Control method

The dishwasher's innovative residue filter design with a discharge port and strategic water inlet positioning addresses the complexity and inefficiency of conventional residue removal, ensuring effective residue elimination and improved sanitation.

JP2025010306APending Publication Date: 2025-01-20PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024190423
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-10-30
Publication Date
2025-01-20

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional dishwashers face complexity in configuring water injection means for residue filters due to the need for numerous injection ports or moving parts, and thick or meshed filters fail to remove residue effectively, leading to residue accumulation and odor issues.

Method used

The dishwasher design includes a residue filter with a discharge port for discharging captured residue with cleaning water, a water inlet to guide cleaning water to the discharge port, and a configuration that minimizes pressure loss and residue accumulation by positioning the inlet away from the circulation channel suction port, ensuring efficient residue removal.

Benefits of technology

This design reduces residue remaining in the dishwasher, maintains sanitation, prevents odor, and enhances cleaning efficiency by effectively removing residue during the drainage process, suppressing air bubbles and water splashing.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To reduce remaining of residue in a dishwasher.SOLUTION: A dishwasher includes: a housing 1; a washing tank 2 provided in the housing 1 to store an object 13 to be washed; a water reservoir part 8 provided to the bottom part of the washing tank 2; a residue filter 9 provided to the water reservoir part 8 and catching residue included in the washing water flowing into the water reservoir part 8; a drainage passage 7a making the water reservoir part 8 and the outer part of the housing 1 communicate with each other; and a discharge port discharging the washing water for washing and flowing the residue caught by the residue filter 9 toward the residue filter 9. The dishwasher is constituted so that the residue caught by the residue filter 9 is discharged together with the washing water when the washing water inside the washing tank 2 is discharged to the outside of the housing 1 via the drainage passage 7a, and the washing water is discharged toward the residue filter 9 from the discharge port when the water level of the washing water in the washing tank 2 is higher than that of the discharge port.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
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Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dishwasher that washes items such as dishes stored in a washing tank, and a control method thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] A conventional dishwasher is provided with a washing tank in which dishes are stored within the main body. A washing pump is provided at the bottom of the washing tank to draw water from the bottom and spray it into the washing tank. A drain pump draws water from the bottom of the washing tank and drains it outside the machine through a drainage channel. A residue filter is composed of a residue basket, a metal plate, and a metal mesh section. The residue basket collects large food residue when the washing water is drained. The metal plate has an inclined section and a drain hole that allows the residue to flow into the residue basket. The metal mesh section prevents the residue from entering the washing pump. A water injection pipe as a water injection means is provided around the outer periphery of the metal mesh section, and sprays water from the outside to the inside to remove residue adhering to the metal mesh section.

[0003] When the dishwasher starts, water is supplied and accumulates at the bottom of the washing tub. This accumulated water is sprayed into the washing tub by the washing pump to wash the dishes. After the washing is finished, the drain pump starts to discharge the water in the washing tub to the outside of the machine through the drainage channel. When the drain pump stops, water is sprayed from the outside of the metal mesh part of the residue filter through a water injection pipe located around the outer periphery of the metal mesh part to remove the residue adhering to the inside. When the water injection is finished, the drain pump starts again and the accumulated water is sucked up by the drain pump from the bottom of the washing tub and discharged outside the machine through the drainage channel.

[0004] According to the above-mentioned configuration, fine food residue adhering to the residue filter is washed away to the inside of the metal mesh portion, so that after washing is completed, the smell of food residue does not remain in the dishwasher chamber, and the smell does not transfer to the dishes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 04-224725 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Conventional dishwashers spray water from the outside onto the mesh part that constitutes the residue filter to remove residue adhering to the mesh part. However, in order to spray water onto the entire mesh part from the outside, it is necessary to provide a considerable number of spray nozzles around the mesh part or to configure the spray nozzles to move around the periphery. This poses the problem that the spraying means becomes complicated in configuration.

[0007] Furthermore, when the wire that makes up the mesh section is thick, or when it is made up of a metal plate with many small holes instead of a mesh, there is the problem that the residue on the back of the wire or plate cannot be peeled off even when water is sprayed from the outside.

