Tableware washing machine and control method of tableware washing machine

Abstract

The invention provides a dishwasher and a control method of the dishwasher. The dishwasher is capable of obtaining a deodorization effect and a sterilization effect as early as possible in a washing tank after an ion supply process is started. The dishwasher is provided with: a washing tank; the electrostatic atomization device is used for generating ions with a sterilization function in the cleaning tank; a blower for drying the inside of the cleaning tank; and a control device that controls the electrostatic atomization device and the blower, and in an ion supply step in which the electrostatic atomization device is driven to supply the ions into the cleaning tank, the electrostatic atomization device is driven to supply the ions into the cleaning tank. The control device rotates the blower at a first rotational speed during a predetermined period from the start of the ion supply step, and rotates the blower at a second rotational speed lower than the first rotational speed after the predetermined period has elapsed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dishwasher and a control method of the dishwasher. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a dishwasher that reduces odor and performs sterilization in a washing tank by rotating a blower for drying the inside of a washing tank and supplying ions into the washing tank.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-010728 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] The present disclosure provides a dishwasher and a method for controlling the dishwasher, which can achieve a deodorizing effect and a sterilizing effect in a washing tank as soon as possible after an ion supply process starts.

[0008] Solutions for solving problems

[0009] The dishwashing machine disclosed in the present invention comprises: a cleaning tank; an electrostatic atomization device, which is used to generate ions with a sterilization function in the cleaning tank; a blower, which is used to dry the inside of the cleaning tank; and a control device, which controls the electrostatic atomization device and the blower, wherein, in an ion supply process of driving the electrostatic atomization device to supply the ions into the cleaning tank, the control device performs the following control: the blower is rotated at a first speed during a specified period starting from the start of the ion supply process, and the blower is rotated at a second speed lower than the first speed after the specified period.

[0010] In addition, in the control method of the dishwasher in the present disclosure, in an ion supply process of supplying ions generated by an electrostatic atomization device into a cleaning tank, a blower for drying the cleaning tank is rotated at a first speed during a specified period starting from the start of the ion supply process, and after the specified period, the blower is rotated at a second speed lower than the first speed.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] The dishwasher and the control method of the dishwasher disclosed in the present invention rotate the blower at a high speed during a predetermined period from the start of the ion supply process, so that the odor components can be quickly discharged from the cleaning tank after the ion supply process starts. In addition, the dishwasher and the control method of the dishwasher disclosed in the present invention can quickly dry the washing water containing bacteria in the cleaning tank after the ion supply process starts, so that the sterilization effect of ions can be improved as soon as possible after the ion supply process starts. Therefore, the deodorization effect and the sterilization effect can be obtained in the cleaning tank as soon as possible after the ion supply process starts. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the structure of the dishwasher in Embodiment 1.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing a part of the blower and the electrostatic atomizer of the dishwasher in the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the dishwasher in the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a timing chart showing the states of the blower, the electrostatic atomizer, and the cleaning tank in the ion supply process in the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 It is a figure for demonstrating the deodorizing effect and the sterilizing effect in Embodiment 1.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing the operation of the dishwasher related to the ion supplying step in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] (Insights, etc., which are the basis of this disclosure)

[0020] When the inventors realized the present disclosure, there was a dishwasher that reduced the odor and sterilized the washing tank by rotating a blower for drying the washing tank and supplying ions into the washing tank. However, in the conventional dishwasher, in order to stabilize the ion concentration in the washing tank at a high concentration, the blower was rotated at a fixed low speed after the ion supply was started. Therefore, the inventors found that it was difficult to quickly discharge the odor components from the washing tank after the ion supply was started in the conventional dishwasher, and the subject of the present disclosure was formed to solve this problem.

[0021] In addition, in order to effectively obtain the sterilization effect of ions, it is required that the ions do not react with the water in the washing tank as much as possible. However, the inventors have found the following problem: in the conventional dishwasher, since the blower is rotated at a fixed low speed, it is difficult to dry the washing water containing bacteria in the washing tank as soon as possible after the ions are supplied, and it is difficult to obtain the sterilization effect of ions as soon as possible. The subject of the present disclosure is formed to solve this problem.

[0022] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a dishwasher and a method for controlling the dishwasher, which can achieve a deodorizing effect and a sterilizing effect in a washing tank as soon as possible after the start of an ion supply process.

[0023] Next, refer to the attached Figure 1 The embodiments are described in detail. However, unnecessary detailed descriptions may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or repeated descriptions of substantially the same structures may be omitted.

[0024] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter recited in the claims by them.

[0025] (Implementation Method 1)

[0026] Next, Embodiment 1 will be described using the drawings.

[0027] In the drawings, symbol FR appropriately shown indicates the front of dishwasher 1 in the installed state, symbol UP indicates the upper side of dishwasher 1 in the installed state, and symbol R indicates the right side of dishwasher 1 in the installed state.

