Dishwasher

Abstract

To wash a residue filter more reliably with a simple configuration and inhibit a residue from remaining in the residue filter.SOLUTION: A dishwasher is configured so that a residue contained in washing water flowing into a water reservoir part after the washing water is injected to an object to be washed is captured by a residue filter, and the captured residue is discharged together with the washing water when the washing water is discharged outside a housing through a drain channel. The water reservoir part is provided with a water injection part for washing the residue filter. The residue filter includes a guide part for guiding the injected water from the water injection part, and the residue filter is washed by causing the injected water from the water injection part to come in contact with the guide part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a dishwasher that washes items such as dishes stored in a washing tub. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventional dishwashers are equipped with a washing tub that holds dishes. A washing pump is installed at the bottom of the washing tub, sucking water from the bottom and spraying it into the washing tub. A drain pump sucks water from the bottom of the washing tub and drains it outside the machine through a drainage channel. The residue filter is composed of a residue basket, a metal plate, and a metal mesh section. The residue basket collects large food residue during washing and drainage. The metal plate has a sloped section and drainage holes that allow residue to flow into the residue basket. The metal mesh section prevents residue from entering the washing pump. A water injection pipe, which serves as a water injection means, is installed around the outer periphery of the metal mesh section and sprays water from the outside to the inside to remove residue adhering to the metal mesh section.

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

[0004] With this configuration, small food residues adhering to the residue filter are washed away to the inside of the metal mesh, so that after washing is complete, the odor of food residue does not remain inside the dishwasher and does not transfer to dishes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

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

[0006] Conventional dishwashers spray water from the outside onto the mesh that makes up the residue filter to remove residue that has adhered to the mesh. However, spraying water onto the entire mesh from the outside requires a considerable number of spray nozzles around the mesh or a design in which the spray nozzles move around the periphery. This creates a problem in that the spraying means is complicated in design.

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

[0008] The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems and aims to provide a dishwasher that is configured so that spray water reaches almost the entire inner surface of the residue filter, thereby directly cleaning almost the entire inner surface of the residue filter and preventing residue from remaining on the inner surface of the residue filter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the dishwasher of the present invention comprises a housing, a washing tub located within the housing for containing items to be washed, a water reservoir section located at the bottom of the washing tub, a residue filter installed in the water reservoir section, a washing nozzle for spraying washing water onto the items to be washed, and a drainage channel connecting the water reservoir section to the outside of the housing, and is configured so that the residue filter captures residue contained in the washing water that flows into the water reservoir section after being sprayed onto the items to be washed, and the captured residue is discharged together with the washing water when the washing water is discharged outside the housing through the drainage channel, the water reservoir section is equipped with a water injection section for cleaning the residue filter, and the residue filter has a guide section for guiding water poured from the water injection section, and the residue filter is cleaned by bringing water poured from the water injection section into contact with the guide section.

[0010] With this configuration, even if residue captured by the residue filter during the washing process remains attached to the residue filter, the remaining residue can be washed away by pouring water in the subsequent rinsing operation, etc. This allows the residue filter to be washed more reliably with a simple configuration compared to conventional technology that washes the residue filter from the outside, and makes it possible to prevent residue from remaining on the residue filter. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The dishwasher of the present invention has a simple configuration and can more reliably clean the inner surface of the residue filter, thereby suppressing residue from remaining on the residue filter. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a dishwasher according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing the flow of water poured into a residue filter of a dishwasher according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA showing the flow of water poured into the residue filter of the dishwasher according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]FIG. 1 is a bottom view showing the flow of water poured into the residue filter of the dishwasher according to the first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing the flow of water poured into the residue filter of the dishwasher according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. BB cross-sectional view showing the flow of water poured into the residue filter of the dishwasher according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a dishwasher according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8A] Diagram showing the configuration of a water divider [Figure 8B] Diagram showing the configuration of a water divider [Figure 9A] A diagram showing how residue is captured by the residue filter. [Figure 9B] A diagram showing how residue is captured by the residue filter. [Figure 9C] A diagram showing how residue is captured by the residue filter. [Figure 10A] Diagram showing the relationship between the water inlet and the circulating water channel suction port [Figure 10B] Diagram showing the relationship between the water inlet and the circulating water channel suction port [Figure 10C] Diagram showing the relationship between the water inlet and the circulating water channel suction port [Figure 11] A diagram showing the angle of cleaning water discharged from the discharge port [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling a dishwasher according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a timing chart showing the states of each component of the dishwasher according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The dishwasher of the first invention comprises a housing, a washing tub located within the housing for containing items to be washed, a water reservoir provided at the bottom of the washing tub, a residue filter installed in the water reservoir, a washing nozzle for spraying washing water onto the items to be washed, and a drainage channel connecting the water reservoir to the outside of the housing, and is configured so that the residue filter captures residue contained in the washing water that flows into the water reservoir after being sprayed onto the items to be washed, and the captured residue is discharged together with the washing water when the washing water is discharged outside the housing through the drainage channel, the water reservoir is equipped with a water injection section for cleaning the residue filter, and the residue filter has a guide section for guiding water poured from the water injection section, and the residue filter is cleaned by bringing water poured from the water injection section into contact with the guide section.