[0008] The present disclosure is intended to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and aims to reduce residue remaining in dishwashers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The dishwasher according to the present disclosure includes a housing, a washing tank provided in the housing for accommodating objects to be washed, a water reservoir provided at the bottom of the washing tank, a residue filter installed in the water reservoir for capturing residue contained in washing water flowing into the water reservoir, a drainage path connecting the water reservoir with the outside of the housing, and a discharge port for discharging washing water for washing away the residue captured by the residue filter toward the residue filter. When the washing water in the washing tank is discharged outside the housing through the drainage path, the residue captured by the residue filter is discharged together with the washing water. When the water level of the washing water in the washing tank is higher than the discharge port, the washing water is discharged from the discharge port toward the residue filter. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present disclosure, residue buildup in dishwashers can be reduced. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a dishwasher according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing details of a configuration provided at the bottom of the cleaning tank. [Diagram 3] Top view of the configuration shown in Figure 2, excluding the cleaning nozzle. [Figure 4A] Cross section AA of Figure 3 [Figure 4B] Cross section B-B of Figure 3 [Figure 5A] Exploded perspective view of the residue filter [Figure 5B] Perspective view of the residue filter [Figure 6A] Cross-section of the residue filter [Figure 6B] 1 is a cross-sectional view of another example of a residue filter; [Figure 7A] A diagram showing how debris is captured by the debris filter. [Figure 7B] A diagram showing how debris is captured by the debris filter. [Figure 7C] A diagram showing how debris is captured by the debris filter. [Figure 8A] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between the level of cleaning water and the discharge of cleaning water from a discharge port. [Figure 8B] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between the level of cleaning water and the discharge of cleaning water from a discharge port. [Figure 8C] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between the level of cleaning water and the discharge of cleaning water from a discharge port. [Figure 9A] Diagram showing the relationship between the water inlet and the circulating water channel suction port [Figure 9B] Diagram showing the relationship between the water inlet and the circulating water channel suction port [Figure 9C] Diagram showing the relationship between the water inlet and the circulating water channel suction port [Figure 10A] Diagram showing the relationship between the circulation water channel suction port and the flow of cleaning water [Figure 10B] Diagram showing the relationship between the circulation water channel suction port and discharge port [Figure 11]A diagram showing the angle of cleaning water discharged from the discharge port. [Figure 12A] Diagram showing the configuration of the water inlet and fitting part [Figure 12B] Diagram showing the configuration of the water inlet and fitting part [Figure 12C] Diagram showing the configuration of the water inlet and fitting part [Figure 13] A diagram showing the configuration of the connection between the water inlet and the filter flow path. [Figure 14A] Diagram showing the configuration of a water divider [Figure 14B] Diagram showing the configuration of a water divider [Figure 15] 1 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling a dishwasher according to a first embodiment. [Figure 16] A timing chart showing the states of each component of the dishwasher according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed description of already well-known matters or duplicate description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted.

[0013] It should be noted that 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 described in the claims.

[0014] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0015] [1-1. Configuration] Fig. 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a dishwasher in embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. Fig. 1 shows a state in which the dishwasher is built into a system kitchen SK. In the description of each embodiment, as shown in the figure, the front direction is the direction in which the door body 5 and washing tub 2 are pulled out, and the rear direction is the direction in which the washing tub 2 is stored and the door body 5 is closed. In addition, the side on which the dishwasher is installed is referred to as the lower side, and the opposite side is referred to as the upper side, and further, the right side when facing the front of the door body 5 is referred to as the right side, and the left side is referred to as the left side.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the dishwasher of this embodiment includes a housing 1, a washing tub 2, a washing device 3, a water supply section 4, a door body 5, a drain section 7, and the like.

[0017] The housing 1 has a front opening 1a on the front side. The washing tank 2 includes a dish basket 6, a washing nozzle 3c, a water reservoir 8, a residue filter 9, and the like inside. The washing tank 2 is provided inside the housing 1 so as to be removable in the front-rear direction. The washing tank 2 has a top opening 2a on the top side. When the washing tank 2 is housed in the housing 1, the top opening 2a is closed by an inner lid 10 arranged in the housing 1. The inner lid 10 moves up and down by a link mechanism 11 in conjunction with the insertion and removal of the washing tank 2. A seal portion 12 formed of a deformable hollow rubber tube is provided on the periphery of the top opening 2a. When the washing tank 2 is housed in the housing 1, the seal portion 12 is compressed by the descending inner lid 10 to seal the top opening 2a.

[0018] The dish basket 6 holds dishes and other items to be washed 13. The door body 5 is provided at the front of the washing tank 2 and covers the front of the housing 1 when stored. The water supply unit 4 includes a water supply line 4a and a water supply valve 4b. The water supply line 4a is connected to a water pipe (not shown). The water supply valve 4b is provided in the water supply line 4a at the rear inside the housing 1. The water supply valve 4b is branched so that tap water to be used as washing water can be supplied to at least one of the washing tank 2 and the residue filter 9 in the water reservoir 8 when opened, and water can be supplied to either the washing tank 2 or the water reservoir 8 or both by switching the opening of the water supply valve 4b. The water supply valve 4b may be configured as a water supply pump.

[0019] The washing device 3 includes a circulating water passage 3a, a washing pump 3b, a washing nozzle 3c, etc., and washes the object to be washed 13. The circulating water passage 3a communicates with the water reservoir 8 and the washing nozzle 3c. The washing pump 3b is provided in the circulating water passage 3a and is fixed to the outside of the bottom 2b of the washing tank. The suction side of the washing pump 3b communicates with the water reservoir 8, and circulates the washing water from which residue has been removed by the residue filter 9.

