Washing nozzle and dishwasher using the same

Abstract

To provide a dishwasher equipped with a washing nozzle that works with a space-saving arrangement configuration so that injection water collides in a wide range by changing injection directions while maintaining high collision force against dish surfaces.SOLUTION: A shower head 4 of a washing nozzle includes a sphere storage part 11 for storing a sphere 13 and a guide groove 12 in which the sphere 13 slides reciprocatorily almost linearly inside. A discharge port 14 for injecting a water flow from inside the sphere storage part to the outside is provided so that the discharge port passes through the central axis of the guide groove and one or more inflow ports are provided on the wall surface of the sphere storage part 11. Openings 17 communicated with each other in a bypass passage 18 are provided symmetrically on the two wall surfaces of the sphere storage part 11 that the sphere 13 comes in contact with when sliding reciprocatorily on the two ends of the guide groove 12 so that an injection direction of the injection water flow from the discharge port 14 changes.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a washing nozzle that sprays washing water to wash dishes and the like, and a dishwasher using the same. [Background technology]

[0002] In order to efficiently wash a large number of dishes, a typical dishwasher has multiple dish baskets (upper dish basket 101 / lower dish basket 103) in the washing tub, as shown in Figures 18 and 19, and washing nozzles for washing the dishes placed in each dish basket are arranged corresponding to each basket.The washing water pressurized by the built-in washing pump is sprayed toward the dishes from a shower head attached to the washing nozzle, and the spray from each washing nozzle is alternated to wash all the dishes using a small amount of water.

[0003] For example, a washing nozzle for washing dishes set in the lower dish basket 103 generally comprises a rotating shaft and an arm section below the lower dish basket 103, with the arm section equipped with multiple shower heads whose outlets are oriented to provide various spray angles toward the lower dish basket 103, and a rotating nozzle 102 that uses the reaction force of the spray to rotate the arm section to spread the spray over a wide area. In the upper dish basket 101, as in the above-mentioned lower dish basket 103, a rotating nozzle 102 is generally configured below the upper dish basket 101 (Figure 18), or a fixed nozzle 104 is configured with multiple shower heads whose outlets are oriented to provide various spray angles, fixed to the side wall inside the washing tank, as shown in Figure 19 (see Patent Documents 1 and 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-282831 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2012-91041 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present disclosure provides a dishwasher capable of spraying wash water at a wide angle while changing the spray direction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the cleaning nozzle of the present invention is a cleaning nozzle equipped with a shower head that sprays pressurized cleaning water, the shower head includes a sphere storage section that stores therein a sphere and a guide groove along which the sphere slides back and forth in a substantially linear manner, an outlet port is provided for spraying a water flow from inside to outside the sphere storage section so as to pass through the central axis of the guide groove, and one or more cleaning water inlets are provided in a wall surface of the sphere storage section, and openings that communicate with each other through bypass passages are provided symmetrically on both sides of the wall surface of the sphere storage section that come into contact with the sphere as it slides back and forth along both ends of the guide groove, and when the sphere reaches one end of the guide groove, the water in the bypass passage flows toward the opening on the sphere side, so that the sphere moves to the end of the guide groove on the opposite side, and the sphere slides back and forth self-excitingly on the guide groove, and the spray direction of the fountain stream from the outlet port changes in conjunction with the reciprocating sliding of the sphere. Effect of the Invention

[0007] The washing nozzle of the present invention changes the direction of the jet while maintaining a high impact force on the tableware surface. The jet of water can be sprayed onto dishes placed in a dish basket in a space-saving arrangement. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] Top perspective view of dishwasher with dishes loaded [Diagram 2] AA cross section of a dishwasher [Diagram 3]B-B cross section of dishwasher [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shower head according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a central cross-sectional view of a shower head according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a central vertical cross-sectional view of a shower head according to the first embodiment, taken along the inlet. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a discharge port in a sphere storage section according to the first embodiment; [Figure 8] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a bypass passage in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a state before and immediately after operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] Cross-sectional view of the sphere in operation in the first embodiment [Figure 11] Central cross-sectional view in the second embodiment [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a central vertical cross-sectional view of the shower head according to the second embodiment, taken along the inlet. [Figure 13] Cross-sectional view of the sphere in motion in the second embodiment [Figure 14] Central cross-sectional view in the third embodiment [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a central vertical cross-sectional view of a shower head according to a third embodiment, the shower head being cut at its inlet. [Figure 16] Cross-sectional view of the guide groove and the sphere in operation in the third embodiment [Figure 17] Another embodiment of the first to third embodiments. [Figure 18] Diagram of the cleaning system in a conventional dishwasher [Figure 19] A diagram of the washing system in a conventional dishwasher [Figure 20] Cross-sectional view of a shower head in a conventional dishwasher DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, in a cleaning nozzle equipped with a shower head that sprays pressurized cleaning water, the showerhead comprises a sphere storage section that stores therein spheres and a guide groove along which the spheres slide back and forth in a substantially linear manner, an outlet port is provided for spraying a water flow from inside to outside the sphere storage section so as to pass through the central axis of the guide groove, and one or more cleaning water inlets are provided in a wall surface of the sphere storage section, and openings communicating with each other through bypass passages are provided symmetrically on both sides of the wall surface of the sphere storage section that come into contact with the spheres as they slide back and forth along both ends of the guide groove, and when the spheres reach one end of the guide groove, the water in the bypass passage flows toward the opening on the sphere side, so that the spheres move to the end of the guide groove on the opposite side, and the spheres slide back and forth self-excitingly on the guide groove, and the spray direction of the fountain flow from the outlet port changes in conjunction with the back and forth sliding of the spheres.

