Dishwasher

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher capable of efficiently and stably generating microbubbles.SOLUTION: A dishwasher 1 includes a washing tub 110 for storing dishes, a circulation path 71 for supplying water to the washing tub 110, a circulation pump 72 arranged on the circulation path 71, and an air mixing path 74 for mixing air sucked from an intake port 73 into the circulation pump 72. The intake port 73 is disposed in the cleaning tank 110.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses that a dishwasher that washes dishes by discharging water toward dishes stored in a washing tank using a water discharge means is equipped with a micro-bubble generator that generates micro-bubbles with a diameter of 0.1 to 1000 μm in the water discharged into the washing tank by the water discharge means. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-117315 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the dishwasher of Patent Document 1, micro-bubbles are generated by a structure that uses the diameter of the flow passage to contract and expand, but the flow rate decreases where the diameter of the flow passage is smallest, which causes the problem that water containing micro-bubbles cannot be efficiently supplied to the washing tub. Furthermore, the part with the small diameter of the flow passage is easily clogged with foreign matter, and when foreign matter clogs, water cannot be supplied to the washing tub.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher that can generate fine bubbles efficiently and stably. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the dishwasher of the present invention comprises: The washing machine comprises a washing tank for storing dishes, a circulation path for supplying water to the washing tank, a circulation pump arranged on the circulation path, and an air mixing path for mixing air into the circulation pump from an air intake port, the air intake port being arranged inside the washing tank. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a dishwasher that can generate fine bubbles efficiently and stably. Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a cleaning method using fine bubbles, showing an outline of the configuration. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a cleaning method using fine bubbles, showing a first modified example of the configuration. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a cleaning method using fine bubbles, showing a second modified example of the configuration. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a cleaning method using fine bubbles, showing a third modified example of the configuration. [Figure 5] Cleaning process using microbubbles [Figure 6] A cleaning process using microbubbles with an automatic injection function [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a dishwasher according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a car (first car) is stored in a main body. [Figure 9] The figure shows the basket fully pulled out in front of the kitchen counter, with (a) showing the state before the basket is lifted, and (b) showing the state after the basket has been lifted until the rail locking section is locked. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the operation of the rail locking unit, and illustrate the rail locking unit as viewed from different angles. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the structure of a rail locking portion. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the operation of a link lock portion. [Figure 13]FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the main parts of a dishwasher according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the lifting mechanism when the car is stored. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the lifting mechanism with the car lifted and locked. [Figure 16] 10 is an enlarged perspective view showing the vicinity of the lower end (other end) of the first link portion. FIG. [Figure 17] 10 is a plan view showing the state in which the locked state of the first link part is released by the lever. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a state in which the car (first car) is being pulled out forward from a stored state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An embodiment of a dishwasher according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] [Example 1] In Example 1, a cleaning method that uses microbubbles to improve cleaning effectiveness will be described. Therefore, in this example, a method of generating microbubbles by supplying air from the outside is used, rather than a method of reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path through which water is supplied. Furthermore, in this example, microbubbles are generated continuously by circulating water through the flow path through which air is introduced from the outside, rather than in a single pass, and a larger number of microbubbles can be generated.

[0011] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a cleaning method using fine bubbles, showing an outline of the configuration. The dishwasher 1 of this embodiment includes a washing tub 110 for storing dishes, a circulation path 71 for supplying water to the washing tub 110, a circulation pump 72 arranged on the circulation path 71, an air mixing path 74 for mixing air into the circulation pump 72 from an air intake port 73 in the circulation path 71, a drying path 91 for drying the inside of the washing tub 110, a housing 101 that contains the washing tub 110, the circulation path 71, the circulation pump 72, the air mixing path 74, and the drying path 91, and a control unit 120 that controls the washing process. Hereinafter, in each figure, similar components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0012] The air mixing path 74 has an intake port 73 for drawing in air and an outlet port 77 for discharging fine bubbles into the circulation path 71 .

[0013] The air intake 73 is disposed within the cleaning tank 110. The air intake 73 is provided at a position higher than the water level (first water level) L1 at which the cleaning process is carried out. To prevent the intrusion of sprayed water, the air intake 73 may open downward at a position higher than the water level L1. Furthermore, since the sewage that has passed through the filter 80 and the dirt that has passed through the filter 80 pass through the piping 81, clogging of the air mixing path 74 on the discharge port 77 side is likely to occur. Therefore, it is preferable that the inner diameter of the air mixing path 74 on the discharge port 77 side be larger than the inner diameter on the air intake 73 side. This can prevent clogging of the piping.

[0014] In this embodiment, negative pressure is created inside the pipe 81 through which water flows, and air is sucked in through the outlet 77 of the air mixing path 74, generating microbubbles. In this case, as the flow velocity of the water in the pipe 81 increases, the pressure sucking in the air increases, thereby increasing the amount of microbubbles generated. Therefore, the inner diameter of the pipe 81 at the point where the circulation path 71 intersects with the outlet 77 is made the smallest within the circulation path 71, creating a Venturi effect that increases the flow velocity and increases the amount of microbubbles generated through the outlet 77. The air mixing path 74 is also provided with an openable and closable valve 75, allowing the amount of air to be controlled. The valve 75 is located above the foaming detection sensor 76. The arrows on the air mixing path 74 indicate the direction of air (gas) flow.

