Flow regulator and dishwasher

Abstract

To provide a highly reliable flow rate adjusting device and dishwasher. [Solution] The dishwasher 1 of the present invention is equipped with a flow rate control device 13. The flow rate control device 13 has a housing 41, an electric motor 43, and a valve body 45. The housing 41 is formed with a supply passage 64, connecting passages 51-53, and a storage chamber 49. The electric motor 43 has a drive shaft 47. The valve body 45 is attached to the drive shaft 47 and stored in the storage chamber 49 above the electric motor 43, and is rotatable around an axis O by the drive shaft 47. The valve body 45 has a valve plate portion 45a and a valve stem portion 45b. The housing 41 is also formed with a valve bearing portion 65 and a discharge passage 66. The valve bearing portion 65 is in communication with the storage chamber 49 and stores the valve stem portion 45b. The discharge passage 66 discharges wash water from the valve bearing portion 65 to the outside.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a flow rate adjusting device and a dishwasher. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a conventional flow rate control device. This flow rate control device is used in a dishwasher. The dishwasher has a washing tub that contains items to be washed, multiple spray nozzles that spray washing water into the washing tub, and a pump that can supply washing water to each spray nozzle.

[0003] The flow rate control device includes a housing, an electric motor, and a valve body. The housing is formed with a supply passage connecting to the pump, multiple connection passages connecting to each spray nozzle, and a storage chamber communicating with the supply passage and each connection passage. Cleaning water can flow through these supply passages and each connection passage. The electric motor has a drive shaft extending in the vertical direction. The electric motor is attached to the housing and can rotate the drive shaft about its axis. The valve body is attached to the drive shaft and is housed in the storage chamber above the electric motor, and can rotate about its axis by the drive shaft.

[0004] The valve element has a valve plate and a valve stem. The valve plate is disk-shaped and extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis. The valve plate has a plurality of communication holes formed therethrough. The valve stem extends downward from the valve plate in a cylindrical shape. A drive shaft is inserted through the valve stem.

[0005] In this flow control device, the housing is formed with an opposing wall and a valve bearing portion. The opposing wall is located within the accommodation chamber and faces the valve plate portion from below. The valve bearing portion is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom that extends upward from the opposing wall. The valve bearing portion is configured to accommodate the valve stem portion.

[0006] In this flow control device, wash water that reaches the storage chamber via the supply passage flows through each connecting flow path via each communicating hole. Here, in this flow control device, as the valve body rotates within the storage chamber, the communicating area of ​​each communicating hole formed in the valve plate portion of the valve body to each connecting flow path changes. In this way, this flow control device adjusts the flow rate of wash water supplied from the pump to each spray nozzle. This allows the dishwasher to spray wash water into the wash tub from all spray nozzles or from only one spray nozzle. In this way, in a dishwasher using this flow control device, items to be washed in the wash tub can be washed with wash water sprayed into the wash tub from each spray nozzle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-41049 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] In the conventional flow control device described above, because the valve bearing is connected to the storage chamber, some of the cleaning water in the storage chamber inevitably flows into and accumulates in the valve bearing. When cleaning an object, the cleaning water circulates through the pump, the flow control device, each spray nozzle, and the cleaning tank in that order. While the cleaning water supplied from the pump to each spray nozzle, i.e., the cleaning water reaching the storage chamber via the supply path, can be filtered to remove foreign matter such as residue, the filter cannot completely remove the foreign matter. As a result, the cleaning water reaching the storage chamber inevitably contains foreign matter that could not be removed by the filter.

[0009] As a result, as the wash water stored in the valve bearing evaporates within the valve bearing, foreign matter in the wash water precipitates and remains within the valve bearing. If the foreign matter in the valve bearing causes the valve stem to stick to the valve bearing, the load on the electric motor may become excessively large when the flow control device starts operating, or the electric motor may not be able to rotate the valve body with its own power. This raises concerns about the reliability of such flow control devices, and ultimately, of dishwashers equipped with such flow control devices.

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional circumstances, and an object to be achieved is to provide a highly reliable flow rate adjusting device and dishwasher. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The flow rate control device of the present invention is used in a dishwasher having a washing tank that contains items to be washed, a plurality of spray nozzles that spray washing water into the washing tank, and a pump that can supply the washing water to each of the spray nozzles, and is a flow rate control device that can adjust the flow rate of the washing water supplied from the pump to each of the spray nozzles, a housing formed with a supply passage connected to the pump and through which the cleaning water can flow, a plurality of connection passages connected to each of the spray nozzles and through which the cleaning water can flow, and a storage chamber communicating with the supply passage and each of the connection passages; an electric motor having a drive shaft extending in the vertical direction, attached to the housing, and rotatable about its axis; a valve body that is attached to the drive shaft and accommodated in the accommodation chamber above the electric motor, and that is rotatable around the axis by the drive shaft; The valve body includes a plate-shaped valve plate portion extending in a direction perpendicular to the axis; a valve stem portion extending downward from the valve plate portion in a cylindrical shape and through which the drive shaft is inserted, a communication hole is formed through the valve plate portion, and the communication area with each of the connection flow paths is changed in accordance with the rotation of the valve plate portion; The housing includes an opposing wall located within the accommodation chamber and facing the valve plate portion from below; a valve bearing portion that extends upward or downward from the opposing wall in a cylindrical shape with a bottom, communicates with the accommodation chamber, and accommodates the valve stem portion; The valve bearing is characterized in that a discharge passage is formed which communicates with the inside of the valve bearing and discharges the cleaning water inside the valve bearing to the outside of the valve bearing.

[0012] In the flow control device of the present invention, a valve bearing is formed in the housing, and a valve stem is accommodated in this valve bearing. Note that as long as the valve bearing is configured to accommodate the valve stem, it may be configured, for example, so that the valve stem is accommodated in the valve bearing when the pump is not operating, and so that all or part of the valve stem is removed from the valve bearing when the pump is operating. Alternatively, it may be configured so that the valve stem is always accommodated in the valve bearing, regardless of whether the pump is operating or not.

[0013] Here, in this flow control device, a discharge passage is formed in the housing, and this discharge passage is connected to the inside of the valve bearing portion. As a result, in this flow control device, even if flushing water containing foreign matter inevitably flows into the valve bearing portion, the discharge passage can discharge the flushing water to the outside of the valve bearing portion. As a result, in this flow control device, flushing water, including foreign matter, is less likely to accumulate in the valve bearing portion. As a result, in this flow control device, it is possible to effectively prevent the valve stem portion from adhering to the valve bearing portion due to foreign matter in the valve bearing portion. As a result, in this flow control device, it is less likely that the load on the electric motor will become excessively large at the start of operation, or that the electric motor will be unable to rotate the valve body.

[0014] Therefore, the flow rate adjusting device of the present invention is highly reliable.

[0015] The valve bearing may have a bottom wall and a peripheral wall that is connected to the outer edge of the bottom wall and extends vertically to surround the valve stem from the outside. The discharge passage is preferably recessed downward from the upper end of the peripheral wall and connects the valve bearing to the supply passage. In this case, the discharge passage can be easily formed. Furthermore, by connecting the discharge passage to the valve bearing and the supply passage, this flow rate control device allows cleaning water that has flowed into the valve bearing to be discharged to the supply passage, i.e., the cleaning water in the valve bearing can be returned to the supply passage.