[0014] With this configuration, even if residue trapped by the residue filter during the washing operation remains attached to the residue filter, the remaining residue can be washed away by pouring water in. Compared to conventional technology in which water is poured from the outside of the mesh part of the filter, this simple configuration allows for almost the entire residue filter to be washed, and it is possible to prevent residue from remaining on the residue filter.

[0015] In the second invention, particularly in the first invention, the guide portion is composed of a wall surface that protrudes along the inner surface of the residue filter, and is configured to inject water from the water injection portion along the lower side of the wall surface.

[0016] This configuration creates a swirling flow along the inner surface of the mesh part of the residue filter during the water injection operation, cleaning almost the entire inner surface of the residue filter and preventing residue from remaining on the inner surface of the residue filter. In addition, by performing the drainage operation in conjunction with the water injection operation, residue can be effectively removed.

[0017] The third invention is particularly related to the first invention, in which the guide portion is configured as a ring-shaped flow path along the inner surface of the residue filter, has a plurality of discharge outlets on the underside of the flow path, and is configured to inject water from the water injection portion into the flow path and the discharge outlets.

[0018] This configuration allows the water to flow toward the inside of the mesh of the residue filter during the water injection operation, or to flow in a substantially vertical direction along the inside of the mesh, cleaning the entire inner surface of the residue filter and preventing residue from remaining on the inner surface of the residue filter. Furthermore, by performing a drainage operation in conjunction with the water injection operation, the residue can be effectively removed.

[0019] The fourth invention, particularly in any one of the first to third inventions, is provided with a water supply section that supplies water to the water injection section from outside, and water supplied from outside the dishwasher is used as a water source for injecting water into the water injection section.

[0020] With this configuration, even if residue captured by the residue filter during the washing process remains attached to the inner surface of the residue filter, the water supply operation during the subsequent rinsing process, etc., can clean almost the entire inner surface of the residue filter, thereby preventing residue from remaining on the residue filter.

[0021] The fifth invention, particularly in any of the first to third inventions, is provided with a circulating water channel that connects the water reservoir and the cleaning nozzle, and a cleaning pump that is provided in the circulating water channel and sends the cleaning water in the water reservoir to the cleaning nozzle, and uses water supplied from the circulating water channel as a water source for injecting water into the water injection section.

[0022] With this configuration, even if residue captured by the residue filter during the washing process remains attached to the inner surface of the residue filter, the residue filter can be washed without using excess cleaning water, using the cleaning water already supplied to the cleaning tank during the washing process or the cleaning water to be supplied to the cleaning tank for the subsequent rinsing process, etc., thereby preventing residue from remaining on the residue filter.

[0023] A sixth invention is particularly the fifth invention in which a drain pump for draining flush water through a drainage channel is driven, and then flush water is injected from the circulating water channel into the water injection section by a flush pump.

[0024] This configuration allows the residue adhering to the residue filter to be quickly and efficiently discharged to the outside, thereby reducing the amount of residue remaining on the residue filter.

[0025] In a seventh aspect of the present invention, particularly in the sixth aspect, the flush pump is stopped before the drain pump is stopped.

[0026] This configuration allows the residue adhering to the residue filter to be more reliably discharged to the outside, thereby reducing the amount of residue remaining on the residue filter.

[0027] In an eighth aspect of the present invention, particularly in any one of the fifth to seventh aspects, the water injection section is positioned in a position that is not near the suction port for sucking flush water in the water reservoir into the flush pump.

[0028] With this configuration, even if residue accumulates in the residue filter, the cleaning water containing the residue can be prevented from being sucked into the cleaning pump from outside the residue filter via the water injection section, so that the residue can be efficiently captured by the residue filter.

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0030] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a dishwasher according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows the dishwasher built into a system kitchen SK. In the description of each embodiment, as shown in the figure, the front direction is the direction in which the door 5 and washing tub 2 are pulled out, and the rear direction is the direction in which the washing tub 2 is retracted and the door 5 is closed. In addition, the side on which the dishwasher is installed is referred to as the bottom, and the opposite side as the top. Furthermore, the right side as viewed from the front of the door 5 is referred to as the right, and the left side as the left.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, the dishwasher of this embodiment includes a housing 1, a washing tub 2, a washing device 3, a water supply section 4, a door body 5, a drain section 7, and the like.