[0010] As a result, when the sphere moves to one end of the guide groove, a water flow toward the opening on the sphere side is generated in the bypass passage, water pressure acts on the sphere blocking the opening, and the sphere moves toward the end of the guide groove on the symmetric side of the sphere storage section, and when the opening on the symmetric side is blocked, the direction of the water flow in the bypass passage is reversed, and the sphere repeats its movement toward the end of the guide groove on the symmetric side due to the water pressure from the opening, causing the sphere to vibrate back and forth self-excited. The fountain stream sprayed from the outlet is subjected to the Coanda effect on the surface of the sphere, and in conjunction with the reciprocating vibration of the sphere, the spray direction of the fountain stream can be changed symmetrically periodically and sprayed at a wide angle, allowing a wider range of spraying to be achieved.

[0011] According to the second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the inlet is configured to be provided on the wall surface of the sphere storage section coaxially with the discharge outlet direction, or in a direction perpendicular to the discharge outlet direction and perpendicular to the sliding direction of the sphere.

[0012] This makes it easier for the sphere storage compartment to be filled with water when the cleaning pump is started and the water flowing in from the water conduit flows into the sphere storage compartment through the inlet of the shower head, thereby improving the starting force for spraying.

[0013] According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the bypass passage is configured to communicate with the outer periphery of the ball storage portion.

[0014] As a result, when one of the openings is blocked by the sphere and a pressure difference occurs within the bypass passage, the path that water has to travel from the open opening is short and there is no difference in the water distribution in the vertical direction, so that the water flows quickly toward the opening on the blocked side and the sphere can move quickly along the guide groove toward the opposite end.

[0015] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in any of the first to third aspects, the sphere is configured to slide back and forth on the guide groove to a position where it contacts the wall surface of the sphere storage section, and when the sphere reaches one end of the guide groove, it contacts the wall surface of the sphere storage section.

[0016] As a result, when the sphere moves to one end of the guide groove, it comes into contact with the wall, and the opening is more securely blocked. Therefore, the sphere can receive stronger water pressure from the opening, and the starting force during the reciprocating vibration of the sphere can be improved, while the direction of the fountain stream can be periodically changed symmetrically to spray at a wide angle, resulting in a wider range of spray.

[0017] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the guide groove is curved concavely towards the ejection port.

[0018] As a result, when the sphere storage section is not filled with water, water pressurized by the cleaning pump enters the sphere storage section through the inlet, filling the inside with water, and when the water pressure causes the sphere to move toward the guide groove, the curved shape of the guide groove will cause the sphere to move toward one of the sliding ends, making it possible for the sphere to begin a stable self-excited reciprocating vibration.

[0019] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect, the sliding direction of the guide groove is inclined in one direction with respect to the central axis direction of the opening of the ejection port.

[0020] As a result, when the sphere storage section is not filled with water, water pressurized by the cleaning pump enters the sphere storage section through the inlet, filling the inside with water, and when the water pressure causes the sphere to move toward the guide groove, it then moves along the slope of the guide groove to the sliding end closer to the outlet, allowing the sphere to begin a stable self-excited reciprocating vibration.

[0021] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, an inlet is arranged in a wall surface of the sphere storage section coaxially with the discharge outlet direction, and a barrier that forms a Karman vortex is configured near the opening of the inlet on the sphere storage section side and at a position opposite to the center of the guide groove.

[0022] As a result, when the sphere storage section is not filled with water and water pressurized by the cleaning pump enters the sphere storage section through the inlet and fills the inside with water, Karman vortices generated in the barrier are generated periodically and alternately in the sliding direction of the sphere, and the water pressure of these Karman vortices acts on the sphere to move it toward the sliding end, making it possible to start the self-excited reciprocating vibration of the sphere more stably.

[0023] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, in a dishwasher equipped with a washing tank for accommodating items to be washed, such as tableware, and a washing pump for pressurizing washing water to be sprayed toward the items to be washed, the dishwasher is equipped with one or more of the showerheads.

[0024] This allows the fountain stream of water to hit the dishes to be sprayed over a wider area, improving washing performance.