[0028] [1-1. Structure]

[0029] [1-1-1. Structure of the dishwasher]

[0030] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view showing dishwasher 1 in Embodiment 1, and is an overall perspective view in a state where door 11 is opened.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, the dishwasher 1 of this embodiment includes a box-shaped housing 10 with an open front surface. The housing 10 is accommodated inside the kitchen.

[0032] The door body 11 is installed on the front surface of the housing 10 so as to be openable and closable with the lower end thereof as the center. A decorative panel of an integrated kitchen (not shown) is installed on the front surface side of the door body 11.

[0033] The dishwasher 1 of the present embodiment is provided as a so-called front-loading dishwasher that is built into an overall kitchen.

[0034] The interior of the housing 10 is set as a cleaning tank 12. The structure is as follows: two upper and lower cleaning baskets 13 and a cleaning basket 13 for knives are provided inside the cleaning tank 12, and objects to be cleaned 14 can be placed in the cleaning baskets 13. The housing 10 is supported from below by a base frame 15. The objects to be cleaned 14 include cylindrical objects to be cleaned and flat objects to be cleaned.

[0035] A spray nozzle 16 is rotatably disposed on a substantially horizontal plane below the washing basket 13. A spray nozzle 16 is also rotatably disposed on a substantially horizontal plane on the top surface of the washing tank 12. The spray nozzle 16 sprays tap water supplied from a water supply hose (not shown) into the washing tank 12.

[0036] An air breaker 22 for drainage is mounted on the left side surface of the housing 10. A drainage hose 23 is mounted on the air breaker 22. The water used for washing in the washing tank 12 is drained through the air breaker 22 and the drainage hose 23.

[0037] The right side surface of the housing 10 is formed with an air supply path 17 for supplying external air into the cleaning tank 12 and an exhaust path 18 for exhausting the air in the cleaning tank 12 to the outside. In the air supply path 17, a blower 19 and an electrostatic atomizer 20 are provided between the air inlet for inhaling external air and the air supply port for supplying external air into the cleaning tank 12.

[0038] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing a part of blower 19 and electrostatic atomizer 20 of dishwasher 1 .

[0039] The blower 19 and the electrostatic atomizer 20 are provided below the housing 10 in the dishwasher 1 and are accommodated in the chassis 15. The blower 19 sucks in external air from the suction port and supplies the sucked external air into the washing tank 12 through the air supply path 17. Thus, the blower 19 dries the inside of the washing tank 12.

[0040] The electrostatic atomizer 20 includes a columnar discharge electrode, a Peltier element for cooling the discharge electrode, and a circuit for generating a voltage applied to the discharge electrode and the Peltier element. The electrostatic atomizer 20 cools the discharge electrode by energizing the Peltier element to cool the moisture in the air on the surface of the discharge electrode to generate condensed water. Furthermore, the electrostatic atomizer 20 electrostatically atomizes the condensed water attached to the discharge electrode by energizing the discharge electrode to generate negatively charged nano-sized charged fine particles of water (ions) that exert a sterilizing effect.

[0041] A connecting member 21 connected to the electrostatic atomization device 20 is installed on the air supply path 17 and on the upstream side of the blower 19 based on the air flow direction. Thus, the ions generated by the electrostatic atomization device 20 are guided to the air supply path 17 through the connecting member 21 by the negative pressure of the blower 19, and are supplied to the cleaning tank 12 together with the external air.

[0042] Next, a configuration related to a control system of dishwasher 1 will be described.

[0043] Figure 3 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of dishwasher 1 .

[0044] The dishwasher 1 includes a control device 30 for controlling each unit of the dishwasher 1. The control device 30 includes a processor 300 and a memory 310, and controls each unit of the dishwasher 1.

[0045] The processor 300 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPC (MicroProcessing Unit). The processor 300 reads out and executes a control program 311 stored in a memory 310 , thereby functioning as an operation control unit 301 .

[0046] The memory 310 is a memory for storing programs and data. The memory 310 stores a control program 311 and data processed by the processor 300. The memory 310 has a non-volatile storage area. In addition, the memory 310 has a volatile storage area, which constitutes a work area of ​​the processor 300. The memory 310 is composed of, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0047] The dishwasher 1 includes a circulation pump 31, a drainage pump 32, a water supply pump 33, a heater 34, a blower 19, and an electrostatic atomizer 20. The control device 30 is connected to the circulation pump 31, the drainage pump 32, the water supply pump 33, the heater 34, the blower 19, and the electrostatic atomizer 20. The control device 30 includes an interface (not shown) for connecting these devices and circuits. In addition, the devices and circuits connected to the control device 30 are not limited to these, and other devices and circuits may also be connected.

[0048] Circulation pump 31 is driven according to the control of control device 30 to circulate the washing water supplied into washing tank 12 through the circulation path, and to spray the washing water from spray nozzle 16 .

[0049] Drain pump 32 is driven according to the control of control device 30 to discharge washing water from washing tank 12 .

[0050] Water supply pump 33 is driven according to the control of control device 30 to spray washing water supplied from a water supply path (not shown) from spray nozzle 16 .

