Dishwasher

Abstract

To provide a user-friendly dishwasher provided with an automatic detergent-dispensing function and suppressing detergent leakage.SOLUTION: A washing device includes: a housing; a washing tank provided in the housing and housing objects to be washed; and a detergent tank for reserving a liquid detergent supplied to the washing tank. The detergent tank can be put in and taken out of a detergent tank storage part in the housing. The detergent tank has a tank-side check valve preventing liquid leakage of a detergent. The detergent tank storage part has a body-side check valve preventing liquid leakage of the detergent. When the detergent tank is inserted into the detergent tank storage part, a part of an outer surface of the tank-side check valve and a part of an inner surface of the detergent tank storage part come in contact with each other to rotate the tank-side check valve, and thereby the tank-side check valve is fixed to the detergent tank.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to dishwashers. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a dishwasher that prevents detergent from solidifying. This dishwasher includes a washing tub that has an opening at the top and contains tableware, a housing that supports the washing tub so that it can be freely inserted and removed in the front-rear direction, a detergent tank that is provided on the front outside of the washing tub and stores liquid detergent, and a detergent discharge path that connects the detergent tank and the washing tub, and the detergent tank is configured to be freely inserted and removed in the left-right direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-178864 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure provides a user-friendly dishwasher that has an automatic detergent dispensing function and can prevent detergent leakage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The dishwasher of the present disclosure comprises a housing, a washing tub provided within the housing for accommodating items to be washed, and a detergent tank for storing liquid detergent to be supplied to the washing tub, the detergent tank being removable from a detergent tank storage section within the housing, the detergent tank having a tank-side check valve for preventing leakage of detergent, and the detergent tank storage section having a main body-side check valve for preventing leakage of detergent, and when the detergent tank is inserted into the detergent tank storage section, a portion of the outer surface of the tank-side check valve abuts against a portion of the inner surface of the detergent tank storage section, rotating the tank-side check valve, thereby fixing the tank-side check valve to the detergent tank. Effect of the Invention

[0006] The dishwasher according to the present disclosure is provided with an automatic detergent dispenser function, which can prevent detergent leakage, and therefore the detergent tank can be easily attached and detached. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a dishwasher in a state where a washing tub is pulled out from a housing according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 2] Schematic front view of a dishwasher showing the detergent tank installed [Diagram 3] Schematic front view of a dishwasher showing the detergent tank being stored or pulled out [Figure 4] Schematic front view of a dishwasher with the detergent tank installed [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a detergent tank in a state where no detergent liquid is stored and the detergent inlet is in a closed state; [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a detergent tank in which detergent liquid is stored and the detergent inlet is open; [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the detergent storage section and the detergent tank when the detergent tank is stored; [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the detergent storage section and the detergent tank when the detergent tank is stored; [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the detergent storage section and the detergent tank when the detergent tank is being stored or pulled out. [Figure 10] Schematic front view of the detergent tank and the check valve when the detergent tank is being inserted or pulled out [Figure 11] Schematic front view of the detergent tank before the tank-side check valve is installed [Figure 12] Schematic front view of a detergent tank with a tank-side check valve installed [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the detergent storage section and the detergent tank immediately before the detergent tank is stored; [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the detergent storage section and the detergent tank when the detergent tank is being stored; [Figure 15]An enlarged perspective view of the detergent tank in the process of being stored near the tank-side check valve [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a schematic front view of a detergent tank and a tray according to a second embodiment; [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a detergent tank and a tray according to a second embodiment; [Figure 18] Side cross-sectional view of the area near the check valve when it is installed (initial stage) [Figure 19] Side cross-sectional view of the check valve and its vicinity during installation (mid-term) [Figure 20] Side cross-sectional view of the check valve near the check valve during installation (final stage) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] (The knowledge and other information that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time when the inventors came up with the present disclosure, in the conventional detergent tank configuration, the check valve in the connection portion for delivering the detergent was fixed.

[0009] In a configuration in which the check valve is fixed, it is not possible to wash the area around the valve and keep it clean. Therefore, the inventors have designed the check valve to be removable in order to wash the valve. However, the inventors discovered that making the valve removable poses a problem in that it is necessary to prevent detergent from leaking from the removed check valve, and in order to solve this problem, they have come up with the subject matter of the present disclosure.

[0010] In view of the above, the present disclosure provides a dishwasher that has a configuration that suppresses detergent leakage, thereby enabling the detergent tank to be easily attached and detached.

[0011] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of already well-known matters or duplicate explanation of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid the following explanation becoming more redundant than necessary and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0012] 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.

[0013] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0014] [Overall configuration] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a dishwasher in a state where a washing tub 1 is pulled out from a housing 2 in embodiment 1. In detail, FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of a dishwasher in a state where a washing tub 1 is pulled out from a housing 2 of the dishwasher.

[0015] Moreover, the dishwasher of the first embodiment is a built-in dishwasher that is installed in, for example, a system kitchen.

[0016] In the first embodiment, as shown in the drawings, the front direction is the direction in which the door body 3 and the washing tank 1 are pulled out, and the rear direction is the direction in which the washing tank 1 is stored and the door body 3 is closed. In the following description, the right side as viewed from the front side will be referred to as the right side, and the left side as the left side.

[0017] As shown in Figure 1, the dishwasher of embodiment 1 has a housing 2, a washing tub 1 arranged inside the housing 2, a side wall 12, a detergent tank 15, a control device 19, and a door body 3 for opening and closing an opening of the housing 2.

[0018] The washing tub 1 has an opening 1a at the top, and a basket 7 for storing tableware 8 is placed inside. The washing tub 1 has a first rail 5 fixed to the bottom. Meanwhile, the housing 2 has a second rail 6 fixed to the inside of the inner surface. The first rail 5 is supported movably on the second rail 6 of the housing 2. This allows the washing tub 1 to be supported so as to be freely inserted and removed from the housing 2 in the front-to-rear direction (the left-to-right direction on the paper surface of FIG. 1).

[0019] The dishwasher has a flat section 23 that is arranged in front of opening 1a, which is the upper front exterior portion of washing tub 1. An operation section 24, a display section 25, and the like are arranged on flat section 23. A user operates operation section 24 to set the dishwasher's washing course, power on / off, and the like. Display section 25 displays the washing status, operating status, time, and the like. An operation display board (not shown) that controls their operation is arranged on the rear side of flat section 23 on which operation section 24 and display section 25 are arranged.

[0020] The side walls 12 are disposed on both sides between the washing tank 1 and the door body 3. The side walls 12 connect the washing tank 1 and the door body 3 so that they can move together. In this case, the dishwasher has a front space 13 formed by the front side of the washing tank 1, the rear side of the door body 3, the side walls 12, and the flat portion 23.

[0021] The door body 3 is provided with a handle 4 provided at an upper portion thereof so as to protrude forward. The handle 4 is used by a user to grasp and insert the cleaning tank 1 into and out of the housing 2.

[0022] In the dishwasher of the first embodiment, washing water for washing dishes in the washing tub 1 is supplied through the following path. Specifically, washing water such as tap water is first supplied from a branch water faucet in a system kitchen (not shown) to a water supply path such as a water supply hose. The supplied washing water passes through the water supply path and is supplied to the washing tub 1 at the required water level and in the required amount by a water supply pump, a water supply valve, etc. (not shown). Water is supplied into the washing tub 1 through the path configured as described above.

[0023] A circulation pump 9 is disposed below and outside the washing tank 1. The circulation pump 9 circulates the washing water supplied into the washing tank 1 through a circulation path and sprays the washing water from washing nozzles 11. The sprayed washing water is then configured to wash tableware 8. A heater 10 for heating the washing water is also disposed near the bottom of the washing tank 1.

[0024] The dishwasher of the first embodiment also includes a drain path for draining wash water from the washing tub 1. The drain path is composed of a drain pump and a drain hose (not shown). When washing and rinsing of the tableware 8 is completed, the drain pump is driven and the wash water is drained to the outside via the drain hose. In other words, the drain path is configured so that the wash water in the washing tub 1 can be drained into the sink of the system kitchen or the like.

[0025] A detergent tank storage section 14 is disposed in a front space 13 on the outer front side of the cleaning tub 1, in which a detergent tank 15 is housed so as to be freely inserted and removed. The detergent tank storage section 14 is formed on one side of the side wall 12 by welding, screwing, or by integral molding with the side wall 12. The detergent tank storage section 14 may be provided on the front side of the cleaning tub 1.

[0026] The dishwasher of the first embodiment is configured as described above.

[0027] [Configuration of detergent tank area] Next, the configuration around detergent tank 15 of the dishwasher will be described with reference to Figs.

[0028] Fig. 2 is a schematic front view of the dishwasher showing the detergent tank 15 stored in the dishwasher. Fig. 3 is a schematic front view of the dishwasher showing the detergent tank 15 in the middle of being stored or pulled out. Fig. 4 is a schematic front view of the dishwasher showing the detergent tank 15 stored in the dishwasher with the dashed line.

