinse agent supply unit 30.

[0093] In addition, the rinse agent R1 is composed of a component different from the detergent supplied from the detergent supply unit 39 into the washing tank 3, and contains, for example, a dissolved hydrophilic component supplied at a stage where the pH of the washing water decreases during the rinsing process. By adding the rinse agent R1 to the washing water, it is possible to optimize the removal of water from the surface of the dishes and improve the drying efficiency, thereby achieving power saving in the drying process.

[0094] like Figure 5 As shown, the rinse agent supply unit 30 is provided adjacent to the detergent supply unit 39 in the same housing, and the detergent supply unit 39 supplies detergent used in the washing process into the washing tank 3. In addition, the rinse agent supply unit 30 and the detergent supply unit 39 are provided together at the substantially central portion of the inner surface 4b of the opening and closing door 4 on the washing tank 3 side. Fig. 6A and Figure 6B As shown, the rinse agent supply unit 30 has an opening 31a for replenishing the rinse agent R1, and a rinse agent R1 for feeding a single cleaning into the cleaning tank 3 (see Figure 8) and a cover portion 32 for closing the opening portion 31a.

[0095] The opening 31a is for replenishing the liquid stored in the storage tank 35 (see Figure 8 ) is connected to the storage tank 35, which is provided inside the rinse agent supply unit 30. In addition, the opening 31a is closed when the lid 32 is closed (see Fig. 6A ) is closed, and the lid 32 is opened by rotating it toward the cleaning tank 3 side (refer to Figure 6B )

[0096] That is, when the storage tank 35 is replenished with the rinse agent R1, the rinse agent R1 is replenished into the storage tank 35 from the opening 31a in a state where the lid 32 is opened and the opening 31a is opened.

[0097] On the other hand, during the above-mentioned washing process, rinsing process, drying process, etc., the opening 31a is closed by the cover 32. Thus, during the washing process, washing water, contaminants, etc. can be prevented from penetrating into the inside of the rinse agent supply unit 30 (the supply path of the rinse agent R1, the storage tank 35, the input tank 36, etc.) through the opening 31a.

[0098] In addition, if Figure 7 As shown, the opening 31 a is provided at the upper portion of the rinse agent supply portion 30 when the opening and closing door 4 is closed.

[0099] like Figure 7 As shown, when the door 4 is closed, the input port 31b is provided at a position below the opening 31a of the rinse agent supply portion 30, and a single amount of rinse agent R1a (see Figure 8 ).

[0100] Here, the amount of rinse agent R1a for one time refers to the amount of rinse agent R1a that is removed from the door 4 after the door 4 is opened and closed once. Figure 8 The storage tank 35 shown is for storing the rinse agent in the input tank 36 .

[0101] That is, when the door 4 is changed from a closed state to an open state, Figure 8 The upper side shown in the figure becomes an oblique downward direction, so that in the rinse agent supply unit 30, a predetermined amount of rinse agent R1a moves from the storage tank 35 to the input tank 36. And when the opening and closing door 4 is changed from the open state to the closed state, it is restored to Figure 8 In the upper and lower relationships shown, a predetermined amount of rinse agent R1 a is held in the input tank 36 in the rinse agent supply unit 30 .

[0102] The rinse agent R1 stored in the input tank 36 may be larger than the amount for one wash. In this case, the amount of rinse agent R1 input into the washing tub 3 can be adjusted by controlling the number and time of opening and closing the electromagnetic valve 36a.

[0103] At this time, the input tank 36 is sealed by the sealing portion 36b opened and closed by the electromagnetic valve 36a. When, for example, the water temperature detection portion 37 detects that the temperature of the washing water reaches a predetermined temperature (for example, 40°C), the control device 20 controls the electromagnetic valve 36a to release the sealing state of the sealing portion 36b.

[0104] Thus, the rinse agent R1a stored in the input tank 36 for one time flows along the Figure 8 The device moves in the direction of the arrow shown to the communication portion 36c that communicates with the input port 31b.

[0105] As a result, a single amount of rinse agent R1a is supplied into cleaning tank 3 from a gap near the lower end portion of lid 32 via insertion port 31b due to gravity.

[0106] In addition, if Figure 8 As shown, the remaining rinse agent amount detector 38 detects the amount of the rinse agent R1 in the storage tank 35 using the float member 38a floating on the rinse agent R1. As a result, when the amount of the rinse agent R1 in the storage tank 35 decreases, a warning indicating that the rinse agent is exhausted is displayed on the display unit 44, etc., and the user can be urged to replenish the rinse agent R1.

[0107] In addition, the warning when the rinse agent is exhausted may be combined with a control to display the exhaustion of the rinse agent on the display unit 44 or a control to emit a warning sound to inform the user.

[0108] As described above, the cover 32 can be opened and closed relative to the opening 31a provided in the main body of the rinse agent supply unit 30. Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , the cover 32 is provided in a state where it can rotate around a rotation shaft 33 provided on both side surfaces of the lower end portion. The cover 32 includes a plate-shaped main body portion 32a, an elastic ring 32b, a locked portion 32c, and a lower end surface 32d.

[0109] The plate-shaped main body 32a rotates around the rotation shaft 33, and covers the opening 31a and the input port 31b in a state where the cover 32 is closed.

