Dishwasher

Abstract

To enhance a convenience of a dishwasher.SOLUTION: A dishwasher 40 includes: a washing tank 2 for storing a washed object; a bubble detection part 35 for detecting a generation of more than a predefined amount of bubbles in the washing tank 2; a detergent tank 16 for storing a detergent for washing the washed object; and a control part 20 for controlling an input of the detergent stored in the detergent tank 16 into the washing tank 2 and a washing of the washed object. In a washing process for washing the washed object, when a generation of more than a predefined amount of bubbles is detected by the bubble detection part 35 during washing of the washed object by inputting the detergent stored in the detergent tank 16 into the washing tank 2, the control part 20 executes a defoaming process for defoaming the bubbles. When the bubble detection part 35 confirms that the amount of bubbles is less than the predefined amount, the control part re-inputs the detergent stored in the detergent tank 16 into the washing tank 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] There are various types of dishwashers available, including built-in types that are incorporated into system kitchens, tabletop types that can be placed on a table, and freestanding types that can be installed in a location that the user can choose.

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses a dishwasher that is configured such that when the water level detection means detects a drop in the water level while the cleaning means is operating, a foam confirmation process is carried out to operate the drainage means and water supply means, and if the foam detection means detects the generation of foam during the foam confirmation process, a defoaming process is carried out. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2010-110343 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the dishwasher disclosed in Patent Document 1, washing water containing detergent is discharged during the defoaming process, so the washing water after defoaming does not contain detergent, which may reduce the cleaning efficiency of the objects being washed.

[0006] The present disclosure provides techniques for improving the convenience of dishwashers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The dishwasher of the present disclosure includes a washing tub that contains items to be washed, a foam detection unit that detects the generation of a predetermined amount of foam in the washing tub, a detergent tank that stores detergent for washing the items to be washed, and a control unit that controls the pouring of the detergent stored in the detergent tank into the washing tub and the washing of the items to be washed. In a washing process for washing the items to be washed, if the foam detection unit detects the generation of a predetermined amount of foam or more while the detergent stored in the detergent tank is being poured into the washing tub to wash the items to be washed, the control unit executes a defoaming process to defoam the foam, and when the foam detection unit confirms that the amount of foam has fallen below the predetermined amount, the control unit re-adds the detergent stored in the detergent tank to the washing tub. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, the convenience of a dishwasher can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a dishwasher according to a first embodiment, seen from the side; [Figure 2] Functional configuration diagram of the dishwasher according to the first embodiment [Figure 3] A diagram to explain how the water level detection unit detects the water level. [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart showing the steps of a washing method executed in the dishwasher according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, unnecessary detailed description may be omitted. For example, detailed description of already well-known matters or redundant description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted.

[0011] 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.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0013] [1-1.Configuration] Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of dishwasher 40 according to embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of dishwasher 40 according to embodiment 1.

[0014] The main body 1 houses components such as a washing tank 2 for washing items such as dishes. The washing tank 2 is provided inside the main body 1 and houses items such as dishes. The door 3 opens and closes an opening 3a on the front of the main body 1.

[0015] The water supply valve 31 is provided in a water conduit for supplying water to the cleaning tank 2 from a water supply system or an external tank. The cleaning nozzle 4 is rotatably provided in the cleaning tank 2 and sprays cleaning water onto the object to be cleaned from multiple nozzles provided on its surface. The cleaning pump 6 sprays cleaning water from the cleaning nozzle 4. The cleaning pump 6 circulates cleaning water within the cleaning tank 2 by spraying cleaning water drawn in from a cleaning pump suction port provided in the water reservoir at the bottom of the cleaning tank 2 from the cleaning nozzle 4. The drain pump 13 discharges cleaning water from the cleaning tank 2 to the outside. The components such as the cleaning nozzle motor 32 for rotating the cleaning nozzle 4, the cleaning pump 6, the drain pump 13, and the water supply valve 31 are controlled by the control unit 20.