[0029] 3, the detergent tank storage section 14 has a hollow space. This allows the detergent tank 15 to be stored so as to be freely inserted and removed from the space of the detergent tank storage section 14. The detergent tank 15 is stored so as to be freely inserted and removed in the left-right direction (laterally) when viewed from the front (the front side of the door body 3).

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the detergent tank storage section 14 is located approximately below (including below) the planar section 23 (operation section 24 or display section 25), for example, from the center to the right side of the cleaning tub 1, and stores the detergent tank 15.

[0031] 2 and 3 show an example in which the detergent tank 15 is pulled out to the right from the detergent tank housing section 14, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the detergent tank housing section 14 and the detergent tank 15 may be disposed in symmetrical opposite positions to those shown in Figs. 2 and 3. In this case, it is preferable that the detergent tank 15 is pulled out to the left from the detergent tank housing section 14.

[0032] With the above-mentioned configuration, the detergent tank 15 is not noticeable when the washing tub 1 is completely housed in the housing 2. This allows the dishwasher to have a simple design. Furthermore, the space (front space 13) for housing the detergent tank 15 at the front of the outside of the washing tub 1 can be effectively utilized.

[0033] 1, the detergent tank 15 is configured so that, when the cleaning tub 1 is pulled out forward at least distance a (dotted arrow in FIG. 1), the detergent tank 15 can be freely inserted and removed in the left-right direction from the detergent tank storage section 14. Note that distance a indicates the shortest distance between the mating surface between the rear surface of the door 3 and the front surface of the housing 2, and the surface of the detergent tank storage section 14 on the cleaning tub 1 side. In other words, distance a indicates a state in which at least the entire detergent tank storage section 14 is pulled out forward from the frontmost part of the housing 2.

[0034] With the above configuration, it becomes possible to insert or remove the detergent tank 15 only when the cleaning tank 1 is pulled out forward by a predetermined distance (distance a) or more. Therefore, the user can easily insert or remove the detergent tank 15 by utilizing the space in front of the cleaning tank 1 that stores the detergent tank 15 and the space in the lateral direction when the cleaning tank 1 is pulled out from the housing 2. Note that distance a is not particularly limited as long as it is a distance that allows the detergent tank 15 to be inserted or removed in the left-right direction.

[0035] As described above, the dishwasher of the first embodiment has an operation unit 24 that is provided on the outer front upper part of the washing tub 1 and allows the user to set the washing course, turn the power on and off, etc. This allows the user to operate the operation unit 24 with one hand, for example, from the front and above the washing tub 1. At the same time, the user can insert and remove the detergent tank 15 in the left-right direction with the other hand. As a result, the user's operability can be improved.

[0036] Next, each component that constitutes detergent tank 15 will be described with reference to FIGS. Fig. 5 is a schematic front view of the detergent tank 15 when the detergent container lid part 154 is in the closed state and no detergent is stored therein. Fig. 6 is a schematic front view of the detergent tank 15 when the detergent container lid part 154 is in the open state and the detergent is stored to the full level.

[0037] In the following description of the vicinity of the detergent tank, the direction in which the detergent tank 15 is inserted and removed (depth direction) will be described as the front side, and the direction in which the detergent tank 15 is pulled out, and the back side, as shown in Fig. 5. In the following description, the opening side of the detergent tank 15 will be described as the top, and the opposite side will be described as the bottom.

[0038] When the detergent tank 15 is inserted into the detergent tank housing portion 14, the claws 158 fit into claw receivers provided on the side of the detergent tank housing portion 14, and the detergent tank 15 is stably supported within the detergent tank housing portion 14.

[0039] The detergent tank 15 is formed of, for example, a bottle-shaped container in which liquid detergent is stored. The detergent tank 15 has an open top, and the open portion is entirely covered by a cover 31. Specifically, the detergent tank 15 is formed of a detergent discharge port 152, a detergent input port 153 on the cover 31, a detergent input lid portion 154, and the like.

[0040] An auxiliary inclined surface 156 may be provided so as to slope from the detergent inlet 153 toward the inside of the detergent tank 15. The injected liquid detergent flows along the auxiliary inclined surface, which prevents the liquid detergent from falling at random places in the detergent tank 15 and bouncing and splashing. Since the liquid detergent can be injected along the surface, it can be injected steadily even if the user's injection speed varies. In addition, since the liquid detergent is injected using the auxiliary inclined surface 156, the liquid detergent is less likely to adhere to the periphery of the detergent dispenser lid 154, which allows the detergent dispenser lid 154 to be kept clean for a relatively long period of time, improving user convenience.

[0041] Furthermore, a guideline for the amount of liquid detergent may be displayed on the assisting inclined surface 156. For example, this can be used to indicate that the detergent tank is full when detergent is poured up to the line displayed on the assisting inclined surface 156, or to alert the user that there is too much detergent when detergent is poured up to the display line.

[0042] The cover 31 , the detergent inlet 153 , the detergent container lid portion 154 and the detergent inlet assist slope 156 are integrally formed and configured to be detachable from the detergent tank 15 .

[0043] Next, a method for refilling the detergent tank 15 with detergent will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Figure 8 is a schematic front view of the detergent storage section 14 and the detergent tank 15 when the detergent tank 15 is stored in the detergent tank storage section 14. Figure 9 is a schematic front view of the detergent storage section 14 and the detergent tank 15 when the detergent tank 15 is in the process of being stored in the detergent tank storage section 14 or is in the process of being pulled out.

[0044] When refilling the detergent tank 15 with liquid detergent, the user first removes the detergent tank 15 from the detergent tank storage section 14. Then, the user opens the detergent dispenser lid section 154. The user can then easily refill the detergent tank 15 with liquid detergent from the detergent inlet 153, guiding the liquid detergent along the inlet assist slope 156. With the above-described configuration of the detergent tank 15, the liquid detergent can be supplied and stored in the detergent tank 15 outside the washing tub 1. This makes it possible to prevent the detergent from solidifying in the detergent tank 15 due to moisture, dryness, etc., in the washing tub 1 during washing.

[0045] The top surface of the detergent tank storage compartment 14 has a top projection 37 on the front side and a step 38 on the back side in the depth direction. The top projection 37 serves to prevent the detergent tank 15 from rattling in the vertical direction when stored. The step 38 also serves to prevent the detergent tank 15 from rattling in the vertical direction. Since the step is configured to be at the height where the detergent container lid 154 can just pass through, detergent container lid 154 can come into contact with this step and be pressed downward, thereby completely closing detergent container lid 154 that is not completely closed.

[0046] Moreover, in the unlikely event that a user inserts detergent tank 15 with detergent container lid 154 open (see FIG. 6), detergent container lid 154 first comes into contact with the front end of detergent tank storage section 14 and is rotated approximately 180°. However, at this time, detergent container lid 154 is not yet completely closed, and begins to be inserted into detergent tank storage section 14 in a half-open state as shown in FIG. 9. When detergent container lid 154 in this half-open state passes top surface projection 37, detergent container lid 154 is pushed from the top surface and detergent container lid 154 is completely closed (see FIG. 9). Even if top surface projection 37 is not high enough to allow detergent container lid 154 to close, it is configured to be completely closed when detergent container lid 154 passes step portion 38.

[0047] With this configuration, even if the user forgets to close the detergent container lid 154 or thinks that he or she has closed it but does not close it completely, the lid can be closed reliably. This makes it possible to prevent the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 15 from solidifying.

[0048] 8, a tank-side check valve 151 is provided at the detergent discharge port 152 of the detergent tank 15 at the rear end of the bottom surface of the detergent tank. Meanwhile, the detergent tank storage section 14 also has a main body-side check valve 141 at the rear end of the bottom surface. The main body-side check valve 141 of the detergent tank storage section 14 engages with the tank-side check valve 151. At the same time that these check valves engage, storage of the detergent tank 15 in the detergent tank storage section 14 is completed.

[0049] When the main body-side check valve 141 and the tank-side check valve 151 are engaged, a path is formed for transferring liquid detergent from the detergent discharge port 152 to the detergent tank storage section 14. Furthermore, engagement between the tank-side check valve 151 and the main body-side check valve 141 enables the detergent tank 15 to be stored more stably in the detergent tank storage section 14. When the detergent tank 15 is stored in the detergent tank storage section 14, the tank-side check valve 151 of the detergent discharge port 152 is configured to be connected to the main body-side check valve 141 on the detergent tank storage section 14 side.

[0050] The detergent pump 16 is connected to the other end of the main body side check valve 141 that engages with the tank side check valve 151. Furthermore, a cleaning tank side detergent discharge path 18 is connected between the detergent pump 16 and a cleaning tank detergent discharge port 17 (see FIG. 1) provided on the front surface of the cleaning tank 1.

[0051] 1, the control device 19 is disposed below the front surface of the washing tank 1. The control device 19 controls the driving of, for example, the circulation pump 9, the drain pump, the water supply pump (water supply valve), the detergent pump 16, and the like.

