Tableware washer

Abstract

To provide a tableware washer that has an automatic detergent charging function, can easily charge a detergent into a detergent tank, and has good usability.SOLUTION: A tableware washer comprises: a case; a washing tank provided in the case, and for housing an object to be washed; and a detergent tank for storing a liquid detergent to be supplied to the washing tank. The detergent tank comprises a detergent charging port for charging the liquid detergent into the detergent tank. In the detergent tank, a floating body floating in the liquid detergent is provided via an arm. The arm is pivotally supported in the detergent tank by a rotating shaft. The detergent charging port is provided at a position displaced from a position directly above a range where the arm is rotated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dishwasher.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a dishwasher that suppresses solidification of detergent. This dishwasher includes a washing tank having an opening at the upper part for accommodating tableware, a housing that supports the washing tank so as to be movable back and forth in the front-rear direction, a detergent tank provided in front of the outside of the washing tank for storing liquid detergent, and a detergent discharge path that communicates the detergent tank and the washing tank, and the detergent tank is configured to be movable back and forth in the left-right direction.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides a user-friendly dishwasher having a detergent automatic feeding function and capable of easily feeding detergent into a detergent tank.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The dishwasher in the present disclosure includes a housing, a washing tank provided in the housing for accommodating an object to be washed, and a detergent tank for storing liquid detergent supplied to the washing tank. The detergent tank has a detergent inlet for injecting liquid detergent into the detergent tank, and a floating body floating in the liquid detergent is provided in the detergent tank via an arm. The arm is pivotally supported in the detergent tank by a pivot shaft, and the detergent inlet is provided at a position deviated from directly above the range in which the arm rotates.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] The dishwasher in the present disclosure is equipped with a detergent automatic dosing function, and each component in the detergent tank is provided at a convenient position. Therefore, detergent can be easily loaded into the detergent tank.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] (Findings etc. underlying the present disclosure) When the inventors arrived at the present disclosure, in the configuration of the conventional detergent tank, the positional relationships regarding the detergent inlet and other components were not considered.

[0009] Therefore, the inventors introduced a float detection configuration to enable the user to easily pour detergent into the detergent tank and further improve the performance of the detergent tank itself. However, the inventors discovered the problem that the positional relationship of the float also needs to be considered, and in order to solve this problem, they arrived at the subject matter of the present disclosure.

[0010] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a dishwasher that can easily pour detergent into the detergent tank by providing each component in the detergent tank at a convenient position.

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, overly detailed descriptions may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or duplicate descriptions of substantially the same configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid making the following description overly redundant and to facilitate the understanding of those skilled in the art.

[0012] The attached 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, Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 20.

[0014] [Overall Configuration] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a dishwasher with the washing tub 1 in Embodiment 1 pulled out from the housing 2. Specifically, FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of the washing tub 1 of the dishwasher pulled out from the housing 2 of the dishwasher.

[0015] Also, the dishwasher of Embodiment 1 is an in-built type dishwasher installed, for example, in a system kitchen.

[0016] In Embodiment 1, as shown in the figure, the front direction is the direction in which the door body 3 and the washing tub 1 are pulled out, and the rear direction is the direction in which the washing tub 1 is stored and the door body 3 is closed. Also, the opening side of the washing tub 1 of the dishwasher is defined as the upper side, the opposite side as the lower side, and further, the right side as the right side and the left side as the left side when viewed from the front of the door body 3. Hereinafter, the description will be made.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the dishwasher of Embodiment 1 includes a housing 2, a washing tub 1, side walls 12, a detergent tank 15, a control device 19 disposed inside the housing 2, and a door body 3 for opening and closing the opening of the housing 2.

[0018] The washing tub 1 has an opening 1a at the upper part, and a basket 7 for accommodating tableware 8 is disposed inside. The washing tub 1 is provided with a first rail 5 fixed to the lower part. On the other hand, the housing 2 is provided with a second rail 6 fixed to the inner side of the inner surface. The first rail 5 is movably supported by the second rail 6 of the housing 2. Thereby, the washing tub 1 is supported so as to be able to be taken in and out of the housing 2 in the front-rear direction (left-right direction on the paper surface of FIG. 1).

[0019] It is provided with a flat surface portion 23 disposed in front of an opening 1a which is at the upper front outside of the washing tub 1. An operation portion 24, a display portion 25, etc. are disposed on the flat surface portion 23. The operation portion 24 is set for the washing course of the dishwasher, turning on and off the power supply, etc. by the operation of the user. The display portion 25 displays the washing status, operation status, time, etc. Also, on the back side of the flat surface portion 23 where the operation portion 24 and the display portion 25 are disposed, an operation display substrate (not shown) for controlling their operations is disposed.

[0020] The side walls 12 are disposed on both sides between the washing tub 1 and the door body 3. The side walls 12 connect the washing tub 1 and the door body 3 so as to be integrally movable. At this time, the dishwasher has a front space portion 13 formed by being partitioned by the front side of the washing tub 1, the rear side of the door body 3, the side walls 12, and the flat surface portion 23.

[0021] The door body 3 is provided with a handle 4 which protrudes forward above. The handle 4 is held by the user and used to take the washing tub 1 in and out of the housing 2.

[0022] Also, the dishwasher of the first embodiment supplies washing water for washing the tableware in the washing tub 1 through the following route. Specifically, first, washing water such as tap water is supplied from a branch faucet on a system kitchen (not shown) to a water supply route such as a water supply hose. The supplied washing water passes through the water supply route, and the necessary water level and necessary amount of water are supplied into the washing tub 1 by a water supply pump, a water supply valve, etc. (not shown). The water is supplied into the washing tub 1 through the route configured as above.

[0023] A circulation pump 9 is disposed below the outside of the washing tub 1. The circulation pump 9 circulates the washing water supplied into the washing tub 1 through a circulation route and injects the washing water from the washing nozzles 11. Then, the tableware 8 can be washed with the injected washing water. Also, a heater 10 for heating the washing water is disposed near the bottom of the washing tub 1.

[0024] In addition, the dishwasher according to the first embodiment includes a drainage path for draining the washing water from the washing tub 1. The drainage path is composed of a drainage pump (not shown) and a drainage hose. When the washing and rinsing of the tableware 8 are completed, the drainage pump is driven, and the washing water is drained to the outside through the drainage hose. That is, the drainage path is configured to be able to drain the washing water in the washing tub 1 to a sink in the system kitchen or the like.

[0025] In the front space portion 13 in front of the outside of the washing tub 1, a detergent tank storage portion 14 for removably storing the detergent tank 15 is arranged. The detergent tank storage portion 14 is formed by welding, screwing, or integrally molding with one side of the side wall 12. Note that the detergent tank storage portion 14 may be provided on the front surface of the washing tub 1.

[0026] As described above, the dishwasher according to the first embodiment is configured.

[0027] [Configuration around the detergent tank] Next, the configuration around the detergent tank 15 of the dishwasher will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the dishwasher showing the state in which the detergent tank 15 is stored. FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of the dishwasher showing the state in which the detergent tank 15 is being stored or pulled out. FIG. 4 is a schematic front view of the dishwasher showing the state in which the stored detergent tank 15 is indicated by a broken line.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 3, the detergent tank storage portion 14 has a hollow space. Thereby, the detergent tank 15 is removably stored in the space of the detergent tank storage portion 14. The detergent tank 15 is removably stored, for example, in the left - right direction (sideways) when viewed from the front (the front side of the door body 3).