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0026] (Embodiment 1) [1-1.Basic configuration] As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the dishwasher 1 is provided with a washing tank 2 that can be opened and closed by pulling out a door from a housing (not shown), and dishes and other items to be washed are placed in a dish basket and stored in the washing tank 2. Washing water is supplied into the washing tank 2 by a water supply valve (not shown), and the washing water is pressurized by a washing pump 3 and supplied to a washing nozzle 5 (washing means) equipped with a plurality of shower heads 4, and the washing water is sprayed from the washing nozzle 5 toward the dishes. The washing pump 3 uses an inverter motor that can change the rotation speed to vary the pressure of the washing water. Three types of dish baskets, an upper dish basket 6, a middle dish basket 7, and a lower dish basket 8, are installed in the washing tank 2, and washing nozzles 5 corresponding to each dish basket are provided. The washing nozzle 5 corresponding to the lower dish basket 8 is a rotating nozzle that rotates around an axis by a spray reaction force, and the washing nozzles 5 corresponding to the upper dish basket 6 and the middle dish basket 7 are fixed nozzles fixed to the side wall of the washing tank 2. It should be noted that both the upper and middle dish baskets are not required, but at least one of the upper and middle baskets is sufficient. Furthermore, the washing nozzles 5 corresponding to the upper dish basket 6 and the middle dish basket 7 are not limited to fixed nozzles fixed to the side wall of the washing tank 2. The bottom of the washing tank 2 has a drain port 9 communicating with the suction side of the washing pump 3, and this drain port 9 is provided with a residue filter (not shown) for collecting residue and a drain pump (not shown) for draining the washing water from the washing tank.

[0027] A water distribution device 10 is installed to selectively switch between the washing means that supplies wash water to the discharge path of the wash pump 3. This water distribution device 10 switches the wash water pressurized by the wash pump 3 to each washing means, i.e., the supply to the rotary nozzle or the fixed nozzle, by a valve body (not shown) inside the casing of the water distribution device 10.

[0028] [1-2.Basic operation] First, the basic operation of the dishwasher 1 having the above configuration will be described.

[0029] The dishes and other items to be washed are placed in a dish basket and stored in the washing tank 2. After detergent is added, the opening of the dishwasher 1 housing is closed with the door and operation begins. The processes are carried out in the following order: the "washing process" to remove dirt from the items to be washed, the "rinsing process" to wash away any detergent or residue adhering to the items, and the "drying process" to dry off any water droplets adhering to the items to be washed.

[0030] First, a water supply valve (not shown) is operated to supply a predetermined amount of washing water to the washing tank 2, and the washing water is stored in the bottom part of the washing tank 2. When the washing pump 3 is operated, the washing water passes through a residue filter and is sucked into the washing pump 3, and the pressurized washing water is supplied to a predetermined washing means (washing nozzle) in the washing tank 2 and is sprayed from this washing nozzle 5, and the fountain stream hits the surface of the dishes to wash away dirt. The washing water that hits the dishes or the side wall of the washing tank 2 flows down to the bottom of the washing tank 2 and then circulates in a route that returns to the drain outlet 9. At this time, residue that has fallen off the dishes flows into the residue filter together with the washing water, and residue that is too large to pass through the residue filter is removed. After each washing means corresponding to each basket is sprayed for a predetermined time, the washing means is switched to the next washing means by the water distribution device 10, and the washing means are switched in order to wash all the dishes.

[0031] After the washing process is completed for a predetermined time, the washing water containing dirt is discharged outside the machine by the drain pump, and new washing water is supplied. The washing pump 3 is operated, and washing water is sprayed again from the washing means to rinse the dishes and the wall surface of the washing tank with detergent and residue attached thereto. Here, as in the washing process, after each washing means is sprayed for a predetermined time, the water distribution device 10 switches to the next washing means, and while switching between the washing means in order, the dishes and the entire wall surface of the washing tank are rinsed. After operating for a predetermined time, the washing water is discharged outside the machine by the drain pump, and washing water is again supplied into the washing tank 2 to resume the rinsing process. This rinsing process is performed two to three times in succession, and finally the washing water is discharged outside the machine to end the rinsing process.

[0032] Next, a drying process is carried out for a predetermined period of time to evaporate water droplets adhering to the tableware and the wall surface of the washing tub 2, and then a series of operations is completed.

[0033] [2-1. Shower head configuration] Next, the configuration and operation of the shower head of the cleaning nozzle, which is a feature of this embodiment, will be described.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the showerhead 4, FIG. 5 shows a central cross-sectional view of the showerhead 4, FIG. 6 is a central vertical cross-sectional view cutting through the inlet 16 of the showerhead 4, and FIG. 7 shows a plan view of the outlet as seen from inside the sphere storage section 11.

[0035] 2 and 3, the showerhead 4 is provided on the rotary nozzle 8 or fixed nozzle 9 within the dishwasher 1 so that the outlet 14 faces upward or toward the inside of the washing tub 2. However, when explaining the showerhead 4 alone below, if the up, down, left, and right directions on the drawing (paper surface) are specified, the explanation will follow the directions on the drawing. Note that the direction in which the outlet 14 is provided can be changed as appropriate, and is not limited to the above and drawings.

[0036] As shown in Figure 5, inside the approximately elliptical cylindrical sphere storage section 11, a guide groove 12 for guiding the movement of sphere 13 is provided on a wall surface perpendicular to the cylindrical direction and arranged approximately parallel to the long side direction of sphere storage section 11, and sphere 13 sliding within guide groove 12 is stored.

[0037] Guide groove 12 is formed so that sphere 13 can slide on guide groove 12 in the left and right direction as shown in FIG. 5 on the paper surface, and the cross section of guide groove 12 has a semicircular arc shape set by the offset dimension of the sphere diameter, and in this embodiment, the size of sphere 13 is a sphere with a diameter of Φ6 mm, and the arc diameter of guide groove 12 is set to Φ6.3 mm.