[0110] The elastic ring 32b is provided near the end of the main body 32a on the side opposite to the rotation axis 33 and facing the opening 31a, and elastically deforms by contacting with the outer periphery of the opening 31a when the cover 32 is closed. Thus, when the cover 32 is closed, the opening 31a is sealed from the cleaning tank 3 side.

[0111] The locked portion 32c is provided at the end portion of the main body portion 32a on the opposite side from the rotation axis 33, and is locked with the locking portion 31c provided above the opening portion 31a.

[0112] Thus, when the cover 32 is closed, the upper end of the main body 32 a is held so that the cover 32 is not opened.

[0113] <Control of the Blowing Fan 17a and the Blowing Heater 17b by the Operation Control Unit 21a>

[0114] In the dishwashing and drying machine 1 of the present embodiment, the operation control unit 21a sequentially performs a washing process and a drying process during a washing operation for washing the dishes stored in the washing tank 3, drives the air supply heater 17b and the air supply fan 17a and increases the rotation speed during the drying process, and determines whether the rinse agent R1 is added, and changes the sequence of the drying process according to whether the rinse agent R1 is added.

[0115] Specifically, the operation control unit 21a performs a drying process after the cleaning operation. Fig.10 As shown, the air-sending fan 17a is controlled so that the rotation speed of the air-sending fan 17a increases stepwise as time passes.

[0116] This can suppress the exhaust of high temperature and humidity compared to the control of rapidly increasing the rotation speed of the air supply fan 17a. It can also prevent condensation on the floor, cabinets, etc. due to high humidity exhaust.

[0117] And, if Fig.10 As shown, in the rinsing process, the operation control unit 21a controls the air heater 17b according to whether the rinse agent R1 is fed from the rinse agent supply unit 30 into the washing tub 3, thereby changing the timing of turning the air heater (drying heater) 17b from off to on.

[0118] That is to say, Fig.10 As shown, when it is determined that rinse agent R1 is added to washing tub 3 (rinse agent is present), operation control unit 21a controls air blower heater 17b to be turned on at an earlier timing than when rinse agent R1 is not added (rinse agent is absent).

[0119] This can further improve the drying efficiency when the rinse agent R1 is put into the cleaning tank 3 .

[0120] Then, the operation control unit 21a determines whether the rinse agent R1 is put into the washing tank 3. If it is determined that the rinse agent R1 is put into the washing tank 3, the operation control unit 21a determines whether the rinse agent R1 is put into the washing tank 3. Fig.10As shown, the rotation speed of the air-sending fan 17a is controlled so as to reach the maximum rotation speed in a shorter time than when the rinse agent R1 is not added.

[0121] Thereby, the drying time when the rinse agent R1 is put into the cleaning tank 3 can be further shortened.

[0122] Here, when the start driving time of the air supply fan 17a when the rinse agent R1 is added is set to t0, the timing when the rotation speed of the air supply fan 17a reaches the maximum rotation speed is set to t1, and the timing when the air supply heater 17b is turned on is set to t3, in this embodiment, the operation control unit 21a is used to control so that t1 is after t3.

[0123] Thus, after the air heater 17b is turned on, the rotation speed of the air fan 17a reaches the maximum rotation speed. Therefore, by turning on the air heater 17b earlier, the blowing time of the warm air becomes longer, so that the drying performance can be improved.

[0124] On the other hand, when the start driving time of the air supply fan 17a without adding the rinse agent R1 is set to t0, the timing when the rotation speed of the air supply fan 17a reaches the maximum rotation speed is set to t2, and the timing when the air supply heater 17b becomes turned on is set to t4, in this embodiment, the operation control unit 21a is used to control so that t2 is after t4.

[0125] Thus, after the air heater 17b is turned on, the rotation speed of the air fan 17a reaches the maximum rotation speed. Therefore, as in the case of the rinse agent, by turning on the air heater 17b earlier, the blowing time of the warm air becomes longer, so the drying performance can be improved.

[0126] Furthermore, the time t0 - t1 when the rotation speed of the blower fan 17a reaches the maximum rotation speed when the rinse agent R1 is added is set to be shorter than the time t0 - t2 when the rotation speed of the blower fan 17a reaches the maximum rotation speed when the rinse agent R1 is not added.

[0127] Furthermore, the timing t3 at which the air blowing heater 17b is turned on when the rinse agent R1 is added is set before the timing t4 at which the air blowing heater 17b is turned on when the rinse agent R1 is not added.

[0128] In the dishwashing and drying machine 1 of the present embodiment, the operation control unit 21a starts driving the air blowing fan 17a at the same timing (t0) when the drying process starts, regardless of whether the rinse agent R1 is fed from the rinse agent supply unit 30 into the washing tub 3.

[0129] However, for example, when it is determined that the rinse agent R1 is not put into the washing tub 3, the ON timing t'0 of the air blowing fan 17a may be controlled to be later than the ON timing t0 when the rinse agent R1 is put into the washing tub 3.

[0130] This prevents the high-temperature and high-humidity internal air from being exhausted immediately, and prevents the occurrence of condensation around the exhaust path.

[0131] Therefore, when the rinse agent is added, the amount of time the air supply fan 17a is turned on can be set to be shorter (the time the fan is not turned on), and when the rinse agent is not added, the amount of time the air supply fan 17a is turned on can be set to be longer.