[0030] In addition, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the detergent tank storage portion 14 is disposed substantially below (including below) the flat portion 23 (operation portion 24 or display portion 25), for example, on the right side from the central portion side of the washing tub 1, and stores the detergent tank 15.

[0031] In FIGS. 2 and 3, a configuration in which the detergent tank 15 is pulled out rightward from the detergent tank storage section 14 is illustrated as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the detergent tank storage section 14 and the detergent tank 15 may be arranged at positions symmetrical left and right to those in FIGS. 2 and 3. In this case, a configuration in which the detergent tank 15 is pulled out leftward from the detergent tank storage section 14 is desirable.

[0032] With the above configuration, in a state where the washing tub 1 is completely stored in the housing 2, the detergent tank 15 is not conspicuous. Therefore, the dishwasher can be configured with a simple design. Further, the space (front space section 13) for storing the detergent tank 15 in front of the outside of the washing tub 1 can be effectively utilized.

[0033] Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the detergent tank 15 is configured to be able to be inserted and removed in the left - right direction from the detergent tank storage section 14 in a state where the washing tub 1 is pulled out forward by at least a distance a (dotted - line arrow in FIG. 1) or more. The distance a indicates the shortest distance between the mating surface of the back surface of the door body 3 and the foremost surface of the housing 2 and the surface of the detergent tank storage section 14 on the side of the washing tub 1. That is, the distance a indicates a state where at least the entire detergent tank storage section 14 is pulled out forward of the foremost part of the housing 2.

[0034] With the above configuration, in a state where the washing tub 1 is pulled out forward by a predetermined distance (distance a) or more, the insertion and removal of the detergent tank 15 becomes possible for the first time. Therefore, by utilizing the space in front of the washing tub 1 for storing the detergent tank 15 and the lateral space when the washing tub 1 is pulled out from the housing 2, the user can easily insert and remove the detergent tank 15. The distance a is not particularly limited as long as it is a distance at which the detergent tank 15 can be inserted and removed in the left - right direction.

[0035] In addition, as described above, the dishwasher according to the first embodiment is provided at the upper front outside of the washing tub 1 and has an operation unit 24 for the user to set a washing course, turn on / off the power, etc. Thus, the user can operate the operation unit 24 with one hand from the front and above of the washing tub 1, for example. At this time, simultaneously, the user can insert and remove the detergent tank 15 in the left-right direction with the other hand. As a result, the workability of the user can be improved.

[0036] Subsequently, each component constituting the detergent tank 15 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 is a schematic front view of the detergent tank 15 when the detergent lid portion 154 is in the closed state and no detergent is stored. FIG. 6 is a schematic front view of the detergent tank 15 when the detergent lid portion 154 is in the open state and the detergent is stored up to approximately full.

[0037] In the following description of the vicinity of the detergent tank, as shown in FIG. 5, regarding the insertion / removal direction (depth direction) of the detergent tank 15, the direction in which the detergent tank 15 is pulled out will be referred to as the front side, and the direction in which it is inserted will be referred to as the back side for explanation. Also, the opening side of the detergent tank 15 will be referred to as the upper side and the opposite side as the lower side in the following description.

[0038] When the detergent tank 15 is inserted into the detergent tank storage portion 14, the claw 158 is fitted with a claw receiving portion provided on the side surface of the detergent tank storage portion 14, and the detergent tank 15 is stably supported within the detergent tank storage portion 14.

[0039] The detergent tank 15 is composed of, for example, a bottle-shaped container for storing liquid detergent. The top surface of the detergent tank 15 is open, and the opening portion is entirely covered by a cover 31. Specifically, the detergent tank 15 is composed of a detergent discharge port 152, a detergent input port 153 on the cover 31, a detergent lid portion 154, etc.

[0040] An input assisting slope 156 may be provided so as to incline from the detergent inlet 153 toward the inside of the detergent tank 15. By allowing the poured liquid detergent to flow along the input assisting slope, it is possible to prevent the liquid detergent from falling to a random location inside the detergent tank 15 and bouncing back and splashing. Also, since the liquid detergent can be poured along the slope, it can be stably poured even if the pouring speed of the user has fluctuations. Further, since the liquid detergent is poured using the input assisting slope 156, it is difficult for the liquid detergent to adhere to the periphery of the detergent lid portion 154, and the detergent lid portion 154 can be kept clean for a relatively long period, improving the convenience for the user.

[0041] Further, a guide for the amount of liquid detergent may be displayed on the input assisting slope 156. For example, it can be used for a full-tank display indicating that the detergent amount is full when the detergent is poured up to the line displayed on the input assisting slope 156, or for a warning indicating that the detergent is too much when the detergent is poured up to the display line.

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

[0043] Subsequently, a method for replenishing the detergent into the detergent tank 15 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. 8 is a schematic front view of the detergent storage portion 14 and the detergent tank 15 when the detergent tank 15 is stored in the detergent tank storage portion 14. FIG. 9 is a schematic front view of the detergent storage portion 14 and the detergent tank 15 when the detergent tank 15 is being stored in or pulled out from the detergent tank storage portion 14.

[0044] When the user replenishes the detergent tank 15 with liquid detergent, first, the user removes the detergent tank 15 from the detergent tank storage section 14. Then, the user opens the detergent lid portion 154. Then, the user can easily replenish the detergent tank 15 while pouring the liquid detergent from the detergent inlet 153 along the detergent input auxiliary slope 156. With the configuration of the detergent tank 15 described above, the liquid detergent can be supplied and stocked in the detergent tank 15 outside the washing tub 1. Therefore, solidification of the detergent in the detergent tank 15 due to moisture, drying, etc. in the washing tub 1 during washing can be suppressed.

[0045] On the top surface inside the detergent tank storage section 14, there are a top surface protrusion 37 on the front side and a stepped portion 38 on the rear side in the depth direction. The top surface protrusion 37 serves to prevent the detergent tank 15 from rattling in the vertical direction when the detergent tank 15 is stored. Also, since the stepped portion 38 is configured at a height where the detergent tank just passes through, when the detergent lid portion 154 abuts against this step and is pressed downward the detergent lid portion 154 that is not fully closed can be completely closed.

[0046] Also, if the user accidentally inserts the detergent tank 15 with the detergent lid portion 154 open (see Fig. 6), the detergent lid portion 154 first abuts against the front end of the detergent tank storage section 14 and rotates approximately 180°. However, at this time, the detergent lid portion 154 is not fully closed yet, and as shown in Fig. 9, it starts to be inserted into the detergent tank storage section 14 in a half-open state. When the half-open detergent lid portion 154 passes through the top surface protrusion 37, the detergent lid portion 154 is pushed from the top surface, and the detergent lid portion 154 is completely closed. (See Fig. 9) Even if the height of the top surface protrusion 37 is insufficient and the detergent lid portion 154 does not close, it is configured to be completely closed when the detergent lid portion 154 passes through the stepped portion 38.