[0032] The housing 1 has a front opening on its front side. The washing tub 2 contains a dish basket 6, a washing nozzle 3c, a water reservoir 8, a residue filter 9, and other components. The washing tub 2 is installed inside the housing 1 so that it can be moved in and out in the front-to-rear direction. The washing tub 2 has a top opening 2a on its top surface. When the washing tub 2 is housed in the housing 1, the top opening 2a is closed by an inner lid 10 disposed inside the housing 1. The inner lid 10 moves up and down by a link mechanism 11 in conjunction with the insertion and removal of the washing tub 2. A seal 12 made of a deformable hollow rubber tube is provided around the periphery of the top opening 2a. When the washing tub 2 is housed in the housing 1, the seal 12 is compressed by the descending inner lid 10, sealing the top opening 2a.

[0033] The dish basket 6 holds dishes and other items to be washed 13. The door 5 is provided at the front of the washing tub 2 and covers the front of the housing 1 when stored. The water supply unit 4 includes a water supply channel 4a and a water supply valve 4b. The water supply channel 4a is connected to a water pipe (not shown). The water supply valve 4b is provided on the water supply channel 4a at the rear inside the housing 1. The water supply valve 4b branches so that when opened, tap water to be used as washing water can be supplied to at least either the washing tub 2 or the residue filter 9 in the water reservoir 8. By switching the opening and closing of the water supply valve 4b, water can be supplied to either the washing tub 2 or the water reservoir 8, or both. The water supply valve 4b may be configured as a water supply pump.

[0034] The washing device 3 includes a circulating water channel 3a, a washing pump 3b, a washing nozzle 3c, etc., and washes the object to be washed 13. The circulating water channel 3a connects the water reservoir 8 with the washing nozzle 3c. The washing pump 3b is provided in the circulating water channel 3a and is fixed to the outside of the bottom 2b of the washing tank. The suction side of the washing pump 3b is connected to the water reservoir 8, and circulates the washing water from which residue has been removed by the residue filter 9.

[0035] The washing nozzle 3c is provided on the bottom 2b of the washing tank. The washing pump 3b pressure-feeds washing water to the washing nozzle 3c. The washing nozzle 3c rotates due to the reaction force of the pressure-feed washing water, while spraying the washing water towards the object 13 to be washed. In other words, the washing pump 3b pressurizes the washing water stored in the washing tank 2 and supplies it to the washing nozzle 3c. The washing water sprayed from the washing nozzle 3c collides with the object 13 to remove dirt and perform cleaning. The washing water includes a washing liquid containing detergent that is sprayed onto the object 13 to be washed, and rinsing water for rinsing the object 13 to be washed.

[0036] The water reservoir 8 is provided at the bottom 2b of the cleaning tank 2. The residue filter 9 is detachably provided in the water reservoir 8 and captures residue washed and removed from the object 13 to be cleaned. The water reservoir 8 and the residue filter 9 will be described in detail later. The residue filter 9 may be fixed to the water reservoir 8 and not detachable. A heater (not shown) is provided at the bottom 2b of the cleaning tank and heats the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 2 during the washing process or rinsing process. The heater heats the drying air in the cleaning tank 2 during the drying process. A temperature sensor (not shown) is provided on the outside of the bottom 2b of the cleaning tank and detects the temperature of the cleaning tank 2. A detergent supply device (not shown) that supplies detergent into the cleaning tank 2 is provided on the side of the cleaning tank 2 opposite the door body 5.

[0037] Drain unit 7 discharges flush water that flows into water reservoir 8 outside housing 1. Drain unit 7 includes drain channel 7a, drain pump 7b, and drain outlet 7c. Note that drain pump 7b may be configured to be able to substitute for flush pump 3b as a drain pump by reversing the direction of rotation of the motor during circulation. Alternatively, a drain valve may be provided in place of drain pump 7b, and flush water may be drained by gravity by opening the drain valve.

[0038] The control unit 17 that controls the washing operation is provided inside the door body 5. The control unit 17 sequentially controls a washing process for washing the object 13 to be washed, a rinsing process for rinsing off detergent and residues adhering to the object 13 to be washed, and a drying process for drying the object 13 after rinsing, thereby performing the washing operation. To carry out.

[0039] Next, the configuration of the water reservoir 8 provided in the bottom 2b of the cleaning tank, and the water injection unit 14 and residue filter 9 provided in the water reservoir 8 will be described in detail.

[0040] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing the flow of water poured into the residue filter of the dishwasher in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] 2, a water reservoir 8 is recessed in the bottom 2b of the washing tank to store the washing water supplied during the washing and rinsing steps. The water reservoir 8 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape.

[0042] A water injection part 14 (water injection port 14a) which serves as an outlet of the water supply passage 4a is provided on the side surface of the water reservoir part 8 so as to protrude toward the inner surface side of the residue filter 9.

[0043] The mesh portion 9c of the residue filter 9 is formed, for example, from stainless steel punched metal, and is formed by attaching a mesh member with fine openings, such as a plain-woven wire mesh (for example, 50 mesh to 100 mesh, or a mesh with square holes of about 0.28 mm), to the peripheral side of a cylindrical grid. The residue captured by the residue filter 9 is discharged outside the housing 1 together with the flushing water when draining. However, the residue and dirt captured by the residue filter 9 may remain attached to the residue filter 9 and cause the mesh member to become clogged.