[0051] Heater 34 performs heating in accordance with the control of control device 30 to heat the washing water sprayed from spray nozzle 16 .

[0052] The blower 19 rotates at a first speed or a second speed according to the control of the control device 30. The first speed is the maximum speed that the blower 19 can reach, for example, 2800 rpm (revolutions per minute). The second speed is the minimum speed that the blower 19 can reach, for example, 700 rpm.

[0053] The electrostatic atomization device 20 is driven according to the control of the control device 30 .

[0054] As described above, the processor 300 functions as the operation control unit 301 .

[0055] The operation control unit 301 controls the operation of the dishwasher 1 by controlling each device connected to the control device 30. The operation of the dishwasher 1 may be an operation in which the washing process, the rinsing process, the drying process, and the ion supply process are successively performed in sequence, an operation in which only any process is performed, or an operation in which any two or more processes are performed in any order.

[0056] Here, the cleaning step, the rinsing step, the drying step, and the ion supplying step are described.

[0057] The cleaning process is a process of cleaning the object 14 placed in the cleaning tank 12 with cleaning water.

[0058] The rinsing step is a step of rinsing the object 14 placed in the cleaning tank 12 with cleaning water.

[0059] The drying step is a step of drying the object 14 placed in the cleaning tank 12 using the blower 19 .

[0060] The ion supplying step is a step of supplying ions generated by the electrostatic atomizing device 20 into the cleaning tank 12 .

[0061] [1-2. Action]

[0062] Next, the operation of dishwasher 1 in this embodiment will be described.

[0063] In the ion supply process, the operation control unit 301 drives the blower 19 and the electrostatic atomizer 20. In the ion supply process, the drive of the electrostatic atomizer 20 is repeatedly turned on and off. This is because condensed water should be appropriately generated at the discharge electrode. Then, in the ion supply process, the drive of the blower 19 is turned on and off in conjunction with the drive of the electrostatic atomizer 20, and the opening and closing of the drive of the blower 19 and the electrostatic atomizer 20 are repeated multiple times. That is, in the ion supply process, the supply of ions is performed in multiple cycles.

[0064] Figure 4 1 is a timing chart showing the states of the blower 19, the electrostatic atomizer 20, and the cleaning tank 12 during the ion supply process. Figure 4 In the timing diagram TA, the state of the blower 19 is shown. Figure 4 In the timing diagram TB, the state of the electrostatic atomization device 20 is shown. Figure 4 In the timing chart TC, the state in the cleaning tank 12, more specifically, the ion concentration in the cleaning tank 12 is shown. In addition, the timing chart TC shows the ion concentration in the cleaning tank 12 in each cycle. Therefore, the timing chart TC does not show that the ion concentration in the cleaning tank 12 is zero during the period when the block indicating the ion concentration is not shown.

[0065] exist Figure 4 In the embodiment, timing T1 is the timing for starting the ion supply process. At timing T1, the operation control unit 301 turns on the blower 19 and rotates the blower 19 at a first speed. In addition, at timing T1, the operation control unit 301 turns on the electrostatic atomization device 20 to cause the electrostatic atomization device 20 to generate ions. Then, from timing T1 to timing T2 after a prescribed period of "t1", the operation control unit 301 rotates the blower 19 at the first speed and causes the electrostatic atomization device 20 to generate ions. In the present embodiment, two hours are exemplified as the prescribed period of "t1".

[0066] exist Figure 4 In the timing T2, the timing is a timing after a predetermined period of "t1" has passed since the timing T1. At the timing T2, the operation control unit 301 turns off the blower 19 so that the rotation speed of the blower 19 is zero, and turns off the electrostatic atomization device 20 so that the electrostatic atomization device 20 stops generating ions. Thus, in the ion supply process, the operation control unit 301 ends the first cycle of supplying ions.

[0067] In this way, the operation control unit 301 rotates the blower 19 at the first rotation speed in the first cycle of the ion supply process. As a result, the odor components can be discharged from the cleaning tank 12 quickly after the ion supply process starts, so that the deodorization effect can be obtained in the cleaning tank 12 as soon as possible after the ion supply process starts. In addition, the bacterial liquid in the cleaning tank 12 can be dried quickly after the ion supply process starts.

[0068] exist Figure 4 In the embodiment, timing T3 is the timing after the period "t2" has passed since timing T2. In the present embodiment, 30 minutes is exemplified as the period "t2". At timing T3, the operation control unit 301 turns on the blower 19 again, and the blower 19 starts to rotate at the second speed. In addition, at timing T3, the operation control unit 301 turns on the electrostatic atomization device 20 again to make the electrostatic atomization device 20 generate ions again. That is, at timing T3, the operation control unit 301 starts the second cycle of supplying ions. Then, from timing T3 to timing T4 after the period "t3", the operation control unit 301 rotates the blower 19 at the second speed and makes the electrostatic atomization device 20 generate ions. In the present embodiment, four hours is exemplified as the period "t3".