[0132] As a result, when the rinse agent is not added, the time during which the air-sending fan 17a is not rotated can be extended, thereby suppressing the occurrence of condensation.

[0133] In addition, by Figure 4 The rinse agent remaining amount detection unit 38 shown determines whether the rinse agent R1 is put into the washing tub 3, and sends the determination result to the operation control unit 21a.

[0134] like Fig.11 As shown, the rinse agent remaining amount detection unit 38 detects the change in the position of the float member 38a in addition to the setting of the rinse agent R1 injection to determine whether the rinse agent R1 is injected into the cleaning tank 3, and determines that the rinse agent R1 is injected when it is determined that the rinse agent R1 is stored in the storage tank 35 for storing the rinse agent R1.

[0135] Specifically, the rinse agent remaining amount detection unit 38 follows Fig.11 It is determined whether or not the rinse agent R1 remains in the storage tank 35 of the rinse agent supply unit 30 according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0136] That is, Fig.11 As shown, first, in step S11, the rinse agent remaining amount detection unit 38 checks whether the setting is "with rinse agent". Here, if it is set to "with rinse agent", the process proceeds to step S12, and if it is not set to "with rinse agent", the process proceeds to step S15.

[0137] Next, in step S12, since it is determined in step S11 that the setting of "rinsing agent is present", the remaining rinse agent amount detection unit 38 uses the float member 38a to determine that the rinsing agent R1 is not absent in the storage tank 35 of the rinsing agent supply unit 30. Here, if it is determined that there is no rinsing agent R1, the process proceeds to step S13, and if it is determined that there is rinsing agent R1, the process proceeds to step S14.

[0138] Next, in step S13, since it is determined in step S12 that there is no rinse agent R1, the rinse agent remaining amount detection unit 38 determines whether the detection of the state of no rinse agent R1 (rinse agent exhaustion) is the first time. Here, if the rinse agent exhaustion state is the first time, the process proceeds to step S14, and if the rinse agent exhaustion state is the second time or more, the process proceeds to step S15.

[0139] Next, in step S14 , since it is determined in step S12 that there is no rinse agent R1 or it is determined in step S13 that the exhaustion of the rinse agent is detected for the first time, the “with rinse agent” sequence is executed and the operation ends.

[0140] Thus, for example, when the accuracy of detecting the remaining amount of the rinse agent R1 using the float member 38a floating on the rinse agent R1 stored in the storage tank 35 is low, even if the exhaustion of the rinse agent is detected, it is determined that there is a high possibility that a single amount of rinse agent R1 remains in the storage tank 35, and operation with a single amount can be performed.

[0141] On the other hand, in step S15 , since it is determined in step S11 that the rinse agent is set to be non-rinsing or in step S13 that the rinse agent exhaustion state is detected for the second time or more, the non-rinsing agent sequence is performed so as to operate without the rinse agent R1 .

[0142] Therefore, when the rinse agent exhaustion detection is performed for the second or more times, there is a possibility that the first amount of rinse agent R1 may not remain in the storage tank 35. Therefore, by performing a sequence without rinse agent in the second or more detections, it is possible to avoid performing a sequence with rinse agent even though sufficient rinse agent R1 has not been added.

[0143] In the dishwashing and drying machine 1 of the present embodiment, even if it is determined that the rinsing agent R1 is not stored in the storage tank 35 storing the rinsing agent R1 inside the rinsing agent supply unit 30 as described above, it is also determined that the rinsing agent R1 is added when such determination that the rinsing agent R1 is not stored occurs within a predetermined number of times (in the present embodiment, once).

[0144] Thus, for example, when the remaining amount of the rinse agent R1 is detected using the float member 38a with low remaining amount detection accuracy, if the detection of the exhaustion of the rinse agent is the first time, it is determined that there is a high possibility that the rinse agent R1 of one time amount remains in the storage tank 35, and the operation with the rinse agent sequence can be implemented.

[0145] In the present embodiment, the operation control unit 21a determines whether the rinse agent R1 is put into the washing tank 3, and when it is determined that the rinse agent R1 is put, the drying process time is shortened compared to when the rinse agent R1 is not put.

[0146] Thus, even if the time of the drying step is shortened by utilizing the advantage of water removal obtained when the rinse agent R1 is added, the water remaining in the dishes can be dried sufficiently.

[0147] Even if the storage tank 35 storing the rinse agent R1 inside the rinse agent supply unit 30 stores the rinse agent R1, if the user selects the setting not to use the rinse agent R1, the operation control unit 21a determines that the rinse agent R1 is not added.

[0148] Thus, even when the rinse agent R1 is stored in the storage tank 35, the rinse-free sequence can be performed when the rinse-free setting is selected.

[0149] <Main Features>

[0150] like Figure 4 As shown, the dishwashing and drying machine 1 of the present embodiment includes a washing tank 3, a rinse agent supply unit 30, an air supply fan 17a, an air supply heater 17b, and an operation control unit 21a. The washing tank 3 stores the dishes to be washed. The rinse agent supply unit 30 puts the rinse agent into the washing tank 3. The air supply fan 17a supplies air to the inside of the washing tank 3 to dry the dishes. The air supply heater 17b heats the air supplied by the air supply fan 17a to the inside of the washing tank 3. The operation control unit 21a sequentially performs a washing process and a drying process during a washing operation for washing the dishes stored in the washing tank 3, and in the drying process, as shown in FIG. Fig.10 As shown, the air heater 17b is driven to increase the rotation speed of the air fan 17a, and it is determined whether the rinse agent is added. The sequence of the drying process is changed according to whether the rinse agent is added.