[0016] The detergent tank 16 stores liquid detergent for washing the objects to be washed. The detergent tank 16 includes an upper detergent tank portion 16a provided inside the washing tub 2 and a lower detergent tank portion 16b provided outside and below the washing tub 2. Since the heavy detergent tank 16 is provided below the washing tub 2, the stability of the main body 1 can be improved. Furthermore, compared to when the detergent tank 16 is provided on the door 3 or the like, the stability of the main body 1 can be improved when opening and closing the door 3. This improves user convenience. Furthermore, since the detergent tank 16 is provided below the washing nozzle 4, more objects to be washed can be accommodated in the washing tub 2. The detergent tank 16 may be provided so that the top surface of the upper detergent tank portion 16a is lower than the washing nozzle 4.

[0017] A detergent inlet 16c is provided in the detergent tank upper portion 16a for injecting liquid detergent into the detergent tank 16. Because the detergent inlet 16c is provided inside the washing tub 2, the liquid detergent can be easily injected into the detergent tank 16. Furthermore, even if the liquid detergent is spilled around the detergent inlet 16c when being injected into the detergent tank 16, the liquid detergent will simply spill inside the washing tub 2, so no particular problem will occur. This improves user convenience.

[0018] The detergent inlet 16c is provided near the opening 3a for accommodating the object to be washed inside the washing tank 2. This allows the liquid detergent to be easily poured into the detergent tank 16, improving user convenience.

[0019] The detergent tank upper portion 16a is made of a transparent or translucent material, which allows the liquid detergent inside the detergent tank upper portion 16a to be seen, thereby preventing the liquid detergent from overflowing when pouring the liquid detergent into the detergent tank 16.

[0020] A float unit 17 having a float 17a for detecting the liquid detergent level in the detergent tank 16 is provided in the detergent tank lower part 16b. The float 17a includes a magnet and is configured to float on the liquid detergent. A reed switch 18 provided near the side of the detergent tank lower part 16b detects the position of the magnet included in the float 17a. This makes it possible to detect the liquid detergent level inside the detergent tank 16. When the remaining amount of liquid detergent inside the detergent tank 16 falls below a predetermined value, the control unit notifies the user of this and prompts them to refill the liquid detergent.

[0021] At least one of the detergent tank upper part 16a, the detergent tank lower part 16b, and the float unit 17 may be provided detachably. This allows the user to remove and wash these components, improving ease of maintenance.

[0022] The detergent pump 21 dispenses liquid detergent stored inside the detergent tank 16 into the washing tub 2. A detergent inlet 22 for dispensing liquid detergent into the washing tub 2 is provided at the bottom of the washing tub 2. The detergent inlet 22 is provided at a position higher than the liquid level of the washing water in the washing process. This prevents the washing water from flowing back toward the detergent pump 21. If a water reservoir for collecting washing water is provided so as to protrude from the bottom of the washing tub 2, the detergent inlet 22 may be provided at a position higher than the water reservoir.

[0023] Filter 19a for capturing foreign matter is provided near detergent inlet 16c of detergent tank upper portion 16a. Filter 19b is provided below float unit 17. Filter 19c is provided below detergent tank lower portion 16b. This prevents foreign matter from being sucked into detergent pump 21, which could cause malfunction or damage to detergent pump 21. By providing filter 19c, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from being sucked into detergent pump 21 even if the user removes and washes float unit 17 and then installs float unit 17 without installing filter 19b. The mesh of filter 19a may be coarser than the mesh of filters 19b or 19c.

[0024] The water level gauge 33 is provided at the bottom of the cleaning tank 2 and measures the level of the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 2. The water level gauge 33 may be a differential pressure type water level gauge that outputs a signal representing the displacement of a diaphragm due to atmospheric pressure and water pressure acting on the water level gauge 33. Any type of water level gauge may be used as the water level gauge 33, such as a float type, a radio wave type, or a capacitance type.