[0052] Specifically, the control device 19 controls the drive rotation speed, drive time, etc. of the detergent pump 16. As a result, when washing tableware 8, etc., a required amount of liquid detergent is supplied from the detergent tank 15. At this time, the liquid detergent is supplied into the washing tub 1 via the tank side check valve 151, the main body side check valve 141, the detergent pump 16, etc. in this order. In other words, the liquid detergent stored in the detergent tank 15 can be transferred to the washing tub 1 and supplied.

[0053] As described above, the detergent tank 15 and its surroundings of the dishwasher are configured, and liquid detergent is supplied into the washing tub 1.

[0054] [Configuration of detergent tank and float] Next, please refer to Figs. 2 to 9 for the detailed configuration of the detergent tank 15 of the dishwasher. 2 and 8 are schematic cross-sectional views of detergent tank 15 in embodiment 1 when stored in detergent tank storage section 14. Figures 3 and 9 are schematic cross-sectional views of detergent tank 15 in embodiment 1 when pulled out from detergent tank storage section 14. Figure 4 is a front view of the dishwasher in which the position of detergent tank 15 in embodiment 1 is projected onto washing tub 1 by a dashed line.

[0055] The detergent tank 15 has a transparent portion provided on at least a part of the side surface. The transparent portion allows the user to visually check the remaining amount of liquid detergent in the detergent tank 15 when the detergent tank 15 is stored in the detergent tank storage section 14. The transparent portion further has a scale indicating the amount of detergent in the liquid detergent. This allows the user to visually check the amount of detergent in the detergent tank 15 from the side through the transparent portion even when the detergent tank 15 is stored in the detergent tank storage section 14. Therefore, the user can visually estimate the amount of liquid detergent remaining, the timing for refilling, and the like. As a result, the user can pull out the detergent tank 15 and easily refill the liquid detergent at an appropriate time.

[0056] The detergent tank 15 also has a tank handle 155 that the user grasps when pulling out the detergent tank 15. The tank handle 155 is provided on at least a part of the side surface. In particular, if the tank handle 155 is provided on the upper part of the side surface at the front side, it is easy for the user to grasp, and is less likely to be dropped when pulled out than a detergent tank 15 without a handle. (See Figures 5 to 9.) Here, in this embodiment, a transparent portion is provided below the tank handle 155.

[0057] In order to suppress waves generated in the liquid detergent stored in the detergent tank 15 when the detergent tank 15 is inserted into or removed from the cleaning tub 1 or the housing 2, a float 30, which is an example of a floating body that floats in the liquid detergent, is provided in the detergent tank 15. The float 30 is supported by an arm 33 on a rotating shaft 32 provided on the lid of the detergent tank 15. The float 30 is provided with a magnetic body.

[0058] A magnetic sensor for detecting the magnetism of a magnetic body is provided on the side surface of the detergent tank storage section 14. When the magnetic sensor detects the magnetism of the magnetic body, it is detected that the detergent tank 15 is stored in the detergent tank storage section 14.

[0059] Fig. 5 is a schematic front view of the dishwasher when no liquid detergent is stored in the detergent tank 15. Fig. 6 is a schematic front view of the dishwasher when the detergent container lid 154 is open and liquid detergent is stored in the detergent tank 15. In Fig. 6, the liquid level is indicated by a dashed line.

[0060] The float 30 is supported by an arm 33 on a pivot shaft 32 provided on a cover 31 that covers the opening of the detergent tank 15. As shown in FIG. 5, when no liquid detergent is stored in the detergent tank 15, the float 30 and the arm 33 hang down vertically due to their own weight. When liquid detergent is stored in the detergent tank 15, as shown in FIG. 6, the float 30 rises according to the liquid level of the liquid detergent, and the arm 33 rotates upward about the pivot shaft 32. The liquid level of the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 30 can be detected by detecting the position of the magnetic body with the magnetic sensor. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, when the detergent tank 15 is not stored in the detergent tank storage section 14, the magnetic sensor does not detect the magnetism of the magnetic body, so that it can be detected that the detergent tank 15 is not stored in the detergent tank storage section 14.

[0061] The magnetic sensor may be, for example, a plurality of Hall elements provided near the positions of a magnetic body corresponding to a plurality of liquid levels of the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 15. This allows the liquid level of the liquid detergent to be detected more accurately. The magnetic sensor may be a sensor capable of detecting the magnetism of a magnetic body by any method, such as a magnetoresistance effect element or a magnetic impedance element.

[0062] The magnetic sensor may be provided on one of the sides of the detergent tank storage section 14, the side farther from the control device 19. This can reduce the effect of the magnetic field generated in the electric circuit of the control device 19, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the magnetic sensor.

[0063] A detergent discharge port 152 is provided at the bottom end of the side surface of the detergent tank 15 at the rear in the insertion / removal direction. A main body side check valve 141 is provided at a position where the detergent discharge port 152 of the detergent tank 15 abuts when the detergent tank 15 is stored in the detergent tank storage section 14. When the detergent pump 16 operates, the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 15 is supplied into the washing tub 1 via the detergent discharge port 152, the main body side check valve 141, and the detergent pump 16. The inner bottom surface of the detergent tank 15 is inclined so that it is lower toward the detergent discharge port 152.

[0064] Fig. 8 is a schematic front view showing a state in which the detergent tank 15 is stored in the detergent tank storage section 14. Fig. 9 is a schematic front view showing a state in which the detergent tank 15 is in the process of being stored in the detergent tank storage section 14 or is in the process of being pulled out.

[0065] The schematic front view of FIG. 8 shows a cross section of the detergent tank 15. When the washing tank 1 is pulled out from the housing 2 or the detergent tank 15 is pulled out from the detergent tank storage section 14 while liquid detergent is stored in the detergent tank 15, waves are generated in the liquid detergent. In the dishwasher of the present embodiment, a float 30 made of a material that floats on the liquid detergent is provided to cancel the waves. It has been clarified by the inventors' experiments that the float 30 floats on the liquid detergent surface to cancel the waves, and thus the waves generated in the liquid detergent can be suppressed compared to the case where the float 30 is not provided. This makes it possible to prevent the liquid detergent from spilling from the detergent tank 15 or from adhering to surrounding members and solidifying when the dishwasher is used or when the detergent tank 15 is refilled with liquid detergent.

[0066] The float 30 may be made of thermoplastic resin, metal, or the like. When the float 30 is made of metal, a cavity may be provided inside so that the float 30 floats in the liquid detergent. The float 30 and the arm 33 may be integrally formed, or may be formed separately and joined together. The arm 33 may be detachably supported on a rotating shaft 32 provided on the cover 31 of the detergent tank 15. In this case, the user can remove the arm 33 and the float 30 from the cover 31 and wash them. The arm 33 may be integrally formed with the cover 31 of the detergent tank 30.

[0067] The arm 33 is configured so that the float 30 rotates in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the washing tank 1 is inserted into and removed from the housing 2. The detergent inlet 153 is provided at a position that is out of the range in which the arm 33 rotates. By arranging the detergent inlet 153 in this manner, the user can easily add detergent through the detergent inlet 153 without being hindered by the float 30, regardless of the position of the float 30. In particular, according to Figs. 5 and 6, when no liquid detergent is stored in the detergent tank 15, the float 30 and the arm 33 hang vertically downward due to their own weight and are located at the lowest point. When liquid detergent is stored in the detergent tank 15, the float 30 rises according to the liquid level of the liquid detergent, and the arm 33 rotates upward around the rotation shaft 32. At this time, for example, the float 30 rotates toward the front side by about 50° as shown in Fig. 6.

[0068] When using a highly viscous liquid detergent, the sliding resistance between the arm 33 and the float 30 increases, so if the detergent is poured in so that it flows in from the opposite direction to the rotation of the float 30, it may be difficult for the float to follow the fluctuations in the liquid level. Also, the float 30 and the arm 33 are likely to be subjected to a load, which may cause the float 30 to stop moving. Therefore, in this embodiment, the detergent inlet 153 is provided at the rear side of the detergent tank 15, opposite the front side in which the float 30 rotates. With this configuration, the flow direction of the poured liquid detergent and the rotation direction of the float 30 are not opposed to each other, and the sliding resistance on the float 30 is unlikely to become large even when liquid detergent is poured from the detergent inlet 153. This makes it possible to prevent the float 30 from erroneously detecting fluctuations in the liquid level.

[0069] Furthermore, the arm 33 is connected to the end of the float 30 that is opposite to the direction in which the float 30 rotates in the depth direction of the detergent tank 15. When configured in this manner, the length of the arm 33 is maximized. In this manner, by making the arm length as long as possible, the distance that the float 30 rotates in an arc is maximized, that is, the sliding range of the float 30 is maximized. Therefore, the range of liquid levels that the float 30 can detect can be increased compared to when the arm 33 is connected to the center of the float 30 or the end on the rotating direction side.