[0151] Thus, in the drying process performed after the washing process, both the air blowing fan 17a and the air blowing heater 17b are driven, and the sequence of the drying process is changed according to the result of determination of whether the rinse agent R1 is added.

[0152] For example, when it is determined that the rinse agent R1 is added to the washing tank 3, the time when the air supply fan 17a reaches the maximum speed is controlled earlier than when there is no rinse agent R1. Alternatively, when it is determined that the rinse agent R1 is added to the washing tank 3, the timing of turning on the air supply heater 17b is controlled earlier than when there is no rinse agent R1.

[0153] As a result, the temperature and humidity of the exhaust gas can be suppressed in the drying process to prevent the occurrence of condensation and improve the drying efficiency.

[0154] (Implementation Method 2)

[0155] use Fig.12A dishwashing and drying machine 101 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is described below.

[0156] The dishwashing and drying machine 101 of this embodiment is different from the above-mentioned embodiment 1 in that when the rinse agent R1 is not added to the washing tank 3, considering that it is impossible to seek to improve the drying efficiency by utilizing the advantage of water removal as an effect of the rinse agent R1, the air supply fan 17a and the air supply heater 17b are controlled so that the time of the drying process without the rinse agent sequence does not increase.

[0157] That is, Fig.12 As shown, when operation control unit 21a determines that rinse agent R1 is not put into washing tub 3, dishwashing washing and drying machine 1 of this embodiment performs control so that the time for blower fan 17a to reach the maximum rotation speed becomes shorter than the time when rinse agent R1 is put into washing tub 3.

[0158] Here, if it is determined that the rinse agent R1 is not added to the washing tub 3, the effect of the rinse agent R1 cannot be obtained. Therefore, in this embodiment, the operation control unit 21a controls the air supply fan 17a to shorten the time when the drying effect achieved by the air supply fan 17a reaches the maximum.

[0159] Thus, even when rinse agent R1 is not added to washing tub 3, blower fan 17a can be controlled to reach the maximum rotation speed in a short time, thereby preventing dishes from drying for a longer time than when rinse agent R1 is added.

[0160] In addition, in the dishwashing and drying machine 1 of the present embodiment, Fig.12 As shown, when it is determined that the rinse agent R1 is not put into the washing tub 3, the operation control unit 21a controls the air heater 17b so that the drying effect by the air heater 17b is obtained earlier.

[0161] Specifically, if Fig.12 As shown, when it is determined that the rinse agent R1 is not put into the washing tub 3, the operation control unit 21a controls to turn on the air heater 17b earlier than when the rinse agent R1 is put into the washing tub 3.

[0162] Thus, the air inside washing tub 3 of dishwashing washing and drying machine 1 is heated to a high temperature earlier than when rinse agent R1 is added, so that the drying efficiency of dishes can be improved.

[0163] Therefore, even when the rinse agent R1 is not added, it is possible to avoid the dishes from drying for a longer time than when the rinse agent R1 is added.

[0164] Here, when the start driving time of the air supply fan 17a without adding the rinse agent R1 is set to T0, the timing when the rotation speed of the air supply fan 17a reaches the maximum rotation speed is set to T1, and the timing when the air supply heater 17b is turned on is set to T3, in this embodiment, the operation control unit 21a is used to control so that T1 is after T3.

[0165] Thus, after the air heater 17b is turned on, the rotation speed of the air fan 17a reaches the maximum rotation speed. Therefore, by turning on the air heater 17b earlier, the blowing time of the warm air becomes longer, so that the drying performance can be improved.

[0166] On the other hand, when the rinse agent R1 is added, the start driving time of the air supply fan 17a is set to T0, the timing when the rotation speed of the air supply fan 17a reaches the maximum rotation speed is set to T2, and the timing when the air supply heater 17b is turned on is set to T4. In this embodiment, the operation control unit 21a is used to control so that T2 is after T4.

[0167] Thus, after the air heater 17b is turned on, the rotation speed of the air fan 17a reaches the maximum rotation speed. Therefore, as in the case of the rinse agent, by turning on the air heater 17b earlier, the blowing time of the warm air becomes longer, so the drying performance can be improved.

[0168] Furthermore, the time T0 - T1 when the rotation speed of the blower fan 17a reaches the maximum rotation speed when the rinse agent R1 is not added is set to be shorter than the time T0 - T2 when the rotation speed of the blower fan 17a reaches the maximum rotation speed when the rinse agent R1 is added.

[0169] Furthermore, the timing T3 at which the air blowing heater 17b is turned on when the rinse agent R1 is not added is set before the timing T4 at which the air blowing heater 17b is turned on when the rinse agent R1 is added.

[0170] In the dishwashing and drying machine 1 of the present embodiment, the operation control unit 21a starts driving the air blowing fan 17a at the same timing (T0) when the drying process starts, regardless of whether the rinse agent R1 is fed from the rinse agent supply unit 30 into the washing tub 3.

