Dishwashers

Abstract

To provide a dishwasher capable of realizing the improvement of washing performance relative to the inside of objects to be washed placed laterally in a dish basket.SOLUTION: A dishwasher 1 includes: a washing tank 7 in which objects to be washed TW1 are stored; a dish basket 70D which is disposed in the washing tank 7 and in which the objects to be washed TW1 are placed; and a washing device 60 which executes washing operation of washing the objects to be washed TW1 by washing water in the washing tank 7. The washing device 60 has a first nozzle 62D for washing water collision, disposed below the dish basket 70D and jetting upward washing water centering on a jet shaft center X1 extending in a vertical direction, and a second nozzle 62U for washing water collision, disposed in a position facing the first nozzle 62D for washing water collision from upward, and jetting downward washing water centering on the jet shaft center X1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] An example of a conventional dishwasher is disclosed in Patent Document 1. This dishwasher includes a washing tub, a dish basket, and a washing device.

[0003] The washing tub contains the items to be washed. A dish basket is provided in the washing tub and the items to be washed are placed in it. The washing device has a rotating nozzle and a tower nozzle. The rotating nozzle sprays washing water while rotating below the dish basket. The tower nozzle protrudes upward from the rotation axis of the rotating nozzle and sprays washing water sideways while rotating together with the rotating nozzle. The washing device performs a washing operation in which the items to be washed are washed with washing water in the washing tub. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-13410 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The objects to be washed include deep-bottomed objects, which are large in height from the bottom to the edge of the opening. Deep-bottomed objects include cooking utensils such as pots and pans, and tableware such as deep bowls and canisters. Deep-bottomed objects are often placed sideways in the dish basket.

[0006] In this case, in the above-mentioned conventional dishwasher, the cleaning water sprayed from the rotating nozzle tends to splash onto the outer surface and outer surface of the bottom of a deep-bottomed item placed sideways, but is less likely to splash onto the inner surface or inner surface of the bottom.

[0007] In addition, compared to a rotary nozzle, cleaning water sprayed sideways from a tower nozzle is more likely to splash onto the inner peripheral surface and inner bottom surface of a deep-bottomed object placed sideways; however, due to the constraint of rotating together with the rotary nozzle, the direction of the sideways spray tends to change uniformly.

[0008] As a result, it is difficult for this dishwasher to improve the cleaning performance for the inside of an item placed sideways in the dish basket.

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned conventional situation, and has as its problem to be solved, namely, to provide a dishwasher that can improve the cleaning performance of the inside of items placed sideways in the dish basket. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The dishwasher of the present invention comprises a washing tub for accommodating items to be washed; a dish basket provided in the washing tank and on which the items to be washed are placed; A washing device that performs a washing operation to wash the object to be washed with washing water in the washing tank, The washing device includes a first washing water collision nozzle that is provided below the dish basket and sprays the washing water upward around a spray axis that extends vertically; and a second cleaning water collision nozzle that is provided at a position facing the first cleaning water collision nozzle from above and sprays the cleaning water downward around the spray axis.

[0011] In the dishwasher of the present invention, the cleaning water sprayed upward from the first cleaning water collision nozzle around a spray axis extending vertically and the cleaning water sprayed downward from the second cleaning water collision nozzle around the spray axis collide with each other, causing the cleaning water to splash radially sideways from the spray axis within the washing tub, and the sideways splash direction changes irregularly to an upward sloping direction, a horizontal direction, or a downward sloping direction.

[0012] As a result, the cleaning water that collides and splashes is likely to splash onto the inner circumferential surface or inner bottom surface of items placed sideways in the dish basket, particularly deep-bottomed items such as pots, deep bowls, canisters, etc., and the direction of sideways splashing is unlikely to change uniformly.

[0013] Therefore, the dishwasher of the present invention can achieve improved cleaning performance for the inside of an item to be washed that is placed sideways in the dish basket.