[0070] The pivot shaft 32 supporting the arm 33 is provided near the center in the depth direction of the detergent tank 15. The arm 33 is connected to the rear end of the float 30, that is, the opposite side to the front direction in which the float 30 rotates, in the depth direction of the detergent tank 15. Therefore, when the float 30 and the arm 33 are hanging down vertically due to their own weight, the float 30 is located forward of the center.

[0071] Fig. 7 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the detergent tank 15 stored in the detergent tank storage section 14. As shown in Fig. 7, the cover 31 on the top surface of the detergent tank 15 may be provided with a message section 35 directed to the user. The message section 35 may be located on the cover 31 in a position visible to the user, but it is particularly effective if it is displayed on the front side of the detergent tank 15, as it will be visible to the user whenever the user pulls out the detergent tank 15.

[0072] The content written in the message section 35 may be a message that calls attention to the detergent tank 15, or may be another message for the user. The message may be displayed by a sticker, or by printing or engraving characters on the cover 31 itself.

[0073] In this embodiment, message section 35 is provided on the front side of cover 31 on the top surface of detergent tank 15, and detergent inlet 153 is provided on the rear side thereof. Therefore, the user can always see message section 35 when pulling out detergent tank 15.

[0074] When the message section 35 directed to the user is provided on the cover 31, the detergent inlet 153 is provided on the rear side. Therefore, due to the above relationship, the float 30 is configured to rotate toward the front first. The arm 33 is connected to the end of the float on the rear side, opposite the direction of rotation of the float 30. The float 30 itself is located forward of the center in the depth direction when suspended vertically downward.

[0075] Therefore, when a user wants to add detergent through the detergent inlet 153 at the back of the detergent tank 15, he or she first pulls out the detergent tank 15 to the front, checks the message section 35, and then opens the detergent container lid 154. Then, the user can start adding detergent. At this time, there is nothing to obstruct the detergent inlet 153, so the user can easily add detergent. After the detergent is added, the float 30 rotates upward toward the front.

[0076] When detergent is poured in, the detergent does not fall on the float 30 and the arm 33 from above, so it does not get in the way of pouring in, and it is possible to prevent the sliding resistance of the float 30 and the arm 33 from increasing and the float 30 from being difficult to follow the fluctuations in the liquid level. This makes it less likely for false positives to occur and less likely to induce malfunctions.

[0077] The float 30 rotates approximately 0-50° toward the front from a state in which the float 30 and arm 33 hang down vertically due to their own weight. At this time, a stopper rib 36 is provided on the back surface of the cover 31 of the detergent tank 15. When liquid detergent is stored in the detergent tank 15 as shown in Fig. 6, the float 30 is in a position where it has been rotated upward, and does not abut against the stopper rib 36. When liquid detergent is not stored in the detergent tank 15 as shown in Fig. 5, the float 30 hangs down vertically due to its own weight and abuts against the stopper rib 36 to maintain a stationary state.

[0078] When the cleaning tub 1 is inserted or removed from the housing 2, or when the detergent tank 15 is inserted or removed from the detergent tank storage section 14, waves and vibrations are generated in the direction of insertion or removal. If the float 30 comes into contact with the stopper rib 36, the float 30 is stopped by the stopper rib 36 and is therefore unable to rotate beyond the stopper rib 36. This makes it possible to suppress the effects of waves and vibrations on liquid level detection.

[0079] This stopper rib 36 is disposed between the arm 33 and the detergent inlet 153, and in particular is disposed on the opposite side of the arm 33 to the float 30 and to the opposite side to the rotation direction of the float 30. In this embodiment, the detergent inlet 153 is on the rear side and the rotation direction of the float 30 is on the front side, so the stopper rib 36 is provided near the center of the detergent tank and on the rear side of the arm 33.

[0080] In particular, when the float 30 is stationary due to the stopper rib 36, it is desirable that the arm 33 hangs vertically downward and the float 30 is located at its lowest point. With this configuration, it is possible to maximize the sliding range of the float 30 within a range that is meaningful for liquid level detection.

[0081] The cover 31 of the detergent tank 15 may be provided with an air vent opening communicating with the outside. The cover 31 is provided to cover the opening of the detergent tank 15 airtightly and liquidtightly, so when liquid detergent is discharged from the detergent tank 15, the inside of the detergent tank 15 may become negative pressure, which may prevent the liquid detergent from being discharged smoothly. By providing the air vent, outside air can be allowed to flow into the detergent tank 15 from the air vent opening when the liquid detergent is discharged from the detergent tank 15, so that the inside of the detergent tank 15 can be prevented from becoming negative pressure. This improves the reliability of the amount of liquid detergent supplied from the detergent tank 15 to the washing tub 1.

[0082] If liquid detergent adheres to the air opening and solidifies, the air opening will be blocked, reducing the function of allowing outside air to flow into detergent tank 15, and there is a possibility that an appropriate amount of liquid detergent will not be supplied from detergent tank 15 to washing tub 1. To solve this problem, in the dishwasher of this embodiment, the air opening is provided above the movement range of float 30 on cover 31. As a result, even when the level of liquid detergent in detergent tank 15 is high and the liquid detergent is likely to splash from the liquid surface and get onto the air opening, float 30 rises to the liquid surface directly below the air opening and cancels the waves of the liquid detergent, thereby preventing the liquid detergent from getting onto the air opening.

[0083] The protrusion 34 shown in Figure 5 etc. is provided so that when the float 30 moves upward, at least a part of the float 30 or the arm 33 is close to or in contact with the protrusion 34. When the level of the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 15 is high, the float 30 rotates to a height where the upper end of the float 30 abuts against the protrusion 34 as shown in Figure 6. As a result, even in a situation where waves are generated in the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 15 making it difficult to measure the liquid level, the position of the protrusion 34 makes it possible to effectively suppress the wobble of the float 30. The protrusion 34 is provided so that the float 30 It may be provided so as to be adjacent to or in contact with at least a part of another member that moves together with the float 30 when it moves upward.

[0084] The liquid detergent level can also be detected by moving a float along a vertical guide, and a wave-damping effect may be obtained, but when a highly viscous liquid detergent is used, the sliding resistance between the guide and the float increases, making it difficult for the float to follow the fluctuations in the liquid level. Also, when the liquid detergent level drops, the liquid detergent adhering between the guide and the float may solidify, preventing the float from moving. Furthermore, when the detergent tank is shallow, the float's range of movement is narrow, making it impossible to detect the liquid level in detail.

[0085] According to the configuration of this embodiment, the arm 33 is supported by the pivot shaft 32 provided above the liquid level of the liquid detergent, and the float 30 is rotated according to the liquid level, which reduces the possibility that the float 30 will become stuck due to the liquid detergent solidifying between the pivot shaft 32 and the arm 33. Also, since the float 30 displaces both horizontally and vertically according to the liquid level, the liquid level can be detected more accurately.

[0086] In the dishwasher of this embodiment, a rotation shaft 32 is provided parallel to the direction in which the washing tank 1 is inserted and removed from the housing 2, the detergent tank 15 is inserted in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the washing tank 1 is inserted and removed from the housing 2, and the float 30 is further configured to rotate in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the washing tank 1 is inserted and removed from the housing 2. As a result, when the washing tank 1 is inserted and removed from the housing 2, the float 30 can effectively cancel waves generated in the direction of insertion and removal, so that it is possible to prevent liquid detergent from adhering to the atmosphere opening, the rotation shaft 32, the fitting portion of the arm 33, etc. When the detergent tank 15 is inserted and removed from the detergent tank storage section 14, the float 30 can also cancel waves generated in the direction of insertion and removal, so that it is possible to prevent liquid detergent from adhering to the atmosphere opening, the rotation shaft 32, the fitting portion of the arm 33, etc.

[0087] In another example, the rotation shaft 32 may be provided parallel to the direction in which the detergent tank 15 is inserted into and removed from the detergent tank storage section 14, and the float 30 may be configured to rotate in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the detergent tank 15 is inserted into and removed from the detergent tank storage section 14. This allows the float 30 to effectively cancel waves generated in the direction of insertion and removal when the detergent tank 30 is inserted into and removed from the detergent tank storage section 14, thereby preventing liquid detergent from adhering to the air opening, the rotation shaft 32, the fitting portion of the arm 33, and the like, and also preventing liquid detergent from spilling out of the detergent tank 15 when a user refills the detergent tank 15 with liquid detergent. When the cleaning tub 1 is inserted into and removed from the housing 2, the float 30 can also cancel waves generated in the direction of insertion and removal, thereby preventing liquid detergent from adhering to the air opening, the rotation shaft 32, the fitting portion of the arm 33, and the like.

[0088] [Check valve configuration and detergent supply path] As shown in Fig. 9, detergent discharge port 152 of detergent tank 15 has tank-side check valve 151 at the left end of the bottom of the detergent tank. In other words, detergent discharge port 152 is provided at the tip of tank-side check valve 151, and detergent in detergent tank 15 is discharged from detergent discharge port 152. Fig. 9 is a schematic side view of detergent tank 15 in the middle of being stored in or pulled out of detergent tank storage section 14, and Fig. 10 shows a schematic view of detergent tank 15 and main body-side check valve 141 in Fig. 9.