[0171] However, for example, when it is determined that the rinse agent R1 is put into the washing tub 3, the ON timing T'0 of the air blowing fan 17a may be controlled to be later than the ON timing T0 when the rinse agent R1 is put into the washing tub 3.

[0172] Thus, even when the rinse agent R1 is not added, it is possible to avoid the dishes from drying for a longer time than when the rinse agent R1 is added.

[0173] <Main Features>

[0174] The dishwashing and drying machine 101 of the present embodiment includes a washing tank 3, a rinse agent supply unit 30, a blower fan 17a, and an operation control unit 21a. The washing tank 3 stores dishware to be washed. The rinse agent supply unit 30 supplies a rinse agent R1 into the washing tank 3. The blower fan 17a supplies air to the inside of the washing tank 3 to dry the dishware. The operation control unit 21a sequentially performs a washing process and a drying process during a washing operation for washing the dishware stored in the washing tank 3, and determines whether the rinse agent R1 is supplied to the inside of the washing tank 3 during the drying process. If it is determined that the rinse agent R1 is not supplied, the operation control unit 21a controls the washing process. Fig.12 As shown, the rotation speed of the air-sending fan 17a is controlled so as to reach the maximum rotation speed in a shorter time than when the rinse agent R1 is added.

[0175] Thus, when the rinse agent R1 is not added to the washing tub 3, the effect of the rinse agent R1 cannot be obtained. Therefore, by shortening the time for the drying effect by the air blowing fan 17a to reach the maximum, the drying efficiency can be improved.

[0176] Therefore, even when the rinse agent R1 is not added, the blower fan 17a can be controlled to reach the maximum rotation speed earlier, thereby drying the dishes within the same drying time as when the rinse agent R1 is added.

[0177] [Other embodiments]

[0178] As mentioned above, although one embodiment of the present disclosure has been described, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope not departing from the gist of the disclosure.

[0179] (A)

[0180] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the example in which the present disclosure is realized is given as the dishwashing and drying machine 1 and the control method thereof, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0181] For example, the present disclosure may be implemented as a control program that causes a computer to execute the above-described control method of the dishwashing and drying machine.

[0182] The control program is stored in a memory (storage unit) mounted on the dishwashing and drying machine, and the CPU reads the control program stored in the memory to cause the hardware to execute each step. More specifically, the CPU reads the control program and executes the above-mentioned washing process and drying process, thereby being able to obtain the same effect as above.

[0183] Furthermore, the present disclosure may also be implemented as a recording medium storing a control program for the dishwashing and drying machine.

[0184] (B)

[0185] In the above embodiment 1, if Figure 5 As shown, in the drying process, the operation control unit 21a controls the air blowing fan 17a so that the rotation speed of the air blowing fan 17a increases stepwise. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0186] For example, you can Fig.13 As shown, the operation control unit 21a controls the air blowing fan 17a in the drying process so that the rotation speed of the air blowing fan 17a increases continuously rather than stepwise.

[0187] In this case as well, the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be obtained.

[0188] (C)

[0189] In the first embodiment, the operation control unit 21a determines whether the rinse agent R1 is added to the washing tank 3, and when it is determined that the rinse agent R1 is added, the rotation speed of the air supply fan 17a is controlled so as to reach the maximum rotation speed in a shorter time than when the rinse agent R1 is added. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0190] For example, the operation control unit may determine whether a rinse agent is added to the washing tub, and if it is determined that the rinse agent is not added, control the rotation speed of the air supply fan so as to reach the maximum rotation speed in a shorter time than when the rinse agent is added.

[0191] In this case, since it is determined that the rinse agent is not supplied to the washing tank during the rinsing process, the advantage of water removal achieved by the rinse agent cannot be obtained. Therefore, the operation control unit controls the air supply fan to reach the maximum speed earlier than when the rinse agent is supplied to the washing tank in order to avoid the drying process from being prolonged even when the rinse agent is not supplied to the washing tank.

[0192] This can avoid the drying time from being prolonged even when the rinse agent is not supplied to the washing tank.

[0193] (D)

[0194] In the first embodiment, the operation control unit 21a determines whether the rinse agent R1 is added to the washing tank 3. Fig.10 The example in which the air heater 17b starts to be driven at an earlier timing than when the rinse agent R1 is not added is described. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0195] For example, the operation control unit may determine whether a rinse agent is put into the washing tub, and control the drying heater to start driving the drying heater at an earlier timing than when the rinse agent is put into the washing tub if the rinse agent is not put into the washing tub.

[0196] In this case, since it is determined that the rinse agent is not supplied to the washing tank during the rinsing process, the advantage of water removal achieved by the rinse agent cannot be obtained. Therefore, the operation control unit controls the air supply heater to be driven on earlier than when the rinse agent is supplied to the washing tank in order to avoid the drying process from being prolonged even when the rinse agent is not supplied to the washing tank.

[0197] This can avoid the drying time from being prolonged even when the rinse agent is not supplied to the washing tank.