[0038] Guide groove 12 has a shape that is curved convexly in the direction opposite to the discharge port direction at the left and right ends of the long side, that is, a depression downward in Fig. 5. Therefore, sphere 13 that oscillates in guide groove 12 is formed so that when it is positioned at the left and right sliding ends on guide groove 12, it moves to a position where it comes into contact with the wall surface of sphere storage section 11, as shown in Fig. 5. In this embodiment, the long side dimension of sphere storage section 11 is set to about 10 mm, and the oscillation of sphere 13 is set to 4 mm.

[0039] At the center of the guide groove 12, there is provided an outlet 14 that opens parallel to the columnar direction of the sphere storage section 11 and communicates with the outside space. The shape of the opening is a roughly track ellipse that is parallel to the long side direction of the sphere storage section 11 (FIG. 7). In this embodiment, the short axis of the outlet 14 is set to 3 mm and the long axis to 5 mm, and this long axis is set to be equal to or slightly larger than the horizontal amplitude distance of the sphere 13.

[0040] When sphere 13 is positioned at the amplitude end on guide groove 12, the sphere overlaps with approximately half of outlet 14 in a plan view of sphere storage section 11 in the columnar direction (Fig. 5). Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 5, guide groove 12 is configured so that the sphere slides along a path that is convexly curved relative to outlet 14. Therefore, when viewed from inside sphere storage section 11, the center portion is concave inward (Fig. 7).

[0041] One or more inlets 16 that connect a water conduit 15 through which water is sent from the washing pump 3 to the ball storage section 11 are provided on a wall surface facing the discharge port 14 in the columnar direction of the ball storage section 11 .

[0042] In the roughly elliptical cylindrical side wall portion of the sphere storage section 11, openings 17 are disposed opposite each other at a height roughly coinciding with the center of the sphere 13 located at the amplitude end on the guide groove 12, and the openings 17 communicate with each other through bypass passages 18. The bypass passages 18 are configured to communicate with each other on the outer periphery of the sphere storage section 11, as shown in FIG.

[0043] [2-2. Shower head operation] In the above configuration, when the cleaning pump 3 starts to operate, the water flowing in from the water conduit 15 flows into the sphere storage section 11 from the inlet 16 of the shower head 4. When the cleaning pump 3 is stopped, that is, when the sphere storage section 11 is not filled with water, the spheres are out of the guide groove 12 (Fig. 9a). When water flows into the sphere storage section 11, the spheres 13 are subjected to the pressure of the water flow toward the outlet 14 and move toward the guide groove 12 (Fig. 9b). Then, since the center position of the guide groove 12 is curved convexly in the direction opposite to the outlet direction and is farther away from the outlet 14 than both ends, the spheres 13 move further toward one of the ends closer to the outlet 14 (Fig. 5). At the same time, water flows into the bypass passage 18 from the opening 17 and the bypass passage 18 is filled.

[0044] When the sphere 13 reaches the sliding end of the guide groove 12, it blocks the opening 17 arranged in the side wall of the sphere storage section 11 on the side where the sphere 13 has moved. When the sphere 13 is not in contact with the openings 17 at both ends of the side wall of the sphere storage section 11, the inside of the bypass passage 18 is subjected to static pressure from the openings 17 on both sides, and the pressure in the bypass passage 18 is in a balanced state. However, when one of the openings 17 is blocked by the sphere 13, the opening 17 on the blocked side is no longer subjected to static pressure from the water flow, and a pressure difference occurs in the bypass passage 18. As a result, water enters from the open opening 17, and a water flow toward the blocked opening 17 is generated, and the ball 13 moves on the guide groove 12 toward the opposite sliding end side due to the pushing force of the water flowing into the bypass passage 18 at the blocked opening 17 (FIG. 10a).

[0045] Next, when the sphere 13 reaches the opposite sliding end, the opening 17 on the opposite side of the side wall of the sphere storage section 11 is blocked by the sphere 13, and the opposite opening 17 is no longer subjected to water pressure, so the action of the pressure difference is reversed and the direction of the water flow is reversed in the bypass passage 18. The water flow that flows into the bypass passage 18 from the blocked opening 17 on the opposite side pushes the sphere 13 along the guide groove 12 toward the previous sliding end (Fig. 10c). This movement of the sphere 13 occurs in conjunction with the pressure difference applied in the bypass passage 18, so the sphere 13 moves back and forth self-excited.

[0046] The fountain stream emitted from outlet 14 is discharged so as to pass through the opening part of outlet 14 that does not overlap with sphere 13. At that time, the Coanda effect acts along the wall surface of sphere 13, so when sphere 13 is at the sliding end, the fountain stream is discharged as a fountain stream inclined toward the moved sphere 13 side, as shown in Figure 10a.

[0047] After that, when sphere 13 is positioned at the center of guide groove 12 by its reciprocating motion, the water flows passing on both sides of sphere 13 collide toward the center of outlet 14 due to the Coanda effect, as shown in Figure 10b, and become a fountain flow perpendicular to outlet 14, and when the sphere is positioned at the opposite sliding end, as shown in Figure 10c, the Coanda effect along the wall surface of sphere 13 causes the fountain flow to be discharged in an inclined direction symmetrical to the previous one. In this way, the discharge direction of the fountain flow changes in conjunction with the position of sphere 13, so the self-excited vibration of sphere 13 causes the discharge direction of the fountain flow to change into a fan shape.