[0020] The cleaning nozzle 3c is provided on the bottom 2b of the cleaning tank. The cleaning pump 3b pressure-feeds cleaning water to the cleaning nozzle 3c. The cleaning nozzle 3c sprays the cleaning water toward the object 13 while rotating due to the reaction force of the pressure-feed cleaning water. That is, the cleaning pump 3b pressurizes the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 2 and supplies it to the cleaning nozzle 3c. The cleaning water sprayed from the cleaning nozzle 3c collides with the object 13 to remove dirt and perform cleaning. The cleaning water includes a cleaning liquid containing a detergent that is sprayed toward the object 13, and rinsing water for rinsing the object 13.

[0021] The water reservoir 8 is provided at the bottom 2b of the cleaning tank 2. The residue filter 9 is detachably provided in the water reservoir 8 and captures residues washed and removed from the object 13 to be cleaned. The water reservoir 8 and the residue filter 9 will be described in detail later. The residue filter 9 may be fixed to the water reservoir 8 and configured not to be detachable. A heater (not shown) is provided at the bottom 2b of the cleaning tank and heats the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 2 in the washing process or rinsing process. The heater heats the drying air in the cleaning tank 2 in the drying process. A temperature sensor (not shown) is provided on the outside of the bottom 2b of the cleaning tank and detects the temperature of the cleaning tank 2. A detergent supply device (not shown) that supplies detergent into the cleaning tank 2 is provided on the side of the cleaning tank 2 facing the door body 5.

[0022] Drainage section 7 discharges wash water flowing into water reservoir section 8 to the outside of housing 1. Drainage section 7 includes drainage channel 7a, drainage pump 7b, and drainage port 7c. Note that drainage pump 7b may be configured to be substituted for wash pump 3b by reversing the rotation direction of the motor during circulation. Also, a drainage valve may be provided instead of drainage pump 7b, and the wash water may be drained by natural fall due to gravity when the drainage valve is opened.

[0023] The control unit 17 that controls the washing operation is provided inside the door body 5. The control unit 17 sequentially controls a washing process for washing the object 13, a rinsing process for rinsing off detergent and residues adhering to the object 13, and a drying process for drying the object 13 after rinsing, thereby executing the washing operation.

[0024] Next, the configuration of the water reservoir 8 provided in the bottom portion 2b of the cleaning tank and the residue filter 9 provided in the water reservoir 8 will be described in detail.

[0025] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the details of the configuration provided at the bottom 2b of the cleaning tank. Fig. 3 is a top view of the configuration shown in Fig. 2 excluding the cleaning nozzle 3c. The bottom 2b of the cleaning tank is provided with the cleaning nozzle 3c and a water reservoir 8. The bottom 2b of the cleaning tank is inclined so that the position of the water reservoir 8 is the lowest, and the cleaning water supplied in the washing process and the rinsing process is collected in the water reservoir 8 together with the residue. The water reservoir 8 is formed in a roughly cylindrical shape. The water reservoir 8 is provided with a residue filter 9. The cleaning pump 3b and the drain pump 7b are connected to the water reservoir 8.

[0026] Fig. 4A is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 3. Fig. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Fig. 3. The residue filter 9 includes a lattice filter 30, a punching filter 31, and a mesh filter 32.

[0027] Fig. 5A is an exploded perspective view of the residue filter 9. Fig. 5B is a perspective view of the residue filter 9.

[0028] The lattice filter 30 has a plurality of holes arranged in a lattice pattern on the lower part of the cylindrical part, and captures relatively large residues. A handle is provided on the upper part of the lattice filter 30 so that the user can grasp it when removing the lattice filter 30 and discarding the captured residues.

[0029] The punched filter 31 is formed on a flat surface using punched stainless steel metal or the like. In order to circulate the cleaning water even when the lattice filter 30 or the mesh filter 32 becomes clogged, the cleaning water is configured to be able to flow into the water reservoir 8 from the outside of the opening of the lattice filter 30, and the punched filter 31 is provided to capture residues contained in the cleaning water that flows into the water reservoir 8 from the outside of the opening of the lattice filter 30.

[0030] The mesh filter 32 has a mesh member 32a having fine openings such as a plain weave wire mesh (for example, 50 mesh to 100 mesh, or a mesh with square holes of about 0.28 mm) provided on the peripheral side of a lattice formed in a roughly cylindrical shape from resin, etc. The mesh filter 32 captures fine residues that have passed through the lattice filter 30.

[0031] 6A is a cross-sectional view of the residue filter 9. The mesh filter 32 has a mesh member 32a for capturing residue, a filter cleaning flow path 32b for flowing cleaning water for cleaning the inside of the mesh filter 32, a discharge port 32c for discharging the cleaning water flowing through the filter cleaning flow path 32b toward the mesh member 32a, and a water guide port 32d for introducing the cleaning water into the filter cleaning flow path 32b.