[0025] The water level detection unit 34 detects the level of cleaning water in the cleaning tank 2 based on the signal output from the water level meter 33. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining how the water level detection unit 34 detects the water level. When there is no water in the cleaning tank 2, the water level detection unit 34 detects the OFF state, which indicates that the cleaning tank 2 does not contain a predetermined amount of water. When water is poured into the cleaning tank 2 and the pressure measured by the water level meter 33 exceeds a first threshold, the water level detection unit 34 detects the ON state, which indicates that the cleaning tank 2 contains more than a predetermined amount of water. When water is discharged from the cleaning tank 2 in the ON state and the differential pressure measured by the water level meter 33 falls below a second threshold, the water level detection unit 34 detects the OFF state. In FIG. 3, a thick solid line indicates the ON state, and a thick dashed line indicates the OFF state. The second threshold is lower than the first threshold. This makes it possible to suppress false detections due to noise, etc.

[0026] The foam detection unit 35 detects the presence of a predetermined amount or more of foam in the cleaning tank 2 based on the signal output from the water level meter 33 or the water level of the cleaning water detected by the water level detection unit 34. When foam is generated in the cleaning tank 2, the expansion of the foam pushes down the surface of the cleaning water, causing the water level measured by the water level meter 33 to drop. Therefore, when the cleaning process is being performed with the cleaning water at a water level higher than the first threshold, the foam detection unit 35 detects that a predetermined amount or more of foam has been generated in the cleaning tank 2 if the cleaning water level falls below a second threshold lower than the first threshold. By setting the second threshold lower than the first threshold, false detections due to noise, etc. can be suppressed. Note that the foam detection unit 35 may detect the presence of a predetermined amount or more of foam in the cleaning tank 2 based on any detection technology, such as an electrode sensor that detects water and foam, installed in a location where water and foam do not adhere during normal cleaning operation but where water and foam adhere when a predetermined amount or more of foam is generated.

[0027] The control unit 20 controls the washing, rinsing and drying processes of the dishwasher 40 by controlling components such as the water supply valve 31, detergent pump 21, washing pump 6, washing nozzle motor 32 and drain pump 13 based on signals and instructions obtained from sensors such as a water level gauge 33 and a user interface (not shown).

[0028] In the dishwasher 40, washing water is sprayed from the washing nozzle 4 onto the objects to be washed while the washing nozzle 4 is rotating during the washing process, which makes it easier for foam to be generated than when the user washes the objects by hand. Therefore, it is necessary to use a special liquid detergent that foams less than general kitchen detergents. However, if a user accidentally pours in an inappropriate detergent such as kitchen detergent, a large amount of foam will be generated during the washing process, and the foam may leak out of the washing tub 2.

[0029] When foam detection unit 35 detects that a predetermined amount or more of foam has been generated in washing tub 2, control unit 20 executes a defoaming process in which the washing water in washing tub 2 is temporarily drained and new water is introduced into washing tub 2 to eliminate the foam in washing tub 2. Since dishwasher 40 of embodiment 1 is equipped with detergent tank 16, after executing the defoaming process, detergent can be automatically added from detergent tank 16 to washing tub 2 to continue the washing process.

[0030] However, if an inappropriate detergent is mistakenly stored in the detergent tank 16, a large amount of foam will be generated every time the detergent stored in the detergent tank 16 is poured in unless the user replaces the detergent stored in the detergent tank 16 with an appropriate detergent.

[0031] To solve this problem, dishwasher 40 of the first embodiment executes a confirmation step to confirm the suitability of the detergent stored in detergent tank 16. The confirmation step will be described in detail below.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the steps of the washing method executed in the dishwasher 40 according to the first embodiment.

[0033] In the washing process, the control unit 20 supplies water to the washing tub 2 up to a first water level (S10). The control unit 20 opens the water supply valve 31 to introduce water into the washing tub 2, and closes the water supply valve 31 when the detection result by the water level detection unit 34 indicates the first water level. The control unit 20 operates the detergent pump 21 to add a predetermined amount of detergent to the washing tub 2 (S12). The control unit 20 controls the washing operation by operating the washing pump 6 to spray washing water from the washing nozzle 4 and operating the washing nozzle motor 32 to rotate the washing nozzle 4 (S14).