[0089] On the other hand, the detergent tank storage section 14 has a main body side check valve 141 with which the tank side check valve 151 of the detergent discharge port 152 engages. Here, the main body side check valve 141 and the detergent pump 16 are connected at the end opposite to the end engaging with the tank side check valve 151. When the main body side check valve 141 of the detergent tank storage section 14 engages with the tank side check valve 151 and the claw 158 is pressed against the detergent tank, When the detergent tank 15 is fitted into the claw receiving portion on the inner surface of the detergent tank storage portion 14, storage of the detergent tank 15 in the detergent tank storage portion 14 is completed.

[0090] As shown in Figure 10, when the detergent tank 15 is not stored in the detergent tank storage section 14, the main body side check valve 141 and the tank side check valve 151 are independent. At this time, the main body side check valve 141 and the tank side check valve 151 have ring-shaped packings attached to the tip of the check valve, and the detergent is blocked at the tip of the check valve by the ring-shaped packings attached to the tip of the check valve inner cylinder of each, and when they are independent, the detergent does not leak out. This will be described in detail below using Figures 18 to 20.

[0091] Fig. 18 is a side sectional view when only the tips of the outer cylinders of the tank side check valve 151 and the main body side check valve 141 are biased. Fig. 19 is a side sectional view when the inner cylinders of the tank side check valve 151 and the main body side check valve 141 are biased and sealed. Fig. 20 is a side sectional view when the detergent flow path is opened between the tank side check valve 151 and the main body side check valve 141 and engagement is completed.

[0092] The tank side check valve 151 and the main body side check valve 141 are cylindrical, and each has an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder covered by the outer cylinder.

[0093] First, the inner cylinder 502 and outer cylinder 501 of the tank side check valve 151 will be described. A ring-shaped packing 504 is attached to the tip of the inner cylinder 502 of the tank side check valve 151, and the inner surface of the outer cylinder 501 of the tank side check valve 151 and the ring-shaped packing 504 of the inner cylinder 502 of the tank side check valve 151 are tightly attached to each other to form a seal. The diameter of the inner surface of the outer cylinder 501 of the tank side check valve 151 is basically wider than the diameter of the outer surface of the inner cylinder 502 of the tank side check valve 151, so a hollow passage 505 is formed between the outer cylinder 501 and the inner cylinder 502. However, when the tank side check valve 151 is in an independent state, the ring-shaped gasket 504 provided at the tip of the inner tube 502 of the tank side check valve 151 abuts only on the inner surface of the outer tube 501 of the tank side check valve 151, and the inner surface of the outer tube of the tank side check valve 151 has a recess 503 that narrows toward the radial center. Therefore, the gasket only fits tightly when the check valve is independent.

[0094] Furthermore, liquid detergent fills passage 505 between outer cylinder 501 and inner cylinder 502 of tank-side check valve 151. When the check valve is independent, the detergent filling passage 505 is stopped just before recess 503 and ring-shaped packing 504. Inner cylinder 502 of tank-side check valve 151 is provided with an elastic body such as a spring, and when detergent tank 15 is inserted into detergent tank storage section 14, it is pushed by inner cylinder 402 of main body-side check valve 141, causing the inner cylinder of tank-side check valve 151 to expand and contract.

[0095] On the other hand, the inner tube 402 of the main body side check valve 141 in Fig. 10 is hollow, and liquid detergent is stored in the hollow part of the inner tube. When the main body side check valve 141 is in an independent state, only the tip 142 of the inner tube 402 is visible. The inner tube 402 of the main body side check valve 141 has a detergent inlet hole 403 in a part of the side. The detergent inlet hole 403 and the hollow part of the inner tube 402 of the main body side check valve 141 are in communication. The inner tube 402 of the main body side check valve 141 is fitted with a ring-shaped packing 404 at the tip of the detergent inlet hole 403, and is sealed by the inner surface of the outer tube 401 of the main body side check valve 141 and the ring-shaped packing 404 of the inner tube 402 of the main body side check valve 141 coming into close contact with each other. Here, two ring-shaped gaskets 404 are provided, one on each side of detergent inlet hole 403. Therefore, when the check valve is independent, the detergent filling the area around detergent inlet hole 403 is stopped just before it reaches the gaskets. Outer cylinder 401 of main body-side check valve 141 is provided with an elastic body such as a spring, and when detergent tank 15 is inserted into detergent tank storage section 14, the outer cylinder of tank-side check valve 151 presses against it, causing the outer cylinder of main body-side check valve 141 to expand and contract.

[0096] Next, a description will be given of the movement of the check valve when the tank-side check valve 151 and the main body-side check valve 141 engage with each other. When the detergent tank 15 is inserted into the detergent tank storage section 14, first, as shown in Figure 18, the outer cylinder 501 of the tank-side check valve 151 and the outer cylinder 401 of the main body-side check valve 141 fit together. The outer cylinder 501 of the tank-side check valve 151 presses the outer cylinder 401 of the main body-side check valve 141, causing it to shrink.

[0097] When the detergent tank 15 is further inserted, the outer cylinder 401 of the main body-side check valve 141 shrinks further, and the outer cylinder 401 is pushed further back than the ring-shaped packing 404 at the tip of the inner cylinder 402, revealing the detergent inlet hole 403 of the main body-side check valve 141 (see FIG. 19). At the same time, the inner cylinder 402 of the main body-side check valve 141 pushes in and shrinks the inner cylinder 502 of the tank-side check valve 151, and the ring-shaped packing 504 at the tip of the inner cylinder 502 of the tank-side check valve 151 is pushed back further than the recess 503 of the outer cylinder 501 of the tank-side check valve 151, revealing the passage 505 filled with liquid detergent between the outer cylinder of the tank-side check valve 151 and the inner cylinder of the tank-side check valve 151.

[0098] When the detergent tank 15 is fully inserted, the detergent inlet hole 403 exposed from the main body-side check valve 141 communicates with the path 505 filled with the detergent that has been pushed back and exposed, and the liquid detergent that has filled the tank-side check valve 151 flows into the detergent inlet hole 403 of the main body-side check valve 141, and the liquid detergent is supplied to the main body (see FIG. 20). In this way, when the inserted detergent tank 15 is stored in the detergent tank storage section 14, the engagement between the main body-side check valve 141 and the tank-side check valve 151 forms a path for transporting liquid detergent from the detergent discharge port 152 to the detergent tank storage section 14 side.

[0099] Next, a method of sealing the check valves will be described. When the tank-side check valve 151 is pushed in, the outer cylinder 401 of the main body-side check valve is pushed in and contracts, causing the ring-shaped packing 404 provided at the tip of the main body-side check valve 141 to protrude. Then, this protruding ring-shaped packing 404 is pressed against the inner surface of the outer cylinder 501 of the tank-side check valve 151 that has been pushed in and expanded, thereby sealing the check valves together (see Figs. 19 and 20). Here, two ring-shaped packings 404 are provided at the tip of the main body-side check valve 141, and as the ring-shaped packing provided on the side at the back in the depth direction of the detergent tank 15 advances further into the cylindrical hole of the outer cylinder 501 of the tank-side check valve 151, the inner diameter of the cylindrical hole becomes smaller than the inlet, forming a narrowed shape.

[0100] When the inner diameter of the cylindrical hole becomes smaller to a certain inner diameter, the inner diameter becomes constant. Then, when the ring-shaped packing 404 provided on the back side reaches a position where the inner diameter of the cylindrical hole becomes constant, the inner diameter of the cylindrical hole of the outer tube 501 becomes smaller than the diameter of the packing 404, and the packing is forced into a hole with a smaller diameter than its own diameter. In this way, the outer tube 501 of the tank side check valve 151 and the inner tube 401 of the main body side check valve 141 are pressed and sealed between them. A vacuum state is maintained between the sealed check valves.

[0101] Here, if the range over which the inner diameter of the cylindrical hole of outer cylinder 501 of tank-side check valve 151 is constant is wide, or if the tip of the inner surface of outer cylinder 501 is configured without an angle that flares out toward the back or at a small angle, tank-side check valve 151 is pressed into main body-side check valve 141 and immediately biased, forming a vacuum state, so that the valves are unlikely to come apart immediately after tank-side check valve 151 is pressed in. With this configuration, even if the pressure applied when detergent tank 15 is inserted is weak, the valves are biased against each other, preventing detergent leakage.

[0102] In this way, the check valve on the tank side is pressed and sealed by the check valve on the main body side. Therefore, when the detergent tank 15 is inserted into the detergent tank storage section 14, the check valve on the main body side 141 and the check valve on the tank side Even when detergent is passing between 151 and the check valve, it is possible to prevent the detergent from leaking out from between the two check valves.