[0048] The fan-shaped spray range δ (FIG. 10b) is about 70° to 90° in this embodiment, but this angle can be set appropriately by changing the amplitude range of the sphere 13, the longitudinal dimension of the outlet 14, and the columnar dimension of the outlet 14.

[0049] (Embodiment 2) The washing nozzle in the present embodiment 2 will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the main configuration of the present embodiment is similar to that of the washing nozzle and the dishwasher described in the embodiment 1, and therefore detailed description will be omitted.

[0050] FIG. 11 is a central cross-sectional view of the showerhead 4, and FIG. 12 is a central vertical cross-sectional view of the showerhead 4, cutting the inlet of the showerhead.

[0051] As shown in the figure, inside the sphere storage section 11 of a substantially elliptical cylinder shape, a guide groove 12 is provided on a wall surface perpendicular to the columnar direction (horizontal direction shown on the paper), which is arranged parallel to the long side direction of the sphere storage section 11, and a sphere 13 that slides on the guide groove 12 is stored. The guide groove 12 is formed so that the sphere 13 can slide on the guide groove 12 to the left and right as shown in FIG. 11 on the paper, and the cross section of the guide groove 12 has a semicircular arc shape set by the offset dimension of the sphere diameter. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 11, the sliding direction of the guide groove 12 is configured to be inclined by several degrees with respect to the vertical plane of the columnar direction of the sphere storage section 11. This inclination angle is about 4° in this embodiment. However, this angle can be appropriately set depending on the configuration of the bypass passage 18 and the inflow flow rate.

[0052] The guide groove 12 is connected at its center to a discharge port 14 that opens parallel to the columnar direction of the sphere storage section 11, and the opening shape is a roughly track elliptical shape that is parallel to the groove direction of the guide groove 12.

[0053] One or more inlets 16 that connect a water conduit 15 through which water is sent from the washing pump 3 to the ball storage section 11 are provided on a wall surface facing the discharge port 14 in the columnar direction of the ball storage section 11 .

[0054] In the substantially elliptical cylindrical side wall portion of sphere storage section 11, openings 17 are disposed opposite each other at a height coinciding with the center of sphere 13 located at the amplitude end on guide groove 12, and the openings 17 communicate with bypass passages 18. As in the first embodiment, bypass passages 18 are configured to communicate with each other on the outer periphery of sphere storage section 11.

[0055] In the above configuration, when the cleaning pump 3 starts to operate, the water flowing in from the water conduit 15 flows into the sphere storage section 11 through the inlet 16 of the shower head 4. When the cleaning pump 3 is stopped, i.e. when the sphere storage section 11 is not filled with water, the spheres 13 are out of the guide groove 12, and when water flows into the sphere storage section 11, the spheres 13 are subjected to the pressure of the water flow toward the outlet 14 and move towards the guide groove 12. Because the guide groove 12 is inclined by several degrees with respect to the columnar direction of the sphere storage section 11, the spheres 13 move further towards the sliding end on the side with a shorter horizontal distance from the outlet 14 (Figure 11). At the same time, an open space is created in the bypass passage 18. Water flows in through the opening 17, filling the container.

[0056] When the sphere 13 reaches the sliding end of the guide groove 12, it blocks the opening 17 arranged in the side wall of the sphere storage section 11 on the side where the sphere 13 has moved. When the sphere 13 is not in contact with the openings 17 at both ends of the side wall of the sphere storage section 11, the static pressure in the sphere storage section 11 is applied to the inside of the bypass passage 18 from the openings 17 on both sides, and the pressure in the bypass passage 18 is in a balanced state. However, when one of the openings 17 is blocked by the sphere 13, the static pressure from the water flow is no longer applied to the opening 17 on the blocked side, and a pressure difference occurs in the bypass passage 18. As a result, water enters from the opening 17 on the open side, and a water flow toward the opening 17 on the blocked side occurs, and the sphere 13 moves on the guide groove 12 toward the opposite sliding end side due to the pushing force of the water flow that has flowed into the bypass passage 18 from the blocked opening 17 (FIG. 13a).

[0057] Next, when the sphere 13 reaches the opposite sliding end, the opening 17 on the opposite side of the side wall of the sphere storage section 11 is blocked by the sphere 13, and the opposite opening 17 is no longer subjected to water pressure, so the action of the pressure difference is reversed and the direction of the water flow is reversed in the bypass passage 18. The water flow that flows into the bypass passage 18 from the blocked opening 17 on the opposite side pushes the sphere 13 along the guide groove 12 toward the previous sliding end (Fig. 13c). This movement of the sphere 13 occurs in conjunction with the pressure difference applied in the bypass passage 18, so the sphere 13 moves back and forth self-excited.

[0058] The fountain flow emitted from outlet 14 is emitted so as to pass through the opening part of outlet 14 that does not overlap with sphere 13. At that time, the Coanda effect acts along the wall surface of sphere 13, so that, as in the first embodiment, the ejection direction of the fountain flow changes in conjunction with the position of sphere 13, and the self-excited vibration of sphere 13 causes the ejection direction of the fountain flow to change into a fan shape.