[0044] The upper part of the residue filter 9 is provided with a hole into which the water inlet 14a is inserted, and a gap is provided between the side of the residue filter 9 and the inside of the water reservoir 8, so that by moving the residue filter 9 in the direction of the gap opposite the water inlet 14a, it can be removed from the water inlet 14, and the residue filter 9 can also be removed from the water reservoir 8. Similarly, by using this gap to insert the residue filter 9 into the water reservoir 8 and then inserting the water inlet 14 into the hole on the side of the residue filter 9, the residue filter 9 can be installed.

[0045] The dishwasher of this embodiment is configured as described above.

[0046] Next, the use and operation of a dishwasher having the above configuration will be described. First, a user grasps the handle 5a of the door body 5 and pulls out the washing tub 2 from the housing 1 of the dishwasher. At this time, the inner lid 10 rises by the link mechanism 11 in conjunction with the pulling out of the washing tub 2 and moves away from the top opening 2a. Next, the user places dishes or other items to be washed 13 into the dish basket 6 through the top opening 2a of the washing tub 2. Then, a predetermined amount of detergent is poured into the detergent supply device (not shown) in the washing tub 2. Next, the user pushes the washing tub 2 into the housing 1 and closes the door body 5. At this time, the inner lid 10 descends by the link mechanism 11 in conjunction with the pushing in of the washing tub 2, compressing the seal portion 12 and sealing the top opening 2a.

[0047] The user sets an operation program using an operation unit (not shown) connected to the control unit 17, and then operates a start button (not shown) to start the washing operation. This causes the control unit 17 to execute the washing operation based on the operation program. The control unit 17 executes the washing process, rinsing process, and drying process in order using the method described below.

[0048] First, the washing process of the washing operation will be explained. First, the control unit 17 operates the water supply valve 4b to control the water supply valve 4b so as to supply water to the washing tank 2, and a predetermined amount of washing water is supplied to the washing tank 2. When the water supply is completed, detergent is added by a detergent supply device (not shown). Then, the washing pump 3b is driven to pump the washing water, and the washing water is sprayed from the washing nozzle 3c arranged on the bottom 2b of the washing tank, and the washing water is circulated. The control unit 17 energizes the heater (not shown) while circulating the washing water, and heats the washing water. At this time, the control unit 17 uses a temperature sensor The temperature of the washing water is detected by a sensor (not shown) through the wall of the bottom part 2b of the washing tank, and the control part 17 controls the washing water to maintain a predetermined temperature.

[0049] The sprayed cleaning water washes away dirt from the object 13, passes through the residue filter 9 and the water reservoir 8, and is sucked back into the cleaning pump 3b. At this time, the residue contained in the cleaning water is captured by the residue filter 9. The cleaning pump 3b pumps out the sucked cleaning water and supplies it to the cleaning nozzle 3c. In other words, the cleaning water circulates as described above to wash the object 13. The control unit 17 performs the above-described circulation operation for a predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes).

[0050] When the circulation operation is completed, the control unit 17 discharges the cleaning water containing the dirt out of the housing 1. At this time, the residue captured by the residue filter 9 is discharged together with the cleaning water out of the housing 1. Then, the control unit 17 ends the washing process and starts the rinsing process, and newly supplies cleaning water into the cleaning tank 2.

[0051] Next, the control unit 17 operates the washing pump 3b, as in the washing process, to spray new washing water from the washing nozzle 3c toward the object 13 to be washed. The washing water then washes away any remaining detergent and residue from the object 13 to be washed. At this time, the control unit 17 repeats operations such as draining and supplying washing water multiple times (for example, two to three times) to perform the rinsing process. In particular, in the final rinsing operation, heated rinsing is performed, in which the washing water is heated to a high temperature. This heats the object 13 to be washed and the inside of the washing tank 2 to a high temperature, accelerating the evaporation of water in the drying process.

[0052] Then, when the rinsing step is completed, the control unit 17 performs the drying step. The control unit 17 controls the blower fan (not shown) and the heater (not shown) to heat the air introduced into the washing tank 2 while discharging the moist air in the washing tank 2 through a communication passage (not shown), thereby drying the items to be washed 13. The control unit 17 performs the drying step for a predetermined time (e.g., 30 minutes), and then ends the washing operation of the dishwasher.

[0053] Next, the flow of washing water in the circulating operation of the washing process and rinsing process, the draining operation and the water supplying operation of the dishwasher will be described.

[0054] First, regarding the flow of cleaning water during the circulating operation of the washing step, cleaning water flows from the bottom 2b of the cleaning tank through the residue filter 9 into the water reservoir 8, and is sucked into the circulation water channel 3a from the circulation water channel port provided in the water reservoir 8. This flow of cleaning water is caused by suction when the cleaning pump 3b is driven.