[0047] According to this configuration, even if the user forgets to close the detergent lid portion 154 or thinks they have closed it but it is not fully closed, the lid can be surely closed. Therefore, solidification of the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 15 can be prevented.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 8, a tank-side check valve 151 is provided at the inner end of the bottom surface of the detergent tank 15 at the detergent discharge port 152 of the detergent tank 15. On the other hand, the detergent tank housing portion 14 also has a main body-side check valve 141 at the inner end of the bottom surface. Then, the main body-side check valve 141 of the detergent tank housing portion 14 is engaged with the tank-side check valve 151. When these check valves are engaged, the storage of the detergent tank 15 into the detergent tank housing portion 14 is completed at the same time.

[0049] And when the main body-side check valve 141 and the tank-side check valve 151 are engaged, a path for transferring the liquid detergent from the detergent discharge port 152 to the detergent tank housing portion 14 side is configured. Further, due to the engagement of the tank-side check valve 151 and the main body-side check valve 141, more stable storage of the detergent tank 15 into the detergent tank housing portion 14 becomes possible. And when the detergent tank 15 is stored in the detergent tank housing portion 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 housing portion 14 side.

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

[0051] Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the control device 19 is disposed below the front surface of the cleaning 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, a detailed configuration of the detergent tank 15 of the dishwasher will be described with reference to Figs. 2 to 9. Figs. 2 and 8 show the detergent tank 15 in the first embodiment as a detergent tank storage. 3 and 9 are schematic cross-sectional views of the detergent tank 15 according to the first embodiment when it is stored in the detergent tank storage section 14. Fig. 4 is a front view of the dishwasher in which the position of the detergent tank 15 according to the first embodiment is projected onto the 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, when it is provided above the front side surface, it is easier for the user to grasp, and it is less likely to drop when pulled out compared to the detergent tank 15 without a handle. (See FIGS. 5 to 9.) Here, in the present embodiment, a transparent portion is provided below the tank handle 155.

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

[0058] A magnetic sensor for detecting the magnetism of the magnetic body is provided on the side surface of the detergent tank storage portion 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 portion 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 lid portion 154 is opened and liquid detergent is stored in the detergent tank 15. Also in FIG. 6, the liquid level is represented by a dashed line.

[0060] The float 30 is pivotally supported via an arm 33 on a rotating 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 vertically downward due to their own weights. When liquid detergent is stored in the detergent tank 15, as shown in FIG. 6, the float 30 floats according to the liquid level of the liquid detergent, and the arm 33 rotates upward about the rotating shaft 32. By detecting the position of the magnetic body with a magnetic sensor, the liquid level of the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 30 can be detected. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, when the detergent tank 15 is not stored in the detergent tank storage portion 14, the magnetism of the magnetic body is not detected by the magnetic sensor, so it is possible to detect that the detergent tank 15 is not stored in the detergent tank storage portion 14.

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

[0062] The magnetic sensor may be provided on the side surface of the detergent tank storage portion 14 that is far from the control device 19. Thereby, since the influence of the magnetic field generated in the electric circuit of the control device 19 can be reduced, the detection accuracy of the magnetic sensor can be improved.

[0063] A detergent discharge port 152 is provided at the lowermost end of the inner side surface of the detergent tank 15 on the back side 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 portion 14. When the detergent pump 16 operates, the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 15 is supplied into the cleaning tank 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 as to be 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 portion 14. FIG. 9 is a schematic front view showing a state in which the detergent tank 15 is being stored in or pulled out from the detergent tank storage portion 14.

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

[0066] The float 30 may be formed of a thermoplastic resin, metal, or the like. When the float 30 is formed of metal, a cavity may be provided inside in order for the float 30 to float on the liquid detergent. The float 30 and the arm 33 may be integrally formed or separately formed and joined. The arm 33 may be detachably supported by a rotation 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 such that the float 30 rotates in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the washing tub 1 is inserted into and removed from the housing 2. The detergent inlet 153 is provided at a position deviated from directly above the range in which the arm 33 rotates. By arranging the detergent inlet 153 in this way, the user can easily pour the detergent from the detergent inlet 153 without being obstructed 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 weights and are located at the lowest point. When liquid detergent is stored in the detergent tank 15, the float 30 floats according to the liquid level of the liquid detergent, and the arm 33 rotates upward about the rotation axis 32. At this time, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, the float 30 rotates approximately 50° toward the front side.

[0068] When using a high-viscosity liquid detergent, the sliding resistance between the arm 33 and the float 30 increases. Therefore, if the detergent is poured in from a direction opposite to the direction in which the float 30 rotates, it may be difficult for the float to follow the fluctuation of the liquid level. In addition, a load is likely to be applied to the float 30 and the arm 33, and the float 30 may stop moving. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the detergent inlet 153 is provided on the back side of the detergent tank 15, which is opposite to the front side in the direction in which the float 30 rotates. With this configuration, the inflow direction of the poured liquid detergent and the rotation direction of the float 30 are not opposite to each other, and even when the liquid detergent is poured from the detergent inlet 153, the sliding resistance applied to the float 30 is less likely to increase. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the float 30 from erroneously detecting the fluctuation of the liquid level.

[0069] In addition, the arm 33 is connected to the end of the float 30 in the depth direction of the detergent tank 15, in the direction opposite to the direction in which the float 30 rotates. When configured in this way, the length of the arm 33 becomes the longest. In this way, by making the length of the arm as long as possible, the distance when the float 30 rotates in an arc becomes the longest, that is, the sliding range of the float 30 becomes the largest. Therefore, compared with when the arm 33 is connected to the central part of the float 30 or the end part on the rotating direction side, the width of the liquid level that the float 30 can detect can be increased.

[0070] The rotation shaft 32 that pivotally supports the arm 33 is provided near the center in the depth direction of the detergent tank 15. Also, the arm 33 is connected to the rear end of the float 30 in the depth direction of the detergent tank 15, that is, in the direction opposite to the front side direction in which the float 30 rotates. Therefore, in a state where the float 30 and the arm 33 hang vertically downward due to their own weights, the float 30 will be located on the front side of the center.

[0071] FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing a state in which the detergent tank 15 is housed in the detergent tank housing portion 14. As shown in FIG. 7, a message portion 35 directed to the user may be provided on the cover 31 on the top surface of the detergent tank 15. Also, the message portion 35 may be at a position visible to the user on the cover 31, but it is particularly effective if it is displayed on the front side of the detergent tank 15 because it will surely come into view when the user pulls out the detergent tank 15.

[0072] The content described in the message portion 35 may particularly mean a content that calls attention regarding the detergent tank 15, or may be other messages directed to the user. The display method may be that a sticker is attached, or it may be printed or engraved on the cover 31 itself.

[0073] In the present embodiment, the message section 35 is provided on the front side of the cover 31 on the top surface of the detergent tank 15, and the detergent inlet 153 is provided on the back side thereof. Therefore, when the user pulls out the detergent tank 15, the message section 35 can always be seen.

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

[0075] Therefore, when the user inputs detergent from the detergent inlet 153 on the back side of the detergent tank 15, first, when the user pulls out the detergent tank 15 toward the front side, after checking the message section 35, the user opens the detergent lid portion 154. Then, the user starts to input the detergent. At this time, since there is nothing to obstruct directly below the detergent inlet 153, the user can easily input the detergent. After the detergent is input, the float 30 rotates upward toward the front side.