[0198] (E)

[0199] In the first embodiment, an example is described in which, when the determination that the rinse agent R1 is not stored (the rinse agent exhaustion determination) is made within one time, it is determined that the rinse agent R1 can be added and a rinse agent sequence is performed. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0200] For example, the control may be such that, when the detection accuracy of the amount of rinse agent remaining in the storage tank using a float member or the like is low, a rinse agent sequence may be implemented in the case where a large amount of rinse agent remains even when exhaustion of the rinse agent is detected, due to external factors such as deviation in the capacity of the rinse agent tank and deviation in the amount of rinse agent added each time, until exhaustion of the rinse agent for the second, third, or other times is detected.

[0201] Furthermore, the user may appropriately set the control of injecting the rinse agent a predetermined number of times after the exhaustion of the rinse agent is detected to any number according to the amount of rinse agent used, the amount of dishes, and the like.

[0202] (F)

[0203] In the first embodiment, the control of changing the sequence of the drying process according to whether the rinse agent R1 is added to the washing tub 3 is described by shortening the time to reach the maximum rotation speed of the air blower fan 17a and turning on the air blower heater 17b earlier. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0204] For example, the sequence of the drying process that is changed according to the presence or absence of rinse agent may also be a structure that, in addition to the time to reach the maximum speed of the air supply fan (drying fan) and the timing to turn on the air supply heater (drying heater), also changes other control contents such as the speed setting of the air supply fan (for example, changing the maximum speed, etc.) and the temperature setting of the air supply heater.

[0205] In addition, for example, the timings of t1 to t4 may be shifted according to the atmospheric temperature in the chamber divided into multiple stages. In this case, the drying performance can be appropriately maintained regardless of the temperature in the chamber.

[0206] (G)

[0207] In the above embodiment, the dishwashing and drying machine 1 is described as an example in which the swing-type opening and closing door 4 for opening and closing the opening 5 located on the front surface of the washing tank 3 is installed. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0208] For example, the dishwashing and drying machine may be provided with a pull-out type (a type in which the upper surface is opened by pulling out the front door) opening and closing door.

[0209] Moreover, in this case, the rinse agent supply part which supplies a rinse agent can be appropriately changed to the appropriate position of the inner surface of an opening and closing door.

[0210] (H)

[0211] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the built-in dishwashing and drying machine 1 mounted in an integrated kitchen etc. is described as an example. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0212] For example, the structure of the present disclosure may be applied to a fixed-type dishwasher installed on the ceiling of a kitchen.

[0213] (I)

[0214] In the above embodiment, if Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 1 , the control of providing a difference in timing of turning on the air heater according to the presence or absence of the rinse agent is described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0215] For example, you can Fig.14 As shown, it is used as Fig.10 The control is performed such that t4 and t3, which are the timings at which the air blow heater is turned on, are the same time, that is, the air blow heater is turned on at a fixed timing of t3 regardless of the presence or absence of the rinse agent.

[0216] In this case, since hot air can be sent from an early stage in the drying process without a rinse agent, drying can be accelerated.

[0217] <Note>

[0218] According to the description of the above embodiments, the following technology is disclosed.

[0219] (Technology 1)

[0220] The tableware washing machine of the present technology is a tableware washing and drying machine, which comprises:

[0221] A washing tank, which receives the dishes to be washed;

[0222] a rinse agent supply unit for feeding a rinse agent into the cleaning tank;

[0223] a drying fan that supplies air into the washing tank to dry the dishes;

[0224] a drying heater that heats the air supplied by the drying fan to the interior of the cleaning tank; and

[0225] A control unit sequentially performs a washing process and a drying process during a washing operation for washing dishes stored in the washing tank, and drives the drying heater and increases the rotation speed of the drying fan in the drying process, wherein:

[0226] The control unit determines whether the rinse agent is added, and changes the sequence of the drying process according to whether the rinse agent is added.

[0227] According to this configuration, the temperature and humidity of the exhaust gas can be suppressed in the drying process to prevent the occurrence of condensation and improve the drying efficiency.

[0228] (Technique 2)

[0229] The dishwashing and drying machine according to technique 1, wherein:

[0230] The control unit increases the rotation speed of the drying fan in stages during the drying step.

[0231] According to this structure, compared with the control which rapidly increases the rotation speed of the drying fan, the exhaust air of high temperature and humidity can be suppressed, and the condensation of the floor, the cabinet, etc. due to the high humidity exhaust air can be prevented.

[0232] (Technique 3)

[0233] The dishwashing and drying machine according to technique 1, wherein:

[0234] The control unit continuously increases the rotation speed of the drying fan in the drying step.

[0235] According to this configuration, compared with a control that rapidly increases the rotation speed of the drying fan, the high-temperature and high-humidity air in the washing tank can be discharged appropriately with respect to the stepwise increase, so that a drying time that satisfies both the suppression of condensation on the floor and the cabinet and the drying performance can be set in a balanced manner.

[0236] (Technique 4)

[0237] The dishwashing and drying machine according to any one of techniques 1 to 3, wherein:

[0238] The control unit determines whether the rinse agent is added into the washing tank, and if it is determined that the rinse agent is added, controls the rotation speed of the drying fan so as to reach the maximum rotation speed in a shorter time than when the rinse agent is not added.

[0239] According to this configuration, due to the effect of improving water removal by the rinse agent, the drying time when the rinse agent is put into the washing tank can be further shortened.