[0015] The dishwasher 1 of this embodiment has a foam detection sensor 76 disposed on the sidewall of the washing tub 110. When the foam detection sensor 76 detects foaming during the washing process, it closes the valve body 75, reducing the amount of air intake to prevent excessive foaming. The foam detection sensor 76 may be configured, for example, with two electrodes 76a and 76b arranged vertically (up and down). When foam is generated to a height of, for example, L2, shorting the gap between the two electrodes 76a and 76b, the electrical resistance between the two electrodes 76a and 76b changes. Foaming can be detected by detecting this change in electrical resistance. At this time, the reduced amount of air intake increases the flow rate of water circulating through the circulation path 71, so the rotation speed of the circulation pump 72 may be reduced.

[0016] At the beginning of the washing process or during the water supply process, a water supply control operation is performed to supply water up to a predetermined water level, and when the circulation pump 72 is driven, air is drawn in from the air mixing path 74 while being discharged from the outlet 77 into the pipe 81, thereby discharging water containing fine bubbles (bubble water) from the circulating water outlet 82. This makes it possible to wash dishes with water containing fine bubbles, and the fine bubbles can improve the washing effect.

[0017] These microbubbles adsorb oil on dishes, and the oil is removed by the contact between the microbubbles and the oil, the impact of the bubbles breaking, and the effect of the microbubbles coagulating to separate the dirt from the dishes.Furthermore, by mixing a surfactant with the microbubbles, the cleaning effect can be further improved.

[0018] The drying path 91 is provided to dry the inside of the cleaning tank 110, and includes a warm air inlet 92 through which warm air enters the cleaning tank 110, and a warm air outlet 93 through which warm air exits the cleaning tank 110. A warm air generator (e.g., a heater and a blower) 94 that generates warm air is also provided midway along the drying path 91. The arrows on the drying path 91 indicate the direction in which the warm air flows.

[0019] The control unit 120 controls the washing processes such as the pre-washing process and the main washing process, and when controlling the washing processes, controls the amount of air mixed in through the air intake 73 and the amount of water supplied.

[0020] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a cleaning method using fine bubbles, showing a first modified example of the first embodiment.

[0021] In this modification, the air mixing path 74 is connected to the drying path 91, and the air intake 73 is disposed on the drying path 91 and upstream of the hot air inlet 92. In this case, the air intake 73 is disposed outside the cleaning tank 110 and inside the housing 101. The air intake 73 may also be disposed outside the cleaning tank 110 and inside the housing 101 without being connected to the drying path 91.

[0022] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a cleaning method using fine bubbles, showing a second modification of the first embodiment. An air mixing path 74 is provided in the water circulation path 71, which mixes air drawn into the circulation pump 72 through an air intake port 73. In this first modification, the air mixing path 74 has a bend, and the air intake port 73 is located inside the cleaning tank 110. The arrow attached to the air mixing path 74 indicates the direction in which the air (gas) flows.

[0023] The washing tank 100 is provided with a filter (garbage filter) 80 on its bottom surface that captures dirt flaking off dishes. The filter 80 is provided with an air inlet path 74. The air inlet path 74 and the filter 80 may be integrated. The air inlet path 74 is user-removable, allowing for easy maintenance by the user even if the air inlet path 74 becomes clogged with food residue or oily dirt. The air inlet 73 is located above the water level L1 used for the washing process. To prevent the intrusion of water sprays, the air inlet 73 may open downward at a position above the water level L1. Unlike the configuration shown in Figure 1, this is a simple configuration that does not include a valve body 75 for adjusting the amount of air intake. The amount of air intake is adjusted by changing the driving speed of the circulation pump 72. When air intake is not performed, the driving speed of the circulation pump 72 is controlled so that water remains in the air inlet path 74. When air intake is performed, the driving speed of the circulation pump 72 is controlled so that water does not remain in the air inlet path 74. In this way, dishes and cooking utensils can be washed with water containing fine bubbles using a low-cost, easy-to-maintain configuration.

[0024] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a cleaning method using fine bubbles, showing a third modification of the first embodiment. In Modification 3, the air mixing path 74 is arranged without bending within the circulation path 71. In this modification, the air mixing path 74 is not bent and is shorter than in Modification 2, making it easier for the user to handle. In this modification, the air intake port 73 is also arranged within the cleaning tank 110.

[0025] The circulation path 71 has a first piping portion 81a including a horizontal portion, and a second piping portion 81b connecting the filter 80 portion to the first piping portion 81a. A portion of the air mixing path 74 (a portion on the discharge port 77 side) is disposed inside the second piping portion 81b.

[0026] Furthermore, when the inner diameter of the first piping section 81a including the horizontal portion in the circulation path is R1, the inner diameter of the second piping section 81b connecting the filter 80 portion to the first piping section 81a is R3, and the inner diameter of the air mixing path 74 arranged in the second piping section 81b is R2, the following formula (1) is established, and R3-R2 is made even smaller. R3-R2≦R1 …(1) In other words, it is preferable to reduce R3-R2 because reducing the size of the piping around the air mixing path 74 increases the flow rate in the piping and makes it easier to generate many fine bubbles. Also, fine bubbles are more likely to be generated if the discharge port 77 of the air mixing path 74 is located closer to the first piping portion 81b.

[0027] The washing process will be explained using Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 shows the washing process for a dishwasher in which the user adds dishes and detergent before starting the washing operation, while Figure 6 shows the washing process for a dishwasher with an automatic detergent addition function. In either case, there is a process including a pre-wash as wash 1 and a main wash as wash 2, and the pre-wash is carried out first, followed by the main wash.