[0103] The configuration of this sealing portion is not limited to the above example, and may be a configuration in which the range in which the inner diameter of the cylindrical hole is constant is narrow. Alternatively, the tip of the inner surface of the outer tube 501 may be configured to be angled so as to widen toward the back. Alternatively, a hole for releasing the vacuum state may be provided at the tip of the inner surface of the outer tube 501 of the tank side check valve 151. In these cases, the tank side check valve 151 does not reach the range in which the inner diameter of the cylindrical hole is constant immediately after being pushed into the main body side check valve 141, so the valves are not biased against each other by merely pushing the tank side check valve 151 a little. According to this configuration, it is easy to handle because it can be quickly removed when removing the detergent tank 15 or when you want to temporarily place the detergent tank 15 without completing its insertion.

[0104] [Tank side check valve lock configuration] According to this embodiment, the tank side check valve 151 is detachable, and the tank side check valve 151 is fitted into an in-tank receiving port 159 in the detergent tank 15 .

[0105] As described above, the tank-side check valve 151 is detachable, so that the user can wash it at will. In particular, the tank-side check valve 151 has a mesh-like foreign matter trapping section inside, and is designed to remove foreign matter and debris using this mesh before supplying detergent to the main body-side check valve 141. Therefore, the user can not only keep the check valve itself clean, but also remove foreign matter from the foreign matter trapping section by removing the tank-side check valve 151 from the detergent tank 15.

[0106] When the tank-side check valve 151 is returned to the detergent tank 15 after being removed from the detergent tank 15, the tank-side check valve 151 is rotated like a cap to close and fix the check valve to the detergent tank 15, thereby preventing detergent from leaking out from between the tank-side check valve 151 and the in-tank receiving port 159. Fixing and closing the tank-side check valve 151 to the in-tank receiving port 159 in this way is hereinafter referred to as the check valve being locked.

[0107] In the unlikely event that a user forgets to lock the tank-side check valve 151 after removing it and inserts the detergent tank 15 into the detergent tank storage section 14, and then pulls out the detergent tank storage section 14, the tank-side check valve 151 will come off, causing the detergent to leak out.

[0108] This locking mechanism is achieved by fitting the inclined protrusion 160 provided on the tank-side check valve 151 with the protrusion fitting hole provided at the tip of the tank-interior receiving port 159. The inclined protrusion 160 is a protrusion having a gradient in the radial direction, and the inclined protrusion 160 rotates from a lower gradient to a higher gradient. On the other hand, the protrusion fitting hole has a gradient from a higher gradient to a lower gradient at the end of the hole in the rotation direction of the inclined protrusion 160, which is the opposite of the gradient of the inclined protrusion 160. When the height of the increasing radial gradient of the inclined protrusion 160 rotates to a position exceeding the decreasing radial height of the protrusion fitting hole, the inclined protrusion 160 cannot rotate any further, and the tank-side check valve 151 does not move in the rotational direction, the depth direction, or the up-down direction, so that the tank-side check valve 151 is fixed to the tank-interior receiving port 159.

[0109] The tank-side check valve 151 may be closed by the user, or may be configured to be automatically locked when the detergent tank is inserted and set, as described below. If an automatic locking mechanism is used, even if the user inserts the detergent tank without closing it after only inserting the check valve, the check valve will automatically lock upon insertion, preventing detergent from leaking out from between the tank-side check valve 151 and the tank receiving port 159.

[0110] Specifically, in order to rotate the inclined projection 160, a part of the outer surface of the tank-side check valve 151 and a part of the inside of the detergent tank storage section 14 may be configured to come into contact with each other.

[0111] In this embodiment, a valve tip protrusion 157 is provided at the detergent discharge port 152 at the tip of the tank side check valve 151, and by rotating the valve tip protrusion 157, the entire tank side check valve 151 rotates together with the inclined protrusion 160.

[0112] There may be one or more valve tip protrusions 157, but in this embodiment, multiple valve tip protrusions 157 are provided. Specifically, two are provided at positions approximately 180° apart on the outer circumferential surface of detergent discharge port 152. By providing two valve tip protrusions 157, when the user inserts tank side check valve 151, the protrusions engage at two points, doubling the probability of engagement compared to when there is only one protrusion, and reducing the effort required for insertion. Of course, there may be more than two valve tip protrusions 157.

[0113] 13, the valve tip projection 157 is perpendicular to the outer surface of the cylindrical tank side check valve 151 and has a flat plate shape with a plane extending in the radial direction. The flat plate of the valve tip projection 157 is rectangular, and of the two radially outer corners of the rectangle, the rear corner is rounded off to abut against a part inside the detergent tank storage section 14.

[0114] According to this embodiment, the valve tip projection 157 rotates by abutting against a part of the inner surface of the detergent tank housing portion 14. Specifically, a protruding rib is provided on the inner surface of the detergent tank housing portion 14. The valve tip projection 157 rotates due to this rib.

[0115] Here, Fig. 11 is a schematic front view of the detergent tank 15 before the tank side check valve 151 is attached, and Fig. 12 is a schematic front view of the detergent tank 15 after the tank side check valve 151 is attached. In this manner, the tank side check valve 151 is attached and detached.

[0116] When the valve tip protrusion 157 rotates due to the rib, if the rib is formed in a shape that matches the tip shape of the tank side check valve, the tank side check valve 151 and the valve tip protrusion 157 can be smoothly inserted even while rotating.

[0117] In this embodiment, since detergent discharge port 152 is cylindrical, the inner surface of the rib is formed in a curved shape to follow the cylindrical shape. Furthermore, the action of tank side check valve 151 being pushed in and the action of valve tip projection 157 abutting against the rib occur simultaneously. In other words, since valve tip projection 157 needs to rotate while moving toward the back, the rib is formed in a three-dimensional spiral shape that curves more sharply as it moves toward the back. This spiral rib 143 has a spiral step portion 144 and a curved inner surface 145.

[0118] When the detergent tank 15 is inserted into the detergent tank storage section 14, the detergent tank 15 slides toward the rear and simultaneously rotates while the valve tip projection 157 comes into contact with the spiral rib 143. In particular, the spiral rib 143 has a step portion 144 in a spiral shape that curves downward as it advances toward the rear in the depth direction. Therefore, when the tank side check valve 151 is pushed in, the valve tip projection 157 located at the upper part is guided to rotate downward while coming into contact with the step portion 144 in the spiral shape that diverges toward the rear. When the valve tip projection 157 reaches the rear end of the spiral rib 143, the inclined projection 160 finishes rotating to a position where it fits into the projection fitting hole, and the tank side check valve 151 is locked to the tank receiving port 159.

[0119] In other words, when the tank side check valve 151 is in a position where it is biased against the main body side check valve 141, The spiral rib 143 is disposed so that the rear end of the spiral rib 143 is located at the front side of the dishwasher on the inner surface of the detergent tank storage section 14. In this embodiment, the spiral rib 143 is formed on the front side of the dishwasher in the detergent tank depth direction.

[0120] The detergent tank 15 is inserted and the spiral rib 143 rotates as shown in FIG. 13, FIG. 14, and FIG. 7, for example.

[0121] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the valve tip projection 157 just before it comes into contact with the front end of the spiral rib 143 and is guided by the step 144 to rotate downward. Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the valve tip projection 157 in the middle of coming into contact with the step 144 and being guided to rotate downward. Fig. 15 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the tank side check valve 151 and the vicinity of the spiral rib 143.

[0122] In this manner, if the tank side check valve 151 for the detergent tank 15 is automatically closed at the same time as the detergent tank 15 is inserted into the detergent tank storage section 14, it is possible to prevent detergent from leaking out from between the tank side check valve 151 and the tank receiving port 159 even if the user does not insert the check valve properly or forgets to close it before inserting it.

[0123] In this embodiment, the tank side check valve 151 is configured to be automatically locked by rotating with the valve tip projection 157, but the present invention is not limited to this as long as the locking configuration prevents detergent from leaking out. For example, the tank side check valve 151 may be configured to be locked by one-touch engagement with a fitting portion provided in the tank receiving port 159 at the same time as it is pushed in, or the valve may be rotated by a different means, such as by providing a screw-type valve like that on the edge of a cap, instead of a valve tip projection.

[0124] In this embodiment, the tank-side check valve 151 and the main body-side check valve 141 are engaged and actuated after the tank-side check valve 151 is locked to prevent liquid detergent from leaking from the detergent tank 15. However, this order may be different.

[0125] [How to control the cleaning device] The control device 19 is realized by hardware such as a microcomputer, a microcontroller, or an integrated circuit.

[0126] The control device 19 includes a process control section, a detection result acquisition section, a liquid level determination section, a detergent tank storage determination section, a liquid delivery control section, a notification section, a leaving time acquisition section, a liquid delivery target amount determination section, a memory, etc. These components are realized in terms of hardware by the CPU, memory, other LSI, etc. of any computer, and in terms of software by programs loaded into the memory, etc., but here, functional blocks realized by the cooperation of these are depicted. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that these functional blocks can be realized in various forms, such as hardware only or a combination of hardware and software.