[0055] During the circulation operation, the cleaning water passes through the mesh portion 9c of the residue filter 9 and flows into the water reservoir portion 8. It then flows directly into the circulation water channel 3a. At this time, most of the residue is captured by the mesh portion 9c, but residues smaller than the mesh openings of the mesh portion 9c also pass through the mesh portion 9c together with the cleaning water and circulate.

[0056] In this way, during the washing process, as the washing water is repeatedly circulated, the residue is captured and accumulated by the residue filter 9. The control unit 17 washes the object 13 for a predetermined time while reducing the residue contained in the washing water by circulating the washing water.

[0057] Next, regarding the flow of cleaning water during the draining operation, cleaning water flows from the bottom 2b of the cleaning tank through the residue filter 9 into the water reservoir 8, and is sucked into the drainage channel 7a from the drain outlet 7c provided near the bottom of the water reservoir 8. This flow of cleaning water is caused by the suction caused by the drainage pump 7b being driven.

[0058] During the draining operation, cleaning water flows into the water reservoir 8 mainly through the gap between the inner part of the water reservoir 8 and the side of the residue filter 9, and passes over the entire surface of the residue filter 9 from the outside to the inside. At this time, small residues accumulated on the residue filter 9 are subjected to water pressure in the opposite direction to the circulation operation and are peeled off from the mesh part 9c. The peeled off residues are then discharged together with the cleaning water from the drain outlet 7c through the drain channel 7a to the outside of the housing 1.

[0059] In this way, when the wash water is drained as a drainage operation, small residues accumulated on the inner surface of the residue filter 9 are peeled off by the wash water and are discharged together with the wash water from the drain outlet 7c through the drain pump 7b to the outside of the housing 1. This completes the washing process.

[0060] Next, the flow of wash water in the water supply operation of the rinsing process will be described with reference to Figs. 2 to 4. Fig. 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing the flow of water poured into the residue filter of the dishwasher in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is an AA cross-sectional view showing the flow of water poured into the residue filter of the dishwasher in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a bottom view seen from below the residue filter showing the flow of water poured into the residue filter of the dishwasher in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] In the water supply operation by the water supply unit 4, which is composed of the water supply valve 4b and the water supply passage 4a, the water supply valve 4b is controlled by the control unit 17 so as to supply water directly to the residue filter 9 side. Wash water flows from the water supply valve 4b through the water supply passage 4a, as shown schematically in FIG. 2, and is supplied into the residue filter 9 through the water inlet 14a. In other words, the wash water is forcefully injected from the water supply passage 4a into the inner area of ​​the residue filter 9 and flows into the water reservoir 8. The force of the injection of wash water to clean the inside of the residue filter 9 is generated when the water supply valve 4b is released and tap pressure is applied. In other words, water supplied from outside the dishwasher may be used as a water source to inject water into the water inlet 14.

[0062] 2 and 3, a guide section 20 that guides the water poured from the water pouring section 14 is provided at a position that receives the poured water in the inner region of the residue filter 9. The guide section 20 here is composed of a wall surface 20a that protrudes along the inner surface of the residue filter 9, and as shown in Fig. 4, this wall surface 20a is provided from the vicinity of the water pouring port 14a and is configured so that the degree of protrusion from the inner surface of the residue filter 9 increases with increasing distance from the vicinity of the water pouring port 14a.

[0063] 2 to 4, the injected cleaning water flows through the water supply passage 4a and is sprayed from the water inlet 14a of the water injection section 14 onto the residue filter 9. As shown in W6 in Fig. 4, the sprayed cleaning water flows along the bottom of the wall surface 20a while making contact with the wall surface 20a serving as the guide section 20 of the residue filter 9, generating a swirling flow on the inner surface of the residue filter 9 as shown by W6 in Figs. 2 and 3, cleaning almost the entire inner surface of the residue filter 9 and making it possible to suppress residue remaining on the inner surface of the residue filter 9.

[0064] That is, such a swirling flow removes and cleans fine residue and dirt that adheres to the mesh portion 9c of the residue filter 9 without being removed. In this way, residue remaining on the residue filter 9 can be suppressed.

[0065] In the rinsing process, the control unit 17 operates the washing pump 3b to perform a circulation operation when the water supply unit 4 has completed supplying water, as in the washing process. The circulation operation is the same as in the washing process. However, due to the circulation operation in the washing process, residues are captured in the residue filter 9. Furthermore, most of the small residues are discharged outside the housing 1 by the drainage operation. Then, the residues that are removed from the residue filter 9 by the water supply operation in the rinsing process are discharged outside the housing 1 by the drainage operation after the circulation operation. Therefore, by repeating the water supply operation, circulation operation, and drainage operation in the rinsing process, small residues are removed by the end of the rinsing process. Most of the residue is discharged outside the housing 1, and the residue filter 9 is also repeatedly cleaned, thereby suppressing the remaining residue.