[0028] Pre-washing roughly cleans away dirt adhering to dishes, reducing the amount of dirt adhering to the dishes. Wetting the dirt also improves its removability. Main washing cleans strongly adhering dirt that could not be removed by pre-washing. Both the pre-washing and washing processes involve the steps of supplying water, washing, and draining.

[0029] <First control flow in the configuration of this embodiment> In the pre-wash process, the washing solution is first prepared by mixing water and detergent in the water supply process. In Figure 5, the water supply valve is opened to supply water to the detergent added by the user in advance, generating the detergent solution. In Figure 6, the detergent is added using the automatic detergent dispenser, and then the water supply valve is opened to supply water, generating the detergent solution. Next, in the wash process, valve 75 is opened, and fine bubbles are added to the detergent solution to wash the laundry. To raise the wash water temperature to an appropriate level, a sheathed heater 78 and a temperature regulator 79 may be provided, and the heater may be used to perform a warm wash in the main wash process. Since not turning on the heater reduces power consumption, the heater may be turned off for the normal wash cycle and turned on only for cycles that require enhanced soil removal. The water is drained after the wash cycle of the pre-wash process. Here, when the user adds detergent in Figure 5, only a portion of the water is drained, leaving the detergent water. On the other hand, in the automatic detergent dispenser type shown in Figure 6, all the water may be drained and completely new water may be used for the main wash cycle.

[0030] Next, the main wash process begins. In the main wash process, water is supplied by opening the water supply valve, and detergent water is again prepared by mixing detergent. Microbubbles may be supplied to this detergent water by operating the circulation pump 72 again in the main wash process, but the valve body 75 may be closed in the main wash to wash without using microbubbles. This suppresses foaming during the main wash and prevents residual rinsing (such as foam adhesion) in the rinsing process.

[0031] <Second control flow in the configuration of this embodiment> The pre-washing is the same as in the first control flow.

[0032] In the main wash, the valve body 75 is opened and washing is performed with water containing detergent and fine bubbles, thereby achieving a higher level of cleaning power than the first control flow.

[0033] The rinsing process is performed multiple times, with the number of rinses being greater than in the first control flow, thereby reducing residual rinsing.

[0034] <Third control flow in the configuration of this embodiment> In the pre-wash, the valve body 75 is opened and cleaning is performed using fine bubbles. At this time, detergent is added and cleaning is performed with water containing detergent and fine bubbles, thereby removing more stubborn dirt.

[0035] In the main wash, the valve body 75 is opened and washing is performed with water containing detergent and fine bubbles, thereby achieving a higher cleaning power than the first control flow and the second control flow.

[0036] The rinsing process is performed multiple times, with the number of rinses being greater than in the first control flow, thereby reducing residual rinsing.

[0037] <Fourth control flow in the configuration of this embodiment> In the pre-wash, the valve body 75 is opened and cleaning is performed using fine bubbles. At this time, detergent is added and cleaning is performed with water containing detergent and fine bubbles, thereby removing more stubborn dirt.

[0038] In the main wash, the valve body 75 is closed and the machine is washed with water containing fine bubbles. This not only provides a cleaning effect from the fine bubbles, but also prevents fine particles such as surfactants and dirt from remaining behind by being adsorbed by the fine bubbles.

[0039] In the four control flows described above, the intake valve 73 may be opened during the rinsing process to rinse using fine bubbles and prevent residual rinsing. Also, a sheathed heater 78 and a temperature regulator 79 may be provided to raise the temperature of the cleaning water to an appropriate level.

[0040] The fine bubble generator of this embodiment can be applied to built-in dishwashers that are incorporated into system kitchens, such as front-opening dishwashers in which the door opens and closes by tilting to the front, as well as to drawer-type sliding-open dishwashers, and can also be applied to tabletop dishwashers.

[0041] [Example 2] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a dishwasher according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The dishwasher 1 of this embodiment comprises a main body 2 having an opening 21 that opens to the front, a basket (first basket) 3 arranged inside the main body 2, and a lifting mechanism 5 that raises and lowers the basket 3. The lifting mechanism 5 comprises a slide rail 51 that enables the basket 3 to move forward and backward, a parallel link 52 that connects the basket 3 to the slide rail 51, a link auxiliary part 53 that connects the basket 3 to the parallel link 52, and a lever 55 that operates the basket 3. A side plate 22 is provided on the side of the main body 2, and an opening 21 is provided in the front, which is not blocked by the side plate 22.

[0042] The slide rail 51 has a first rail portion 511 and a second rail portion 512. The first rail portion 511 is assembled to the second rail portion 512 so as to be able to slide forward from a stored state. The slide rail 51 is disposed so as to extend horizontally and in the front-to-rear direction, with the first rail portion 511 extending further forward than the second rail portion 512. The first rail portion 511 has a connecting portion (parallel link connecting portion) 513 to which the parallel link 52 is connected. Note that the first rail portions 511 are provided with connecting members 54 that connect the two first rail portions 511 arranged on the left and right, thereby maintaining the distance between the first rail portion 511 and the second rail portion 512.

[0043] The parallel link 52 has a first link portion 521 and a second link portion 522. The first link portion 521 and the second link portion 522 are arranged in parallel to be inclined in the same direction.