[0034] If the foam detection unit 35 detects that a predetermined amount or more of foam has been generated in the cleaning tank 2 during the cleaning operation (Y in S16), the control unit 20 stops the cleaning pump 6 and the cleaning nozzle motor 32 (S18) and checks whether the drop in the water level is due to the generation of foam. If excessive foam has been generated, stopping the cleaning operation will stop the generation of foam, causing the water level to rise. Therefore, if the detection result by the water level detection unit 34 returns to above the first threshold, the control unit 20 determines that a predetermined amount or more of foam has been generated (Y in S20). Note that if foam is detected based on detection technology such as the electrode sensor described above, the control unit 20 may determine that a predetermined amount or more of foam has been generated if foam is detected even when the cleaning operation is stopped.

[0035] The control unit 20 increments the counter stored in the memory 36 (S22). If the counter is less than two, i.e., if foam generation is confirmed for the first time (N in S24), the control unit 20 executes the defoaming process (S26). In the defoaming process, the control unit 20 operates the drain pump 13 to drain the cleaning water from the cleaning tank 2, and then opens the water supply valve 31 to introduce water into the cleaning tank 2. Here, the control unit 20 may operate the cleaning pump 6 and the cleaning nozzle motor 32 to wash away foam adhering to the upper part of the cleaning tank 2. The control unit 20 checks whether the foam in the cleaning tank 2 has disappeared based on the detection result by the foam detection unit 35. If the foam has not disappeared (Y in S28), the control unit 20 returns to S26 and repeats the defoaming process. If the foam has disappeared (N in S28), the control unit 20 returns to S10 and starts the cleaning process again from the beginning.

[0036] In S24, if the counter is equal to or greater than two, i.e., if a predetermined amount of foam or more is detected during two or more consecutive washing operations (Y in S24), the control unit 20 notifies the user via an alarm such as the display device 37 or the speaker 38 that an inappropriate detergent is stored in the detergent tank 16 (S30) and terminates the washing process as an error. When a predetermined amount of foam or more is detected for the first time, it cannot be determined that an inappropriate detergent is stored in the detergent tank 16, since foam may have been generated due to a foam-forming substance, such as egg, adhering to the object to be washed, or the user may have manually added an inappropriate detergent. However, in the second washing process, all washing water is discharged in the defoaming process after the predetermined amount of foam or more is detected the first time, so there is almost no foam-forming substance, such as egg, remaining in the washing tank 2. Furthermore, since the second washing process starts automatically, it is unlikely that the user manually added an inappropriate detergent. Therefore, if a predetermined amount or more of foam is detected two or more times in succession, it is highly likely that the wrong detergent is stored in the detergent tank 16. In this case, even if the defoaming process is performed and the washing process is repeated, a large amount of foam will be generated again as long as the wrong detergent remains in the detergent tank 16. Therefore, the control unit 20 notifies the user that an inappropriate detergent is stored in the detergent tank 16 and urges the user to change the detergent. This allows the dishwasher 40 to operate properly. At this time, the control unit 20 may or may not perform the defoaming process.

[0037] In S18, if the water level remains lower than the first threshold value even after the flushing operation is stopped, there is a possibility that a malfunction such as a leak of flush water or a false detection by the water level meter 33 has occurred. In this case, it may be determined that no foam has been generated (N in S20) and the process may return to S14 to resume the flushing operation, or it may be possible to notify the occurrence of an error and interrupt the flushing process. Note that when detecting foam using detection technology such as the electrode sensor described above, if no foam is detected when the flushing operation is stopped, the control unit 20 may determine that a predetermined amount of foam has not been generated and that there is a possibility that a malfunction such as a leak of flush water or a false detection by the foam detection unit 35 has occurred.