[0069] As described above, in the first cycle, the blower 19 is rotated at the first speed, so the operation control unit 301 can quickly dry the bacterial liquid in the cleaning tank 12 after the ion supply process starts. Therefore, the operation control unit 301 can suppress the reaction between the ions supplied into the cleaning tank 12 and the moisture in the cleaning tank 12 in the second cycle, so that the sterilization effect can be obtained in the cleaning tank 12 as soon as possible.

[0070] Here, when focusing on the ion concentration with reference to the timing chart TC, for example, the ion concentration in the cleaning tank 12 is 0.02ppm (parts per million) in the first cycle, while the ion concentration in the cleaning tank 12 rises to 0.10ppm in the second cycle. This is because the rotation speed of the blower 19 is lower than that of the first cycle, so the amount of air exhausted from the cleaning tank 12 per unit time is reduced, and the retention time of the ions in the cleaning tank 12 is prolonged. In addition, the specific numerical values ​​of the ion concentration recorded in the timing chart TC are only examples.

[0071] Thus, the operation control unit 301 rotates the blower 19 at the second rotation speed in the second cycle to increase the ion concentration in the cleaning tank 12 compared to the first cycle. Thus, the sterilization effect in the cleaning tank 12 can be obtained early and effectively in the ion supply process.

[0072] exist Figure 4In the timing T4, the timing is the timing of the period "t3" from the timing T3. At the timing T4, the operation control unit 301 ends the second cycle of ion supply by turning off the blower 19 and the electrostatic atomizer 20. After the timing T4, the operation control unit 301 repeats the steps of turning off the blower 19 and the electrostatic atomizer 20 during the period "t2" and continuously rotating the blower 19 at the second speed and turning on the electrostatic atomizer 20 during the period "t3". Then, when the operation control unit 301 turns off the blower 19 and the electrostatic atomizer 20 in the final cycle, the ion supply process ends. In addition, the timing T5 at the end of the final cycle can be, for example, the timing of 12 hours from the start of the ion supply process, the timing of 24 hours, or the timing of the end of a specified number of cycles. In addition, the timing T5 at the end of the final cycle can also be set to the timing of an arbitrarily set period from the start of the ion supply process.

[0073] Here, when focusing on the period during which the blower 19 rotates, Figure 4 As shown in , the predetermined period during which the blower 19 rotates at the first rotation speed is shorter than the period during which the blower 19 rotates at the second rotation speed. This can promote the early acquisition of the sterilization effect of ions and reduce power consumption.

[0074] Here, refer to Figure 5 To illustrate the deodorizing effect and the sterilizing effect.

[0075] Figure 5 The graphs are used to illustrate the deodorizing effect and the sterilizing effect, and are the experimental results. Figure 5 A first graph CH1 , a second graph CH2 , and a third graph CH3 are shown.

[0076] The first graph CH1 is a graph in which the horizontal axis is set to time and the vertical axis is set to odor intensity. The value of the odor intensity represented by the vertical axis is a value specified by the six-level odor intensity representation method. In addition, in the six-level odor intensity representation method, the larger the value, the greater the odor intensity. In detail, the six-level odor intensity representation method stipulates that: odor intensity "0" is no odor, odor intensity "1" is barely detectable odor, odor intensity "2" is a weak odor, odor intensity "3" is a noticeable odor that can be easily smelled, odor intensity "4" is a strong odor, and odor intensity "5" is a very strong odor.

[0077] The first graph CH1 shows a first curve GF1. The first curve GF1 shows the change in odor intensity over time. The odor intensity refers to the odor intensity in the washing tank 12. The first curve GF1 is a curve obtained by assigning scores to a plurality of subjects based on a six-level odor intensity representation method and averaging the scores.

[0078] The second graph CH2 is a graph in which the horizontal axis is set to time and the vertical axis is set to the number of remaining bacteria. The number of remaining bacteria represented by the vertical axis refers to the number of bacteria remaining in the cleaning tank 12. In addition, in the second graph CH2, the unit of the vertical axis is CFU (Colony Forming Unit) / mL. The second graph CH2 shows a second curve GF2. The second curve GF2 represents the change in the number of remaining bacteria over time.

[0079] The third chart CH3 is a chart in which the horizontal axis is set to time, the first vertical axis is set to the air volume of the blower 19, and the second vertical axis is set to the ion concentration. In addition, the unit of the first vertical axis is m / s. In addition, the unit of the second vertical axis is ppm. The third chart CH3 shows a third curve GF3 and a fourth curve GF4. The third curve GF3 represents the change of the air volume of the blower 19 over time. The fourth curve GF4 represents the change of the ion concentration in the cleaning tank 12 over time.

[0080] Figure 5 The timing T1 shown in Figure 4 In addition, Figure 5 The timing T2 shown in Figure 4 It corresponds to the timing T2 shown in . Figure 5 The timing TD shown in is the timing after 30 minutes have passed since the start of the ion supply process. Figure 5 The timing TE shown in is the timing when eight hours have passed from the start of the ion supply process.