[0016] The valve bearing portion may have a bottom wall and a peripheral wall that is connected to the outer edge of the bottom wall and extends vertically to surround the valve stem portion from the outside. The drain passage may be connected to the peripheral wall. The bottom wall preferably slopes downward toward the drain passage. In this case, the shape of the bottom wall that slopes downward toward the drain passage can effectively guide cleaning water from within the valve bearing portion to the drain passage. Therefore, with this flow rate control device, cleaning water from within the valve bearing portion can be effectively discharged through the drain passage.

[0017] In this case, the valve element may move upward within the chamber when the pump is operating, and may move downward within the chamber when the pump is stopped. The bottom wall may have a main body portion connected to the peripheral wall and a protrusion portion protruding upward from the main body portion. Furthermore, an abutment surface may be formed at the upper end of the protrusion portion, extending approximately horizontally in a direction perpendicular to the axis and abutting against the valve stem portion from below when the pump is stopped. It is also preferable that the main body portion be inclined downward toward the discharge path.

[0018] In this flow control device, the abutment surface of the protrusion abuts the valve stem from below, thereby restricting downward movement of the valve disc when the pump is stopped. Here, because the abutment surface extends substantially horizontally in a direction perpendicular to the axis, even if the valve disc is tilted, the valve stem abuts against the abutment surface, thereby suitably correcting the inclination of the valve disc. This effectively prevents the valve disc from moving upward within the chamber in a tilted position during pump operation. As a result, in this flow control device, the valve stem is less likely to get caught on the valve bearing when the valve disc moves upward within the chamber, allowing the valve disc to move upward within the chamber.

[0019] The dishwasher of the present invention comprises: a washing tub for accommodating items to be washed; a plurality of spray nozzles for spraying cleaning water into the cleaning tank; a pump capable of supplying the cleaning water toward each of the spray nozzles; A dishwasher equipped with a flow rate adjusting device capable of adjusting the flow rate of the washing water supplied from the pump to each of the spray nozzles, The flow rate control device includes a housing in which a supply path connected to the pump and through which the cleaning water can flow, a plurality of connection paths connected to each of the spray nozzles and through which the cleaning water can flow, and a storage chamber communicating with the supply path and each of the connection paths; an electric motor having a drive shaft extending in the vertical direction, attached to the housing, and rotatable about its axis; a valve body that is attached to the drive shaft and accommodated in the accommodation chamber above the electric motor, and that is rotatable around the axis by the drive shaft; The valve body includes a plate-shaped valve plate portion extending in a direction perpendicular to the axis; a valve stem portion extending downward from the valve plate portion in a cylindrical shape and through which the drive shaft is inserted, a communication hole is formed through the valve plate portion, and the communication area with each of the connection flow paths is changed in accordance with the rotation of the valve plate portion; The housing includes an opposing wall located within the accommodation chamber and facing the valve plate portion from below; a valve bearing portion that extends upward or downward from the opposing wall in a cylindrical shape with a bottom, communicates with the accommodation chamber, and accommodates the valve stem portion; The valve bearing is characterized in that a discharge passage is formed which communicates with the inside of the valve bearing and discharges the cleaning water inside the valve bearing to the outside of the valve bearing.

[0020] The flow control device provided in the dishwasher of the present invention achieves the above-mentioned effects. Therefore, in this dishwasher, wash water is less likely to accumulate in the valve bearing, and foreign matter in the valve bearing can be prevented from sticking the valve stem to the valve bearing. As a result, in this dishwasher, the load on the electric motor becomes excessively large when the flow control device starts operating, and the electric motor is less likely to be unable to rotate the valve disc.

[0021] Therefore, the dishwasher of the present invention is highly reliable. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] The flow rate regulator and dishwasher of the present invention are highly reliable. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a water supply process of the dishwasher of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the washing process of the dishwasher of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the draining process of the dishwasher of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a flow rate adjusting device in the dishwasher of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second housing of the dishwasher of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second housing and a valve body in the dishwasher of the first embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of the flow rate adjusting device in the dishwasher of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the essential parts of the dishwasher of the first embodiment, showing the valve body, the valve bearing portion, the discharge passage, etc., of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of the dishwasher according to the second embodiment, similar to FIG. 8, when the valve body moves upward in the accommodation chamber. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of the dishwasher according to the second embodiment, similar to FIGS. 8 and 9, when the valve body moves downward in the accommodation chamber. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Hereinafter, first and second embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0025] 1 to 3, the dishwasher 1 of the first embodiment includes a housing 3, a washing tub 5, a lid 7, a water supply pump 9, a drain pump 11, a flow rate regulator 13, a water supply pipe 15, and first to third spray nozzles 17 to 19. The water supply pump 9 is an example of the "pump" of the present invention.

[0026] In this embodiment, the front-to-rear and up-to-down directions of the dishwasher 1 and the flow rate control device 13 are defined by the arrows shown in Figures 1 to 3. In Figure 4, the right-to-left direction of the dishwasher 1 and the flow rate control device 13, i.e., the width direction, is defined based on the position of a user (not shown) of the dishwasher 1 facing the dishwasher 1 from the front, with the right-hand side of the user being the right side of the dishwasher 1 and the left-hand side of the user being the left side of the dishwasher 1. These front-to-rear, up-to-down, and left-to-right directions are perpendicular to each other. In Figure 5 and subsequent figures, the front-to-rear and up-to-down directions of the dishwasher 1 and the flow rate control device 13 are defined corresponding to Figures 1 to 3.

[0027] 1 to 3, the housing 3 is formed in a generally rectangular box shape that extends in the front-rear, up-down, and left-right directions. The housing 3 also has a housing opening 3a. The housing opening 3a is located at the front end of the housing 3 and opens forward toward the outside of the housing 3. This housing opening 3a gives the housing 3 a generally rectangular box shape that is open at the front.

[0028] The cleaning tank 5 is formed in a generally rectangular box shape extending in the front-to-back, up-down, and left-to-right directions. The cleaning tank 5 also has a tank opening 5a. The tank opening 5a is located at the front end of the cleaning tank 5 and opens forward toward the outside of the cleaning tank 5. This tank opening 5a gives the cleaning tank 5 a generally rectangular box shape that is open at the front. The cleaning tank 5 is housed in the housing 3 with the tank opening 5a facing the housing opening 3a, and is fixed to the housing 3.

[0029] Inside the washing tub 5, first to third dish baskets 31 to 33 are provided. The first to third dish baskets 31 to 33 are arranged with a predetermined distance between them in the vertical direction. The first to third dish baskets 31 to 33 are each capable of placing an item to be washed TW thereon. In other words, the item to be washed TW is stored inside the washing tub 5 while being placed on the first to third dish baskets 31 to 33. Examples of the item to be washed TW include tableware such as plates and bowls, eating utensils such as chopsticks, and cooking vessels such as frying pans and pots.

[0030] A water storage section 5b is formed at the bottom of the cleaning tank 5. The water storage section 5b is recessed downward. A filter 21 is attached to the cleaning tank 5 so as to cover the water storage section 5b from above. The filter 21 is capable of capturing foreign matter such as residue contained in the cleaning water.

[0031] The lid 7 is attached to the front of the housing 3 by a hinge mechanism and a damper mechanism (neither of which are shown) so as to be able to swing. The lid 7 swings back and forth relative to the housing 3, thereby switching between a closed state and an open state. In the closed state shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the lid 7 closes the housing opening 3a and the tank opening 5a from the front. On the other hand, although not shown in detail, in the open state the lid 7 opens the housing opening 3a and the tank opening 5a. As a result, when the lid 7 is in the open state, the interior of the cleaning tank 5 communicates with the outside of the housing 3.