[0076] When the detergent is input, the detergent does not splash onto the float 30 and the arm 33. Therefore, it does not obstruct the input, and it is possible to avoid an increase in the sliding resistance of the float 30 and the arm 33, and it is possible to avoid the difficulty for the float 30 to follow the change in the liquid level. Therefore, false detection of the float 30 is less likely to occur, and it is less likely to induce a failure.

[0077] Assuming that the float 30 and the arm 33 are hanging vertically downward due to their own weights, the float 30 is rotated approximately 0 - 50° toward the front side. At this time, a stopper rib 36 is provided on the back surface of the cover 31 of the detergent tank 15. When the liquid detergent is stored in the detergent tank 15 as shown in FIG. 6, the float 30 is located at the rotated upward position, so it does not contact the stopper rib 36. When the liquid detergent is not stored in the detergent tank 15 as shown in FIG. 5, the float 30 hangs vertically downward due to its own weight and contacts the stopper rib 36 to maintain a stationary state.

[0078] When the washing tub 1 is inserted into and removed from the housing 2, or when the detergent tank 15 is inserted into and removed from the detergent tank storage portion 14, waves and vibrations occur in the inserted and removed directions. Here, when the float 30 contacts the stopper rib 36, the float 30 is blocked by the stopper rib 36 and thus is not rotated to the back side of the stopper rib 36. Therefore, the influence of waves and vibrations can be suppressed during the liquid level detection.

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

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

[0081] The cover 31 of the detergent tank 15 may be provided with an air vent that communicates with the outside. Since the cover 31 is provided to cover the opening of the detergent tank 15 in an airtight and liquidtight manner, when the liquid detergent is discharged from the detergent tank 15, the inside of the detergent tank 15 may become negative pressure, and the discharge of the liquid detergent may not proceed smoothly. By providing the air vent, when the liquid detergent is discharged from the detergent tank 15, outside air can flow into the detergent tank 15 through the air vent, so that the inside of the detergent tank 15 can be prevented from becoming negative pressure. Thereby, the reliability of the amount of the liquid detergent supplied from the detergent tank 15 into the washing tub 1 can be improved.

[0082] If the liquid detergent adheres to and solidifies at the air vent, the air vent may be blocked and the function of allowing outside air to flow into the detergent tank 15 may deteriorate, and an appropriate amount of the liquid detergent may not be supplied from the detergent tank 15 into the washing tub 1. In order to solve such a problem, in the dishwasher of the present embodiment, the air vent is provided above the moving range of the float 30 in the cover 31. Thereby, even when the liquid level of the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 15 is high and the liquid detergent splashes from the liquid surface and is likely to reach the air vent, the float 30 floats on the liquid surface directly below the air vent and cancels the wave of the liquid detergent, so that the liquid detergent can be prevented from reaching the air vent.

[0083] The protruding portion 34 shown in FIG. 5 and the like is provided such that at least a part of the float 30 or the arm 33 approaches or contacts the protruding portion 34 when the float 30 moves upward. When the liquid level of the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 15 is high, the float 30 rotates to a height at which the upper end of the float 30 contacts the protruding portion 34 as shown in FIG. 6. Thereby, waves are generated in the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 15 of the dishwasher, and even in a situation where the liquid level is difficult to measure, the protruding portion 34 is arranged, so that the sway of the float 30 can be suppressed. The protruding portion 34 may be provided so as to approach or contact at least a part of another member that moves together with the float 30 when the float 30 moves upward.

[0084] Even by the method of moving the float along a guide provided in the vertical direction, the liquid level of the liquid detergent can be detected, and there is a possibility of obtaining a wave damping effect. However, when using a highly viscous liquid detergent, the sliding resistance between the guide and the float increases, so it may be difficult for the float to follow the fluctuations in the liquid level. Also, when the liquid level of the liquid detergent drops, the liquid detergent adhering between the guide and the float may solidify and the float may stop moving. Furthermore, when the depth of the detergent tank is shallow, the moving range of the float is narrow, so the liquid level cannot be detected finely.

[0085] According to the configuration of the present embodiment, the arm 33 is pivotally supported by the pivot shaft 32 provided above the liquid surface of the liquid detergent, and the float 30 is rotated according to the liquid level. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the float 30 stops moving due to the solidification of the liquid detergent between the pivot shaft 32 and the arm 33. Also, since the float 30 is displaced both horizontally and vertically according to the liquid level, the liquid level can be detected more accurately.

[0086] In the dishwasher of the present embodiment, the pivot shaft 32 is provided parallel to the direction in which the washing tub 1 is inserted into and removed from the housing 2, and the detergent tank 15 is configured to be inserted in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the washing tub 1 is inserted into and removed from the housing 2. Further, the float 30 is configured to rotate in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the washing tub 1 is inserted into and removed from the housing 2. Thereby, when the washing tub 1 is inserted into and removed from the housing 2, the waves generated in the insertion and removal direction can be effectively canceled by the float 30, so that the adhesion of the liquid detergent to the air opening, the fitting portion of the pivot shaft 32, the arm 33, etc. can be suppressed. When the detergent tank 15 is inserted into and removed from the detergent tank storage portion 14, the waves generated in the insertion and removal direction can also be canceled by the float 30, so that the adhesion of the liquid detergent to the air opening, the fitting portion of the pivot shaft 32, the arm 33, etc. can be suppressed.

[0087] In another example, a 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 portion 14, and the float 30 may be configured to rotate in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the detergent tank 15 is inserted into and removed from the detergent tank storage portion 14. Thereby, when the detergent tank 30 is inserted into and removed from the detergent tank storage portion 14, the waves generated in the insertion and removal direction can be effectively canceled by the float 30, so that it is possible to suppress the adhesion of the liquid detergent to the atmosphere opening, the fitting portion of the rotation shaft 32, the arm 33, etc., and it is possible to suppress the liquid detergent from spilling out of the detergent tank 15 when the user replenishes the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 15. Also, when the cleaning tank 1 is inserted into and removed from the housing 2, the waves generated in the insertion and removal direction can be canceled by the float 30, so that it is possible to suppress the adhesion of the liquid detergent to the atmosphere opening, the fitting portion of the rotation shaft 32, the arm 33, etc.

[0088] [Configuration of check valve and detergent supply path] As shown in FIG. 9, the detergent discharge port 152 of the detergent tank 15 has a tank-side check valve 151 at the left end of the bottom surface of the detergent tank. That is, the detergent discharge port 152 is provided at the tip of the tank-side check valve 151, and the detergent in the detergent tank 15 is discharged from the detergent discharge port 152. FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of the detergent tank 15 being stored in or being pulled out of the detergent tank storage portion 14, and FIG. 10 shows a schematic view of the detergent tank 15 and the main body-side check valve 141 in FIG. 9.

[0089] On the other hand, the detergent tank storage portion 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, at the end opposite to the end that engages with the tank-side check valve 151, the main body-side check valve 141 and the detergent pump 16 are connected. When the main body-side check valve 141 of the detergent tank storage portion 14 engages with the tank-side check valve 151 and the claw 158 fits into the claw receiving portion on the inner surface of the detergent tank storage portion 14, the detergent tank 15 is stored in the detergent tank storage portion 14 is completed.