[0240] (Technique 5)

[0241] The dishwashing and drying machine according to any one of techniques 1 to 4, wherein:

[0242] The control unit determines whether the rinse agent is added into the washing tank, and if it is determined that the rinse agent is not added, controls the rotation speed of the drying fan so as to reach the maximum rotation speed in a shorter time than when the rinse agent is added.

[0243] According to this configuration, even when the rinse agent is not supplied to the washing tub, it is possible to avoid a prolonged drying time.

[0244] (Technique 6)

[0245] The dishwashing and drying machine according to any one of techniques 1 to 5, wherein:

[0246] The control unit determines whether the rinse agent is put into the washing tank, and when the rinse agent is put into the washing tank, starts driving the drying heater at an earlier timing than when the rinse agent is not put into the washing tank.

[0247] According to this configuration, the drying efficiency when the rinse agent is put into the washing tank can be further improved.

[0248] (Technique 7)

[0249] The dishwashing and drying machine according to any one of techniques 1 to 6, wherein:

[0250] The control unit determines whether the rinse agent is put into the washing tank, and starts driving the drying heater at an earlier timing when the rinse agent is not put into the washing tank than when the rinse agent is put into the washing tank.

[0251] According to this configuration, even when the rinse agent is not supplied to the washing tub, it is possible to avoid a prolonged drying time.

[0252] (Technology 8)

[0253] The dishwashing and drying machine according to any one of techniques 1 to 7, wherein:

[0254] The rinse agent supply unit includes a storage tank storing the rinse agent and a float member provided in the storage tank and changing its position according to a height change of a liquid level of the rinse agent.

[0255] According to this configuration, when the amount of rinse agent stored in the storage tank decreases, the user can be urged to replenish the rinse agent by display, warning sound, or the like in response to the exhaustion of the rinse agent.

[0256] (Technique 9)

[0257] The dishwashing and drying machine according to technique 8, wherein:

[0258] Regarding whether the rinse agent has been added into the cleaning tank, the control unit detects a change in the position of the float member in addition to detecting an addition setting of the rinse agent, and determines that the rinse agent has been added when it is determined that the rinse agent is stored in the storage tank that stores the rinse agent.

[0259] According to this configuration, by detecting the change in the position of the float member, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the rinse agent remains in the storage tank.

[0260] (Technology 10)

[0261] The dishwashing and drying machine according to technique 8, wherein:

[0262] When the control unit determines that the storage tank storing the rinse agent inside the rinse agent supply unit does not store the rinse agent, the control unit may determine that the rinse agent is added if the number of determinations that the rinse agent is not stored is within a predetermined number.

[0263] According to this structure, for example, in the case of detecting the remaining amount of the rinse agent using a float member with low accuracy of remaining amount detection, if the detection of the exhaustion of the rinse agent is the first time, it is also determined that there is a high possibility that the amount of rinse agent remaining in the storage tank is one time, and operation with a rinse agent sequence can be implemented.

[0264] (Technology 11)

[0265] The dishwashing and drying machine according to any one of techniques 1 to 10, wherein:

[0266] The control unit determines whether the rinse agent is put into the washing tank, and when it is determined that the rinse agent is put into the washing tank, shortens the time of the drying step compared to when the rinse agent is not put into the washing tank.

[0267] According to this configuration, even if the time of the drying step is shortened by utilizing the advantage of water removal obtained when the rinse agent is added, the water remaining in the dishes can be dried sufficiently.

[0268] (Technology 12)

[0269] The dishwashing and drying machine according to technique 8, wherein:

[0270] Even when the storage tank storing the rinse agent inside the rinse agent supply unit stores the rinse agent, the control unit determines that the rinse agent is not supplied when the user selects a setting not to use the rinse agent.

[0271] According to this configuration, it is possible to determine that the rinse agent has not been added according to the setting of the user.

[0272] Industrial Applicability

[0273] The dishwashing and drying machine disclosed herein can suppress the temperature and humidity of exhaust gas during the drying process to prevent condensation and improve drying efficiency, and can therefore be widely used in various devices that wash and dry dishes and the like.

Claims

1. A dishwashing and drying machine, comprising: A washing tank, which receives the dishes to be washed; a rinse agent supply unit for feeding a rinse agent into the cleaning tank; a drying fan that supplies air into the washing tank to dry the dishes; a drying heater that heats the air supplied by the drying fan to the interior of the cleaning tank; and A control unit sequentially performs a washing process and a drying process during a washing operation for washing dishes stored in the washing tank, and drives the drying heater and increases the rotation speed of the drying fan in the drying process, wherein: The control unit determines whether the rinse agent is added, and changes the sequence of the drying process according to whether the rinse agent is added.

2. The dishwashing washing and drying machine according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit increases the rotation speed of the drying fan in stages during the drying step.

3. The dishwashing washing and drying machine according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit continuously increases the rotation speed of the drying fan in the drying step.

4. The dishwashing washing and drying machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The control unit determines whether the rinse agent is added into the washing tank, and if it is determined that the rinse agent is added, controls the rotation speed of the drying fan so as to reach the maximum rotation speed in a shorter time than when the rinse agent is not added.