[0066] That is, the time when residue is most likely to remain on the residue filter 9 after drainage is after drainage in the washing process. Therefore, the cleaning effect of water supply on the residue filter 9 is most noticeable in the first water supply in the rinsing process. By repeatedly supplying water in the rinsing process, most of the residue adhering to the residue filter 9 is washed away. Then, water supply in the washing process washes away residue remaining from the previous washing operation. However, the residue filter 9 is basically cleaned by the last water supply in the previous washing operation, and very little residue remains. In this way, according to this embodiment, the residue filter 9 is cleaned every time water is supplied, thereby suppressing the remaining residue.

[0067] As mentioned above, the drainage operation can be achieved by gravity-driven flush water drainage without using the drain pump 7b. This allows for natural drainage, preventing problems such as breakdowns and clogging of the drain pump 7b. However, as the drainage progresses and the amount of flush water decreases, the force of the drainage decreases, and the force stripping the residue from the residue filter 9 also decreases. Using the drain pump 7b allows for drainage with a constant force, and the force stripping the residue from the residue filter 9 does not decrease as the drainage progresses, shortening the drainage time.

[0068] (Embodiment 2) Fig. 5 is a side cross-sectional view showing the flow of water poured into a residue filter of a dishwasher in accordance with embodiment 2 of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a B-B cross-sectional view showing the flow of water poured into a residue filter of a dishwasher in accordance with embodiment 2 of the present invention. Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figs. 5 and 6. Note that a description of the same configuration as in embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0069] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the guide section 20 is configured to have a ring-shaped flow path 20b that runs along the inner surface of the residue filter 9, with multiple outlets 20c on the bottom surface of the flow path 20b, and is configured to inject water from the water inlet 14a of the water injection section 14 into the flow path 20b and the outlet 20c. During the water supply operation, injected cleaning water flows through the water supply path 4a as shown at W5 in FIGS. 5 and 6 and is sprayed from the water inlet 14a of the water injection section 14 into the flow path 20b of the residue filter 9. As shown at W7, the sprayed cleaning water is split and injected into the ring-shaped flow path 20b. The cleaning water injected into the flow path 20b is then injected into the mesh section of the residue filter 9 from the multiple outlets 20c on the bottom surface of the flow path 20b as shown at W8.

[0070] Water is injected into the mesh portion of the residue filter 9 from multiple outlets 20c provided on the underside of the flow path 20b, so that almost the entire inner surface of the residue filter 9 can be cleaned, as shown by W8 in Figure 5, and residue remaining on the inner surface of the residue filter 9 can be prevented.

[0071] That is, by pouring water from the plurality of outlets 20c, fine residue and dirt that adheres to the mesh portion 9c of the residue filter 9 without being removed is removed and washed away. In this way, it is possible to prevent residue from remaining on the residue filter 9.

[0072] The discharge port 20c may be a hole that is inclined toward the mesh portion 9c of the residue filter 9, or the discharge port 20c may be provided along the mesh portion 9c.

[0073] (Embodiment 3) Fig. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a dishwasher according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Note that a description of the same configuration as in the first or second embodiment will be omitted.

[0074] In the first embodiment, the configuration has been described in which cleaning water is poured from the water supply section 4 into the guide section 20 provided on the residue filter 9, and then poured from the guide section 20 onto the inner surface of the residue filter 9, but this is not limited to this.

[0075] 7, a configuration may be provided in which a circulation unit 21 is provided to circulate the cleaning water from the water reservoir 8. The circulation unit 21 is made up of a circulation path 21a and a circulation pump 21b, and the cleaning water from the water reservoir 8 is sucked by the circulation pump 21b, and the water is poured from the water pouring port 14a of the water pouring unit 14 to wash the inner surface of the residue filter 9.

[0076] It is also possible to branch the circulation water channel 3a from the cleaning pump 3b without providing such a circulation section 21, and provide a water channel for injecting water from the cleaning pump 3b into the cleaning nozzle 3c and a water channel for injecting water from the cleaning pump 3b into the water injection section 14, and switch between the water channels through which the cleaning water is sent by the cleaning pump 3b.

[0077] That is, the water supply from the circulating water channel 3a may be used as the water source for injecting water into the water injection section .

[0078] 8A and 8B show an example of a water diverter 38 that switches the water channel through which flush water is sent by the flush pump 3b. The water diverter 38 is provided midway along the circulating water channel 3a extending from the flush pump 3b, and switches between a state in which a water channel 37 that injects water from the flush pump 3b into the flush nozzle 3c is open and a water channel 35 that injects water from the flush pump 3b into the water injection unit 14 is closed (FIG. 8A), and a state in which the water channel 37 is closed and the water channel 35 is open (FIG. 8B). The water diverter 38 may be a surface material that slides between the water channel 37 and the water channel 35, or may be a valve or the like. The state of the water diverter 38 is controlled by the control unit 17.

[0079] At the beginning of the washing and rinsing steps, as shown in Fig. 9A, the area of ​​the portion of the residue filter 9 that is blocked by the trapped residue is small, and therefore the resistance of the residue filter 9 is small. Therefore, most of the residue contained in the cleaning water flows into the inside of the residue filter 9 and is trapped by the residue filter 9, as shown by the solid arrows in Fig. 9A. The cleaning water from which the residue has been removed is sucked into the cleaning water channel 3a through the cleaning water channel suction port 32e and circulated by the cleaning pump 3b.