[0032] The water supply pump 9, the drain pump 11, and the flow rate control device 13 are each disposed within the housing 3 and located below the cleaning tank 5. The water supply pump 9 is connected to the tank portion 54 (see FIG. 4) of the flow rate control device 13 by a first water supply hose 23, and is also connected to the connecting tube portion 61 of the flow rate control device 13 by a second water supply hose 25.

[0033] Drain pump 11 is connected to tank unit 54 by first drain hose 27, and is also connected to a drain outlet (not shown) provided outside dishwasher 1 by second drain hose 29. A drain electromagnetic valve (not shown) is provided on second drain hose 29. Furthermore, drain pump 11 and the above-mentioned water supply pump 9 are each electrically connected to a power source (not shown).

[0034] 4 to 8, the flow rate control device 13 includes a housing 41, an electric motor 43, and a valve body 45. The housing 41 is made up of a first housing 41a and a second housing 41b.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 4, the first housing 41a is formed with a fixed portion 50, first to third connecting flow paths 51 to 53, and a tank portion 54. As shown in Fig. 7, the fixed portion 50 has an upper wall 50a and a side wall 50b. The upper wall 50a is formed in a substantially disk shape. The side wall 50b is connected to the outer edge of the upper wall 50a and extends cylindrically downward from the upper wall 50a. The upper wall 50a and the side wall 50b form the fixed portion 50 in a cylindrical shape with a bottom that is open downward.

[0036] The first to third connecting flow paths 51 to 53 are each formed integrally with the upper wall 50a of the fixed part 50, and extend cylindrically upward from the upper wall 50a. The first to third connecting flow paths 51 to 53 communicate with the interior of the fixed part 50, i.e., with a storage chamber 49 (described later), from above. The first to third connecting flow paths 51 to 53 communicate with the storage chamber 49 from above at mutually different positions.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 4, the tank portion 54 is shaped like a cylinder that is open at the top and has a bottom. The tank portion 54 is formed to be separated from the fixed portion 50 and the first to third connecting flow paths 51 to 53. As a result, the tank portion 54 is not in communication with the fixed portion 50 and the first to third connecting flow paths 51 to 53. The tank portion 54 is connected to a water supply source (not shown) provided outside the dishwasher 1 by the third water supply hose 26 shown in Fig. 1. A water supply electromagnetic valve (not shown) is provided in the third water supply hose 26.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 5, the second housing 41b has a base 60, a connecting tubular portion 61, and fixing flanges 411-414. The base 60 is formed in a substantially disk shape and is capable of entering the interior of the fixed portion 50. As shown in FIG. 7, a first insertion hole 62 is formed in the base 60. The first insertion hole 62 is located in the center of the base 60 and penetrates the base 60 in the vertical direction. A first seal ring 601 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the base 60. Note that, for ease of explanation, the first seal ring 601 is not shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0039] The connecting tube portion 61 is connected to the base portion 60 radially outward of the first insertion hole 62, and extends cylindrically rearward from the base portion 60. The second water supply hose 25 is connected to the connecting tube portion 61.

[0040] 5, the fixing flanges 411 to 414 are integrally formed with the base 60. The fixing flanges 411 to 414 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the base 60. Screw holes 411a to 414a are formed in the fixing flanges 411 to 414, respectively. The number of fixing flanges 411 to 414 can be designed as appropriate.

[0041] In addition, in the second housing 41b, an opposing wall 63, a supply passage 64, a valve bearing portion 65, and a discharge passage 66 are formed on the base 60. The opposing wall 63 is located at the upper end of the base 60. The opposing wall 63 is formed in a flat shape.

[0042] The supply passage 64 is located radially outward of the base 60 relative to the valve bearing portion 65. The supply passage 64 opens to the opposing wall 63, extends into the base 60, and communicates with the interior of the connecting tubular portion 61. The supply passage 64 has an inner wall 64a that extends from the opposing wall 63 to the connecting tubular portion 61. As described above, the second water supply hose 25 is connected to the connecting tubular portion 61, and the supply passage 64 is connected to the water supply pump 9 via the connecting tubular portion 61 and the second water supply hose 25.

[0043] The valve bearing portion 65 is located in the center of the base portion 60. The valve bearing portion 65 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom that extends downward from the upper end of the base portion 60, i.e., from the opposing wall 63. Here, the valve bearing portion 65 is formed to have a larger diameter than the valve stem portion 45b of the valve body 45, which will be described later.

[0044] The valve bearing portion 65 is made up of a bottom wall 65a and a peripheral wall 65b. The bottom wall 65a is located at the lower end of the valve bearing portion 65. As a result, the bottom wall 65a forms the bottom of the valve bearing portion 65. The upper end of the first insertion hole 62 opens into the bottom wall 65a.

[0045] The bottom wall 65a has a main body portion 651 and a protruding portion 652. The main body portion 651 is located outside the protruding portion 652 in the radial direction of the base portion 60. The main body portion 651 is connected to the peripheral wall 65b at its outer edge. The protruding portion 652 is integral with the main body portion 651. The protruding portion 652 is formed in an annular shape surrounding the first insertion hole 62 and protrudes upward from the main body portion 651. As shown in FIG. 8 , an abutting surface 652a is formed on the upper end of the protruding portion 652. The abutting surface 652a extends substantially horizontally in the up-down direction, i.e., perpendicular to the axial direction of the drive shaft 47 (described later). In other words, the abutting surface 652a extends substantially parallel to an imaginary horizontal line HL.

[0046] The peripheral wall 65b is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction. The lower end of the peripheral wall 65b is connected to the outer edge of the main body 651, i.e., the outer edge of the bottom wall 65a, and the upper end is connected to the opposing wall 63.

[0047] The discharge passage 66 is located between the valve bearing portion 65 and the supply passage 64 in the radial direction of the base 60. The discharge passage 66 is recessed downward from the upper end of the peripheral wall 65b, and further from the opposing wall 63 to which the upper end of the peripheral wall 65b is connected. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the discharge passage 66 extends from the upper end to the lower end of the peripheral wall 65b in the vertical direction. In other words, the discharge passage 66 extends from the opposing wall 63 to the bottom wall 65a of the valve bearing portion 65. The discharge passage 66 is also connected to the inner wall 64a of the supply passage 64 and the peripheral wall 65b of the valve bearing portion 65. In this way, the discharge passage 66 connects the valve bearing portion 65 and the supply passage 64 in the radial direction of the base 60. The size of the discharge passage 66 can be designed as appropriate.

[0048] 8, in the second housing 41b, the main body 651 of the bottom wall 65a is formed in a shape that slopes downward at a predetermined angle θ with respect to an imaginary horizontal line HL. More specifically, the main body 651 is formed in a shape that slopes downward at the predetermined angle θ toward the discharge passage 66. Furthermore, because the main body 651 is shaped to slope downward at the predetermined angle θ toward the discharge passage 66, the depth of the valve bearing portion 65 is not constant, but gradually becomes deeper as it approaches the discharge passage 66 in the radial direction of the base 60. Note that the magnitude of the predetermined angle θ of the main body 651 can be designed as appropriate, as long as it slopes downward toward the discharge passage 66.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 7, the electric motor 43 is attached to the lower end of the base 60 of the second housing 41b via an annular mounting plate 43a. Specifically, the electric motor 43 is a stepping motor. The electric motor 43 is electrically connected to a power source (not shown). Note that, for ease of explanation, the shape of the electric motor 43 is simplified in Fig. 7.