[0032] The water introduction port 32d is provided on the side surface of the mesh filter 32. The filter cleaning flow path 32b is provided above the mesh member 32a on the upper part of the mesh filter 32. The discharge port 32c is provided on the lower surface of the filter cleaning flow path 32b at a position where the mesh member 32a is provided. In this embodiment, the mesh member 32a is provided around the entire circumference of the cylinder, and therefore the discharge port 32c is also provided around the entire circumference.

[0033] The cleaning water introduced into the filter cleaning flow path 32b from the water introduction port 32d is discharged from the multiple discharge ports 32c toward the mesh member 32a, whereby the residues trapped inside the mesh member 32a can be scraped off.

[0034] Although tap water supplied from the water supply unit 4 may be used as the washing water for washing the residue filter 9, in this embodiment, the washing water used in the washing and rinsing processes and remaining in the washing tank 2 is guided from the water introduction port 32d to the filter washing flow path 32b by the washing pump 3b. Therefore, the dishwasher is provided with a water distributor for dividing the washing water sent from the washing pump 3b between the washing nozzle 3c and the water introduction port 32d. The water distributor will be described in detail later.

[0035] By providing the water inlet 32d on the side surface near the filter cleaning flow path 32b, the flow path from the water inlet 32d to the filter cleaning flow path 32b can be shortened, and pressure loss can be suppressed. This makes it possible to increase the pressure at which cleaning water is discharged from the discharge port 32c, thereby improving the cleaning efficiency of the mesh member 32a. In addition, when a user looks inside the cleaning tank 2, it is possible to make it difficult for the user to see the cleaning water remaining near the water inlet 32d.

[0036] Fig. 6B is a cross-sectional view of another example of the residue filter 9. In the example shown in Fig. 6A, the water guide port 32d is provided on the side of the residue filter 9, but in the example shown in Fig. 6B, the water guide port 32d is provided on the bottom of the residue filter 9. In this case as well, cleaning water introduced from the water guide port 32d into the filter cleaning flow path 32b is discharged from the multiple discharge ports 32c toward the mesh member 32a, thereby scraping off the residue captured inside the mesh member 32a.

[0037] At the beginning of the washing and rinsing steps, as shown in Fig. 7A, the area of ​​the portion of mesh member 32a of mesh filter 32 that is blocked by the trapped residue is small, so the resistance of mesh filter 32 is small. Therefore, most of the residue contained in the cleaning water flows into the inside of mesh filter 32 and is captured by mesh member 32a, as shown by the solid arrow in Fig. 7A. The cleaning water from which the residue has been removed is sucked into the cleaning water channel 3a through the cleaning water channel suction port 32e and circulated by cleaning pump 3b.

[0038] In the middle of the washing step or rinsing step, as shown in Fig. 7B, the captured residue accumulates in the mesh member 32a close to the circulation water channel inlet 32e, and the area of ​​the part blocked by the residue gradually increases, increasing the resistance of the mesh filter 32. Therefore, some of the residue contained in the wash water is sucked into the circulation water channel 3a through the punched holes of the punched filter 31 outside the mesh filter 32 and through gaps between the components, as shown by the dashed arrow in Fig. 7B.

[0039] In the later stages of the washing and rinsing steps, a larger area of ​​mesh member 32a may be clogged with residue, as shown in Fig. 7C. Even if residue is sucked into circulation water channel 3a, the residue may flow into the inside of mesh filter 32 while circulating and be captured by mesh member 32a. However, if the residue is not captured by mesh member 32a while circulating and remains inside washing tank 2 at the end of operation, there is a possibility that the residue may reattach to object 13.

[0040] After the washing step or the rinsing step is completed, when the washing water is discharged by the drain pump 7b, some of the residue captured by the residue filter 9 is discharged together with the washing water. However, if the captured residue is pressed against the mesh member 32a by the water pressure of the washing pump 3b and strongly adheres to the mesh member 32a, especially near the circulating water passage suction port 32e, the residue may remain inside the mesh member 32a even after the washing water is discharged. If the mesh member 32a is still largely clogged with residue when the next step is started, the residue will circulate outside the residue filter 9 from the beginning of the step as shown in Figure 7B or Figure 7C, and the residue will likely remain inside the washing tank 2 at the end of operation.

[0041] In this embodiment, when the washing water is drained, the washing water is discharged from the discharge port 32c, scraping off the residue trapped inside the mesh member 32a and discharging it to the outside of the dishwasher together with the washing water. This makes it easier for the residue to flow into the residue filter 9 in the next step as shown in FIG. 7A, so that the residue remaining in the washing tank 2 can be captured by the residue filter 9. Therefore, the amount of residue remaining in the washing tank 2 at the end of the operation can be further reduced, so that the residue can be prevented from reattaching to the object 13 to be washed. In addition, the amount of residue remaining in the residue filter 9 can be reduced, so that the dishwasher can be kept hygienic and odor and the growth of bacteria can be suppressed.