[0038] If it is not detected that a predetermined amount of foam or more has been generated in the cleaning tank 2 during the cleaning operation (N in S16), the control unit 20 opens the water supply valve 31 to introduce water into the cleaning tank 2 up to a second water level higher than the first water level (S32), and continues the cleaning operation (S34). Thereafter, the control unit 20 executes the cleaning process for a predetermined time, terminates the cleaning process, and subsequently executes the rinsing process and the drying process.

[0039] Dishwasher 40 of embodiment 1 checks in advance whether a predetermined amount or more of foam is generated at a first water level that is lower than the second water level, thereby reducing the amount of water used in the confirmation process to check whether the detergent is suitable.

[0040] In another example, the second water level may be lower than the first water level. In this case, as will be described in the next paragraph, for example, by operating the detergent pump 21 after changing the water level to the second water level to add detergent to the washing tank 2, the concentration of the detergent can be increased, thereby improving the washing efficiency.

[0041] In S12, a smaller amount of detergent than that required for the washing step may be dispensed into the washing tank 2. This reduces the amount of foam generated, even if the wrong detergent is stored in the detergent tank 16 and foam is generated, thereby reducing the amount of water used in the defoaming step. In this case, the control unit 20 operates the detergent pump 21 to dispense the remaining detergent into the washing tank 2 before performing the washing operation in S34.

[0042] The checking step (S10 to S16) for checking the suitability of the detergent may be performed multiple times. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent a large amount of foam from being generated during the washing step due to the use of an inappropriate detergent. The first water level may be changed during multiple checking steps. For example, the first water level may be gradually increased or decreased. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of foam generated and the amount of water used.

[0043] The cleaning step (S32 to S34) after the checking step may be performed multiple times. This makes it possible to more reliably remove dirt from the object to be cleaned. The second water level may be changed during multiple cleaning steps. For example, the second water level may be gradually increased or decreased. This makes it possible to improve cleaning efficiency while reducing the amount of water used.

[0044] [1-2. Operation] The operation and function of the dishwasher 40 configured as described above will be explained below. The user opens the door 3 and places items to be washed, such as dishes, in the washing tub 2. After setting the operation program using the operation unit (not shown), the user operates the start button (not shown) to start the washing operation. Based on the operation program, the control unit 20 executes the above-mentioned confirmation process, washing process, rinsing process, and drying process in that order.

[0045] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in this embodiment, dishwasher 40 includes washing tub 2 for accommodating items to be washed, foam detection unit 35 for detecting the generation of a predetermined amount of foam in washing tub 2, detergent tank 16 for storing detergent for washing the items, and control unit 20 for controlling the pouring of the detergent stored in detergent tank 16 into washing tub 2 and the washing of the items. During the washing process for washing the items, when the detergent stored in detergent tank 16 is poured into washing tub 2 to wash the items, and foam detection unit 35 detects the generation of a predetermined amount of foam or more, control unit 20 executes a defoaming process for defoaming the foam, and when foam detection unit 35 confirms that the amount of foam has fallen below the predetermined amount, it re-adds the detergent stored in detergent tank 16 to washing tub 2. This improves the washing efficiency of dishwasher 40 and improves user convenience.

[0046] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the foam detection unit 35 detects again that a predetermined amount or more of foam has been generated after detergent has been recharged into the washing tub 2, the control unit 20 will notify the user that an inappropriate detergent is stored in the detergent tank 16. This will prompt the user to change the detergent, thereby reducing the amount of water used to eliminate foam.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 20 resumes the washing process if the foam detection unit 35 does not detect the generation of a predetermined amount of foam or more after the detergent is recharged into the washing tub 2. This improves the washing efficiency of the dishwasher 40 and improves user convenience.

[0048] In the present embodiment, the defoaming step includes a step of supplying water to the cleaning tank 2 and a step of discharging water from the cleaning tank 2. This can improve the cleaning efficiency of the dishwasher 40 and improve user convenience.

[0049] (Other embodiments) As described above, the first embodiment has been described as an example of the technology disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the components described in the first embodiment above to create new embodiments.