[0014] It is preferable that the washing device be provided below the dish basket and have a rotating nozzle that sprays washing water while rotating about a spray axis.

[0015] In this case, the cleaning water sprayed from the rotating nozzle is likely to splash onto the outer peripheral surface and the outer surface of the bottom of the object placed sideways. As a result, this dishwasher can improve the cleaning performance for the entire object placed sideways in the dish basket. In addition, in this case, the vibration caused when the rotating nozzle rotates is transmitted to the first cleaning water collision nozzle, so that irregular fluctuations are likely to occur in the distribution of the cleaning water sprayed from the first cleaning water collision nozzle in a cross section perpendicular to the spray axis. As a result, the collision position between the cleaning water sprayed from the first cleaning water collision nozzle and the cleaning water sprayed from the second cleaning water collision nozzle is likely to vary irregularly, so that the change in the scattering direction of the colliding cleaning water is even less likely to become uniform.

[0016] It is desirable that the dishwasher be equipped with a collision height adjustment means for adjusting the collision height at which the cleaning water sprayed from the first cleaning water collision nozzle and the cleaning water sprayed from the second cleaning water collision nozzle collide.

[0017] In this case, the collision height adjustment means can raise or lower the collision height, so that the colliding wash water can be scattered in various directions over a wide range in the vertical direction of the washing tub. As a result, the washing water that collides and splashes is likely to splash on the inner circumferential surfaces and the inner bottom surface of the objects to be washed, even if the sizes, shapes, and quantities of the objects to be washed placed in the dish basket vary, and the change in the horizontal splash direction is less likely to be uniform. As a result, this dishwasher can reliably improve the washing performance of the insides of the objects to be washed placed horizontally in the dish basket.

[0018] The dishwasher preferably includes a control unit that controls the washing device to perform a washing operation, and the control unit is preferably capable of changing the collision height by controlling the collision height adjustment means during the washing operation.

[0019] In this case, the control unit can change the collision height, the range of fluctuation of the collision height, or the fluctuation pattern or period of the collision height depending on the size, shape, number, etc. of the items to be washed placed in the dish basket during the washing operation. As a result, this dishwasher can more reliably improve the washing performance for the insides of items to be washed placed sideways in the dish basket.

[0020] It is preferable that the control unit is capable of causing the washer to perform a washing operation in one operating course selected from a plurality of operating courses. Each operating course preferably includes a first operating course in which the upper limit height when changing the collision height during the washing operation is a first position, and a second operating course in which the upper limit height is a second position higher than the first position. It is preferable that the second position is higher than an intermediate position equally distant from the first and second washing water collision nozzles.

[0021] In this case, the first operating mode is selected when standard-sized dishes or other objects to be washed are placed in the dish basket, while the second operating mode is selected when bulky objects such as frying pans or pots are placed in the dish basket. This allows the control unit to increase the upper limit of the collision height as the objects to be washed become bulkier in the vertical direction. This allows the dishwasher to prevent the washing water from being difficult to splash on the upper parts of the objects to be washed that are bulky in the vertical direction. As a result, the dishwasher can more reliably improve the washing performance for the insides of objects to be washed that are placed sideways in the dish basket.

[0022] It is preferable that the control unit is capable of causing the washer to perform a washing operation in one operating course selected from a plurality of operating courses. Each operating course preferably includes a first operating course in which the upper limit height when changing the collision height during the washing operation is a first position, and a third operating course in which the upper limit height is a third position lower than the first position. It is preferable that the third position is equal to or lower than a middle position separated from the first washing water collision nozzle and the second washing water collision nozzle by an equal distance.

[0023] In this case, the first operating mode is selected when standard-sized dishes or other objects are placed in the dish basket, while the third operating mode is selected when objects that are not bulky in height, such as rice bowls, small plates, small bowls, and teacups, are placed in the dish basket, so that the control unit can lower the upper limit of the collision height as the objects are not bulky in height. This prevents the dishwasher from being more likely to splash the wash water above objects that are not bulky in height, making it difficult for the wash water to splash on the objects. As a result, the dishwasher can more reliably improve the washing performance for the insides of objects placed sideways in the dish basket.