[0059] According to this embodiment, since guide groove 12 is inclined by a few degrees with respect to the columnar direction of sphere storage section 11 even before operation, sphere 13 smoothly moves further to the sliding end on the side with the shorter horizontal distance from outlet 14 when water flows in. Therefore, a showerhead with better start-up properties can be provided compared to embodiment 1.

[0060] (Embodiment 3) The washing nozzle in the present embodiment 3 will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the main configuration of the present embodiment is similar to that of the washing nozzle and the dishwasher described in the embodiment 1, and therefore detailed description will be omitted.

[0061] FIG. 14 is a central cross-section of the showerhead 4, and FIG. 15 is a central vertical cross-section of the showerhead 4, cutting the inlet.

[0062] As shown in the figure, inside the approximately elliptical cylindrical sphere storage section 11, guide grooves 12 are provided on the wall surface perpendicular to the cylindrical direction (horizontal direction shown on the paper), arranged approximately parallel to the long side direction of the sphere storage section 11, and spheres 13 that slide on the guide grooves 12 are stored. The guide grooves 12 are formed so that the spheres 13 can slide on the guide grooves 12 in the left and right directions shown in FIG. 14 on the paper, and the cross section of the guide grooves 12 is a semicircular arc shape set by the offset dimension of the sphere diameter (FIG. 15). The sliding track of the guide grooves 12 is configured horizontally.

[0063] The guide groove 12 is connected at its center to a discharge port 14 that opens parallel to the columnar direction of the sphere storage section 11, and the opening shape is a roughly track elliptical shape that is parallel to the groove direction of the guide groove 12.

[0064] The wall surface of the ball storage section 11 facing the outlet 14 in the columnar direction is provided with a cleaning pump 3. An inlet 16 that connects the water conduit 15 and the sphere storage section 11 is formed on the central axis of the sphere storage section 11, and a barrier 19 is formed on the downstream side of the inlet 16, coinciding with the center of the inlet 16 and crossing the inlet 16 in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction of the guide groove 12.

[0065] In the roughly elliptical cylindrical side wall portion of sphere storage section 11, openings 17 are disposed opposite each other at a height roughly coinciding with the center of sphere 13 located at the amplitude end on guide groove 12, and the openings 17 communicate with bypass passages 18. As in the first embodiment, bypass passages 18 are configured to communicate with each other on the outer periphery of sphere storage section 11.

[0066] In the above configuration, when the cleaning pump 3 starts to operate, the water flow that flows in from the water conduit 15 flows into the sphere storage section 11 from the inlet 16 of the shower head 4. When the cleaning pump 3 is stopped, that is, when the sphere storage section 11 is not filled with water, the sphere 13 is out of the guide groove 12, and when water flows into the sphere storage section 11, the sphere 13 is subjected to the pressure of the water flow toward the outlet 14 and moves toward the guide groove 12. In addition, water flows into the bypass passage 18 from the opening 17 and the bypass passage 18 becomes filled. When the sphere storage section 11 begins to be filled with water, Karman vortices are generated near where the water flow that entered from the inlet 16 passes through the barrier 19. Karman vortices begin to be generated alternately on both sides of the barrier 19, and the sphere 13 moves to the sliding end of the guide groove 12 under the pressure of the Karman vortex, blocking the opening 17 in the side wall of the sphere storage section 11.

[0067] When the sphere 13 is not in contact with the openings 17 at both ends of the side wall of the sphere storage section 11, the static pressure inside the sphere storage section 11 is applied from the openings 17 on both sides inside the bypass passage 18, and the pressure inside the bypass passage 18 is in a balanced state, but when one of the openings 17 is blocked by the sphere 13, the static pressure from the water flow is no longer applied to the blocked opening 17, and a pressure difference occurs inside the bypass passage 18. As a result, water enters from the open opening 17, and a water flow toward the blocked opening 17 is generated, and the blocked opening 17 is subjected to a pushing force from the water flow that has flowed into the bypass passage 18, and the sphere 13 is subjected to the pushing force from the opening 17 and the dynamic pressure due to the Karman vortex, and moves on the guide groove 12 toward the opposite sliding end side (Figure 16a).

[0068] Next, when sphere 13 reaches the opposite sliding end, opening 17 on the opposite side of the side wall of sphere storage section 11 is blocked by sphere 13, and because static pressure is no longer applied to opening 17 on the opposite side, the action of the pressure difference is reversed from before, and the opposite direction of water flow is generated in bypass passage 18. At the blocked opening on the opposite side, the pushing force of the water flowing into bypass passage 18 and the dynamic pressure due to the Karman vortex, which is symmetrical to the previous one, move sphere 13 on guide groove 12 toward the previous sliding end side (Figure 16c).

[0069] This movement of the sphere 13 occurs in conjunction with the pressure difference applied within the bypass passage and the dynamic pressure of the generated Karman vortex, so that the sphere 13 moves back and forth self-excited.

[0070] The fountain flow emitted from outlet 14 passes through the opening part of outlet 14 that does not overlap with sphere 13. At that time, the Coanda effect acts along the wall surface of sphere 13, so that, as in the first embodiment, the direction of the fountain flow changes in conjunction with the position of sphere 13, and the self-excited vibration of sphere 13 causes the direction of the fountain flow to change into a fan shape.