[0080] In the middle of the washing and rinsing steps, as shown in Fig. 9B, trapped residue accumulates in the residue filter 9 near the circulation water channel inlet 32e, and the area blocked by the residue gradually increases, increasing the resistance of the residue filter 9. Therefore, some of the residue contained in the wash water is sucked into the circulation water channel 3a through gaps on the outside of the residue filter 9, as shown by the dashed arrow in Fig. 9B.

[0081] In the later stages of the washing and rinsing steps, a larger area of ​​the residue filter 9 may become clogged with residue, as shown in Figure 9C. Even if residue is sucked into the circulation water channel 3a, the residue may flow into the inside of the residue filter 9 while circulating and be captured by the residue filter 9. Residue that is not captured by the residue filter 9 while circulating and remains inside the washing tank 2 at the end of operation may re-adhere to the object 13 to be washed.

[0082] After the washing or rinsing process is completed, when the wash water is discharged by the drain pump 7b, some of the residue captured by the residue filter 9 is discharged along with the wash water. However, if the captured residue is pressed against the residue filter 9 by the water pressure of the washing pump 3b and adheres strongly to the residue filter 9, especially near the circulation water channel suction port 32e, some residue may remain inside the residue filter 9 even after the wash water is discharged. If the residue filter 9 remains largely clogged with residue when the process moves to the next step, the residue will circulate outside the residue filter 9 from the beginning of the process, as shown in Figure 9B or 9C, and the residue will likely remain inside the washing tank 2 at the end of operation.

[0083] In this embodiment, when the wash water is drained, the wash water is discharged from the discharge port 20c, scraping off the residue trapped inside the residue filter 9 and discharging it together with the wash water to the outside of the dishwasher. This makes it easier for the residue to flow into the residue filter 9 in the next step, as shown in FIG. 9A, so that the residue remaining in the washing tank 2 is captured by the residue filter 9, further reducing the amount of residue remaining in the washing tank 2 at the end of operation. This prevents the residue from re-adhering to the objects 13 to be washed. Furthermore, since the amount of residue remaining on the residue filter 9 can be reduced, the dishwasher can be kept hygienic and odors and the growth of bacteria can be suppressed.

[0084] During the washing and rinsing steps, cleaning water is circulated by the cleaning pump 3b, and as shown in Figures 9B and 9C, residue tends to accumulate inside the residue filter 9 near the circulation water channel suction port 32e. As shown in Figure 10A, if the water inlet 14a is located near the circulation water channel suction port 32e, when the residue filter 9 near the circulation water channel suction port 32e is clogged with residue, cleaning water will flow from the discharge port 20c through the water inlet 14a and from the outside of the residue filter 9 to the circulation water channel suction port 32e, preventing the residue from being captured by the residue filter 9. Therefore, as shown in Figure 10B, the water inlet 14a is positioned away from the circulation water channel suction port 32e. This prevents cleaning water from escaping from the discharge port 20c through the water inlet 14a and the circulation water channel inlet 32e, thereby improving cleaning efficiency. The water inlet 14a need not be located near the circulation water channel inlet 32e. For example, as shown in FIG. 10C , when viewed from above, the angle between a line connecting the center of the residue filter 9 and the water inlet 14a and a line connecting the center of the residue filter 9 and the circulation water channel inlet 32e may be 45° or more, 50° or more, 55° or more, 60° or more, 65° or more, 70° or more, 75° or more, 80° or more, 85° or more, 90° or more, 95° or more, 100° or more, 110° or more, 120° or more, 130° or more, 140° or more, 150° or more, 160° or more, or 170° or more. The water inlet 14a may be disposed at a position opposite the circulating water channel suction port 32e.

[0085] 11, by discharging cleaning water from the outlet 20c at an acute angle with respect to the inner surface of the residue filter 9, it is possible to more effectively scrape off residue adhering to the inside of the residue filter 9. Therefore, the angle at which cleaning water is discharged from the outlet 20c with respect to the inner surface of the residue filter 9 may be 40° or less, 30° or less, 20° or less, 10° or less, 9° or less, 8° or less, 7° or less, 6° or less, 5° or less, 4° or less, 3° or less, 2° or less, or 1° or less.

[0086] Fig. 12 is a flow chart showing the details of one cleaning or rinsing operation in the washing or rinsing step, and Fig. 13 is a timing chart showing the state of each component in one cleaning or rinsing operation.