[0044] The first link portion 521 has one end located on the rear side in the stored state connected to the car base (first car base) 31 of the car 3 at connecting portion 521a, and the other end located on the front side connected to connecting portion 513 of the first rail portion 511 at connecting portion 521b. The second link portion 522 has one end located on the rear side in the stored state connected to the car base (first car base) 31 of the car 3 at connecting portion 522a, and the other end located on the front side connected to connecting portion 513 of the first rail portion 511 at connecting portion 522b.

[0045] In the following description, 521a, 522a, 521b, and 522b are symbols used for the ends of the first rail portion 511 and the second rail portion 512, and are also symbols used for the connecting portions (rotation shafts) formed at each end.

[0046] The parallel link 52 has portions 521b and 522b, which serve as rotation axes, connected to the first rail portion 511. That is, the parallel link 52 rotates around coupling portions 521b and 522b of the first link portion 521 and the second link portion 522 to the first rail portion 511 as rotation axes (rotation centers), and the car 3 rises and falls as the parallel link 52 rotates. In this case, the car (first car) 3 rises and falls as the parallel link 52 rotates around coupling portions 521b where the first link portion 521 is connected to the slide rail 51 side and coupling portion 522b where the second link portion 522 is connected to the slide rail 51 side as rotation axes. Furthermore, the parallel link 52 rotates around coupling portions 521a and 522a where the first link portion 521 and the second link portion 522 are connected to the car 3 side as rotation axes (rotation centers) as the car 3 rises and falls.

[0047] The connecting portion 513 of the first rail portion 511 is a portion where the parallel link 52 is connected to the slide rail 51, and is also a portion where the first link portion 521 and the second link portion 522 are connected to each other.

[0048] The link auxiliary part 53 connects the car 3 and the parallel link 52 and constitutes a drive mechanism for raising and lowering the car 3. When the car 3 is lifted, the link auxiliary part 53 serves as a drive mechanism for raising and lowering the car 3 and generates a drive force, and when the car 3 is stored downward from the lifted state, the link auxiliary part 53 serves as a damper for attenuating the descent speed of the car 3.

[0049] The drive mechanism of link auxiliary part 53 is, for example, a gas spring. Link auxiliary part 53, which is made up of a gas spring, has a cylinder 531 filled with gas, and a piston 532 that moves inside cylinder 531 while receiving gas pressure. One end of link auxiliary part 53 on the cylinder 531 side is connected to the parallel link 52 side, and the other end on the piston 532 side is connected to the car 3 side. Link auxiliary part 53 is also arranged so that one end of cylinder 531 side, which is connected to the parallel link 52 side, is located rearward in the front-to-rear direction relative to the other end of piston 532 side, which is connected to the car 3 side.

[0050] The dishwasher 1 of this embodiment has two baskets 3 and 4. The basket (first basket) 3 is located at the bottom of the main body 2 and may be referred to as the "lower basket." The basket (second basket) 4 is located at the top of the main body 2 and may be referred to as the "upper basket." In other words, the dishwasher 1 has the second basket 4, which is located above the first basket 3 when the first basket 3 is stored. In this embodiment, the lower basket 3, which is located at the bottom of the main body 2, is provided with a lifting mechanism 5, which lifts the lower basket 3 upward when the lower basket 3 is pulled out of the main body 2, making it easier to put dishes in and take them out. The upper basket 4, which is located at the top of the main body 2, is not provided with a lifting mechanism. The configuration of the baskets 3 and 4 is not limited to the above. For example, the upper basket 4 may not be provided. However, the basket (first basket) 3 with the lifting mechanism 5 is always provided.

[0051] Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which the car (first car) 3 is stored in the main body 2. Note that Fig. 8 shows a state in which the parallel link 52 is covered with a parallel link cover 523, and the link auxiliary part 53 is not shown. The car 3 is configured by assembling a car body 32 and a car base 31. A lever 55 is assembled to the car base 31 so as to surround the front and both left and right sides of the car 3. The lever 55 is configured to be rotatable within a predetermined range relative to the car base 31 around a fulcrum 551. In addition, a handle 550 is provided at the front end of the lever 55, which a person can grip to operate the lever 55.

[0052] The car 3 of this embodiment has a car base 31 around which the lever 55 is arranged, and the car base 31 has a connecting portion (fulcrum) 551 of the lever 55 and a connecting portion 311 of the parallel link 52. Therefore, the upper end 31a of the car base 31 is located above the connecting portions 551 and 311.

[0053] The car 3 is stored inside the main body 2 with the slide rail 51 and the parallel link 52 in the state shown in Fig. 7. In this state, one end of the rail locking part 56 provided on the first rail part 511 receives the weight of the car 3, and the other end is in a raised state.

[0054] The basket 3 is pulled out in front of the kitchen counter while maintaining the position shown in Figure 8, and when the second rail portion 512 is fully pulled out, the first rail portion 511 extends forward relative to the second rail portion 512 until the rail lock portion 56 reaches the rail lock position.

[0055] The parallel link 52 is provided with a parallel link cover 523 that covers the parallel link 52. The parallel link cover 523 is provided so as to cover at least the gap formed between the first link portion 521 and the second link portion 522. This gap is represented by a dashed line 524 in FIG.