[0071] According to this embodiment, a Karman vortex is generated near where the water flow entering from inlet 16 passes through barrier 19, and sphere 13 is pushed by the Karman vortex and moves to the sliding end of guide groove 12. Therefore, a showerhead with better start-up properties can be provided compared to the first embodiment.

[0072] In general shower heads, the shape of the outlet is designed to spread the water jet from the outlet into a fan shape. In this case, the water jet hits the dish surface in a uniformly spread state, so the impact force per unit area of ​​the fountain jet is small.

[0073] In addition, in the conventional configuration shown in Figure 20, by covering part of the outlet with a swirling sphere, the oblique fountain flow can be made to swirl in a cone shape. However, in this case, in order to make the sphere swirl in the vicinity of the outlet, a cylindrical part that restricts the swirling trajectory is required at a position coinciding with the center of the outlet, making it difficult to increase the inclination angle of the fountain flow and therefore difficult to increase the wide-angle range.

[0074] In the configuration of this embodiment, the collision area of ​​the fountain stream on the tableware surface remains small, but the direction of the fountain stream is changed and the collision position of the fountain stream is moved to make the collision range wider. Compared to a general shower head, a higher collision force is applied even if the collision range on the tableware surface is the same, so that the force to remove dirt from the tableware surface can be more effective. Also, compared to the conventional configuration, the fountain stream can be made to collide with the tableware at a wider angle, improving the cleaning performance. As described above, by using the configuration of this embodiment, it is possible to spray a jet stream with high collision force on the entire tableware placed in the tableware basket in a space-saving arrangement.

[0075] In the present embodiment 1, 2 and 3, a fixed nozzle is described for washing dishes in the upper and middle baskets inside the dishwasher, however, as shown in FIG. 17, it is also possible to configure a rotating nozzle shower head for washing dishes in the lower dish basket 8, and by spraying a high-pressure jet of water at a wide angle, cleaning performance can be improved.

[0076] (Other embodiments) As described above, the first to third embodiments have been described as examples of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to these, 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 above embodiments to create new embodiments.

[0077] Therefore, other embodiments will be exemplified below.

[0078] In the first to third embodiments, the washing nozzle of a dishwasher for washing dishes has been mainly described, but the technology of the present embodiments can be applied to washing objects for any purpose.

[0079] 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.

[0080] (Additional Note) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0081] (Technology 1) A cleaning nozzle equipped with a shower head that sprays pressurized cleaning water, the shower head includes a sphere storage unit that stores therein a sphere and a guide groove in which the sphere slides back and forth in a substantially linear manner; a discharge port for spraying a water flow from the inside to the outside of the sphere storage portion so as to pass through a central axis of the guide groove; One or more cleaning water inlets are provided on the wall surface of the ball storage section, Both sides of the wall surface of the ball storage portion that the ball comes into contact with when it reciprocates and slides along both ends of the guide groove. the openings are provided symmetrically and communicate with each other through a bypass passage, When the sphere reaches one end of the guide groove, the water in the bypass passage begins to flow toward the opening on the sphere side, causing the sphere to move to the opposite end of the guide groove, and the sphere begins to slide back and forth on the guide groove self-excited, and the spray direction of the water jet from the outlet changes in conjunction with the back and forth sliding of the sphere.

[0082] As a result, when the sphere moves to one end of the wall guide groove, a water flow toward the opening on the sphere side is generated in the bypass passage, water pressure acts on the sphere blocking the opening, and the sphere moves toward the end of the guide groove on the symmetric side of the sphere storage section, and when the opening on the symmetric side is blocked, the direction of the water flow in the bypass passage is reversed, and the sphere repeats its movement toward the end of the guide groove on the symmetric side due to the water pressure from the opening, causing the sphere to vibrate back and forth self-excited. The fountain stream sprayed from the outlet is subjected to the Coanda effect on the surface of the sphere, and in conjunction with this back and forth vibration of the sphere, the spray direction of the fountain stream can be changed symmetrically periodically and sprayed at a wide angle, allowing a wider range of spraying to be achieved.

[0083] (Technology 2) The cleaning nozzle described in Technology 1, wherein the inlet is provided on a wall surface of the sphere storage section coaxially with the discharge outlet direction or in a direction perpendicular to the discharge outlet direction and perpendicular to the sliding direction of the sphere.

[0084] This makes it easier for the sphere storage compartment to be filled with water when the cleaning pump is started and the water flowing in from the water conduit flows into the sphere storage compartment through the inlet of the shower head, thereby improving the starting force for spraying.

[0085] (Technology 3) The cleaning nozzle according to Technology 1 or 2, wherein the bypass passage is configured to communicate with the outer periphery of the sphere storage section.

[0086] As a result, when one of the openings is blocked by the sphere and a pressure difference occurs within the bypass passage, the path that water has to travel from the open opening is short and there is no difference in the water distribution in the vertical direction, so that the water flows quickly toward the opening on the blocked side and the sphere can move quickly along the guide groove toward the opposite end.

[0087] (Technology 4) A cleaning nozzle described in any one of techniques 1 to 3, wherein the sphere slides back and forth along the guide groove to a position where it contacts the wall surface of the sphere storage section, and when the sphere reaches one end of the guide groove, it contacts the wall surface of the sphere storage section.