[0050] The electric motor 43 also has a drive shaft 47. The drive shaft 47 extends vertically in the axial direction and has an axis O. The drive shaft 47 is held by the electric motor 43 while its lower portion is inserted into the electric motor 43, and extends vertically upward from the electric motor 43. When the electric motor 43 is operated, it rotates the drive shaft 47 around the axis O by a predetermined rotation angle.

[0051] 7 and 8, a second seal ring 471 and a third seal ring 472 are attached to the drive shaft 47. In addition, a retaining portion 473 is formed on the upper end of the drive shaft 47.

[0052] The drive shaft 47 is inserted into the first insertion hole 62 by attaching the electric motor 43 to the base 60. The drive shaft 47 extends into the valve bearing 65, with its upper portion, including the retaining portion 473, protruding above the valve bearing 65 and the opposing wall 63. The second seal ring 471 and the third seal ring 472 are positioned in the first insertion hole 62 by the drive shaft 47 being inserted into the first insertion hole 62. The second seal ring 471 and the third seal ring 472 seal the gap between the inner wall of the first insertion hole 62 and the drive shaft 47 while ensuring rotation of the drive shaft 47 about the axis O.

[0053] 6 to 8, the valve body 45 has a valve plate portion 45a and a valve shaft portion 45b. As shown in Fig. 6, the valve plate portion 45a is formed in a disk shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the axis O of the drive shaft 47. As shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the valve plate portion 45a has an upper surface 451 and a lower surface 452 located opposite the upper surface 451.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 6 , first to fourth communication holes 71 to 74 are formed in the valve plate portion 45a. The first to fourth communication holes 71 to 74 are an example of the “communication hole” defined in the present invention. The first to fourth communication holes 71 to 74 each penetrate the valve plate portion 45a in the up-down direction. Specifically, the first communication hole 71 is formed in a perfect circular shape, and the second to fourth communication holes 72 to 74 are formed in an elliptical shape. The third and fourth communication holes 73 and 74 are formed in an elliptical shape that is larger than the second communication hole 72. The sizes and shapes of the first to fourth communication holes 71 to 74, as well as their positions on the valve plate portion 45a, can be designed as appropriate. For example, the second to fourth communication holes 72 to 74 may be omitted, or communication holes may be formed in the valve plate portion 45a in addition to the first to fourth communication holes 71 to 74.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the valve stem 45b is formed integrally with the valve plate 45a and extends downward from the center of the lower surface 452. A second insertion hole 45c is formed in the valve body 45. The second insertion hole 45c passes through the valve plate 45a and the valve stem 45b in the up-down direction. As a result, the valve stem 45b has a cylindrical shape that extends downward from the lower surface 452. As shown in FIG. 8, an annular protrusion 75 is formed at the lower end of the valve stem 45b. The annular protrusion 75 has a circular ring shape that surrounds the second insertion hole 45c and protrudes downward.

[0056] The valve element 45 is attached to the drive shaft 47 by inserting the upper part of the drive shaft 47 into the valve stem portion 45b and thus into the second insertion hole 45c. At this time, the valve element 45 is prevented from coming off the drive shaft 47 upward by a retaining portion 473 of the drive shaft 47. Although not shown, the outer periphery of the drive shaft 47 has a non-circular shape, and the second insertion hole 45c is formed in a shape corresponding to the outer periphery of the drive shaft 47. This allows the valve element 45 to rotate together with the drive shaft 47 around the axis O.

[0057] Furthermore, by attaching the valve element 45 to the drive shaft 47, a portion of the valve stem 45b of the valve element 45 is housed within the valve bearing 65. The peripheral wall 65b of the valve bearing 65 surrounds the valve stem 45b housed within the valve bearing 65 from the outside. Here, the valve bearing 65 is formed to have a larger diameter than the valve stem 45b, so there is a gap between the outer circumferential surface of the valve stem 45b and the peripheral wall 65b.

[0058] Furthermore, while attached to the drive shaft 47, the valve disc 45 is capable of moving up and down relative to the drive shaft 47 within a predetermined range. When the valve disc 45 moves upward relative to the drive shaft 47, the valve stem portion 45b moves upward within the valve bearing portion 65. As a result, the valve stem portion 45b and the bottom wall 65a of the valve bearing portion 65 are separated in the up and down direction, as shown in FIG. 7 . As described above, the retaining portion 473 prevents the valve disc 45 from coming off the drive shaft 47 upward. Therefore, even if the valve disc 45 moves up and down relative to the drive shaft 47, the drive shaft 47 will not come off the valve stem portion 45b, and the valve disc 45 will not fall off the drive shaft 47.

[0059] On the other hand, when the valve element 45 moves downward relative to the drive shaft 47, the valve stem 45b moves downward within the valve bearing 65. This brings the valve stem 45b and the bottom wall 65a closer to each other in the vertical direction. When the valve element 45 moves downward most relative to the drive shaft 47, the protrusion 652 of the bottom wall 65a, more specifically, the abutment surface 652a of the protrusion 652, abuts against the annular protrusion 75 of the valve stem 45b from below, as shown in FIG. 8. In other words, the abutment surface 652a abuts against the annular protrusion 75 from below, thereby restricting the downward movement of the valve element 45 relative to the drive shaft 47.

[0060] 7, with the valve body 45 attached to the drive shaft 47, the second housing 41b has the base 60 inserted into the fixed portion 50 of the first housing 41a from below. The fixing flanges 411-414 are fixed to the side wall 50b of the fixed portion 50 with fixing screws (not shown) inserted through the screw holes 411a-414a of the fixing flanges 411-414, thereby fixing the first housing 41a and the second housing 41b together.

[0061] Furthermore, by fixing the fixing flanges 411-414 to the side wall 50b in this manner, an accommodating chamber 49 is formed between the fixed portion 50 and the base 60. The first seal ring 601 is positioned between the outer peripheral surface of the base 60 and the inner peripheral surface of the side wall 50b, and seals the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the base 60 and the inner peripheral surface of the side wall 50b.

[0062] The valve element 45 is mounted on the drive shaft 47 and accommodated in the accommodation chamber 49. The opposing wall 63 of the base 60 faces the valve plate portion 45a of the valve element 45 from below within the accommodation chamber 49. More specifically, the opposing wall 63 faces the lower surface 452 of the valve plate portion 45a from below within the accommodation chamber 49. The valve bearing portion 65 also communicates with the interior of the accommodation chamber 49.

[0063] 1 to 3, in flow rate control device 13, first housing 41a is fixed to the bottom of cleaning tank 5 with tank portion 54 located below water storage portion 5b. In this way, in flow rate control device 13, tank portion 54 is in communication with water storage portion 5b from below.

[0064] The water supply pipe 15 has first to third water supply pipes 15a to 15c. The first water supply pipe 15a is connected to the first connection flow path 51 and extends into the cleaning tank 5. The second water supply pipe 15b is connected to the second connection flow path 52 and extends into the cleaning tank 5. The third water supply pipe 15c is connected to the third connection flow path 53 and extends into the cleaning tank 5.