[0024] The dishwasher preferably includes a housing that is open at the front. The washing tub preferably has a tub opening that is open at the top and is movable between a storage position in which the washing tub is stored in the housing and a pull-out position in which the washing tub moves forward from the storage position and is exposed to the outside of the housing. The dishwasher preferably further includes a lid that is provided in the housing and configured to close the tub opening when the washing tub is in the storage position, and to rise to open the tub opening when the washing tub moves between the storage position and the pull-out position. The second washing water collision nozzle is preferably provided on the lid.

[0025] In this case, the dishwasher is a pull-out type, and the effects of the first and second wash water collision nozzles can improve the washing performance for the inside of the objects to be washed placed sideways in the dish basket. Also, the second wash water collision nozzle rises together with the lid that opens the tub opening when the washing tub moves between the storage position and the pull-out position, so it is unlikely to impede the movement of the washing tub or to impede the putting in and taking out of the objects to be washed from the washing tub. Effect of the Invention

[0026] According to the dishwasher of the present invention, it is possible to improve the cleaning performance for the inside of an item to be washed that is placed sideways in the dish basket. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a dishwasher according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a partial schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the state in which cleaning water jetted from the first and second cleaning water collision nozzles collides and splashes, and the state in which cleaning water jetted from the first and second rotating nozzles splashes. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the dishwasher of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a partial schematic cross-sectional view for explaining first to third positions as the upper limit height when the impact height is changed during execution of the cleaning operation. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a partial schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a state in which cleaning water jetted from the first and second cleaning water collision nozzles collides and splashes during execution of the cleaning operation. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the dishwasher of the second embodiment, showing a state in which the washing tub is in the storage position. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the dishwasher of the second embodiment, showing a state in which the washing tub has been moved to the pulled-out position. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a dishwasher according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Hereinafter, first and second embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0029] Example 1 As shown in Fig. 1, a dishwasher 1 of Example 1 is an example of a specific embodiment of the dishwasher of the present invention. The dishwasher 1 is a front-opening type with a door 8 that opens and closes, and is placed below a countertop CT1 of a system kitchen.

[0030] <Housing, washing tank, dish basket and door body> Dishwasher 1 includes a housing 9, a washing tub 7, dish baskets 70D, 70U, and a door 8. In this embodiment, the side facing the housing 9 to a user using the system kitchen, i.e., the left side of the paper in Fig. 1 where door 8 is located, is defined as the front of the housing 9, and the right side of the paper in Fig. 1 is defined as the rear of the housing 9.

[0031] The housing 9 is a roughly box-shaped body, and houses the cleaning tank 7 in a stationary state inside. The cleaning tank 7 is a roughly box-shaped body having a tank opening 7H. The tank opening 7H opens the front of the cleaning tank 7, connecting the inside of the cleaning tank 7 to the outside of the housing 9. A water storage section 71 for storing water is provided at the bottom inside the cleaning tank 7. The water storage section 71 is divided into an upper section and a lower section by a residue filter 67.

[0032] Dish basket 70D is provided in the lower part of washing tub 7. A plurality of rollers are provided on the lower end side of dish basket 70D. Rails 70R for guiding the rollers of dish basket 70D are provided above water storage section 71 in washing tub 7 and extend in the front-rear direction.

[0033] Dish basket 70U is provided in the upper part of washing tub 7. Between dish basket 70U and the inner wall surface of washing tub 7, multiple drawer-type slide rails 70S are provided so as to extend in the front-rear direction.

[0034] Tableware TW1 is stored in the washing tub 7 in a state in which it is placed on tableware baskets 70D, 70U. Tableware TW1 is, for example, bowls TW1C, plates TW1D, glasses TW1G, eating and drinking vessels such as deep bowls, eating and drinking utensils such as chopsticks, spoons, forks, deep-bottomed pots TW1P, cooking utensils such as frying pans, storage containers such as canisters, etc. Tableware TW1 is an example of the "object to be washed" in the present invention.