[0042] When cleaning the residue filter 9 while discharging the cleaning water, it is preferable to discharge the cleaning water from the discharge port 32c when the water level 33 of the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 2 is higher than the discharge port 32c, as shown in FIG. 8A. Discharging the cleaning water underwater can suppress the generation of air bubbles, thereby suppressing problems (air entrapment) caused by air bubbles being mixed into the cleaning pump 3b. Discharging the cleaning water underwater can also make the water force reach a wider range, thereby improving the cleaning performance. Discharging the cleaning water underwater can also suppress the water splashing on the water surface, thereby reducing the lifting up of residue and improving the cleaning efficiency.

[0043] 8B, even if the water level 33 becomes lower than the outlet 32c, the discharge of cleaning water from the outlet 32c may be continued. Since the residue adhering to the upper part of the residue filter 9 is scraped off in the early stage of the drainage, even if the cleaning water is discharged from the outlet 32c when the water level 33 becomes lower than the outlet 32c, there is no problem that the residue adhering to the upper part of the residue filter 9 scatters.

[0044] As the water is further discharged, the cleaning of the residue filter 9 is terminated before the water level 33 becomes lower than the circulation water passage suction port 32e, as shown in Fig. 8C. As described above, during the cleaning of the residue filter 9, the cleaning pump 3b is driven, and the cleaning water sucked in from the circulation water passage suction port 32e is guided by the cleaning pump 3b to the filter cleaning flow path 32b of the mesh filter 32. Therefore, when the water level 33 becomes lower than the circulation water passage suction port 32e, air is sucked into the cleaning pump 3b, causing a malfunction (air entrapment). Therefore, the cleaning pump 3b is stopped before the water level 33 becomes lower than the circulation water passage suction port 32e, and the cleaning of the residue filter 9 is terminated.

[0045] In the washing and rinsing steps, the washing water is circulated by the washing pump 3b, so that residues tend to accumulate inside the mesh member 32a near the circulation water passage suction port 32e, as shown in Fig. 7B and Fig. 7C. As shown in Fig. 9A, if the water guide port 32d is located near the circulation water passage suction port 32e, when the mesh member 32a near the circulation water passage suction port 32e is blocked by residues, the washing water flows from the discharge port 32c through the water guide port 32d to the circulation water passage suction port 32e from the outside of the mesh member 32a, so that the residues cannot be captured by the mesh member 32a. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 9B, the water guide port 32d is located at a position away from the circulation water passage suction port 32e. This makes it possible to prevent the washing water from escaping to the path from the discharge port 32c through the water guide port 32d to the circulation water passage suction port 32e from the outside of the mesh member 32a. This improves the washing efficiency. The water inlet 32d may not be disposed near the circulating water passage inlet 32e. For example, as shown in Fig. 9C, when the mesh filter 32 is viewed from above, the angle between the line connecting the center of the mesh filter 32 and the water inlet 32d and the line connecting the center of the mesh filter 32 and the circulating water passage inlet 32e may be 45° or more, 50° or more, 55° or more, 60° or more, 65° or more, 70° or more, 75° or more, 80° or more, 85° or more, 90° or more, 95° or more, 100° or more, 110° or more, 120° or more, 130° or more, 140° or more, 150° or more, 160° or more, or 170° or more. The water inlet 32d may be disposed at a position opposite the circulating water passage inlet 32e.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 10A, the closer to the circulation water passage inlet 32e, the greater the amount of cleaning water passing through, and the more likely it is that residue will accumulate inside the mesh member 32a. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 10B, the closer to the circulation water passage inlet 32e, the greater the number or area of ​​the discharge ports 32c is, and more cleaning water is discharged toward the mesh member 32a. This improves cleaning performance.

[0047] 11, by discharging cleaning water from outlet 32c at an acute angle with respect to the inner surface of mesh member 32a, residues adhering to the inside of mesh member 32a can be scraped off more effectively. Therefore, the angle at which cleaning water is discharged from outlet 32c with respect to the inner surface of mesh member 32a may be 40° or less, 30° or less, 20° or less, 10° or less, 9° or less, 8° or less, 7° or less, 6° or less, 5° or less, 4° or less, 3° or less, 2° or less, or 1° or less.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 6A, when the water inlet 32d is provided on the side of the mesh filter 32, it is necessary to position the mesh filter 32 so that the filter flow path from the cleaning pump 3b to the water inlet 32d is connected to the water inlet 32d when the mesh filter 32 is installed in the water reservoir 8. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12A, a fitting portion 34 that fits with the water inlet 32d protruding from the side of the mesh filter 32 is provided in the water reservoir 8. The fitting portion 34 is a C-shaped rib that fits with the outer periphery of the water inlet 32d. When the mesh filter 32 is installed in the water reservoir 8, as shown in FIG. 12B, the mesh filter 32 is inserted into the water reservoir 8 and then rotated. As shown in FIG. 12C, the water inlet 32d is fitted into the fitting portion 34, so that the mesh filter 32 is positioned at a position where the filter flow path and the water inlet 32d are connected. At this time, the stopper 32f provided on the outer surface of the water inlet 32d abuts against the fitting 34, thereby preventing the mesh filter 32 from rotating excessively. The fitting 34 is made of an elastic material and is biased to tighten the water inlet 32d from the outside, preventing the mesh filter 32 from rotating in the reverse direction. This allows the filter flow path and the water inlet 32d to be maintained in a connected state, thereby reducing pressure loss of the wash water and improving the wash performance. Furthermore, since the mesh filter 32 is positioned near the water inlet 32d, the filter flow path and the water inlet 32d can be connected with greater accuracy.