[0090] As shown in Fig. 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 are each blocked from leaking detergent at the tip of the check valve by a ring-shaped packing attached to the tip of the inner cylinder of each check valve, and are configured such that detergent does not leak in the independent state. This will be described in detail below with reference to Figs. 18 to 20.

[0091] Fig. 18 is a side cross-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 cross-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 cross-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 the 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 the outer cylinder 501 of the tank side check valve 151 will be described. The inner cylinder 502 of the tank side check valve 151 has a ring-shaped packing 504 attached to its tip, and is sealed by the inner surface of the outer cylinder 501 of the tank side check valve 151 coming into close contact with the ring-shaped packing 504 of the inner cylinder 502 of the tank side check valve 151. Since 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, a hollow passage 505 is formed between the outer cylinder 501 and the inner cylinder 502. However, in the independent state of the tank side check valve 151, the inner surface of the outer cylinder of the tank side check valve 151 has a depression 503 that constricts in the radial center direction only at the portion of the inner surface of the outer cylinder 501 of the tank side check valve 151 with which the ring-shaped packing 504 provided at the tip of the inner cylinder 502 of the tank side check valve 151 abuts, so the packing comes into close contact only when the check valve is independent.

[0094] Also, the passage 505 between the outer cylinder 501 and the inner cylinder 502 of the tank-side check valve 151 is filled with liquid detergent. The detergent filling the passage 505 is blocked in front of the recess 503 and the ring-shaped packing 504 when the check valve is independent. The inner cylinder 502 of the tank-side check valve 151 is provided with an elastic body such as a spring. When the detergent tank 15 is inserted into the detergent tank storage portion 14, the inner cylinder of the tank-side check valve 151 is pushed by the inner cylinder 402 of the main body-side check valve 141 and is configured to expand and contract.

[0095] On the other hand, the inner cylinder 402 of the main body-side check valve 141 shown in FIG. 10 has a hollow interior, and is configured such that liquid detergent is stored in the hollow portion of the inner cylinder. In the independent state of the main body-side check valve 141, only the tip portion 142 of the inner cylinder is visible. The inner cylinder 402 of the main body-side check valve 141 has a detergent inlet hole 403 in a part of its side surface. The detergent inlet hole 403 communicates with the hollow portion of the inner cylinder 402 of the main body-side check valve 141. A ring-shaped packing 404 is attached to the tip of the inner cylinder 402 of the main body-side check valve 141 further than the detergent inlet hole 403, and is sealed by being in close contact with the inner side surface of the outer cylinder 401 of the main body-side check valve 141 and the ring-shaped packing 404 of the inner cylinder 402 of the main body-side check valve 141. Here, two ring-shaped packings 404 are provided and are respectively arranged on both sides of the detergent inlet hole 403. Therefore, when the check valve is independent, the detergent filling near the detergent inlet hole 403 is blocked in front of the packing. The outer cylinder 401 of the main body-side check valve 141 is provided with an elastic body such as a spring. When the detergent tank 15 is inserted into the detergent tank storage portion 14, the outer cylinder of the main body-side check valve 141 is pushed by the outer cylinder of the tank-side check valve 151 and is configured to expand and contract.

[0096] Subsequently, the movement of the check valve when the tank-side check valve 151 and the main body-side check valve 141 engage will be described. When the detergent tank 15 is inserted into the detergent tank storage portion 14, first, as shown in FIG. 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 are fitted together. The outer cylinder 501 of the tank-side check valve 151 pushes and contracts the outer cylinder 401 of the main body-side check valve 141.

[0097] When the detergent tank 15 is further inserted into the rear, the outer cylinder 401 of the main body side check valve 141 further contracts, and the outer cylinder 401 is pushed deeper than the ring-shaped packing 404 at the tip of the inner cylinder 402, and the detergent inlet hole 403 of the main body side check valve 141 is exposed (see Fig. 19). At the same time, the inner cylinder 402 of the main body side check valve 141 pushes and contracts the inner cylinder 502 of the tank side check valve 151, so that the ring-shaped packing 504 at the tip of the inner cylinder 502 of the tank side check valve 151 is pushed back to the front side of the depression 503 of the outer cylinder 501 of the tank side check valve 151, and thus the passage 505 filled with the liquid detergent between the outer cylinder of the tank side check valve 151 and the inner cylinder of the tank side check valve 151 is exposed.

[0098] When the insertion of the detergent tank 15 is completed, the detergent inlet hole 403 exposed from the main body side check valve 141 and the passage 505 filled with the detergent pushed back and exposed communicate with each other, and the liquid detergent filled in 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 part 14 by the engagement of the main body side check valve 141 and the tank side check valve 151, a path for transferring the liquid detergent from the detergent discharge port 152 to the detergent tank storage part 14 side is formed.

[0099] Next, the sealing method between 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 and contracts, and the ring-shaped packing 404 provided at the tip of the main body side check valve 141 protrudes. Then, the protruding ring-shaped packing 404 is pressed against the inner side surface of the outer cylinder 501 of the tank side check valve 151 that has been pushed in and extended, so that the check valves are sealed with each other (see Figs. 19 and 20). Here, two ring-shaped packings 404 are provided at the tip of the main body side check valve 141. In particular, as the ring-shaped packing on the side provided deeper in the depth direction of the detergent tank 15 advances deeper 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, and it is configured in a constricted shape.

[0100] When the inner diameter of the cylindrical hole becomes smaller to a certain inner diameter, the inner diameter becomes constant. And when the ring-shaped packing 404 on the side provided on the back side reaches the position where the inner diameter of the cylindrical hole of the outer cylinder 501 becomes constant, the inner diameter of the cylindrical hole of the outer cylinder 501 is configured to be smaller than the diameter of the packing 404, and the packing is formed to be pushed into a hole having a diameter smaller than its own diameter. In this way, it is pressed and sealed between the outer cylinder 501 of the tank-side check valve 151 and the inner cylinder 401 of the main body-side check valve 141. The space between the sealed check valves is maintained in a vacuum state.

[0101] Here, when the range in which the inner diameter of the cylindrical hole of the outer cylinder 501 of the tank-side check valve 151 is constant is wide, or when the tip of the inner side surface of the outer cylinder 501 is configured without or with a small angle of flaring toward the back side, the tank-side check valve 151 is pushed into the main body-side check valve 141 and immediately biased, and a vacuum state is formed. Therefore, immediately after the tank-side check valve 151 is pushed in, it is difficult for the valves to come off. According to this configuration, even if the pushing force when inserting the detergent tank 15 is weak, since the valves are biased, detergent leakage can be prevented.

[0102] In this way, by pressing and sealing the tank-side check valve with the main body-side check valve, even when the detergent tank 15 is inserted into the detergent tank storage portion 14 and the 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. This can be achieved.

[0103] The configuration of this seal portion is not limited to the above example, and it may be configured such that the range in which the inner diameter of the cylindrical hole is constant is narrow. Or the tip of the inner surface of the outer cylinder 501 may be configured to be greatly angled in a flaring manner toward the back side. Or a hole for releasing the vacuum state may be provided at the tip of the inner surface of the outer cylinder 501 of the tank-side check valve 151. In these cases, since the tank-side check valve 151 is pushed into the body-side check valve 141 and does not immediately reach the range where the inner diameter of the cylindrical hole is constant, the valves are not biased only by pushing the tank-side check valve 151 a little. According to this configuration, it can be easily removed when removing the detergent tank 15 or when temporarily placing it without completing the insertion of the detergent tank 15, etc., so it is easy to handle.