[0127] The process control unit controls the washing operation of the dishwasher. The process control unit receives instructions from a user via an operation unit of the dishwasher and controls the washing operation according to the instructions. The process control unit may execute the washing process, rinsing process, and drying process consecutively, may execute only one of the processes, or may execute a combination of two or more of the processes in any order.

[0128] The detection result acquisition unit acquires the detection result by the magnetic sensor from the magnetic sensor. As described above, the magnetic sensor detects the magnetism of the magnetic body provided in the float 30.

[0129] Based on the detection results acquired by the detection result acquisition unit, the liquid level determination unit determines the liquid level of the liquid detergent stored in the detergent tank 15. For example, the liquid level determination unit may determine the position of a magnetic body based on magnetism detected by a plurality of Hall elements installed at different positions, and determine the liquid level of the liquid detergent based on the determined position of the magnetic body.

[0130] The detergent tank storage determination unit determines whether or not the detergent tank 15 is stored in the detergent tank storage unit 14 based on the detection result acquired by the detection result acquisition unit. When the detection result acquisition unit acquires a detection result indicating that the magnetic sensor has detected the magnetism of a magnetic body, the detergent tank storage determination unit determines that the detergent tank 15 is stored in the detergent tank storage unit 14. When the detection result acquisition unit acquires a detection result indicating that the magnetic sensor has not detected the magnetism of a magnetic body, the detergent tank storage determination unit determines that the detergent tank 15 is not stored in the detergent tank storage unit 14.

[0131] The liquid delivery control unit controls the detergent pump 16 to deliver the liquid detergent stored in the detergent tank 15 to the washing tank 1. As described below, the liquid delivery control unit controls the detergent pump 16 so that the amount of liquid detergent determined by the liquid delivery target amount determination unit is supplied to the washing tank 1. When the delivery of the amount of liquid detergent determined by the liquid delivery target amount determination unit is completed, the liquid delivery control unit records the liquid delivery end time in memory.

[0132] When the detergent tank storage determination unit determines that the detergent tank 15 is not stored in the detergent tank storage unit 14, the liquid delivery control unit controls the detergent pump 16 not to deliver liquid detergent from the detergent tank 15 to the cleaning tank 1. This makes it possible to prevent the cleaning process from being performed without detergent being supplied to the cleaning tank 1. It also makes it possible to prevent air from being sent into the liquid detergent flow path from the detergent tank 15 to the cleaning tank 1, which would result in the target amount of detergent not being appropriately supplied to the cleaning tank 1 the next time cleaning is performed.

[0133] [Effects of the first embodiment] The cleaning device according to the first embodiment can provide the following advantages.

[0134] The dishwasher according to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure comprises a housing 2, a washing tub 1 provided within the housing 2 for accommodating items to be washed, and a detergent tank 15 for storing liquid detergent to be supplied to the washing tub 1, the detergent tank 15 being removable from a detergent tank storage section 14 within the housing 2, the detergent tank 15 having a tank side check valve 151 for preventing leakage of detergent, and the detergent tank storage section 14 having a main body side check valve 141 for preventing leakage of detergent, and when the detergent tank 15 is inserted into the detergent tank storage section 14, a part of the outer surface of the tank side check valve 151 abuts against a part of the inner surface of the detergent tank storage section 14, rotating the tank side check valve 151, thereby fixing the tank side check valve 151 to the detergent tank 15.

[0135] With this configuration, even if the detergent tank 15 is configured to be removable, it is possible to prevent the detergent from leaking out from between the detergent tank side and the main body side. Therefore, even when a user inserts or removes the detergent tank 15, it can be used without causing trouble to the user, such as soiling the surroundings. In addition, since the check valve is automatically locked when the detergent tank 15 is stored, even if the user inserts the detergent tank 15 without closing the check valve, or if the check valve is not closed due to some contact, the check valve is automatically closed and fixed at the time of insertion, thereby preventing the detergent from leaking out from between the tank side check valve 151 and the tank receiving port 159.

[0136] In the dishwasher according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, when the detergent tank 15 is inserted into the detergent tank storage section 14, the tank-side check valve 151 is fixed to the detergent tank 15, A passage for supplying detergent from the detergent tank 15 to the washing tub 1 main body is opened, and the main body side check valve 141 presses the tank side check valve 151 to seal it.

[0137] With this configuration, even when the detergent tank 15 is inserted into the detergent tank storage section 14 and detergent passes between the main body side check valve 141 and the tank side check valve 151, it is possible to prevent the detergent from leaking out from between the two check valves.

[0138] In the dishwasher of embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, the tank-side check valve 151 is removable from the detergent tank 15, and when the detergent tank 15 is inserted to a predetermined position in the detergent tank storage section 14, the tank-side check valve 151 is fixed to the detergent tank 15.

[0139] With this configuration, the user can remove and wash the tank-side check valve 151 at will. If an automatic locking mechanism is used, even if the user inserts the detergent tank while forgetting to close the check valve after only inserting it, the check valve will automatically lock upon insertion, preventing detergent from leaking out from between the tank-side check valve 151 and the tank receiving port 159.

[0140] In the dishwasher according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, tank-side check valve 151 has detergent discharge port 152 at its tip, and detergent discharge port 152 has protrusion 157 on its outer periphery.

[0141] With this configuration, the protrusion 157 comes into contact with a part of the inner surface of the detergent tank storage section 14 to rotate the tank side check valve 151, thereby closing the tank side check valve 151 with respect to the detergent tank 15. The configuration with the protrusion makes it possible to easily install even a small tank side check valve 151, and allows the use of an automatic lock configuration without the need to add new space or a large configuration.

[0142] In the dishwasher according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of protrusions 157 are provided on the outer periphery of detergent discharge port 152.

[0143] With this configuration, when a user inserts the tank side check valve 151, the protrusions come into contact with parts of the inner surface of the detergent tank storage section 14 at multiple points. Therefore, even if a user inserts the check valve into the tank receiving port 159 without checking the orientation of the check valve, the probability of contact is higher than when there is only one protrusion, thereby reducing the effort required for insertion and the time required for locking.

[0144] In the dishwasher according to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, a protruding rib 143 is provided on the inner surface of the detergent tank storage section 14, and when the detergent tank 15 is inserted into the detergent tank storage section 14, the protrusion 157 is inserted while abutting against the rib 143, thereby rotating the protrusion 157 to a predetermined position.

[0145] With this configuration, the check valve is automatically locked at the same time that the user inserts the detergent tank 15 into the detergent tank storage section 14. And since the rib 143 protrudes from the inner surface of the detergent tank storage section 14, it can be used without blending in with the exterior design and does not require the addition of new space or configuration.

[0146] In the dishwasher according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, when the projection 157 rotates to a predetermined position, the tank-side check valve 151 is fixed to the detergent tank 15.

[0147] With this configuration, when the user inserts the detergent tank 15 into the detergent tank storage section 14, the tank-side check valve 151 is closed all the way, which prevents the detergent from leaking out from between the tank-side check valve 151 and the tank receiving port 159.

[0148] In the dishwasher according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the rib 143 is formed in a shape that matches the shape of the tip of the tank-side check valve 151, and the protrusion 157 is rotated by the rib 143.

[0149] With this configuration, there is no risk of the rib and the tip shape of the tank side check valve 151 getting caught or stuck, and the user can insert the detergent tank 15 smoothly.

[0150] In the dishwasher according to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, the tip of tank side check valve 151 is cylindrical, and the inner surface 145 of rib 143 is formed in a curved shape that fits the tip of tank side check valve 151, and when detergent tank 15 is inserted into detergent tank storage section 14, tank side check valve 151 slides along inner surface 145 of rib 143 while rib 143 and protrusion 157 abut, and protrusion 157 reaches the end of rib 143 simultaneously with the end of rotation.

[0151] With this configuration, there is no risk of the rib and the tip shape of the tank side check valve 151 getting caught or stuck, and the user can insert the detergent tank 15 smoothly.

[0152] (Embodiment 2) Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 16 and 17. Note that since the configuration is roughly the same as that of the first embodiment, the description will be omitted.

[0153] [Configuration of detergent tank area] Fig. 16 is a front cross-sectional view of the detergent tank 15 and its vicinity when a removable tray 200 is placed under the bottom surface of the detergent tank 15. Fig. 17 is a schematic perspective view of the detergent tank 15 and its vicinity when the tray 200 is placed.

[0154] In the second embodiment, the dishwasher is provided with a plate-shaped tray 200 on the bottom surface of detergent tank 15 in detergent tank storage section 14. By providing tray 200, even if detergent should leak from detergent tank 15, check valve, or tank receiving port 159, the tray can catch the detergent without dripping into the dishwasher. Also, although it is difficult for a user to wipe off detergent that has leaked into dishwasher 1, tray 200 makes it easy for the user to wipe it off.