[0087] The control unit 17 turns on the water supply valve 4b (S10) and introduces tap water into the cleaning tank 2 until a predetermined amount of water is supplied into the cleaning tank 2 (N in S12). Once the predetermined amount of water has been supplied into the cleaning tank 2 (Y in S12), the control unit 17 turns on the cleaning pump 3b (S14) and sprays cleaning water from the cleaning nozzle 3c to clean the object 13 until a predetermined time has passed (N in S16). In the washing process and the heated rinsing process, the control unit 17 turns on the heater. Once the predetermined time has passed (Y in S16), the control unit 17 turns off the cleaning pump 3b (S18). This completes the interior cleaning process.

[0088] The control unit 17 turns on the water diverter 38 (S20) and drives the water diverter 38 until the water channel 37 on the cleaning nozzle 3c side is closed and the water channel 35 on the residue filter 9 side is opened (N in S22). When the flow path from the cleaning pump 3b is switched to the water channel 35 (Y in S22), the control unit 17 turns off the water diverter 38 and turns on the drain pump to start draining (S24). Next, the control unit 17 turns on the cleaning pump 3b (S26) and discharges cleaning water from the outlet 20c toward the residue filter 9 until a predetermined time has elapsed (N in S28), thereby discharging residue adhering to the residue filter 9 to the outside together with the cleaning water. After the predetermined time has elapsed (Y in S28), the control unit 17 turns off the cleaning pump 3b (S30) and ends cleaning of the residue filter 9. When a preset time has elapsed for discharging the wash water in the washing tank 2 to the outside, the control unit 17 turns off the drain pump (S32) and ends the drainage. The control unit 17 turns on the water diverter 38 (S34) and drives the water diverter 38 until the water channel 37 is opened and the water channel 35 is closed (N in S36). When the flow path from the washing pump 3b is switched to the water channel 37 (Y in S36), the filter washing process ends and one washing or rinsing operation is completed.

[0089] Although all of the embodiments have been described using a built-in dishwasher, the above filter configuration and water injection configuration can be realized in a similar configuration in a countertop dishwasher, so the present invention is not limited to built-in dishwashers. [Industrial Applicability]

[0090] As described above, the dishwasher of the present invention is useful as a dishwasher for home and commercial use because it has a simple configuration and can clean the residue filter without spending extra time or using cleaning water during the subsequent rinsing process, even if residue captured by the residue filter during the washing process remains attached to the inner surface of the residue filter, thereby preventing residue from remaining on the residue filter. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1 chassis 2 Cleaning tank 2a Top opening 2b Cleaning tank bottom 3 Cleaning equipment 3a Circulation waterway 3b Cleaning pump 3c Cleaning nozzle 4 Water supply section 4a Water supply channel 4b Water supply valve 5 Door body 6 Dish basket 7 Drainage section 7a Drainage 7b Drainage pump 7c drain 8 Water reservoir 9 Residue filter 9c Mesh section 10 Inner lid 11 Link mechanism 12 Seal part 13 Items to be washed 14 Water injection section 14a Water inlet 17 Control Unit 20 Information Department 20a Wall 20b Flow path 20c outlet 21 Circulation section 21a Circulation path 21b Circulation pump 32e Circulation water channel suction port 35 Waterways 37 Waterways 38 water separator

Claims

1. The housing and a cleaning tank provided in the housing and accommodating an object to be cleaned; a water reservoir provided at the bottom of the cleaning tank; a residue filter installed in the water reservoir; a cleaning nozzle for spraying cleaning water onto the object to be cleaned; a drainage channel that connects the water reservoir with the outside of the housing; Equipped with The residue filter captures residue contained in the cleaning water that flows into the water reservoir after being sprayed onto the object to be cleaned, and the captured residue is discharged together with the cleaning water when the cleaning water is discharged outside the housing through the drainage channel, The water reservoir is provided with a water injection section for cleaning the residue filter, The residue filter has a guide portion that guides the water poured from the water pouring portion, The residue filter is washed by bringing water injected from the water injection part into contact with the guide part. dishwasher.

2. The guide portion is formed of a wall surface that protrudes along the inner surface of the residue filter, and is configured to inject water from the water injection portion along the lower side of the wall surface.

2. The dishwasher of claim 1.

3. The guide section is configured as a ring-shaped flow path along the inner surface of the residue filter, and has a plurality of discharge ports on the lower surface of the flow path, and is configured to inject water from the water injection section into the flow path and the discharge ports.

2. The dishwasher of claim 1.

4. A water supply unit is provided to supply water to the water injection unit from the outside, The water supply source for the water injection section is an external water supply from the dishwasher. The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. a circulation water channel that connects the water reservoir and the cleaning nozzle; a washing pump provided in the circulating water channel for sending the washing water in the water reservoir to the washing nozzle; Equipped with The water supply from the circulating water channel is used as the water source for injecting water into the water injection section. The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. After driving a drain pump for draining the flush water through the drainage channel, the flush pump injects flush water from the circulating water channel into the water injection section.

6. The dishwasher of claim 5.

7. Stop the flush pump before stopping the drain pump.

7. The dishwasher of claim 6.

8. The water injection section is disposed at a position not near a suction port for sucking the wash water in the water reservoir into the wash pump. The dishwasher according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

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