[0104] [Lock configuration of tank-side check valve] According to the present embodiment, the tank-side check valve 151 is detachable, and the tank-side check valve 151 is fitted into the tank inner receiving port 159 in the detergent tank 15.

[0105] Since the tank-side check valve 151 is detachable as described above, the user can clean it arbitrarily. In particular, the tank-side check valve 151 has a mesh-like foreign matter catching part inside, and after removing foreign matter and dust with this mesh, it is configured to supply detergent to the body-side check valve 141. Therefore, the user can not only keep the check valve itself clean, but also remove the foreign matter in the foreign matter catching part by removing the tank-side check valve 151 from the detergent tank 15.

[0106] After the tank-side check valve 151 is removed from the detergent tank 15, when returning the check valve to the detergent tank 15, the tank-side check valve 151 is rotated like a cap, and the check valve is closed and fixed to the detergent tank 15 to prevent the detergent from leaking out between the tank-side check valve 151 and the tank inner receiving port 159. The fact that the tank-side check valve 151 is fixed and closed with respect to the tank inner receiving port 159 is hereinafter expressed as the check valve being locked.

[0107] If, by any chance, after the user removes the tank-side check valve 151 and forgets to lock it, 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 may come off and the detergent may leak out.

[0108] This locking mechanism is achieved by the fitting between the inclined protrusion 160 provided on the tank-side check valve 151 and the protrusion fitting hole provided at the tip of the tank inner receiving port 159. The inclined protrusion 160 is a protrusion having a gradient in the radial direction, and this inclined protrusion 160 rotates from the side with a lower gradient to the side with a higher gradient. On the other hand, the protrusion fitting hole has a gradient from the higher side to the lower side, opposite to the gradient of the inclined protrusion 160, at the end of the hole in the rotation direction of the inclined protrusion 160. And when the inclined protrusion 160 rotates to a position where the height of the radial gradient that increases exceeds the height of the radial gradient that decreases of the protrusion fitting hole, the inclined protrusion 160 can no longer rotate, and the tank-side check valve 151 cannot move in the rotation direction, depth direction, and vertical direction. Therefore, the tank-side check valve 151 is fixed to the tank inner receiving port 159.

[0109] The tank-side check valve 151 may be closed by the user himself / herself, or may be configured to be automatically locked when the detergent tank is inserted and set as described below. In the case of an automatically locking mechanism, even if the user inserts the detergent tank with the check valve left unclosed after simply inserting the check valve, the check valve is automatically locked during insertion, preventing the detergent from leaking between the tank-side check valve 151 and the tank inner receiving port 159.

[0110] Specifically, in order to rotate the inclined protrusion 160, a configuration may be adopted in which a part of the outer surface of the tank-side check valve 151 abuts against a part inside the detergent tank storage section 14.

[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 when the valve tip protrusion 157 is rotated, the entire tank-side check valve 151 rotates together with the inclined protrusion 160.

[0112] The valve tip protrusion 157 may be one or more, but in the present embodiment, a plurality of valve tip protrusions 157 are provided. Specifically, two valve tip protrusions 157 are provided at positions approximately 180° apart on the outer peripheral surface of the detergent discharge port 152. Since two valve tip protrusions 157 are provided, when the user inserts the tank side check valve 151, it is fitted at two locations, so the probability of fitting is doubled compared to the case of having one protrusion, and the labor during insertion can be reduced. Of course, two or more valve tip protrusions 157 may be provided.

[0113] Also, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13 etc., the valve tip protrusion 157 is formed in a flat plate shape that is perpendicular to the outer surface of the tank side check valve 151 having a cylindrical shape and extends in the radial direction. The flat plate of the valve tip protrusion 157 is rectangular, and among the two corners on the outer side in the radial direction of the rectangle, the inner corner is rounded by contacting a part inside the detergent tank storage part 14.

[0114] According to the present embodiment, the valve tip protrusion 157 rotates by contacting a part of the inner surface of the detergent tank storage part 14. Specifically, a protruding rib is provided on the inner surface of the detergent tank storage part 14. The valve tip protrusion 157 rotates by 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 during the attachment of the tank side check valve 151. In this way, the tank side check valve 151 is detached and attached.

[0116] When the valve tip protrusion 157 rotates by the rib, if the rib is formed in a shape along 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 the detergent discharge port 152 is cylindrical, the inner surface of the rib is formed in a curved shape along the cylindrical shape. Further, the operation of pushing in the tank side check valve 151 and the operation of the valve tip protrusion 157 coming into contact with the rib occur simultaneously. That is, since the valve tip protrusion 157 needs to rotate while advancing toward the back side, the rib is formed in a three-dimensional spiral shape such that a large curve is applied as it advances toward the back side. This spiral rib 143 has a stepped portion 144 with a spiral shape and a curved inner surface 145.

[0118] When the detergent tank 15 is inserted into the detergent tank storage portion 14, it slides toward the back side, and at the same time, the valve tip protrusion 157 rotates while coming into contact with the spiral rib 143. In particular, the spiral rib 143 has a tapered spiral-shaped stepped portion 144 such that a large curve is applied downward as it advances toward the back side in the depth direction. Therefore, when the tank side check valve 151 is pushed in, the valve tip protrusion 157 located above is guided while coming into contact with the tapered spiral step 144 and rotates downward. When the valve tip protrusion 157 reaches the back side end of the spiral rib 143, the tilt protrusion 160 finishes rotating to a position where it fits into the protrusion fitting hole, so that the tank side check valve 151 is locked to the tank inner receiving port 159.

[0119] That is, the spiral rib 143 is arranged such that the back side end portion of the spiral rib 143 is located when the tank side check valve 151 is in a position biased with the main body side check valve 141. Thus, in this embodiment, the spiral rib 143 is formed on the inner surface of the detergent tank storage portion 14, on the front side in the dishwasher, and on the back side in the depth direction of the detergent tank.

[0120] The state where the detergent tank 15 is inserted and the spiral rib 143 rotates is represented, for example, in the order of FIGS. 13, 14, and 7.

[0121] Note that FIG. 13 is a perspective view immediately before the valve tip protrusion 157 contacts the front end portion 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 protrusion 157 contacting the step 144 and being guided to rotate downward. And FIG. 15 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the tank side check valve 151 and the vicinity of the spiral rib 143.

[0122] If the detergent tank 15 is inserted into the detergent tank storage portion 14 and at the same time the tank side check valve 151 is automatically closed with respect to the detergent tank 15, even when the user is negligent in inserting the check valve or inserts it while forgetting to close it, it is possible to prevent the detergent from leaking between the tank side check valve 151 and the tank inner receiving port 159.

[0123] In the present embodiment, the tank side check valve 151 is rotated by the valve tip protrusion 157 to automatically lock, but it is not limited to this as long as it is locked so as to prevent the detergent from leaking. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the tank side check valve 151 is pushed in and at the same time fits into a fitting portion provided at the tank inner receiving port 159 with one touch and is locked, or a screw type such as on the edge of the cap instead of the valve tip protrusion may be provided and it may be rotated by different means.