[0056] In this embodiment, the parallel link cover 523 is provided so as to cover the entire first link portion 521 from the outside in the width direction W of the car 3, and further extend beyond the gap 524 between the first link portion 521 and the second link portion 522 to cover a part of the second link portion 522. The parallel link cover 523 also covers connecting portions 521a, 522a of the first link portion 521 and the first link portion 522 with the car base 31. Link lock portions 57, which will be described later, are provided on the connecting portions 521a, 522a, and the parallel link cover 523 covers the link lock portions 57 from the outside in the width direction W.

[0057] As described above, the parallel link 52 has the parallel link cover 523 that covers the parallel link 52 and the link lock portion 57 .

[0058] 9 shows the state in which the basket 3 is completely pulled out in front of the kitchen counter, with (a) showing the state before the basket 3 is lifted, and (b) showing the state in which the basket 3 is lifted until the rail locking section 56 is locked. Note that FIG. 9 shows the slide rail 51 and parallel link 52 located at the back in FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0059] (a) shows the state in which the basket 3 is fully pulled out in front of the kitchen counter and has not yet been lifted. (b) shows the state in which the basket 3 is lifted from the state in (a) by holding the handle 550. In the state in (b), the basket 3 is slightly lifted, but not completely lifted.

[0060] In (b), the first link portion 521 and the second link portion 522 are in a state of being rotated about the connecting portions 521b and 522b so that the connecting portions 521a and 522a with the car 3 are raised. At this time, the gap formed between the first link portion 521 and the second link portion 522 is larger than in the state of (a). To prevent the user from inserting their fingers or the like into this gap, the parallel link 52 is provided with the above-mentioned parallel link cover 523 (see FIG. 8).

[0061] The lifting mechanism 5 is equipped with a rail locking unit 56 that restricts the slide rail 51 from moving backward when it is advanced forward. The operation of the rail locking unit 56 will be described with reference to Fig. 9 and Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the operation of the rail locking unit 56, and illustrates the rail locking unit as viewed from an angle different from that shown in (a) and (b).

[0062] As shown in Figure 9(a), when the basket 3 is fully pulled out in front of the kitchen counter, the rail locking portion 56 provided on the first rail portion 511 is in a state in which one end 56a bears the weight of the basket 3 and the other end 56b is raised as shown in Figure 10. One end 56a of the rail locking portion 56 is the end on the front side in Figure 9, and the other end 56b is the end on the back side in the figure.

[0063] Figure 9(b) shows the state in which car 3 is lifted by holding handle 550 from the state shown in Figure 9(a). In Figure 9(b), as car 3 is lifted, one end (the front side in the figure) of rail locking part 56 is released from the load of car 3, and the other end (the back side in the figure) moves downward. In Figure 10, as shown by the arrow in (b), rail locking part 56 rotates around fulcrum 561.

[0064] At this time, the other end 56b of the rail locking portion 56 engages with the engaging portion 2a on the main body 2 side, restricting the retraction of the first rail portion 511. In other words, the rail locking portion 56 is locked when the first rail portion 511 is in the rail lock position. At this time, the second rail portion 512 is also locked. In this embodiment, the engaging portion 2a is configured on the front surface of the main body 2, but this is not limited to this.

[0065] The structure of the rail locking portion 56 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing the structure of the rail locking portion 56. Note that in Fig. 11, the rail locking portion 56 is depicted semi-transparently, allowing the biasing spring 563 provided inside to be seen through.

[0066] The rail locking part 56 is attached to the first rail part 511 by a rail locking part attachment part 511a provided on the first rail part 511. The rail locking part 56 is provided so as to be rotatable around a fulcrum 561. A biasing member 563 is provided inside the rail locking part 56, and the rail locking part 56 is biased to the locked state. In this embodiment, a spring is provided as the biasing member 563.

[0067] When one end 56a of the rail locking portion 56 is released from the load of the car 3, the rail locking portion 56 rotates around the fulcrum 561 due to the biasing force of the biasing member 563, and engages with the locking portion 2a on the main body 2. Note that Fig. 11 shows the rail locking portion 56 engaged with the locking portion 2a on the main body 2.

[0068] The biasing member 563 biases the rail locking portion 56 so as to maintain a state in which one end 56a of the rail locking portion 56 is raised and the other end 56b is lowered. Therefore, when the car 3 returns to the stored state, the biasing member 563 receives the load of the descending car 3 and exerts a force in a direction that pushes the car 3 back upward. Therefore, the rail locking portion 56 has a damper function, and the lifting mechanism 5 has a function of absorbing impact when the car 3 descends.

[0069] When putting tableware in or taking out the basket 3, the basket 3 is further lifted from the state shown in Figure 9(b) to the state shown in Figure 7. When the basket 3 reaches the state shown in Figure 7, the parallel link 52 is locked, and the basket 3 is maintained in the state shown in Figure 7 until this lock is released.

[0070] The link lock unit 57 that locks the parallel link 52 will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing the operation of the link lock unit 57. Note that Fig. 12 illustrates the lever 55 with the first link 521 and the second link 522 in perspective. In Fig. 12(b), the two-dot chain line represents the slide rail 51. The lifting mechanism 5 includes a link lock unit 57 that locks the car 3 and the parallel link 52 at a predetermined position, and levers 55 that surround the front and left and right sides of the car 3. Specifically, the car 3 is fixed at a predetermined height by fixing the rotation of the parallel link 52 at a predetermined position. For this purpose, the link lock unit 57 has fitting units 555, 571a that fit together when the angle θ between the parallel link 52 and the slide rail 51 becomes a predetermined angle θ1 (see FIG. 12(b)). Furthermore, the lever 55 has fitting units 555 located at the left and right rear parts of the car 3, and constitutes an unlocking unit that unlocks the link lock unit 57.