[0035] Compared with dish basket 70U, dish basket 70D has a size and shape that makes it easy to place dishes TW1D, deep-bottomed pots TW1P, etc. Deep-bottomed pots TW1P are placed sideways in dish basket 70D because of the large height from the bottom to the edge of the opening.

[0036] Dish basket 70D has a restriction fence 70E. Restriction fence 70E protrudes upward from the center of the bottom of dish basket 70D in a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0037] The door body 8 is disposed on the front surface of the housing 9 and closes the tank opening 7H of the cleaning tank 7. The door body 8 has a lower end supported by the housing 9 so as to be swingable about a swing axis X8.

[0038] Although not shown in the drawings, when the user manually opens the door 8, the door 8 swings so that its upper end faces forward and downward. The door 8 then projects forward substantially horizontally, opening the tank opening 7H of the cleaning tank 7. When the user manually closes the door 8 from this state, the door 8 swings in the opposite direction, returning to a state in which the door 8 closes the tank opening 7H of the cleaning tank 7.

[0039] With door body 8 opening tank opening 7H of washing tank 7, dish baskets 70D, 70U in washing tank 7 are pulled forward, exposing dish baskets 70D, 70U to the outside of housing 9. This allows the user to place dishware TW1 in dish baskets 70D, 70U or remove dishware TW1 from dish baskets 70D, 70U.

[0040] <Water supply pipe, water supply solenoid valve and drain pipe> The dishwasher 1 further includes a water supply pipe P1, a water supply solenoid valve 69, and a drain pipe P2. The water supply pipe P1, the water supply solenoid valve 69, and the drain pipe P2 are provided inside the housing 9.

[0041] Water supply pipe P1 supplies water into washing tub 7 from a water supply source (not shown) provided outside dishwasher 1. Water supply solenoid valve 69 opens and closes water supply pipe P1 to switch between supplying and stopping water into washing tub 7. Water supplied into washing tub 7 by water supply pipe P1 and water supply solenoid valve 69 is stored in water storage section 71 and used as washing water during washing operation. Drain pipe P2 drains the washing water in washing tub 7 to the outside of dishwasher 1.

[0042] <Cleaning equipment> The dishwasher 1 further includes a washing device 60. The washing device 60 is configured as follows and performs a washing operation for washing the tableware TW1 in the washing tub 7 with washing water.

[0043] The cleaning device 60 has a first pump 65, a second pump 66, a first connecting pipe P3, a second connecting pipe P4, a first pressure-feed pipe P5, and a second pressure-feed pipe P6.

[0044] The first pump 65 and the second pump 66 are attached to the lower part of the water storage section 71 of the cleaning tank 7. The first pump 65 and the second pump 66 are each driven by an electric motor, and the pressure and flow rate at which the cleaning water is pumped can be changed as appropriate.

[0045] The first connection pipe P3 is connected to a portion of the water storage section 71 located below the residue filter 67 and to the suction port of the first pump 65. The second connection pipe P4 is connected to a portion of the water storage section 71 located below the residue filter 67 and to the suction port of the second pump 66.

[0046] The first pressure-feed pipe P5 is connected to the discharge port of the first pump 65. The first pressure-feed pipe P5 extends upward and protrudes to the center of a portion of the water storage unit 71 that is located above the residue filter 67. The first pump 65 pressure-feeds the cleaning water stored in the water storage unit 71 to the first pressure-feed pipe P5 by rotating an electric motor built in the first pump 65.

[0047] The second pressure feed pipe P6 is connected to the discharge port of the second pump 66. The second pressure feed pipe P6 extends rearward, then bends, and extends upward along the rear wall of the washing tank 7. The second pressure feed pipe P6 then bends forward at a position above the dishwashing basket 70D and below the dishwashing basket 70U, passes through the rear wall of the washing tank 7, and protrudes into the washing tank 7. The second pressure feed pipe P6 extends forward in a cantilever shape within the washing tank 7, and its downstream end is located at the center of the washing tank 7.