[0155] Of course, when providing the tray 200, it is not necessary for the dishwasher to be equipped with a removable check valve as in embodiment 1; it can also be useful for catching detergent that drips out of the detergent tank 15 when detergent is added, or for cleaning the area below the detergent tank 15 and keeping it clean.

[0156] The edge of the tray 200 has a plurality of steps. In particular, in this embodiment, the edge of the tray 200 is divided into three height levels, a first height 201, a second height 202, and a third height 203. The third height 203 located at the back side in the depth direction is the highest, followed by the second height 202 located in the middle, and the first height 201 located at the frontmost side is the lowest. These edges are provided on both sides of the tray.

[0157] It was found through experiments that if the edge of the tray 200 is configured to a uniform height so as to engage with the detergent tank 15, when the detergent tank 15 is pulled out, the tray 200 will stick to it and be pulled out together with it. Therefore, by configuring the edge of the tray at multiple heights as in this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the tray 200 from being unintentionally pulled out together with the detergent tank 15 when the detergent tank 15 is pulled out towards the front.

[0158] In addition, the edge of the rear side between the two third heights 203 provided on both sides of the tray 200 is It is configured in a shape that allows the tip of the tank side check valve 151 to fit into it. In this embodiment, since the tip of the tank side check valve 151 is cylindrical, the side surface on the far side is formed with a curved edge 204, and configured so that the tip of the tank side check valve 151 can easily fit into it.

[0159] Furthermore, a spiral rib 143 for rotating the valve tip projection 157 may be formed on the tray 200. In particular, the spiral rib 143 may be provided on one side of the second height 202 or the third height 203, and configured to rotate the valve tip projection 157 when the detergent tank 15 is stored. When the spiral rib 143 is provided on the edge of the tray 200, the rib 143 does not have to be spiral, and may be any projection that has a shape that allows the valve tip projection 157 to rotate.

[0160] However, the invention is not limited to these examples, and the spiral rib 143 may be configured to rotate the valve tip projection 157. If there are multiple valve tip projections, the spiral rib 143 may be configured to rotate one or more of the multiple projections.

[0161] [Effects of the second embodiment] The cleaning device according to the second embodiment has the following advantages.

[0162] The dishwasher of embodiment 1 of the present disclosure comprises a housing 2, a washing tub 1 provided within housing 2 for accommodating items to be washed, and a detergent tank 15 for storing liquid detergent to be supplied to washing tub 1, the detergent tank 15 being removable from a detergent tank storage section 14 within housing 2, the detergent tank storage section 14 having a plate-shaped tray 200 on its bottom surface, and the detergent tank 15 being placed on top of the tray 200.

[0163] With this configuration, even if detergent should leak from detergent tank 15 or the check valve, the detergent can be caught by the tray without dripping into the dishwasher. Also, while it is difficult for a user to wipe off detergent that has leaked into dishwasher 1, tray 200 makes it easy for the user to wipe off or periodically clean the dishwasher.

[0164] In the dishwasher according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the tray 200 is removable and has edges with multiple levels of height.

[0165] With this configuration, even if detergent should leak from the detergent tank 15 or the check valve, the detergent can be received by the tray 200 without dripping into the dishwasher. Also, if the tray 200 becomes dirty, the user can pull out the tray 200 and easily wipe or clean it. Even if detergent leaks into the tray 200, the edge has height, so the detergent can be prevented from leaking out of the tray.

[0166] In the dishwasher according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the edge of the tray 200 becomes higher in the depth direction of the detergent tank 15 toward the rear side.

[0167] With this configuration, even if detergent leaks into the tray 200, the edges have height to prevent the detergent from leaking out of the tray. Also, because the edges on the rear side of the tray 200 are configured to be high, it is possible to prevent the tray 200 from being unintentionally pulled out together with the detergent tank 15 when the detergent tank 15 is pulled out toward the front.

[0168] In the dishwasher according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, ribs 143 are provided on the edges of tray 200.

[0169] With this configuration, it is possible to configure the protrusion 157 to rotate when the detergent tank 15 is stored. In the case of this configuration, even if there is not enough space between the detergent tank storage section 14 and the detergent tank 15, by providing the rib 143 on the tray 200, it is possible to install a mechanism for automatically locking the tank-side check valve 151.

[0170] Although the present invention has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, various changes and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art, and such changes and modifications are to be understood as being included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims, unless they depart therefrom.

[0171] 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]

[0172] The present disclosure is applicable to cleaning devices that can use detergents, specifically, small dishwashers that are placed on a table, large dishwashers that are installed in system kitchens, washing machines, and the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0173] 1 Cleaning tank 1a opening 2. Chassis 3 Door body 4. Handle 5. The First Rail 6 The Second Rail 7 Basket 8. Tableware 9 Circulation Pump 10 Heater 11 Cleaning nozzle 12 Side wall 13 Front space 14 Detergent tank storage area 15 Detergent tank 16 Detergent pump 17 Cleaning tank detergent outlet 18 Detergent discharge path on the cleaning tank side 19 Control device 23 Plane part 24 Control section 25 Display section 30 Float 31 Cover 32 Rotating shaft 33 Arm 34 Protrusion 35 Message section 36 Stopparib 37 Top protrusion 38 Step 141 Body side check valve 142 Tip of inner cylinder 143 Spiral Rib 144 Step 145 Inner surface 151 Tank side check valve 152 Detergent outlet 153 Detergent dispenser 154 Detergent container lid 155 Tank handle 156 Feeding auxiliary slope 157 Valve tip projection 158 Claws 159 Tank Receiving Port 160 Inclined protrusion 200 trays 201 First Height 202 Second Height 203 Third Height 204 Curved Edges 401 Outer cylinder of the main body side check valve 141 402 Inner cylinder of main body side check valve 141 403 Detergent inlet 404 Ring-shaped packing 501 Outer cylinder of tank side check valve 151 502 Inner cylinder of tank side check valve 151 503 Depression 504 Ring-shaped packing 505 Aisle

Claims

1. A housing and A cleaning tank provided in the housing and configured to accommodate an object to be cleaned; a detergent tank for storing liquid detergent to be supplied to the washing tank; Equipped with The detergent tank is removable from a detergent tank storage section in the housing, The detergent tank has a tank-side check valve for preventing leakage of detergent, The detergent tank storage section has a main body side check valve to prevent leakage of detergent, When the detergent tank is inserted into the detergent tank storage section, a portion of the outer surface of the tank side check valve comes into contact with a portion of the inner surface of the detergent tank storage section, thereby rotating the tank side check valve, thereby fixing the tank side check valve to the detergent tank.

2. When the detergent tank is inserted into the detergent tank storage section, the tank-side check valve is fixed to the detergent tank, a passage for supplying detergent from the detergent tank to the washing tub is opened, and the main body-side check valve presses against the tank-side check valve to seal it.

2. The dishwasher of claim 1.

3. The tank-side check valve is removable from the detergent tank, 3. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the tank-side check valve is fixed to the detergent tank when the detergent tank is inserted to a predetermined position in the detergent-tank storage section.

4. The tank-side check valve has a detergent discharge port at a tip thereof, and a protrusion is provided on the outer periphery of the detergent discharge port. The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A plurality of the projections are provided on the outer periphery of the detergent discharge port. The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A protruding rib is provided on the inner surface of the detergent tank storage section, When the detergent tank is inserted into the detergent tank storage section, the protrusion is inserted while abutting against the rib, and the protrusion is rotated to a predetermined position. The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. When the protrusion is rotated to a predetermined position, the tank-side check valve is fixed to the detergent tank. The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The detergent tank storage section has a plate-shaped tray on the bottom surface, The detergent tank is placed on the tray. The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The tray is removable and has a plurality of edge heights. A dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein an edge of the tray becomes higher toward a back side in a depth direction of the detergent tank.

11. The ribs are provided on the edge of the tray. The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The rib is formed in a shape that conforms to the tip shape of the tank side check valve, The protrusion is rotated by the rib. A dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The tip of the tank side check valve is cylindrical, The inner surface of the rib is formed in a curved shape along the tip of the tank side check valve, When the detergent tank is inserted into the detergent tank storage section, the tank-side check valve slides on the inner surface of the rib while the rib and the protrusion are in contact with each other, and the protrusion reaches the end of the rib at the same time as the rotation ends. A dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The rib is formed in a three-dimensional spiral shape, and has a step portion of a spiral shape that curves downward and widens toward the back in the depth direction of the detergent tank, When the detergent tank is inserted into the detergent tank storage section, the protrusion is guided and rotates downward while contacting the spiral step portion, and when the protrusion rotates to a predetermined position, the tank-side check valve is fixed to the detergent tank.

14. A dishwasher according to claim 13.

15. A housing and A cleaning tank provided in the housing and configured to accommodate an object to be cleaned; a detergent tank for storing liquid detergent to be supplied to the washing tank; Equipped with The detergent tank is removable from a detergent tank storage section in the housing, The detergent tank storage section has a plate-shaped tray on the bottom surface, The detergent tank is placed above the tray.

Images