[0071] The link lock portion 57 is composed of a rotating member (disk-shaped member) 571 provided at one end (connection portion with the car 3) 521a of the first link 521, and a locking portion 555 provided on the lever 55. The rotating member 571 rotates together with the rotation of the first link 521. In this case, the center of rotation of the rotating member 571 is located at the connection portion 521a of the first link 521 with the car 3. This is because the rotating member 571 is attached to the first link 521 by utilizing the connection portion 521a of the first link 521 with the car 3.

[0072] The rotating member 571 does not have to be attached to the first link 521, but may be attached to the second link 522. The rotating member 571 may be provided on the parallel link 52 so as to move in conjunction with the parallel link 52.

[0073] The fitting portions 555, 571a are composed of a locking portion (fitting convex portion) 555 provided on the lever 55 and a fitting concave portion 571a provided on the rotating member 571. Fig. 12(a) shows a state in which the car 3 is being lifted from the stored state, and the fitting convex portion 555 of the lever 55 slides on the outer circumferential surface of the rotating member 571. In this case, the car 3 is lifted by holding the handle 550 provided on the front end portion of the lever 55, so that the fitting convex portion 555 of the lever 55 is in a lowered state. The movement of the lever 55 and the rotating member 571 at this time is indicated by arrows.

[0074] Fig. 12(b) shows a state in which the car 3 is completely lifted. In this case, the lever 55 is not operated, so the fitting convex portion 555 of the lever 55 is displaced upward from the state shown in Fig. 12(a) and is ready to fit into the fitting concave portion 571a of the rotating member 571. Then, the fitting convex portion 555 of the lever 55 fits into the fitting concave portion 571a of the rotating member 571, thereby locking the parallel link 52.

[0075] Figure 12(c) shows the state when parallel link 52 is unlocked. In this case, by lifting handle 550 of lever 55, engaging convex portion 555 of lever 55 is displaced downward from the state shown in Figure 12(b). As a result, engaging convex portion 555 of lever 55 is disengaged from engaging concave portion 571a of rotating member 571, and parallel link 52 is unlocked. Thus, in the dishwasher of this embodiment, lever 55 has unlocking portions disposed on the left and right rear portions of basket 3 that release the lock of link lock portion 57.

[0076] It is preferable that the angle formed between the slide rail 51 and the parallel link 52 when the car 3 rises or falls be set to a range of 90 degrees or less. In other words, when the car 3 is raised, the angle θ formed between the slide rail 51 and the parallel link 52 is 90 degrees or less.

[0077] The rotating member 571 has a fitting recess 571a and the like, and its outer periphery is formed in a complex shape. In addition, since the rotating member 571 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the parallel link 52, it is covered with a parallel link cover part 523 (see FIG. 8) to prevent the user from touching it.

[0078] In the dishwasher of Example 1, when the basket 3 for storing dishes is lifted from the storage state (FIG. 8), the parallel link 52 transitions from a more horizontal state to a more vertical state. In other words, when the basket 3 is moved downward from the lifted state, the parallel link 52 transitions from a more vertical state to a more horizontal state. In this case, when the basket 3 is lifted from the storage state, it is displaced so that the vertical movement amount is greater than the horizontal movement amount. In this example, this type of link mechanism (lifting mechanism 5) is referred to as a "slide-up type."

[0079] [Example 3] Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing the main parts of a dishwasher according to Example 3 of the present invention. Note that Fig. 13 omits the illustration of some components, such as the front slide rail 51 and the basket 3. Components similar to those in Example 1 are given the same reference numerals as in Example 1, and duplicated explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, for components given the same reference numerals as in Example 1, differences from Example 1 will be explained if any. The components different from Example 1 will be explained below.

[0080] 13 shows a state in which basket 3 has been pulled out from main body 2 and then lifted up, with slide rail 51 and parallel link 52 locked. Similar to dishwasher 1 of Example 1, dishwasher 1 of this example includes main body 2 having opening 21 opening to the front, basket (first basket) 3 arranged inside main body 2, and lifting mechanism 5 for raising and lowering basket 3. Lifting mechanism 5 includes slide rail 51 that enables basket 3 to move forward and backward, parallel link 52 that connects basket 3 and slide rail 51, link auxiliary part 53 that connects basket 3 and parallel link 52, and lever 55 that operates basket 3.

[0081] In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the dishwasher 1 has a second basket 4 disposed above the first basket 3 when the basket (first basket) 3 is stored.

[0082] The dishwasher 1 of this embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in the configuration of the lifting mechanism 5. The differences between the first embodiment and the present embodiment will be specifically described below.

[0083] FIG. 14 is a plan view showing the lifting mechanism 5 in a state in which the car 3 is stored. The slide rail 51 of this embodiment includes a rail support member 514, and is supported on the side wall 22 of the main body 2 by the rail support member 514. Specifically, the second rail portion 512 is fixed to the rail support member 514.

[0084] The parallel link 52 has a first link portion 521 that is arranged on the side of the opening 21 in the stored state, and a second link portion 522 that is arranged on the back side of the main body 2. The first link portion 521 and the second link portion 522 are arranged in parallel.