[0081] According to the first curve GF1, it can be seen that the odor intensity is greatly reduced in the first cycle in the ion supply process. It can be seen that the odor intensity is greatly reduced in particular from the start of the first cycle to the time when 30 minutes have passed. Therefore, according to the first curve GF1, it can be seen that by rotating the blower 19 at a high speed for at least 30 minutes from the start of the ion supply process, a significant deodorizing effect can be obtained in the cleaning tank 12. Therefore, it is preferred to rotate the blower 19 at a high speed for at least 30 minutes in the ion supply process.

[0082] In addition, it can be seen from the first graph GF1 that the odor intensity is reduced by the effect of the blower 19 and ions even after the timing when the first cycle ends.

[0083] In addition, according to the second curve GF2, in the first cycle, the number of remaining bacteria gradually decreases slightly, and during the period from the second cycle to the timing TE, the number of remaining bacteria decreases significantly with the increase in ion concentration. Therefore, according to the second curve GF2, by setting the rotation speed of the blower 19 to a low speed and continuing the ion supply process for at least three hours, a significant sterilization effect can be obtained in the cleaning tank 12. Therefore, it is preferred to rotate the blower 19 at a low speed for at least three hours in the ion supply process and continue the ion supply process.

[0084] In the present embodiment, the dishwasher 1 can be operated in a manner that the washing process, the drying process, and the ion supply process are sequentially performed through one process. In this process, the drying process is performed before the ion supply process, but in the present embodiment, even when the drying process is performed before the ion supply process, the blower 19 is rotated at the first speed for a predetermined period from the start of the ion supply process. Thus, even if it is assumed that there are undried parts in the washing tank 12 during the drying process, the washing water containing bacteria in the washing tank 12 can be quickly dried after the ion supply process starts. Therefore, even if it is assumed that there are undried parts in the washing tank 12 during the drying process, the sterilization effect can be obtained in the washing tank 12 as soon as possible after the ion supply process starts.

[0085] In addition, in this embodiment, the dishwasher 1 can perform the ion supply process alone. In addition, the ion supply process performed alone refers to an ion supply process in which there is no other process (such as a drying process) that is performed continuously before the ion supply process. In other words, the ion supply process performed alone is not an ion supply process that is triggered by the completion of other processes. Even when the ion supply process is performed alone, the operation control unit 301 performs the ion supply process in the process. Figure 4 The actions described in . In addition, as an example of a scenario in which the ion supply process is performed alone, the following scenario is listed. For example, in a case where the objects to be cleaned 14 used on the same day are cleaned collectively on the same day, the ion supply process is performed alone during the period from the first time the objects to be cleaned 14 are accommodated in the cleaning tank 12 on the same day to the start of cleaning. In such a scenario, it is highly likely that the objects to be cleaned 14 are accommodated in the cleaning tank 12 for a long time. However, since the deodorizing effect and the sterilizing effect can be obtained as early as possible in the ion supply process of the present embodiment, even in a scenario in which the objects to be cleaned 14 are accommodated in the cleaning tank 12 for a long time, the cleaning tank 12 can be kept in a state in which the deodorizing effect and the sterilizing effect are obtained for as long as possible.

[0086] [1-3. Effects, etc.]

[0087] As described above, the dishwasher 1 includes: a washing tank 12; an electrostatic atomizer 20 for generating ions having a sterilizing function in the washing tank 12; a blower 19 for drying the inside of the washing tank 12; and a control device 30 for controlling the electrostatic atomizer 20 and the blower 19. In the ion supply process of driving the electrostatic atomizer 20 to supply ions into the washing tank 12, the control device 30 controls the blower 19 to rotate at a first rotation speed during a predetermined period from the start of the ion supply process, and to rotate the blower 19 at a second rotation speed lower than the first rotation speed after the predetermined period has passed.

[0088] Thus, since the blower is rotated at a high speed during a predetermined period from the start of the ion supply process, the odor components can be discharged from the cleaning tank 12 quickly after the ion supply process starts. In addition, since the cleaning water containing bacteria in the cleaning tank 12 can be quickly dried after the start of the ion supply process, the sterilization effect of ions can be improved as soon as possible after the start of the ion supply process. Therefore, the deodorization effect and the sterilization effect can be obtained in the cleaning tank 12 as soon as possible after the start of the ion supply process.

[0089] The predetermined period is shorter than the period during which the blower 19 is rotated at the second rotation speed.

[0090] This can suppress the interference with the sterilization effect of early acquisition of ions and achieve reduction in power consumption.

[0091] The first rotation speed is the maximum rotation speed of the blower 19. The second rotation speed is the minimum rotation speed of the blower 19.

[0092] Thus, the odor components can be discharged from the cleaning tank 12 as soon as possible after the ion supply process starts, and the cleaning water containing bacteria in the cleaning tank 12 can be dried as soon as possible after the ion supply process starts. Therefore, the deodorizing effect and the sterilizing effect can be obtained in the cleaning tank 12 as soon as possible after the ion supply process starts.