[0065] The first to third spray nozzles 17 to 19 are each disposed within the washing tub 5. More specifically, the first spray nozzle 17 is disposed below the first dish basket 31 within the washing tub 5. The second spray nozzle 18 is disposed above the first dish basket 31 and below the second dish basket 32 ​​within the washing tub 5. The third spray nozzle 19 is disposed above the third dish basket 33 within the washing tub 5.

[0066] The first spray nozzle 17 is connected to the first water supply pipe 15a on the side opposite to the first connection flow path 51. The second spray nozzle 18 is connected to the second water supply pipe 15b on the side opposite to the second connection flow path 52. The third spray nozzle 19 is connected to the third water supply pipe 15c on the side opposite to the third connection flow path 53. In this way, in the dishwasher 1, the first spray nozzle 17 is connected to the first connection flow path 51 via the first water supply pipe 15a, and the second spray nozzle 18 is connected to the second connection flow path 52 via the second water supply pipe 15b. The third spray nozzle 19 is connected to the third connection flow path 53 via the third water supply pipe 15c.

[0067] As a result, the first to third jet nozzles 17-19 are able to spray wash water supplied from the first to third water supply pipes 15a-15c, respectively, into the washing tub 5. In this case, the first jet nozzle 17 is able to spray wash water upward from below the first dish basket 31. The second jet nozzle 18 is able to spray wash water downward from above the first dish basket 31, and is able to spray wash water upward from below the second dish basket 32. The third jet nozzle 19 is able to spray wash water downward from above the third dish basket 33. The direction in which the first to third jet nozzles 17-19 spray wash water can be designed as appropriate. Also, any one of the first to third jet nozzles 17-19 may be omitted, or a jet nozzle may be provided in addition to the first to third jet nozzles 17-19.

[0068] In dishwasher 1 configured as described above, when washing items TW, a user (not shown) places the items TW to be washed in first to third dish baskets 31 to 33 and places them in washing tub 5. Then, the user shifts lid 7 to the closed position and turns on the operation switch (not shown). This causes dishwasher 1 to start the water supply cycle.

[0069] As shown in Figure 1, during the water supply process, the water supply electromagnetic valve of third water supply hose 26 is opened, and water from the water supply source is supplied as cleaning water to tank portion 54 of flow rate control device 13 and further to water storage portion 5b of cleaning tub 5. This cleaning water is then stored in tank portion 54 and water storage portion 5b. A treatment agent such as detergent is also mixed with this cleaning water in cleaning tub 5 as appropriate. In this way, a specified amount of cleaning water is stored in tank portion 54 and water storage portion 5b, and the water supply electromagnetic valve of third water supply hose 26 is closed, and the water supply process ends.

[0070] When the water supply cycle ends, the dishwasher 1 starts the washing cycle. During the washing cycle, the electric motor 43 in the flow rate control device 13 operates, causing the valve element 45 and the drive shaft 47 to rotate around the axis O within the accommodation chamber 49. Thus, as the valve element 45, or more specifically, the valve plate portion 45a, rotates, the first to fourth communication holes 71 to 74 within the accommodation chamber 49 are displaced in the rotational direction of the valve plate portion 45a relative to the first to third connecting flow paths 51 to 53 and the supply path 64. As a result, the communication areas between the first to third connecting flow paths 51 to 53 and the first to fourth communication holes 71 to 74 change. Then, as the water supply pump 9 operates, the wash water stored in the tank portion 54 flows into the accommodation chamber 49 through the first and second water supply hoses 23 and 25, the connecting tube portion 61, and the supply path 64, as shown in FIG. 2. Note that the electric motor 43 is stopped when the water supply pump 9 is operating. That is, when the water supply pump 9 is operating, the rotation of the valve body 45 around the axis O is stopped.

[0071] Furthermore, when the water supply pump 9 operates during the cleaning process, cleaning water stored in the tank portion 54 is supplied toward the first to third jet nozzles 17 to 19, as shown in Figure 2. More specifically, the cleaning water stored in the tank portion 54 flows into the storage chamber 49 via the first water supply hose 23, the water supply pump 9, the second water supply hose 25, the connecting tube portion 61, and the supply path 64.

[0072] Here, for example, if the first, second, and fourth communication holes 71, 72, and 74 are positioned so as to communicate with the first to third connecting flow paths 51 to 53, respectively, due to rotation of the valve disc 45, flush water within the storage chamber 49 flows through the first, second, and fourth communication holes 71, 72, and 74 to the first to third connecting flow paths 51 to 53, as indicated by the dashed arrows in FIG. 7 . Furthermore, the valve disc 45 moves upward within the storage chamber 49 due to the water pressure of the flush water flowing from the storage chamber 49 to the first to third connecting flow paths 51 to 53. Here, FIG. 7 shows a state in which the valve disc 45 has moved to its uppermost position within the storage chamber 49, causing the valve plate portion 45a to abut against the upper wall 50a. Even when the valve disc 45 has moved to its uppermost position within the storage chamber 49, the lower portion of the valve stem portion 45b, including the annular protrusion 75, remains housed within the valve bearing portion 65.

[0073] The cleaning water flowing through the first to third connecting flow paths 51-53 reaches the first to third jet nozzles 17-19 via the first to third water supply pipes 15a-15c, respectively, and is sprayed from the first to third jet nozzles 17-19 into the cleaning tank 5 (see the dashed arrows in FIG. 2). In this way, in the cleaning process, the object to be cleaned TW in the cleaning tank 5 is cleaned with the cleaning water. The cleaning process continues until a preset time has elapsed.

[0074] Furthermore, the cleaning water sprayed into the cleaning tank 5 from the first to third spray nozzles 17 to 19 passes through the filter 21 to reach the water storage section 5b, and is stored in the water storage section 5b and the tank section 54. Then, as described above, this cleaning water passes again from the water supply pump 9 through the first to third connecting flow paths 51 to 53, etc., and is sprayed into the cleaning tank 5 from the first to third spray nozzles 17 to 19.

[0075] In this way, when wash water is sprayed from each of the first to third jet nozzles 17-19, if the communication areas between the first, second, and fourth communication holes 71, 72, and 74 and the first to third connecting flow paths 51-53 are all the same in this flow rate control device 13, the flow rates of wash water flowing through the first to third connecting flow paths 51-53 will be equal, and therefore the flow rates of wash water sprayed from the first to third jet nozzles 17-19 will be equal. Here, for example, if the communication area between the first communication hole 71 and the first connecting flow path 51 is made smaller than the communication area between the second and fourth communication holes 72 and 74 and the second and third connecting flow paths 52 and 53 by rotation of the valve body 45, the flow rate of wash water flowing through the first connecting flow path 51 will be smaller than the flow rate of wash water flowing through the second and third connecting flow paths 52 and 53. In this way, with this flow rate adjustment device 13, the flow rate of cleaning water sprayed from the first jet nozzle 17 can be adjusted to be less than the flow rate of cleaning water sprayed from the second and third jet nozzles 18 and 19. Note that with this flow rate adjustment device 13, the flow rate of cleaning water sprayed from the first jet nozzle 17 can also be adjusted to be greater than the flow rate of cleaning water sprayed from the second and third jet nozzles 18 and 19.