[0085] In this embodiment, the first link portion 521 and the second link portion 522 have their respective one ends 521a, 522a rotatably connected to the inside of the side wall 22 of the main body 2, and their respective other ends 521b, 522b rotatably connected to the side of the slide rail 51. Specifically, the other end 521b of the first link portion 521 and the other end 522b of the second link portion 522 are rotatably connected to the rail support member 514. The first link portion 521 and the second link portion 522 are configured to rotate around the position of connection to the side wall 22 as the rotation axis, thereby raising and lowering the car 3.

[0086] The parallel link 52 is arranged at the other end 521b or 522b to be in contact with the rail lock portion 56 that locks the slide rail 51 and the link lock portion 57 that locks the parallel link 52. The link lock portion 57 is fixed to both of the two links that make up the parallel link 52. This allows the link lock portion 57 to be firmly fixed to and locked on the parallel link 52. Specifically, the first link portion 521 is arranged at its lower end (other end) 521b to be in contact with the rail lock portion 56 that fixes the slide rail 51 and the link lock portion 57 that fixes the first link portion 521. In other words, the parallel link 52 that is in contact with the rail lock portion 56 and the link lock portion 57 is the first link portion 521. By providing the rail lock portion 56 and the link lock portion 57 on the side of the first link portion 521, unnecessary interference between the link portions 56, 57 and the parallel link 52 can be avoided, and the link portions 56, 57 can be arranged compactly.

[0087] The other end 521b of the first link portion 521, the other end 522b of the second link portion 522, the rail lock portion 56, and the link lock portion 57 are arranged on the same plane of the flat rail support member 514, and as a result, the rail lock portion 56 and the link lock portion 57 are arranged in a position overlapping with the parallel link 52 when viewed from the side of the opening 21. This eliminates the thickness of the link lock portion 57, allowing the car 3 to be made larger.

[0088] In the state where the car 3 is stored (the state shown in FIG. 14), the first link portion 521 and the second link portion 522 are oriented such that their longitudinal directions are aligned with the vertical direction.

[0089] The link auxiliary part 53, which generates a driving force to lift the car 3, is connected between the side wall of the main body 2 and the parallel link 52. In this embodiment, the link auxiliary part 53 connects the car 3 and the second link part 522. For this purpose, the second link part 522 is provided with a connecting part 522c that protrudes in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the second link part 522. The function of the link auxiliary part 53 is the same as in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0090] FIG. 15 is a plan view showing the lifting mechanism 5 in a state in which the car 3 is lifted and locked. The first link portion 521 and the second link portion 522 rotate about connection positions 521a, 522a to the side wall 22 as the rotation center, thereby raising and lowering the car 3. In the state in Fig. 15 in which the car 3 is lifted and locked, the first link portion 521 and the second link portion 522 are oriented such that their longitudinal directions are aligned horizontally. In accordance with their rotation relative to the side wall 22, the first link portion 521 and the second link portion 522 also rotate relative to the car 3 at connection positions 521b, 522b to the car 3, thereby maintaining the horizontality of the car 3.

[0091] Fig. 16 is an enlarged perspective view showing the vicinity of the lower end (other end) 521b of the first link portion 521. In Fig. 16, (a) shows a state in which the car 3 is stored, (b) shows a state in which the car 3 is in the middle of being lifted, and (c) shows a state in which the car 3 is completely lifted.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 16(a), the parallel link 52 has a convex portion 525 at its lower end, and as shown in FIG. 16(b), the parallel link 52 rotates when the car 3 rises, thereby releasing the contact between the convex portion 525 and the rail lock portion 56. At this time, the rail lock portion 56 is released from contact with the convex portion 525 of the parallel link 52, and is thereby fitted into the concave portion 515 of the slide rail 51. In this embodiment, the convex portion 525 is provided on the first link portion 521, and the concave portion 515 of the slide rail is provided on the first rail portion 511. In the following description, it is assumed that the convex portion 525 is provided on the first link portion 521.

[0093] 16(c), after the rail locking portion 56 is fitted into the recessed portion 515 of the slide rail 51, the first link portion 521 is further rotated in the same direction with the other end portion 511b in contact with the link locking portion 57, thereby engaging the convex portion 525 with the engaging portion 574 of the link locking portion 57. At this time, the link locking portion 57 locks the first link portion 521 as the convex portion 525 of the first link portion 521 engages with the engaging portion 574.

[0094] The rail locking portion 56 has a biasing member and is biased to the locked state. Similarly, the link locking portion 57 is configured to be rotatable around a connecting portion 572 to the rail support member 514 as a rotation axis (rotation center), and is biased by a biasing member 573.

[0095] To release the locked state by the rail locking portion 56, the first link portion 521 is rotated in the order of (c), (b), and (a) to bring the convex portion 525 of the first link portion 521 into contact with the rail locking portion 56, and the convex portion 525 presses the rail locking portion 56, thereby releasing the locked state by the rail locking portion 56 as shown in (a). In this case, it is necessary to release the locked state of the first link portion 521 by the link locking portion 57.

[0096] Fig. 17 is a plan view showing the state in which the first link portion 521 is released from the locked state by the lever 55. (a) shows the state in which the car 3 is fully lifted and the rail lock portion 56 and the link lock portion 57 are locked, and (b) shows the state in which the handle 550 of the lever 55 is lifted to store the car 3. Note that Fig. 17 shows a see-through state of the second rail portion 512 and the lever 55.