[0088] As a result, when the sphere moves to one end of the guide groove, it comes into contact with the wall, and the opening is more securely blocked. Therefore, the sphere can receive stronger water pressure from the opening, and the starting force during the reciprocating vibration of the sphere can be improved, while the direction of the fountain stream can be periodically changed symmetrically to spray at a wide angle, resulting in a wider range of spray.

[0089] (Technology 5) The cleaning nozzle according to any one of Techniques 1 to 4, wherein the guide groove is curved concavely toward the discharge port.

[0090] This allows the sphere storage compartment to be pressurized by the washing pump even though it is not yet filled with water. When the collected water enters the sphere storage section through the inlet and fills the inside, the water pressure causes the sphere to move toward the guide groove, and due to the curved shape of the guide groove, the sphere will move toward one of the sliding ends, allowing the sphere to begin a stable self-excited reciprocating vibration.

[0091] (Technology 6) The cleaning nozzle according to any one of Techniques 1 to 5, wherein a sliding direction of the guide groove is inclined in one direction with respect to a central axis direction of the opening of the discharge port.

[0092] As a result, when the sphere storage section is not filled with water and water pressurized by the cleaning pump enters the sphere storage section through the inlet and fills the inside with water, the sphere moves toward the guide groove due to water pressure, and then moves along the slope of the guide groove to the sliding end closer to the outlet, thereby allowing the sphere to begin a stable self-excited reciprocating vibration.

[0093] (Technology 7) A cleaning machine as described in any one of techniques 1 to 6, wherein an inlet is disposed in a wall surface of the sphere storage section coaxially with the direction of the discharge outlet, and a barrier that forms a Karman vortex is formed near the opening of the inlet on the sphere storage section side and at a position opposite to the center of the guide groove.

[0094] As a result, when the sphere storage section is not filled with water and water pressurized by the cleaning pump enters the sphere storage section through the inlet and fills the inside with water, Karman vortices generated in the barrier are generated periodically and alternately in the sliding direction of the sphere, and the water pressure of these Karman vortices acts on the sphere to move it toward the sliding end, thereby starting the self-excited reciprocating vibration of the sphere more stably.

[0095] (Technology 8) A dishwasher comprising a washing tank for accommodating items to be washed such as dishes, and a washing pump for pressurizing washing water to be sprayed toward the items to be washed, the dishwasher being equipped with the washing nozzle according to any one of techniques 1 to 7, which is equipped with one or more shower heads.

[0096] This allows the fountain stream of water to hit the dishes to be sprayed over a wider area, improving washing performance. [Industrial Applicability]

[0097] As described above, the washing nozzle of the present invention can diffuse the fountain flow over a wide angle while maintaining a high impact force on the surface of the dishes, and can spray the fountain flow over the entire surface of the dishes with a space-saving washing nozzle configuration, making it useful not only in dishwashers, but also as a washing nozzle for commercial washing machines, washing machines for other items to be washed, washlet toilet seats, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 4. Shower head 11 Sphere storage section 12 Guide groove 13 Sphere 14 Outlet 16 Inlet 17 Opening 18 Bypass Passage 19 Barriers

Claims

1. A cleaning nozzle equipped with a shower head that sprays pressurized cleaning water, the shower head includes a sphere storage unit that stores therein a sphere and a guide groove in which the sphere slides back and forth in a substantially linear manner; a discharge port for spraying a water flow from the inside to the outside of the sphere storage portion so as to pass through a central axis of the guide groove; One or more washing water inlets are provided on the wall surface of the ball storage section, openings communicating with each other through bypass passages are provided symmetrically on both sides of a wall surface of the ball storage section with which the ball comes into contact when sliding back and forth along both ends of the guide groove; When the sphere reaches one end of the guide groove, the water in the bypass passage begins to flow toward the opening on the sphere side, causing the sphere to move to the opposite end of the guide groove, and the sphere begins to slide back and forth on the guide groove self-excited, and the spray direction of the water jet from the outlet changes in conjunction with the back and forth sliding of the sphere.

2. The cleaning nozzle according to claim 1 , wherein the inlet is provided on a wall surface of the sphere storage section coaxially with the discharge port direction or perpendicular to the discharge port direction and perpendicular to the sliding direction of the sphere.

3. The cleaning nozzle according to claim 1 , wherein the bypass passage is configured to communicate with the outer periphery of the sphere storage portion.

4. A cleaning nozzle in which the sphere slides back and forth on the guide groove to a position where it contacts the wall surface of the sphere storage section, and when the sphere reaches one end of the guide groove, it contacts the wall surface of the sphere storage section.

5. The cleaning nozzle according to claim 1 , wherein the guide groove is curved concavely toward the discharge port.

6. 6. The cleaning nozzle according to claim 5, wherein a sliding direction of the guide groove is inclined in one direction with respect to a central axis direction of the opening of the discharge port.

7. 2. The cleaning nozzle according to claim 1, wherein an inlet is disposed in a wall surface of the sphere storage section coaxially with the direction of the discharge outlet, and a barrier for forming a Karman vortex is formed near the opening of the inlet on the sphere storage section side and at a position opposite to the center of the guide groove.

8. A dishwasher comprising a washing tank for accommodating items to be washed such as tableware, and a washing pump for pressurizing washing water to be sprayed toward the items to be washed, characterized in that the dishwasher is provided with a washing nozzle according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which is provided with one or more shower heads.

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