[0049] 13, the connection 35a between the filter flow path 35 and the water introduction port 32d has a multi-layer structure of two or more layers. This increases the resistance of the gap generated in the connection 35a and prevents the cleaning water from leaking from the gap, thereby reducing pressure loss of the cleaning water and improving cleaning performance.

[0050] 14 shows an example of a water distributor 38 that distributes water between a cleaning nozzle flow path 37 that guides cleaning water sent from the cleaning pump 3b to the cleaning nozzle 3c and the filter flow path 35. The water distributor 38 is provided midway along the flow path 36 of cleaning water sent from the cleaning pump 3b, and switches between a state in which the cleaning nozzle flow path 37 is opened and the filter flow path 35 is closed, and a state in which the cleaning nozzle flow path 37 is closed and the filter flow path 35 is opened. The water distributor 38 may be a surface material that slides between the cleaning nozzle flow path 37 and the filter flow path 35, or may be a valve or the like. The state of the water distributor 38 is controlled by the control unit 17.

[0051] [1-2. Operation] The operation and function of the dishwasher constructed as above will now be described.

[0052] First, the user grasps the handle 5a of the door body 5 and pulls out the washing tub 2 from the housing 1 of the dishwasher. At this time, the inner lid 10 rises by the link mechanism 11 in conjunction with the pulling out operation of the washing tub 2, and moves away from the top opening 2a. Next, the user places the items 13 to be washed, such as dishes, in the dish basket 6 through the top opening 2a of the washing tub 2. Then, a predetermined amount of detergent is poured into the detergent supply device (not shown) in the washing tub 2. Next, the user pushes the washing tub 2 into the housing 1 to close the door body 5. At this time, the inner lid 10 descends by the link mechanism 11 in conjunction with the pushing operation of the washing tub 2, compressing the seal portion 12 to seal the top opening 2a.

[0053] The user sets an operation course on an operation unit (not shown) connected to the control unit 17, and then operates a start button (not shown) to start the washing operation. This causes the control unit 17 to execute the washing operation based on the operation course. The control unit 17 executes the washing process, rinsing process, and drying process in that order by the method described below.

[0054] First, the washing process of the washing operation will be described. First, the control unit 17 controls the water supply valve 4b to operate and supply water to the washing tank 2, and supplies a predetermined amount of washing water to the washing tank 2. When the water supply is completed, detergent is added by a detergent supply device (not shown). Then, the washing pump 3b is driven to pump the washing water, and the washing water is sprayed from the washing nozzle 3c arranged on the washing tank bottom 2b, and the washing water is circulated. The control unit 17 energizes the heater (not shown) while circulating the washing water, and heats the washing water. At this time, the control unit 17 detects the temperature of the washing water through the wall of the washing tank bottom 2b by a temperature sensor (not shown). Then, the control unit 17 controls the washing water to be at a predetermined temperature.

[0055] The sprayed cleaning water washes away dirt from the object 13, passes through the residue filter 9 and the water reservoir 8, and is sucked back into the cleaning pump 3b. At this time, the residue contained in the cleaning water is captured by the residue filter 9. The cleaning pump 3b pumps the sucked cleaning water and supplies it to the cleaning nozzle 3c. In other words, the cleaning water circulates as described above to wash the object 13. The control unit 17 performs the above-mentioned circulation operation for a predetermined time (e.g., 30 minutes).

[0056] When the circulating operation is completed, the control unit 17 discharges the cleaning water containing dirt out of the housing 1. At this time, the residue captured by the residue filter 9 is discharged out of the housing 1 together with the cleaning water. Then, the control unit 17 ends the washing process and starts the rinsing process, and newly supplies cleaning water into the cleaning tank 2.

[0057] Next, the control unit 17 operates the washing pump 3b to spray new washing water from the washing nozzle 3c toward the object 13 to be washed, in the same manner as in the washing step. The washing water is then used to wash away remaining detergent and residue from the object 13 to be washed. At this time, the control unit 17 repeats the operations of discharging washing water and supplying washing water multiple times (for example, two to three times) to perform the rinsing step. In particular, in the final rinsing operation, a heated rinse is performed in which the washing water is heated to a high temperature. This heats the object 13 to be washed and the inside of the washing tank 2 to a high temperature, accelerating the evaporation of water in the drying step.