5. The dishwashing and drying machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The control unit determines whether the rinse agent is added into the washing tank, and if it is determined that the rinse agent is not added, controls the rotation speed of the drying fan so as to reach the maximum rotation speed in a shorter time than when the rinse agent is added.

6. The dishwashing washing and drying machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The control unit determines whether the rinse agent is put into the washing tank, and when the rinse agent is put into the washing tank, starts driving the drying heater at an earlier timing than when the rinse agent is not put into the washing tank.

7. The dishwashing and drying machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The control unit determines whether the rinse agent is put into the washing tank, and starts driving the drying heater at an earlier timing when the rinse agent is not put into the washing tank than when the rinse agent is put into the washing tank.

8. The dishwashing washing and drying machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The rinse agent supply unit includes a storage tank storing the rinse agent and a float member provided in the storage tank and changing its position according to a height change of a liquid level of the rinse agent.

9. The dishwashing washing and drying machine according to claim 8, wherein: Regarding whether the rinse agent has been added into the cleaning tank, the control unit detects a change in the position of the float member in addition to detecting an addition setting of the rinse agent, and determines that the rinse agent has been added when it is determined that the rinse agent is stored in the storage tank that stores the rinse agent.

10. The dishwashing washing and drying machine according to claim 8, wherein: When the control unit determines that the storage tank storing the rinse agent inside the rinse agent supply unit does not store the rinse agent, the control unit may determine that the rinse agent is added if the number of determinations that the rinse agent is not stored is within a predetermined number.

11. The dishwashing washing and drying machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The control unit determines whether the rinse agent is put into the washing tank, and when it is determined that the rinse agent is put into the washing tank, shortens the time of the drying step compared to when the rinse agent is not put into the washing tank.

12. The dishwashing washing and drying machine according to claim 8, wherein: Even when the storage tank storing the rinse agent inside the rinse agent supply unit stores the rinse agent, the control unit determines that the rinse agent is not supplied when the user selects a setting not to use the rinse agent.

13. A control method, which is a control method of a dishwashing and drying machine, the dishwashing and drying machine comprising: A washing tank, which receives the dishes to be washed; a rinse agent supply unit that puts a rinse agent into the washing tank; a drying fan that supplies air into the washing tank to dry the dishes; and a drying heater that heats the air supplied by the drying fan into the washing tank, wherein: The control method includes the following steps: A cleaning step of cleaning the tableware stored in the cleaning tank; as well as a drying step of supplying air heated by the drying heater into the washing tank while increasing the rotation speed of the drying fan to dry the dishes; In the drying step, it is determined whether the rinse agent is added, and the sequence is changed according to whether the rinse agent is added.

14. A control program, which is a control program of a dishwashing and drying machine, the dishwashing and drying machine comprising: A washing tank, which receives the dishes to be washed; a rinse agent supply unit that puts a rinse agent into the washing tank; a drying fan that supplies air into the washing tank to dry the dishes; and a drying heater that heats the air supplied by the drying fan into the washing tank, wherein: The control program enables the computer to execute a control method, which includes the following steps: A cleaning step of cleaning the tableware stored in the cleaning tank; as well as In a drying step, the drying fan increases its rotation speed while supplying air heated by the drying heater into the washing tank to dry the dishes. In the drying step, it is determined whether the rinse agent is added, and the sequence is changed according to whether the rinse agent is added.

15. A dishwashing and drying machine, comprising: A washing tank, which receives the dishes to be washed; a rinse agent supply unit for feeding a rinse agent into the cleaning tank; a drying fan that supplies air into the washing tank to dry the dishes; as well as A control unit sequentially performs a cleaning process and a drying process during a cleaning operation for cleaning dishes stored in the cleaning tank, and determines whether the rinse agent is added to the inside of the cleaning tank during the drying process. If it is determined that the rinse agent is not added, the control unit controls the rotation speed of the drying fan so that the maximum rotation speed is reached in a shorter time than when the rinse agent is added.

16. A control method, which is a control method of a dishwashing and drying machine, the dishwashing and drying machine comprising: A washing tank, which receives the dishes to be washed; a rinse agent supply unit for feeding a rinse agent into the cleaning tank; and a drying fan for supplying air into the washing tank to dry the dishes, wherein: The control method includes the following steps: A cleaning step of cleaning the tableware stored in the cleaning tank; as well as The drying step uses the drying fan to supply air into the washing tank to dry the dishes, and determines whether the rinse agent is added. If it is determined that the rinse agent is not added, the rotation speed of the drying fan is controlled so as to reach the maximum rotation speed in a shorter time than when the rinse agent is added.

17. A control program, which is a control program of a dishwashing and drying machine, the dishwashing and drying machine comprising: A washing tank, which receives the dishes to be washed; a rinse agent supply unit for feeding a rinse agent into the cleaning tank; and a drying fan for supplying air into the washing tank to dry the dishes, wherein: The control program enables the computer to execute a control method, which includes the following steps: A cleaning step of cleaning the tableware stored in the cleaning tank; as well as The drying step uses the drying fan to supply air into the washing tank to dry the dishes, and determines whether the rinse agent is added. If it is determined that the rinse agent is not added, the rotation speed of the drying fan is controlled so as to reach the maximum rotation speed in a shorter time than when the rinse agent is added.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Dishwasher

    JP2019166125A