[0076] Furthermore, with this flow rate adjustment device 13, by changing the communication area of ​​the first to fourth communication holes 71-74 with the first to third connection flow paths 51-53, it is possible to switch not only between a state in which cleansing water is sprayed from all of the first to third jet nozzles 17-19, but also between a state in which cleansing water is sprayed from only the first and second jet nozzles 17, 18, a state in which cleansing water is sprayed from only the second and third jet nozzles 18, 19, and a state in which cleansing water is sprayed from only the first and third jet nozzles 17, 19. Furthermore, with this flow rate adjustment device 13, it is possible to switch between a state in which cleansing water is sprayed from only the first jet nozzle 17, a state in which cleansing water is sprayed from only the second jet nozzle 18, and a state in which cleansing water is sprayed from only the third jet nozzle 19.

[0077] Here, for example, when switching from a state in which wash water is sprayed from all of the first to third jet nozzles 17-19 to a state in which wash water is sprayed only from the first jet nozzle 17, the operation of the water supply pump 9 is stopped during the flushing process. As a result, the wash water in the storage chamber 49 no longer communicates with the first to third connecting flow paths 51-53, and the water pressure of the wash water no longer acts on the valve body 45. As a result, the valve body 45 moves downward within the storage chamber 49 due to gravity. Then, as a result of the valve body 45 moving to the lowest position within the storage chamber 49, in this flow rate control device 13, as shown in FIG. 8, the abutment surface 652a of the protrusion 652 abuts from below against the annular protrusion 75 of the valve stem 45b. Then, by operating the electric motor 43 and rotating the valve body 45 and drive shaft 47 around the axis O inside the storage chamber 49, one of the first to fourth communication holes 71 to 74 is connected to the first connecting flow path 51, and the second and third connecting flow paths 52, 53 are not connected to any of the first to fourth communication holes 71 to 74. Then, by stopping the operation of the electric motor 43 and operating the water supply pump 9 again, the flow rate control device 13 switches to a state where flush water inside the storage chamber 49 flows only through the first connecting flow path 51. In this way, the flow rate control device 13 switches to a state where flush water is sprayed only from the first spray nozzle 17. Note that in this case too, the flow rate of flush water sprayed from the first spray nozzle 17 can be adjusted by changing the communication area of ​​the first to fourth communication holes 71 to 74 with the first connecting flow path 51.

[0078] When the cleaning process is completed due to the lapse of the set time, the operation of the water supply pump 9 is stopped. As a result, the valve body 45 moves downward within the storage chamber 49 until the abutment surface 652a of the protrusion 652 abuts against the annular convex portion 75 of the valve stem portion 45b from below.

[0079] The dishwasher 1 also starts a draining process. As shown in Figure 3, during the draining process, the drain pump 11 operates and the drain electromagnetic valve opens. This causes the wash water stored in the water storage section 5b and the tank section 54 to be drained to the drain outlet by the drain pump 11 and the first and second drain hoses 27, 29. When almost all of the wash water stored in the water storage section 5b and the tank section 54 has been drained to the drain outlet, the operation of the drain pump 11 stops and the drain electromagnetic valve closes. In this way, the draining process ends, and the dishwasher 1 finishes washing the items to be washed TW.

[0080] In this way, in this dishwasher 1, the flow rate adjustment device 13 makes it possible to spray wash water from all of the first to third spray nozzles 17 to 19, or to spray wash water from one or two of the first to third spray nozzles 17 to 19. This makes it possible for this dishwasher 1 to wash the items TW more effectively than in a configuration in which wash water is always sprayed from all of the first to third spray nozzles 17 to 19 to wash the items TW.

[0081] In this flow rate control device 13, the valve bearing portion 65 of the second housing 41b communicates with the inside of the storage chamber 49. Therefore, as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 8, some of the flush water in the storage chamber 49 can inevitably flow into the valve bearing portion 65.

[0082] Furthermore, in this dishwasher 1, most of the foreign matter such as residue that falls off from the items TW during the washing process is captured by the filter 21 and removed from the wash water, but foreign matter that cannot be captured by the filter 21 is not removed from the wash water. For this reason, the wash water that flows into the accommodation chamber 49 and, ultimately, into the valve bearing portion 65, will inevitably contain foreign matter that cannot be captured by the filter 21.

[0083] In this regard, in flow control device 13 provided in this dishwasher 1, a discharge passage 66 is formed in second housing 41b, and this discharge passage 66 communicates with the inside of valve bearing 65 and also communicates valve bearing 65 with supply passage 64. As a result, in this flow control device 13, even if wash water containing foreign matter inevitably flows into valve bearing 65, the discharge passage 66 can discharge the wash water to supply passage 64, i.e., to the outside of valve bearing 65. Therefore, in this flow control device 13, even if wash water containing foreign matter flows into valve bearing 65, the wash water, including the foreign matter, is unlikely to accumulate in valve bearing 65. Note that the wash water discharged to supply passage 64 by discharge passage 66 flows into storage chamber 49 together with wash water that has reached supply passage 64 by water supply pump 9, second water supply hose 25, etc.

[0084] As a result, in this flow control device 13, foreign matter is less likely to remain in valve bearing 65, and it is possible to preferably prevent valve stem 45b from becoming stuck to valve bearing 65 due to foreign matter. More specifically, when annular protrusion 75 of valve stem 45b abuts against abutment surface 652a of protrusion 652, it is possible to preferably prevent foreign matter from becoming stuck between bottom wall 65a of valve bearing 65 and valve stem 45b. As a result, in this flow control device 13, and ultimately in this dishwasher 1, it is less likely that the load on electric motor 43 will become excessively large when electric motor 43 starts to operate, or that electric motor 43 will be unable to rotate valve element 45. In particular, in this dishwasher 1, valve element 45 moves upward within accommodation chamber 49 due to the water pressure of the wash water. At this time, as described above, in this dishwasher 1, the bottom wall 65a and the valve stem 45b are prevented from adhering to each other, so that it is unlikely that the valve body 45 will be unable to move upward.

[0085] Therefore, the dishwasher 1 of Example 1 is highly reliable.

[0086] In particular, in flow rate control device 13, discharge passage 66 is recessed downward from the upper end of peripheral wall 65a of valve bearing 65, and therefore from opposing wall 63. Therefore, in dishwasher 1, discharge passage 66 can be formed without complicating the configuration of the mold used to form second housing 41b. Thus, in flow rate control device 13, discharge passage 66 can be easily formed, and flush water that has flowed into valve bearing 65 can be suitably discharged to supply passage 64. Since discharge passage 66 connects valve bearing 65 and supply passage 64, a portion of flush water flowing from supply passage 64 toward housing chamber 49 flows directly toward valve bearing 65 via discharge passage 66. However, even this flush water can be suitably discharged from valve bearing 65 to supply passage 64 via discharge passage 66 when water supply pump 9 is stopped.

[0087] Furthermore, bottom wall 65a of valve bearing 65 has main body 651 and protrusion 652, and main body 651 is inclined downward at a predetermined angle θ toward discharge path 66. As a result, in dishwasher 1, the shape of downwardly inclined main body 651 can suitably guide wash water in valve bearing 65 to discharge path 66. Therefore, in dishwasher 1, wash water in valve bearing 65 can be suitably discharged to supply path 64 via discharge path 66, making it less likely that wash water will remain on bottom wall 65a, including main body 651.