[0058] After the rinsing step is completed, the control unit 17 performs the drying step. The control unit 17 controls the blower fan (not shown) and the heater (not shown) to heat the air introduced into the cleaning tank 2 while discharging the moist air in the cleaning tank 2 through the communication passage (not shown), thereby drying the objects 13. The control unit 17 performs the drying step for a predetermined time (e.g., 30 minutes), and then ends the cleaning operation of the dishwasher.

[0059] Fig. 15 is a flow chart showing the details of one cleaning or rinsing operation in the washing step or rinsing step, and Fig. 16 is a timing chart showing the state of each component in one cleaning or rinsing operation.

[0060] The control unit 17 turns on the water supply valve 4b (S10) and introduces tap water into the cleaning tank 2 until a predetermined amount of water is supplied into the cleaning tank 2 (N in S12). When the predetermined amount of water has been supplied into the cleaning tank 2 (Y in S12), the control unit 17 turns on the cleaning pump 3b (S14) and sprays cleaning water from the cleaning nozzle 3c to clean the object 13 until a predetermined time has elapsed (N in S16). In the washing process and the heated rinsing process, the control unit 17 turns on the heater. When the predetermined time has elapsed (Y in S16), the control unit 17 turns off the cleaning pump 3b (S18). This completes the interior cleaning process.

[0061] The control unit 17 turns on the water distributor 38 (S20) and drives the water distributor 38 until the cleaning nozzle flow path 37 is closed and the filter flow path 35 is opened (N in S22). When the flow path from the cleaning pump 3b is switched to the filter flow path 35 (Y in S22), the control unit 17 turns off the water distributor 38 and turns on the drain pump 7b to start draining (S24). Next, the control unit 17 turns on the cleaning pump 3b (S26) and discharges the cleaning water from the discharge port 32c toward the mesh member 32a until a predetermined time has elapsed (N in S28), and the residue attached to the mesh member 32a is discharged to the outside together with the cleaning water. When a predetermined time has elapsed (Y in S28) that is set in advance as the time until the water level of the cleaning water becomes lower than the discharge port 32c, the control unit 17 turns off the cleaning pump 3b (S30) and ends the cleaning of the residue filter 9. When a preset time has elapsed as the time for discharging the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 2 to the outside, the control unit 17 turns off the drain pump 7b (S32) and ends the drainage. The control unit 17 turns on the water distributor 38 (S34) and drives the water distributor until the cleaning nozzle flow path 37 is opened and the filter flow path 35 is closed (N in S36). When the flow path from the cleaning pump 3b is switched to the cleaning nozzle flow path 37 (Y in S36), the filter cleaning process ends and one cleaning or rinsing operation is completed.

[0062] At the start of the hot rinsing, a rinse agent may be added into the cleaning tank 2. This can reduce the contact angle of water, which further promotes evaporation of water in the drying process. In addition, by performing the filter cleaning process during drainage after the hot rinsing, the filter cleaning flow path 32b and the filter flow path 35 can be coated with the rinse agent contained in the cleaning water, which can also promote drying of these flow paths and improve hygiene. Since most of the residues are discharged to the outside in the washing process and rinsing process before the hot rinsing is performed, the cleaning pump 3b may be driven during or after the hot rinsing to perform the filter cleaning process without draining the cleaning water. This can efficiently remove dirt such as oil components attached to the mesh filter 32 and the like.

[0063] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in this embodiment, the dishwasher includes the housing 1, the washing tank 2 that is provided in the housing 1 and that contains the object 13 to be washed, the water reservoir 8 that is provided at the bottom of the washing tank 2, the residue filter 9 that is installed in the water reservoir 8 and captures residues contained in the washing water that flows into the water reservoir 8, the drainage path 7a that connects the water reservoir 8 to the outside of the housing 1, and the outlet 32c that discharges washing water to wash away the residues captured by the residue filter 9 toward the residue filter 9. When the washing water inside the washing tank 2 is discharged outside the housing 1 through the drainage path 7a, the residues captured by the residue filter 9 are discharged together with the washing water, and when the water level of the washing water inside the washing tank 2 is higher than the outlet 32c, the washing water is discharged from the outlet 32c toward the residue filter 9. This can suppress the generation of air bubbles, thereby suppressing problems (air entrapment) caused by air bubbles entering the washing pump 3b. In addition, the water pressure can be directed over a wider area, improving cleaning performance. Also, the amount of splashing water on the water surface can be reduced, reducing the amount of residue stirred up and improving cleaning efficiency.

[0064] In this embodiment, the dishwasher is equipped with a wash pump 3b for circulating the wash water that has flowed into the water reservoir 8 to the wash tub 2, and the number or area of ​​the discharge ports 32c increases the closer they are to the circulation water passage suction port 32e for drawing the wash water into the wash pump 3b. This improves the washing efficiency.