[0124] Also, in the present embodiment, after the tank side check valve 151 is locked and the liquid detergent does not leak from the detergent tank 15, the tank side check valve 151 and the main body side check valve 141 are fitted and biased. However, this order may be a different configuration.

[0125] [Regarding the control method of the cleaning device] The control device 19 is realized by hardware such as a microcomputer, a microcontroller, and an integrated circuit.

[0126] The control device 19 includes a process control unit, a detection result acquisition unit, a liquid level determination unit, a detergent tank storage determination unit, a liquid feeding control unit, a notification unit, a leaving time acquisition unit, a liquid feeding target amount determination unit, a memory, and the like. These components are realized hardware-wise by the CPU, memory, and other LSIs of an arbitrary computer, and software-wise by a program loaded in the memory, etc. Here, however, functional blocks realized by their cooperation are depicted. Therefore, it is understood by those skilled in the art that these functional blocks can be realized in various forms such as by hardware alone or a combination of hardware and software.

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

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

[0129] The liquid level determination unit determines the liquid level of the liquid detergent stored in the detergent tank 15 based on the detection result acquired by the detection result acquisition unit. The liquid level determination unit may, for example, determine the position of the magnetic body based on the magnetism detected by a plurality of hall elements with different installation 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 the 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 the 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 feeding control unit controls the detergent pump 16 to feed the liquid detergent stored in the detergent tank 15 to the cleaning tank 1. As will be described later, the liquid feeding control unit controls the detergent pump 16 so that the amount of liquid detergent determined by the liquid feeding target amount determination unit is supplied to the cleaning tank 1. When the feeding of the amount of liquid detergent determined by the liquid feeding target amount determination unit is completed, the liquid feeding control unit records the liquid feeding end time in the 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 feeding control unit controls the detergent pump 16 so as not to feed the liquid detergent from the detergent tank 15 to the cleaning tank 1. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the cleaning process from being executed without the detergent being supplied to the cleaning tank 1. In addition, it is possible to prevent air from being sent into the flow path of the liquid detergent from the detergent tank 15 to the cleaning tank 1, which may cause the detergent of the liquid feeding target amount not to be properly supplied to the cleaning tank 1 when cleaning is executed after the next time.

[0133] [Effects, etc. in Embodiment 1] According to the cleaning apparatus according to Embodiment 1, the following effects can be obtained.

[0134] The dishwasher according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure includes a housing 2, a washing tub 1 provided in the housing 2 for accommodating an object to be washed, and a detergent tank 15 for storing a liquid detergent supplied to the washing tub 1. The detergent tank 15 has a detergent inlet 152 for pouring the liquid detergent into the detergent tank 15. In the detergent tank 15, a floating body floating in the liquid detergent is provided via an arm 33. The arm 33 is pivotally supported in the detergent tank 15 by a pivot shaft 32, and the detergent inlet 152 is provided at a position deviated from directly above the range in which the arm 33 rotates.

[0135] With such a configuration, when the user inputs the detergent, the floating body and the arm 33 do not get in the way, and the detergent can be easily input. Also, according to this arrangement, since the detergent is not poured from above the rotating arm 33, it is possible to avoid an increase in the sliding resistance of the floating body and the arm 33 and difficulty for the floating body to follow the fluctuation of the liquid level. Therefore, false detection of the floating body is less likely to occur, and it is less likely to induce a failure.

[0136] In the dishwasher according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, in a state where the arm 33 is suspended vertically downward and located at the lowest point, the arm 33 is connected at an end opposite to the rotating end of the floating body in the depth direction of the detergent tank 15.

[0137] With such a configuration, the length of the arm can be made as long as possible, so the sliding range of the float 30 can be increased. Therefore, the width of the liquid level that the float 30 can detect can be increased.

[0138] In the dishwasher according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, the detergent inlet 153 is provided on the top surface of the detergent tank 15, and the detergent inlet 153 is provided on the back side of the center in the depth direction of the detergent tank 15.

[0139] When there is a detergent inlet 153 in the front, there is a possibility that the detergent tank may be pulled out halfway and the detergent may be put in, resulting in a load being applied to the detergent tank storage section 14, or the detergent tank 15 may fall or the detergent may spill. However, with such a configuration, when the user puts detergent into the detergent tank 15, the detergent tank 15 will be completely pulled out to the front, so accidents like the above can be prevented.

[0140] In the dishwasher according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, the rotation shaft 32 is provided near the center in the depth direction of the detergent tank 15. In a state where the floating body is located at the lowest point, the floating body is provided on the front side of the center via the arm 33 in the depth direction of the detergent tank 15.

[0141] With such a configuration, while maintaining the length of the arm 33, since the float 30 and the arm 33 are not located directly below the detergent inlet 153, the user can easily put in the detergent.

[0142] In the dishwasher according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, on the outer surface of the top surface of the detergent tank 15, there is a message section 35 facing the user on the front side of the center in the depth direction of the detergent tank 15.

[0143] With such a configuration, when the user pulls out the detergent tank 15 to the front, the message section 35 located in front of the detergent inlet 153 can be surely confirmed.

[0144] In the dishwasher according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, the content of the message section 35 is a sticker with content meaning to arouse attention regarding the detergent tank 15.

[0145] With such a configuration, when the user pulls out the detergent tank 15 to the front, before putting in the detergent, the message section 35 for arousing attention can be surely confirmed.

[0146] In the dishwasher according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, the top surface of the detergent tank 15 has a stopper rib 36 on the back side, and the stopper rib 36 is disposed between the arm 33 and the detergent inlet 153 in the depth direction of the detergent tank 15. When the water level of the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 15 drops, the floating body rotates downward, and when the arm 33 abuts against the stopper rib 36, the floating body is in a state of being located at the lowest point.

[0147] With such a configuration, since the float 30 is not rotated to the back side of the stopper rib 36, the influence of waves and vibrations can be suppressed during liquid level detection. Further, within a range meaningful for liquid level detection, the sliding range of the float 30 can be maximized.

[0148] In the dishwasher according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, the floating body is rotatable in a direction opposite to the stopper rib 36 in the depth direction of the detergent tank 15.

[0149] With such a configuration, within a range meaningful for liquid level detection, the sliding range of the float 30 can be maximized.

[0150] (Embodiment 2) Hereinafter, Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. The general configuration is the same as that of Embodiment 1, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

[0151] [Configuration around the Detergent Tank] FIG. 16 is a front cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the detergent tank 15 when the detachable tray 200 is disposed under the bottom surface of the detergent tank 15. FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view of the vicinity of the detergent tank 15 when the tray 200 is disposed.

[0152] In Embodiment 2, the dishwasher is provided with a plate-like tray 200 on the bottom surface of the detergent tank 15 within the detergent tank storage section 14. By providing the tray 200, even if detergent accidentally leaks from the detergent tank 15, the check valve, or the tank inlet 159, the tray can catch the detergent without dripping into the dishwasher. Also, while it is difficult for the user to wipe up detergent that has leaked into the dishwasher 1, with the tray 200, the user can easily wipe it up.

[0153] Of course, when providing the tray 200, it is not necessary for the dishwasher to be equipped with a detachable check valve as in Embodiment 1. It is also useful for catching detergent that has dripped from the detergent tank 15 during detergent input, or for cleaning under the detergent tank 15 to keep it clean.