[0088] Meanwhile, protrusion 652 has a substantially horizontal abutment surface 652a that abuts against annular protrusion 75 of valve stem 45b from below when water supply pump 9 is stopped. By stopping valve stem 45b against abutment surface 652a and, ultimately, protrusion 652, downward movement of valve element 45 can be restricted when water supply pump 9 is stopped. Because abutment surface 652a is substantially horizontal, even if valve element 45 is tilted due to the influence of the water pressure of the wash water, the annular protrusion 75 can abut against abutment surface 652a to suitably correct the tilt of valve element 45. This effectively prevents valve element 45 from moving upward in a tilted position within storage chamber 49 when water supply pump 9 is operating. As a result, in this dishwasher 1, when the valve body 45 moves upward within the storage chamber 49, the valve shaft portion 45b is less likely to get caught on the valve bearing portion 65, so the valve body 45 can move upward within the storage chamber 49 in an appropriate manner.

[0089] Furthermore, by forming annular protrusion 75 on valve stem 45b, the contact area of ​​abutment surface 652a with valve stem 45b can be made as small as possible compared to when abutment surface 652a is in surface contact with the entire underside of valve stem 45b. In this respect, dishwasher 1 can effectively prevent foreign matter from adhering bottom wall 65a and valve stem 45b.

[0090] Example 2 9 and 10, in dishwasher 2 of Example 2, bottom wall 65a of valve bearing 65 in flow control device 13 is composed only of main body 651. As a result, in dishwasher 2, bottom wall 65a as a whole has a shape that slopes downward at a predetermined angle θ toward discharge path 66.

[0091] Furthermore, in this dishwasher 2, electric motor 43 has drive shaft 48 instead of drive shaft 47. Drive shaft 48 also extends vertically in the axial direction and has an axis O. Drive shaft 48 has a first diameter portion 48a, a second diameter portion 48b, and a stepped portion 48c.

[0092] The first diameter portion 48a constitutes the lower portion of the drive shaft 48. Although not shown in detail, the drive shaft 48 is held by the electric motor 43 by inserting the lower portion of the first diameter portion 48a into the electric motor 43, and extends vertically upward from the electric motor 43. Also, a second seal ring 471 and a third seal ring 472 are attached to the first diameter portion 48a, similar to the drive shaft 47.

[0093] The second diameter portion 48b is formed to have a smaller diameter than the first diameter portion 48a. The second diameter portion 48b is integral with the first diameter portion 48a and extends vertically upward from the upper end of the first diameter portion 48a. As a result, the second diameter portion 48b forms the upper part of the drive shaft 48. In addition, a retaining portion 481 is formed at the upper end of the second diameter portion 48b.

[0094] The step portion 48c is formed at the boundary between the first diameter portion 48a and the second diameter portion 48b, and thus the step portion 48c also serves as the upper end surface of the first diameter portion 48a.

[0095] The electric motor 43 is attached to the base 60, and the drive shaft 48 is inserted into the first insertion hole 62. The upper part of the first diameter portion 48a, the second diameter portion 48b, the stepped portion 48c, and the retaining portion 473 of the drive shaft 48 extend into the valve bearing portion 65. More specifically, the upper part of the second diameter portion 48b, including the retaining portion 473, protrudes upward beyond the valve bearing portion 65 and the opposing wall 63.

[0096] Furthermore, in this dishwasher 2, the valve element 45 has a valve stem 45d instead of the valve stem 45b. The valve stem 45d has a smaller diameter than the valve stem 45b. Furthermore, the valve element 45 has a second insertion hole 45e instead of the second insertion hole 45c. The second insertion hole 45e has a smaller diameter than the second insertion hole 45c. The second insertion hole 45e passes through the valve plate 45a and the valve stem 45d in the vertical direction. As a result, the valve stem 45d also has a cylindrical shape that extends downward from the lower surface 452 of the valve plate 45a. Unlike the valve stem 45b, the lower end of the valve stem 45d does not have an annular protrusion 75. As a result, the lower end of the valve stem 45d is flat.

[0097] Valve element 45 is attached to drive shaft 48 by inserting the upper part of second diameter portion 48b into valve stem portion 45d and therefore second insertion hole 45e. At this time, valve element 45 is prevented from coming off upward from drive shaft 48 by retaining portion 481 of drive shaft 48. Although not shown, the outer periphery of drive shaft 48, including second diameter portion 48b, is non-circular, and second insertion hole 45e is formed in a shape corresponding to the outer periphery of drive shaft 48. This allows valve element 45 to rotate together with drive shaft 48 around axis O. The other configurations of this dishwasher 2 are the same as those of dishwasher 1 of Example 1, and the same components are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description of the configurations will be omitted.

[0098] 9, in this dishwasher 2, as in the dishwasher 1 of Example 1, when the water supply pump 9 operates in the washing cycle, the valve element 45 moves upward within the accommodation chamber 49 due to the water pressure of the wash water flowing from the accommodation chamber 49 to the first to third connecting flow paths 51 to 53. Furthermore, wash water that inevitably flows into the valve bearing portion 65 is discharged to the supply path 64 by the discharge path 66. For this reason, in this dishwasher 2 as well, the wash water is less likely to accumulate within the valve bearing portion 65.

[0099] Furthermore, when the operation of water supply pump 9 stops, the water pressure of the wash water no longer acts on valve element 45, and so gravity moves valve element 45 downward within storage chamber 49. Then, as shown in Figure 10, in this dishwasher 2, valve element 45 moves to the lowest position within storage chamber 49, causing step portion 48c of drive shaft 48 to abut against valve stem portion 45d from below.

[0100] Here, in this dishwasher 2, since wash water is less likely to accumulate in valve bearing 65, foreign matter contained in the wash water is less likely to remain in valve bearing 65. As a result, in this dishwasher 2, it is possible to effectively prevent valve stem 45d and step 48c from becoming stuck together due to foreign matter when they are in contact with each other. As a result, in this dishwasher 2, it is less likely that valve element 45 will be unable to move upward when water supply pump 9 is operating. Other functions of this dishwasher 2 are the same as those of dishwasher 1 of the first embodiment.

[0101] The present invention has been described above in accordance with Examples 1 and 2, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above Examples 1 and 2, and can be modified and applied as appropriate within the scope of the invention.

[0102] For example, in dishwasher 1 of Example 1, discharge passage 66 is located between valve bearing 65 and supply passage 64, and is recessed downward from the upper end of peripheral wall 65b of valve bearing 65. However, this is not limiting, and discharge passage 66 may have a shape that does not open to the upper end of peripheral wall 65b, but connects valve bearing 65 and supply passage 64 in a cylindrical shape inside base 60. The same applies to dishwasher 2 of Example 2.

[0103] In dishwasher 1 of Example 1, discharge path 66 may be open to main body 651 of bottom wall 65a and connect valve bearing 65 to supply path 64. The same applies to dishwasher 2 of Example 2.

[0104] In addition, in the dishwasher 1 of the first embodiment, the discharge path 66 may be connected to the tank 54 or the like, as long as it is possible to discharge the wash water in the valve bearing 65 to the outside of the valve bearing 65. The same applies to the dishwasher 2 of the second embodiment.

[0105] In the dishwasher 1 of the first embodiment, the bottom wall 65a may be formed only by the main body 651, and the entire bottom wall 65a may be shaped to slope downward at a predetermined angle θ toward the discharge passage 66.

[0106] Furthermore, in the dishwasher 1 of the first embodiment, the bottom wall 65a may be parallel to the horizontal line HL without being inclined downward at the predetermined angle θ. The same applies to the dishwasher 2 of the second embodiment.