[0050] Therefore, other embodiments will be exemplified below.

[0051] In the first embodiment, a tabletop or stand-alone dishwasher has been mainly described, but the technology of the present disclosure can also be applied to a built-in dishwasher that is incorporated into a system kitchen.

[0052] (Addendum) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques. (Technology 1) a cleaning tank in which the object to be cleaned is accommodated; a foam detector that detects whether a predetermined amount or more of foam has been generated in the cleaning tank; a detergent tank for storing a detergent for cleaning the object to be cleaned; a control unit that controls the pouring of the detergent stored in the detergent tank into the cleaning tank and the cleaning of the object to be cleaned; Equipped with In the washing step of washing the object to be washed, when the foam detection unit detects generation of foam of the predetermined amount or more while the detergent stored in the detergent tank is poured into the washing tub to wash the object to be washed, the control unit executes a defoaming step of defoaming the foam, and when it is confirmed by the foam detection unit that the amount of foam has become less than the predetermined amount, the control unit re-pours the detergent stored in the detergent tank into the washing tub. Dishwasher. This can improve the cleaning efficiency of the dishwasher 40 and improve convenience for the user. (Technology 2) When the foam detection unit detects again the generation of foam of the predetermined amount or more after the detergent is re-added to the washing tank, the control unit notifies that an inappropriate detergent is stored in the detergent tank. The dishwasher according to Art 1. This encourages the user to change the detergent, thereby reducing the amount of water used to defoam. (Technology 3) The control unit restarts the washing process when the foam detection unit does not detect generation of foam of the predetermined amount or more after the detergent is re-added to the washing tank. The dishwasher according to Art 1 or 2. This can improve the cleaning efficiency of the dishwasher 40 and improve convenience for the user. (Technology 4) The defoaming step includes a step of supplying water to the cleaning tank and a step of discharging the water from the cleaning tank. A dishwasher according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3. This can improve the cleaning efficiency of the dishwasher 40 and improve convenience for the user. [Industrial Applicability]

[0053] The present invention can be used in a dishwasher for washing items to be washed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 1 Main unit 2 Cleaning tank 3 doors 3a opening 4 Cleaning nozzle 6. Cleaning pump 13. Drainage pump 16 Detergent tank 16a Detergent tank top 16b Lower part of detergent tank 16c Detergent inlet 17 Float Unit 17a Float 18 Reed Switch 19a filter 19b Filter 19c filter 20 Control Unit 21 Detergent pump 22 Detergent dispenser 31 Water supply valve 32 Cleaning nozzle motor 34 Water level detection unit 35 Bubble detection unit 36 memory 37 Display device 38 speakers 40 Dishwasher

Claims

1. a cleaning tank in which the object to be cleaned is accommodated; a foam detector that detects whether a predetermined amount or more of foam has been generated in the cleaning tank; a detergent tank for storing a detergent for cleaning the object to be cleaned; a control unit that controls the pouring of the detergent stored in the detergent tank into the cleaning tank and the cleaning of the object to be cleaned; Equipped with In the washing step of washing the object to be washed, when the foam detection unit detects generation of foam of the predetermined amount or more while the detergent stored in the detergent tank is poured into the washing tub to wash the object to be washed, the control unit executes a defoaming step of defoaming the foam, and when it is confirmed by the foam detection unit that the amount of foam has become less than the predetermined amount, the control unit re-pours the detergent stored in the detergent tank into the washing tub. Dishwasher.

2. When the foam detection unit detects again the generation of foam of the predetermined amount or more after the detergent is re-added to the washing tank, the control unit notifies that an inappropriate detergent is stored in the detergent tank.

2. The dishwasher of claim 1.

3. The control unit restarts the washing process when the foam detection unit does not detect generation of foam of the predetermined amount or more after the detergent is re-added to the washing tank.

2. The dishwasher of claim 1.

4. The defoaming step includes a step of supplying water to the cleaning tank and a step of discharging the water from the cleaning tank. A dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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