[0093] The control device 30 can execute a drying process of rotating the blower 19 to dry the cleaning tank 12. Regardless of whether the drying process is executed before the ion supply process, the control device 30 performs the following control in the ion supply process: the blower 19 is rotated at a first speed during a specified period from the start of the ion supply process, and the blower 19 is rotated at a second speed after the specified period has passed.

[0094] Thus, even if there are undried portions in the cleaning tank 12 during the drying process, the cleaning water containing bacteria in the cleaning tank 12 can be quickly dried after the ion supply process starts. Therefore, even if there are undried portions in the cleaning tank 12 during the drying process, the sterilization effect can be obtained in the cleaning tank 12 as soon as possible after the ion supply process starts.

[0095] (Implementation Method 2)

[0096] Next, implementation mode 2 will be described.

[0097] The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the operation of dishwasher 1 .

[0098] In the first embodiment, regardless of whether the drying process is performed before the ion supply process, the blower 19 is rotated at the first rotation speed for a predetermined period from the start of the ion supply process and is rotated at the second rotation speed after the predetermined period.

[0099] On the other hand, in Embodiment 2, in the ion supply process that is continuously performed after the drying process, the blower 19 is not rotated at the first speed, and the blower 19 is rotated at the second speed from the start of the ion supply process. In addition, in Embodiment 2, in the ion supply process that is performed separately, the blower 19 is rotated at the first speed for a predetermined period from the start of the ion supply process, and the blower 19 is rotated at the second speed after the predetermined period has passed. In addition, as described above, the ion supply process that is performed separately refers to an ion supply process in which there is no other process (for example, a drying process) that is continuously performed before the ion supply process.

[0100] In the description of this embodiment, the ion supplying step performed continuously after the drying step is referred to as the first ion supplying step. In addition, in this embodiment, the ion supplying step performed independently is referred to as the second ion supplying step.

[0101] In the first ion supplying step, ion supply is performed in a plurality of cycles as in the ion supplying step of the first embodiment, but the period of ion supplying in each cycle is the same, which is, for example, four hours as in the first embodiment.

[0102] In the second ion supplying step, similarly to the ion supplying step of the first embodiment, ion supply is performed for a predetermined period in the first cycle, and ion supply is performed for a longer period than the first cycle in the second and subsequent cycles.

[0103] Figure 6 1 is a flowchart showing the operation of dishwasher 1 related to the ion supplying step.

[0104] like Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the operation control unit 301 determines whether to start the first ion supply process or the second ion supply process (step S1). When the drying process is completed while the operation control unit 301 is performing the drying process and the ion supply process in sequence, the operation control unit 301 determines to start the first ion supply process in step S1. In addition, when an instruction to execute the ion supply process alone is given on the operation panel (not shown), the operation control unit 301 determines to start the second ion supply process in step S1.

[0105] When determining that the first ion supplying process is to be started (step S1 : first ion supplying process), the operation control unit 301 controls the blower 19 and the electrostatic atomizer 20 to start the first ion supplying process (step S2 ).

[0106] On the other hand, when the operation control unit 301 determines that the second ion supplying process is to be started (step S1 : second ion supplying process), it controls the blower 19 and the electrostatic atomizer 20 to start the second ion supplying process (step S3 ).

[0107] As described above, the control device 30 can execute a drying process of rotating the blower 19 to dry the cleaning tank 12. In the ion supply process that is continuously executed after the drying process, the control device 30 does not rotate the blower 19 at the first speed, and rotates the blower 19 at the second speed after the ion supply process starts. In addition, in the ion supply process that is executed separately, the control device 30 performs the following control: the blower 19 is rotated at the first speed during a specified period from the start of the ion supply process, and the blower 19 is rotated at the second speed after the specified period has passed.

[0108] After the drying process, the object to be cleaned 14 is dried and the cleaning tank 12 is also exhausted, so there is little need to rotate the blower 19 at a high speed in the ion supply process that is performed continuously after the drying process. Therefore, in this embodiment, in the ion supply process that is performed continuously after the drying process, the blower 19 is not rotated at the first speed, and the blower 19 is rotated at the second speed after the ion supply process starts. As a result, the ion concentration in the cleaning tank 12 can be increased after the ion supply process starts, so that the sterilization effect can be obtained earlier in the cleaning tank 12 after the ion supply process starts.

[0109] (Other Embodiments)

[0110] As described above, the above-mentioned embodiments 1 and 2 are described as examples disclosed in this application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and can also be applied to embodiments after changes, replacements, additions, omissions, etc. are made. In addition, each component described in the above-mentioned embodiments 1 and 2 can also be combined to form a new embodiment. Therefore, other embodiments are exemplified below.

[0111] In the above-mentioned embodiment 1, a built-in dishwasher 1 is exemplified as a "dishwasher". However, the "dishwasher" is not limited to the built-in dishwasher 1, and may be a dishwasher placed in a kitchen sink or a table-top dishwasher. In addition, the "dishwasher" is not limited to the front-opening dishwasher 1, and may be a drawer-type dishwasher.