[0065] In this embodiment, the residue filter 9 includes a water inlet 32d that protrudes from the outside of the residue filter 9 and guides the cleaning water to the discharge port 32c, and the dishwasher includes a fitting portion 34 that fits into the water inlet 32d to position the residue filter 9. This can reduce pressure loss of the cleaning water, improving cleaning efficiency.

[0066] In the present embodiment, the residue filter 9 includes a water guide port 32d that is provided at the bottom of the residue filter 9 and that guides cleaning water to the discharge port 32c, thereby improving cleaning efficiency.

[0067] In addition, in this embodiment, the method of controlling the above-mentioned dishwasher includes the steps of supplying washing water to the washing tank 2 to wash the object 13 to be washed, draining the washing water after the washing step is completed, and discharging the washing water from the discharge port 32c when the water level inside the washing tank 2 is higher than the discharge port 32c in the draining step. This makes it possible to suppress the generation of air bubbles, thereby suppressing problems (air entrapment) caused by air bubbles being mixed into the washing pump 3b. In addition, the water force can be made to reach a wider range, thereby improving the washing performance. In addition, it is possible to suppress the rise of water splashes on the water surface, thereby reducing the stirring up of residues and improving the washing efficiency.

[0068] (Other embodiments) As described above, the first embodiment has been described as an example of the technology disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. In addition, it is also possible to combine the components described in the first embodiment to create new embodiments.

[0069] Therefore, other embodiments will be exemplified below.

[0070] In the first embodiment, a built-in type dishwasher has been described, but the technology of the first embodiment can be similarly applied to a countertop type dishwasher.

[0071] In the first embodiment, filter cleaning is performed during drainage in the washing step and rinsing step during operation of the dishwasher, but a dedicated operation course for cleaning the residue filter 9 may be provided in addition to the operation course for cleaning the objects 13 to be cleaned. In this case, cleaning water may be supplied into the cleaning tub 2 as in the first embodiment, or tap water may be introduced directly from the water supply passage 4a to the filter cleaning flow passage 32b of the mesh filter 32. Also, detergent may be automatically added to the cleaning tub 2.

[0072] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, and various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, and the like can be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents. [Industrial Applicability]

[0073] The present disclosure is applicable to dishwashers. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1 Case 1a Front opening 2. Cleaning tank 2a Top opening 2b Bottom of cleaning tank 3. Cleaning equipment 3a Circulation waterway 3b Cleaning pump 3c Cleaning nozzle 4 Water supply section 4a Water supply channel 4b Water supply valve 5 Door body 6. Dish basket 7 Drainage section 7a Drainage 7b Drainage pump 7c drain 8 Water reservoir 9 Residue Filter 9c Mesh section 10 Inner lid 11 Link mechanism 12 Seal part 13 Items to be washed 14 Water injection section 14a Water inlet 17 Control Unit 20 Information Department 20a Wall 20b Flow path 20c outlet 21 Circulation section 21a Circulation route 21b Circulation pump 30 Lattice Filter 31 Punching Filter 32 Mesh Filter 32a Mesh material 32b Filter cleaning channel 32c outlet 32d Water intake 32e Circulating water channel suction port 32f Stopper 33 Water level 34 Fitting part 35 Filter channel 35a Connection 36 Flow Path 37 Cleaning nozzle flow path 38 water divider

Claims

1. A housing and A cleaning tank provided in the housing and configured to accommodate an object to be cleaned; a water reservoir provided at the bottom of the cleaning tank; a residue filter disposed in the water reservoir and configured to capture residue contained in the cleaning water flowing into the water reservoir; a drainage channel that communicates the water reservoir with the outside of the housing; a discharge port for discharging cleaning water toward the residue filter to wash away the residue captured by the residue filter; Equipped with When the cleaning water in the cleaning tank is discharged to the outside of the housing through the drainage channel, the residue captured in the residue filter is discharged together with the cleaning water, When the water level of the cleaning water in the cleaning tank is higher than the outlet, the cleaning water is discharged from the outlet toward the residue filter. dishwasher.

2. a cleaning pump for circulating the cleaning water flowing into the water reservoir to the cleaning tank; The number or area of ​​the discharge ports is larger the closer they are to the suction port for drawing wash water into the wash pump.

2. The dishwasher of claim 1.

3. the residue filter includes a water guide port that is provided so as to protrude outward from the residue filter and that guides cleaning water to the discharge port; A fitting portion is provided for positioning the residue filter by fitting with the water inlet.

3. A dishwasher according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The residue filter has a water guide port provided at the bottom of the residue filter for guiding cleaning water to the discharge port.

3. A dishwasher according to claim 1 or 2.

5. A method for controlling a dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising the steps of: supplying cleaning water to the cleaning tank to clean the object; A step of draining the cleaning water after the cleaning step is completed; a step of discharging cleaning water from the outlet when a water level inside the cleaning tank is higher than the outlet in the draining step; A control method comprising:

Citation Information

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