[0107] In the dishwasher 1 of the first embodiment, the annular protrusion 75 may be omitted and the valve stem 45b may be formed.

[0108] Furthermore, in the dishwasher 2 of the second embodiment, an annular protrusion 75 may be formed at the lower end of the valve shaft 45d, so that the step 48c of the drive shaft 48 can abut against the annular protrusion 75 from below.

[0109] Furthermore, although the dishwasher 1 of Example 1 is equipped with a water supply pump 9 and a drain pump 11, this is not limiting, and the drain pump 11 may be omitted and the water supply pump 9 may also have the function of draining wash water. The same applies to the dishwasher 2 of Example 2.

[0110] In dishwasher 1 of Example 1, tank 54 is formed in first housing 41a of flow control device 13, so that flow control device 13 is integral with tank 54. However, this is not limiting, and flow control device 13 and tank 54 may be formed separately. The same applies to dishwasher 2 of Example 2.

[0111] Furthermore, in the dishwasher 1 of the first embodiment, the lid 7 may be omitted and the washing tub 5 may be configured to be movable in the front-rear direction relative to the housing 3. The same applies to the dishwasher 2 of the second embodiment.

[0112] In dishwasher 1 of Example 1, valve bearing 65 has a cylindrical shape with a bottom that extends downward from opposing wall 63. However, this is not limiting, and valve bearing 65 may have a cylindrical shape with a bottom that extends upward from opposing wall 63. The same applies to dishwasher 2 of Example 2.

[0113] Furthermore, in dishwasher 1 of Example 1, valve element 45, while attached to drive shaft 47, moves up and down relative to drive shaft 47, allowing it to move up and down within storage chamber 49. However, this is not limiting, and valve element 45 may be fixed to drive shaft 47 and unable to move up and down. The same applies to dishwasher 2 of Example 2.

[0114] Furthermore, in dishwasher 1 of Example 1, even when valve disc 45 moves to the uppermost position within accommodation chamber 49, the lower part of valve stem 45b, including annular protrusion 75, remains housed in valve bearing 65. However, this is not limiting, and valve stem 45b may move upwardly from valve bearing 65 as valve disc 45 moves upward within accommodation chamber 49. Similarly, in dishwasher 2 of Example 2, valve stem 45d may move upwardly from valve bearing 65 as valve disc 45 moves upward. [Industrial Applicability]

[0115] The present invention can be used in dishwashers, dish washer-dryers, kitchen equipment, and the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1, 2... Dishwasher 5...Cleaning tank 9...Water supply pump (pump) 13…Flow rate adjustment device 17-19...1st to 3rd injection nozzles (injection nozzles) 41...Housing 41a...1st housing 41b...Second housing 43...Electric motor 45...Valve body 45a...Valve plate part 45b, 45d...Valve stem part 47, 48...Drive shaft 49…Containment room 51 to 53: 1st to 3rd connecting flow paths (connecting flow paths) 63...Opposite wall 64…Supply route 65...Valve bearing part 65a…Bottom wall 65b…peripheral wall 66…Discharge path 71~74...1st~4th communication hole (communication hole) 651...Main body 652...Protrusion 652a…Abutment surface TW…Object to be cleaned

Claims

1. A flow rate adjusting device for use in a dishwasher having a washing tank that accommodates items to be washed, a plurality of spray nozzles that spray washing water into the washing tank, and a pump that can supply the washing water to each of the spray nozzles, and that can adjust the flow rate of the washing water supplied from the pump to each of the spray nozzles, a housing formed with a supply passage connected to the pump and through which the cleaning water can flow, a plurality of connection passages connected to each of the spray nozzles and through which the cleaning water can flow, and a storage chamber communicating with the supply passage and each of the connection passages; an electric motor having a drive shaft extending in the vertical direction, attached to the housing, and rotatable about its axis; a valve body that is attached to the drive shaft and accommodated in the accommodation chamber above the electric motor, and that is rotatable around the axis by the drive shaft; The valve body includes a plate-shaped valve plate portion extending in a direction perpendicular to the axis; a valve stem portion extending downward from the valve plate portion in a cylindrical shape and through which the drive shaft is inserted, a communication hole is formed through the valve plate portion, and the communication area with each of the connection flow paths is changed in accordance with the rotation of the valve plate portion; The housing includes an opposing wall located within the accommodation chamber and facing the valve plate portion from below; a valve bearing portion that extends upward or downward from the opposing wall in a cylindrical shape with a bottom, communicates with the accommodation chamber, and accommodates the valve stem portion; a discharge passage communicating with the inside of the valve bearing portion and discharging the cleaning water in the valve bearing portion to the outside of the valve bearing portion,

2. the valve bearing portion has a bottom wall and a peripheral wall that is connected to an outer edge of the bottom wall and extends in a vertical direction so as to surround the valve stem portion from the outside, 2. The flow rate adjusting device according to claim 1, wherein the discharge passage is recessed downward from the upper end of the peripheral wall and connects the valve bearing portion and the supply passage.

3. the valve bearing portion has a bottom wall and a peripheral wall that is connected to an outer edge of the bottom wall and extends in a vertical direction so as to surround the valve stem portion from the outside, the discharge passage is connected to the peripheral wall; 3. The flow rate adjusting device according to claim 1, wherein the bottom wall is inclined downward toward the discharge passage.

4. the valve element moves upward within the chamber when the pump is operating, and moves downward within the chamber when the pump is not operating, the bottom wall has a main body portion connected to the peripheral wall and a protrusion portion protruding upward from the main body portion, an upper end of the protruding portion is formed with a contact surface that extends substantially horizontally in a direction perpendicular to the axis and that contacts the valve stem from below when the pump is stopped; The flow rate adjusting device according to claim 3, wherein the main body portion is inclined downward toward the discharge passage.

5. a cleaning tank for accommodating an object to be cleaned; a plurality of spray nozzles for spraying cleaning water into the cleaning tank; a pump capable of supplying the cleaning water toward each of the spray nozzles; A dishwasher equipped with a flow rate adjusting device capable of adjusting the flow rate of the washing water supplied from the pump to each of the spray nozzles, The flow rate control device includes a housing in which a supply path connected to the pump and through which the cleaning water can flow, a plurality of connection paths connected to each of the spray nozzles and through which the cleaning water can flow, and a storage chamber communicating with the supply path and each of the connection paths; an electric motor having a drive shaft extending in the vertical direction, attached to the housing, and rotatable about its axis; a valve body that is attached to the drive shaft and accommodated in the accommodation chamber above the electric motor, and that is rotatable around the axis by the drive shaft; The valve body includes a plate-shaped valve plate portion extending in a direction perpendicular to the axis; a valve stem portion extending downward from the valve plate portion in a cylindrical shape and through which the drive shaft is inserted, a communication hole is formed through the valve plate portion, and the communication area with each of the connection flow paths is changed in accordance with the rotation of the valve plate portion; The housing includes an opposing wall located within the accommodation chamber and facing the valve plate portion from below; a valve bearing portion that extends upward or downward from the opposing wall in a cylindrical shape with a bottom, communicates with the accommodation chamber, and accommodates the valve stem portion; a discharge passage communicating with the inside of the valve bearing portion and discharging the wash water in the valve bearing portion to the outside of the valve bearing portion;

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