[0112] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the maximum speed of the blower 19 is exemplified as the first speed, and the minimum speed of the blower 19 is exemplified as the second speed. However, the first speed only needs to be higher than the second speed and is not limited to the maximum speed. In addition, the second speed only needs to be lower than the first speed and is not limited to the minimum speed.

[0113] In the above embodiment, two hours is exemplified as the predetermined period for rotating the blower 19 at the first rotation speed. However, the predetermined period may be shorter than the period for rotating the blower 19 at the second rotation speed and is not limited to two hours.

[0114] In the above embodiment, four hours is exemplified as the period during which the blower 19 is rotated at the second rotation speed. However, the period may be longer than the prescribed period during which the blower 19 is rotated at the first rotation speed, and is not limited to four hours.

[0115] In the above-described embodiment, the period during which the blower 19 and the electrostatic atomizer 20 are turned off in the ion supplying step is described as 30 minutes, but the period is not limited to 30 minutes.

[0116] In the above-mentioned embodiment 2, the blower 19 is configured not to rotate at high speed in the ion supply process after the drying process, but in other embodiments, the following configuration may be used: regardless of whether the drying process is performed, the blower 19 is not rotated at high speed in the ion supply process when the ion supply process is continued after the blower 19 rotates at high speed. That is, in other embodiments, the control device 30 can perform a process of rotating the blower 19 at a first speed. Moreover, in the ion supply process that is continuously performed after the process, the control device 30 does not rotate the blower 19 at the first speed, but rotates the blower 19 at a second speed after the ion supply process starts. In addition, as processes other than the drying process in which the blower 19 is rotated at high speed, examples are listed, such as processes other than the drying process, exhaust during cleaning in the cleaning tank 12, abnormality detection test of the blower 19, and processes in which there is a stage in which the blower 19 rotates at high speed at the end of the process. According to this other embodiment, the ion concentration in the cleaning tank 12 can be increased after the ion supply process starts, so that the sterilization effect can be obtained earlier in the cleaning tank 12 after the ion supply process starts.

[0117] The control program 311 of the above-mentioned embodiment can also be recorded in a non-transitory manner on a recording medium that can be recorded in a manner readable by the processor 300. As the recording medium, a magnetic or optical recording medium or a semiconductor storage device can be used. In addition, the control program 311 can also be stored in a server device, etc., and the dishwasher 1 can download the control program 311 from the server device to implement the above-mentioned operation.

[0118] The processor 300 may be composed of a single processor or a plurality of processors. The processor 300 may also be hardware programmed to implement the corresponding functional unit. That is, these processors may be composed of, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0119] Figure 3 The structure of the dishwasher 1 shown is an example, and there is no particular limitation on the specific implementation. That is, it is not necessary to actually install hardware corresponding to each part, and it is also possible to set a structure in which the functions of each part are realized by executing a program by a processor. In addition, in the above-mentioned implementation, part of the functions realized by software can also be set as hardware, or part of the functions realized by hardware can also be set as software.

[0120] Figure 6The step units of the actions shown are step units obtained by dividing according to the main processing content in order to make the actions easy to understand, and the actions are not limited by the method or name of dividing the processing units. It can also be divided into more step units according to the processing content. In addition, it can also be divided in a way that one step unit includes more processing. In addition, the order of the steps can also be appropriately changed within the scope that does not hinder the main purpose of the present disclosure.

[0121] In addition, the above-mentioned embodiments are for illustrating the technology of the present disclosure, and therefore various changes, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. can be made within the scope of the claims or the scope equivalent thereto.

[0122] (Note)

[0123] According to the description of the above embodiments, the following technology is disclosed.

[0124] (Technology 1) comprises: a cleaning tank; an electrostatic atomization device for generating ions with a sterilization function in the cleaning tank; a blower for drying the cleaning tank; and a control device for controlling the electrostatic atomization device and the blower, wherein, in an ion supply process of driving the electrostatic atomization device to supply the ions into the cleaning tank, the control device performs the following control: the blower is rotated at a first speed during a specified period starting from the start of the ion supply process, and the blower is rotated at a second speed lower than the first speed after the specified period.

[0125] Thus, since the blower is rotated at a high speed during a predetermined period from the start of the ion supply process, the odor components can be discharged from the cleaning tank quickly after the ion supply process starts. In addition, since the cleaning water containing bacteria in the cleaning tank can be quickly dried after the ion supply process starts, the sterilization effect of ions can be improved as soon as possible after the ion supply process starts. Therefore, the deodorization effect and the sterilization effect can be obtained in the cleaning tank as soon as possible after the ion supply process starts.

[0126] (Technique 2) The dishwasher according to Technique 1, wherein the predetermined period is shorter than a period during which the blower is rotated at the second rotation speed.

[0127] This can suppress the interference with the sterilization effect of early acquisition of ions and achieve reduction in power consumption.

[0128] (Technique 3) The dishwasher according to Technique 1 or 2, wherein the first rotation speed is a maximum rotation speed of the blower, and the second rotation speed is a minimum rotation speed of the blower.