[0097] The lifting mechanism 5 includes a lever 55 that surrounds the front and the left and right sides of the car 3. A handle 550 is provided on the lever 55 at the portion surrounding the front of the car 3. The lever 55 also has unlocking portions 553 that are located at the left and right rear portions of the car 3 and that unlock the link lock portion 57. When storing the car 3, the lever 55 of the handle 550 is raised (the state shown in FIG. 17(b)). The lever 55 is divided into a plurality of portions 556a to 556d, and the plurality of portions 556a to 556d are connected to adjacent divided portions by connecting portions 557a to 557d and are configured to be rotatable about the connecting portions 557a to 557d as rotation axes.

[0098] Connecting portions 557a and 557d are rotation shafts fixed to first rail portion 511, and connecting portions 557b and 557c are rotation shafts that are not fixed to first rail portion 511. When handle 550 of lever 55 is lifted, divided portions 556a to 556d rotate, as shown in FIG. 17(b), and the rear end portion of divided portion 556a is lifted. Then, unlocking portion 553 moves upward, thereby unlocking link lock portion 57.

[0099] That is, when lowering basket 3, lever 55 moves unlocking portion 553 at the rear end upward and rotates link lock portion 57 so that engagement portion 574 moves downward, thereby disengaging engagement portion 574 of link lock portion 57 from protrusion 525 of parallel link 52. A damping unit may be provided on the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment to absorb impact on the basket and the dishes inside it when basket 3 is lowered for storage. Even if basket 3 contains delicate dishes, it can be driven gently to prevent damage. Furthermore, providing a damping unit on the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment, i.e., not mounting the damping unit on the rail, allows for greater flexibility in rail design.

[0100] FIG. 18 is a plan view showing a state in which the car (first car) 3 is being pulled out forward from the stored state. In this embodiment, when the car 3 is in the stored state shown in Fig. 14, a large gap exists between the first link portion 521 and the second link portion 522, and when the car 3 is in the fully lifted state shown in Fig. 15, the gap between the first link portion 521 and the second link portion 522 becomes smaller. In this embodiment, too, a parallel link cover 523 is provided for the same reason as in Example 1. Therefore, the parallel link 52 has the parallel link cover 523 that covers the gap 524 formed between the first link portion 51 and the second link portion 52.

[0101] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and includes various modifications. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those including all of the configurations. Furthermore, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, or to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. Furthermore, it is possible to add, delete, or replace part of the configuration of each embodiment with other configurations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 1...dishwasher, 71...circulation path, 72...circulation pump, 73...air intake port, 74...air mixing path, 75...valve body, 76...foaming detection sensor, 77...discharge port of air mixing path 74, 80...filter, 81a...first piping section, 81b...second piping section, 91...drying path, 92...warm air inlet, 93...warm air outlet, 101...housing, 110...washing tank, 120...control unit, L1...first water level.

Claims

1. A washing tub for storing dishes; a circulation path for supplying water to the cleaning tank; a circulation pump disposed on the circulation path; an air mixing path that mixes air drawn in from an air intake port into the circulation pump, The dishwasher, wherein the air intake is disposed within the washing tub.

2. A washing tub for storing dishes; a circulation path for supplying water to the cleaning tank; a circulation pump disposed on the circulation path; an air mixing path for mixing air drawn in through an air intake port into the circulation pump; a drying path for drying the inside of the cleaning tank, The dishwasher, wherein the air intake is disposed within the drying path.

3. A washing tub for storing dishes; a circulation path for supplying water to the cleaning tank; a circulation pump disposed on the circulation path; an air mixing path for mixing air into the circulation pump from an air intake port; a drying path for drying the inside of the cleaning tank; a housing that contains the cleaning tank, the circulation path, the circulation pump, the air mixing path, and the drying path; The dishwasher, wherein the air intake is located outside the washing tub and inside the housing.

4. 2. The dishwasher of claim 1, A filter is provided on the bottom of the cleaning tank, In this dishwasher, the air mixing path is integral with the filter and is detachable.

5. 3. The dishwasher according to claim 2, The drying path includes a warm air inlet through which warm air enters the cleaning tank and a warm air outlet through which warm air exits the cleaning tank, The dishwasher, wherein the air intake is disposed on the drying path and upstream of the hot air inlet.

6. 4. The dishwasher according to claim 1, a control unit for controlling the amount of air and water supplied through the intake port; the control unit controls the supply of water to a first water level in the cleaning process, The dishwasher, wherein the air intake is located above the first water level.

7. 4. The dishwasher according to claim 1, an openable and closable valve body disposed in the air mixing path; a foam detection sensor disposed on a side wall of the washing tub.

8. 8. The dishwasher according to claim 7, In the dishwasher, the valve body is disposed above the foaming detection sensor.

9. 4. The dishwasher according to claim 1, the air mixing path has a discharge port that discharges fine bubbles into the circulation path, The dishwasher has an inner diameter smaller at a portion where the circulation path intersects with the discharge port than at other portions of the circulation path.

10. 10. The dishwasher of claim 9, The dishwasher has an air mixing path having an inner diameter larger on the discharge port side than on the intake port side.

11. 5. The dishwasher according to claim 4, the air mixing path has a discharge port that discharges fine bubbles into the circulation path, the circulation path has a first piping section including a horizontal portion and a second piping section connecting the filter section to the first piping section, A dishwasher in which a portion of the air mixing path is disposed inside the second piping portion.

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