[0154] And the edge of the tray 200 has multiple levels of steps. Particularly in this embodiment, the edge of the tray 200 is divided into three heights: the first height 201, the second height 202, and the third height 203. The third height 203 located on 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 on the frontmost side is the lowest. These edges are provided on both sides of the tray.

[0155] When the height of the edge of the tray 200 is configured to be a uniform height that engages with the detergent tank 15, experiments have shown that when the detergent tank 15 is pulled out, the tray 200 may be caught and pulled out together. Therefore, by configuring the edge of the tray with multiple levels of height 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 forward.

[0156] Also, the edge of the back side surface, sandwiched between the two third heights 203 provided on both sides of the tray 200, It is configured such that the shape of the tip of the tank side check valve 151 fits. In the present embodiment, since the tip of the tank side check valve 151 has a cylindrical shape, a curved edge 204 is formed on the inner side surface, and the tip of the tank side check valve 151 is configured to easily fit in.

[0157] Furthermore, a spiral rib 143 for rotating the valve tip protrusion 157 may be formed on the tray 200. In particular, it may be provided on one side of the second height 202 or the third height 203, and may be configured to rotate the valve tip protrusion 157 when the detergent tank 15 is stored. Also, when the spiral rib 143 is provided at the edge of the tray 200, the rib 143 does not have to be spiral, and any protrusion having a shape that can rotate the valve tip protrusion 157 may be used.

[0158] However, not limited to these examples, the spiral rib 143 may have a configuration that can rotate the valve tip protrusion 157. Also, when there are a plurality of valve tip protrusions, any configuration that can rotate one or more of the plurality of protrusions may be used.

[0159] [Effects etc. in Embodiment 2] According to the cleaning device according to Embodiment 2, the following effects can be achieved.

[0160] The dishwasher according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure includes a housing 2, a cleaning tub 1 provided in the housing 2 for accommodating an object to be cleaned, and a detergent tank 15 for storing a liquid detergent supplied to the cleaning tub 1. The detergent tank 15 is removable from the detergent tank storage portion 14 in the housing 2. The detergent tank storage portion 14 has a plate-like tray 200 on the bottom surface, and the detergent tank 15 is installed on the tray 200.

[0161] With such a configuration, even if the detergent leaks from the detergent tank 15 or the check valve, the tray can receive the detergent without dripping into the dishwasher. Also, although it is difficult for the user to wipe off the detergent that has leaked into the dishwasher 1, the tray 200 allows the user to easily wipe it off and perform regular cleaning.

[0162] In the dishwasher according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, the tray 200 is detachable, and the height of the edge portion is formed in multiple stages.

[0163] With such a configuration, even if detergent leaks from the detergent tank 15 or the check valve, the detergent can be received by the tray 200 without dripping into the dishwasher. Further, when the tray 200 gets dirty, the user can pull out the tray 200 and easily wipe or clean it. And even if detergent leaks into the tray 200, since the edge portion has a height, it is possible to prevent the detergent from leaking out of the tray.

[0164] In the dishwasher according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, the edge portion of the tray 200 becomes higher toward the back side in the depth direction of the detergent tank 15.

[0165] With such a configuration, even if detergent leaks into the tray 200, since the edge portion has a height, it is possible to prevent the detergent from leaking out of the tray. Also, since the edge portion on the back side of the tray 200 is configured to be higher, it is possible to suppress the tray 200 from being unintentionally pulled out together with the detergent tank 15 when the detergent tank 15 is pulled out forward.

[0166] Note that the above-described embodiments are for exemplifying the technology in the present disclosure, and various changes, replacements, additions, omissions, etc. can be made within the scope of the claims or the equivalent scope thereof.

Industrial Applicability

[0167] The present disclosure is applicable to a cleaning device that can use detergent. Specifically, the present disclosure is applicable to a small dishwasher placed on a table, a large dishwasher incorporated in a system kitchen, a washing machine, and the like.

Explanation of Signs

[0168] 1 Cleaning tank 1a Opening 2 Housing 3 Door body 4 Handle 5 First rail 6 Second rail 7 Basket 8 Tableware 9 Circulation pump 10 Heater 11 Cleaning nozzle 12 Side wall 13 Front space part 14 Detergent tank storage part 15 Detergent tank 16 Detergent pump 17 Detergent discharge port for cleaning tank 18 Detergent discharge path for side of cleaning tank 19 Control device 23 Flat part 24 Operation part 25 Display part 30 Float 31 Cover 32 Rotation shaft 33 Arm 34 Protrusion 35 Message part 36 Stopper rib 37 Top surface protrusion 38 Step part 141 Body side check valve 142 Tip of inner cylinder 143 Spiral rib 144 Step part 145 Inner surface 151 Tank side check valve 152 Detergent discharge port 153 Detergent inlet 154 Detergent lid part 155 Tank handle 156 Feeding auxiliary slope 157 Valve tip protrusion 158 Claw 159 Tank inner receiving port 160 Inclined protrusion 200 Tray 201 First height part 202 Second height part 203 Third height portion 204 Curved edge 401 Outer cylinder of the main body side check valve 141 402 Inner cylinder of the main body side check valve 141 403 Detergent inlet hole 404 Ring-shaped packing 501 Outer cylinder of the tank side check valve 151 502 Inner cylinder of the tank side check valve 151 503 Depression 504 Ring-shaped packing 505 Passage

Claims

1. A housing, a washing tub provided in the housing for accommodating an object to be washed, a detergent tank for storing a liquid detergent supplied to the washing tub, and comprising, the detergent tank has a detergent inlet for introducing the liquid detergent into the detergent tank, a floating body floating in the liquid detergent is provided in the detergent tank via an arm, the arm is pivotally supported in the detergent tank by a pivot shaft, a dishwasher, wherein the detergent inlet is provided at a position deviated from directly above the range in which the arm rotates.

2. In a state where the arm hangs vertically downward and is located at the lowest point, the arm is connected at an end opposite to the rotating end of the floating body in the depth direction of the detergent tank. The dishwasher according to Claim 1.

3. The detergent inlet is provided on the top surface of the detergent tank, and the detergent inlet is provided on the back side of the center in the depth direction of the detergent tank. The dishwasher according to Claim 1 or 2.

4. The pivot shaft is provided near the center in the depth direction of the detergent tank, in a state where the floating body is located at the lowest point, the floating body is provided on the front side of the center via the arm in the depth direction of the detergent tank. The dishwasher according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

5. On the outer surface of the top surface of the detergent tank, there is a message portion facing the user on the front side of the center in the depth direction of the detergent tank. The dishwasher according to any one of Claims 1 to 4.

6. The content of the message portion is a sticker with content meaning to arouse attention regarding the detergent tank. The dishwasher according to any one of Claims 1 to 5.

7. The top surface of the detergent tank has a stopper rib on the back side, the stopper rib is disposed between the arm and the detergent inlet in the depth direction of the detergent tank, when the water level of the liquid detergent in the detergent tank drops, the floating body rotates downward, and when the arm abuts against the stopper rib, the floating body is in a state of being located at the lowest point. The dishwasher according to any one of Claims 1 to 6.

8. In the depth direction of the detergent tank, the floating body is rotatable in a direction opposite to the stopper rib. The dishwasher according to any one of Claims 1 to 7.

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