[0129] Thus, the odor components can be discharged from the cleaning tank as soon as possible after the ion supply process starts, and the cleaning water containing bacteria in the cleaning tank can be dried as soon as possible after the ion supply process starts. Therefore, the deodorizing effect and the sterilizing effect can be obtained in the cleaning tank as soon as possible after the ion supply process starts.

[0130] (Technique 4) A dishwashing machine according to any one of Techniques 1 to 3, wherein the control device is capable of executing a drying process of rotating the blower to dry the cleaning tank, and regardless of whether the drying process is executed before the ion supply process, the control device performs the following control in the ion supply process: rotating the blower at the first speed during the specified period starting from the start of the ion supply process, and rotating the blower at the second speed after the specified period.

[0131] Therefore, even if there are undried parts in the cleaning tank during the drying process, the cleaning water containing bacteria in the cleaning tank can be quickly dried after the ion supply process starts. Therefore, even if there are undried parts in the cleaning tank during the drying process, the sterilization effect can be obtained in the cleaning tank as soon as possible after the ion supply process starts.

[0132] (Technique 5) A dishwashing machine according to any one of Techniques 1 to 3, wherein the control device is capable of executing a drying process of rotating the blower to dry the cleaning tank, and in the ion supply process that is continuously executed after the drying process, the control device performs the following control: the blower is not rotated at the first speed, and the blower is rotated at the second speed from the start of the ion supply process; in the ion supply process that is executed alone, the control device performs the following control: the blower is rotated at the first speed during the specified period from the start of the ion supply process, and the blower is rotated at the second speed after the specified period.

[0133] Since the object to be cleaned is dried and the cleaning tank is exhausted after the drying process, there is little need to rotate the blower at a high speed in the ion supply process that is performed continuously after the drying process. Therefore, the blower is not rotated at the first speed in the ion supply process that is performed continuously after the drying process, and the blower is rotated at the second speed from the start of the ion supply process. As a result, the ion concentration in the cleaning tank can be increased from the start of the ion supply process, so that the sterilization effect can be obtained in the cleaning tank earlier after the start of the ion supply process.

[0134] (Technique 6) A control method for a dishwashing machine, wherein, in an ion supply process for supplying ions generated by an electrostatic atomization device into a cleaning tank, a blower for drying the cleaning tank is rotated at a first speed during a specified period starting from the start of the ion supply process, and after the specified period, the blower is rotated at a second speed lower than the first speed.

[0135] This achieves the same effects as those of the dishwasher of the first technique.

[0136] Industrial Applicability

[0137] As described above, the present disclosure can be utilized in a dishwasher that can perform an ion supplying step of supplying ions into a washing tank.

[0138] Description of Reference Numerals

[0139] 1: dishwashing machine; 10: housing; 11: door; 12: washing tank; 13: washing basket; 14: washing object; 15: bottom frame; 16: spray nozzle; 17: air supply path; 18: exhaust path; 19: blower; 20: electrostatic atomization device; 21: connecting member; 30: control device; 31: circulation pump; 32: drainage pump; 33: water supply pump; 34: heater; 300: processor; 301: operation control unit; 310: memory; 311: control program; TA: timing diagram; TB: timing diagram; TC: timing diagram; T1~T5: timing; S1~S3: steps.

Claims

1. A dishwashing machine, comprising: cleaning tank; An electrostatic atomization device, which is used to generate ions with sterilization function in the cleaning tank; a blower for drying the cleaning tank; and a control device for controlling the electrostatic atomization device and the blower, in, In the ion supply process of driving the electrostatic atomization device to supply the ions into the cleaning tank, the control device performs the following control: the blower is rotated at a first speed during a specified period starting from the start of the ion supply process, and the blower is rotated at a second speed lower than the first speed after the specified period.

2. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein: The predetermined period is shorter than a period during which the blower is rotated at the second rotation speed.

3. The dishwasher according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first speed is the maximum speed of the blower. The second rotation speed is the minimum rotation speed of the blower.

4. The dishwasher according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The control device can execute a drying process of rotating the blower to dry the cleaning tank. Regardless of whether the drying process is performed before the ion supply process, the control device performs the following control in the ion supply process: the blower is rotated at the first speed during the specified period from the start of the ion supply process, and the blower is rotated at the second speed after the specified period.

5. The dishwasher according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The control device can execute a drying process of rotating the blower to dry the cleaning tank. In the ion supplying process that is performed continuously after the drying process, the control device performs the following control: the blower is not rotated at the first speed, and the blower is rotated at the second speed from the start of the ion supplying process, In the ion supplying step performed independently, the control device performs control to rotate the blower at the first rotation speed during the predetermined period from the start of the ion supplying step, and to rotate the blower at the second rotation speed after the predetermined period has elapsed.

6. A method for controlling a dishwashing machine, wherein: In the ion supplying step of supplying ions generated by the electrostatic atomization device into the cleaning tank, During a predetermined period from the start of the ion supplying step, the blower for drying the inside of the cleaning tank is rotated at a first rotation speed, After the predetermined period of time has elapsed, the blower is rotated at a second rotation speed that is lower than the first rotation speed.

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