[0048] The second pump 66 pressure-feeds the wash water stored in the water storage section 71 to the second pressure-feed pipe P6 as the built-in electric motor rotates.

[0049] The drain pipe P2 is connected to another outlet of the second pump 66. The second pump 66 pumps the wash water stored in the water storage section 71 through the drain pipe P2 by reverse rotation of an electric motor built in the second pump 66, and discharges the wash water to the outside of the dishwasher 1.

[0050] 1 and 2, the cleaning device 60 further includes a first rotating nozzle 61D and a first cleaning water collision nozzle 62D. The first rotating nozzle 61D and the first cleaning water collision nozzle 62D are provided below the dish basket 70D.

[0051] The first rotary nozzle 61D is an example of the “rotary nozzle” of the present invention. The first rotary nozzle 61D has a connecting portion 61D1, a plurality of arms 61D2, and a plurality of nozzle holes 61D3.

[0052] The connecting portion 61D1 is rotatably connected to the upper end of the first pressure feed pipe P5. This allows the first rotary nozzle 61D to rotate around an ejection axis X1 that extends vertically in the center of the cleaning tank 7. Each arm 61D2 extends from the connecting portion 61D1 in a radially outward direction of the ejection axis X1. Each nozzle hole 61D3 is provided on the upper surface of each arm 61D2.

[0053] When the wash water pumped by the first pump 65 reaches the first rotary nozzle 61D via the first pressure delivery pipe P5, the first rotary nozzle 61D sprays the wash water from each nozzle hole 61D3 while rotating about the spray axis X1. The spray direction of the first rotary nozzle 61D changes in various directions so as to splash the wash water toward the entire area inside the washing tub 7, and particularly toward the tableware TW1 placed in the dish basket 70D.

[0054] The first cleaning water collision nozzle 62D is provided on the upper surface of the connecting portion 61D1 of the first rotary nozzle 61D. The first cleaning water collision nozzle 62D has a substantially cylindrical shape that protrudes upward about the jet axis X1. In particular, the tip of the first cleaning water collision nozzle 62D has a shape that suppresses the jetted cleaning water from diffusing in a cone shape.

[0055] When the cleaning water pumped by the first pump 65 reaches the first cleaning water collision nozzle 62D via the first pressure delivery pipe P5, the first cleaning water collision nozzle 62D sprays the cleaning water upward around the spray axis X1. At this time, the cleaning water sprayed from the first cleaning water collision nozzle 62D becomes a water column around the spray axis X1.

[0056] The restriction fence 70E restricts the position of the tableware TW1 placed in the tableware basket 70D so that the tableware TW1 does not obstruct the spraying of wash water by the first wash water collision nozzle 62D.

[0057] The cleaning device 60 further includes a second rotating nozzle 61U and a second cleaning water collision nozzle 62U. The second rotating nozzle 61U and the second cleaning water collision nozzle 62U are provided above the dish basket 70D and below the dish basket 70U.

[0058] The second rotary nozzle 61U has a connecting portion 61U1, a plurality of arms 61U2, and a plurality of nozzle holes 61U3.

[0059] The connecting portion 61U1 is rotatably connected to the upper surface of the downstream end of the second pressure-feeding pipe P6. This allows the second rotary nozzle 61U to rotate around the injection axis X1. Each arm 61U2 extends from the connecting portion 61U1 in a radially outward direction of the injection axis X1. Each nozzle hole 61U3 is provided on the upper surface of each arm 61U2.

[0060] When the wash water pumped by the second pump 66 reaches the second rotary nozzle 61U via the second pressure delivery pipe P6, the second rotary nozzle 61U sprays the wash water from each nozzle hole 61U3 while rotating about the spray axis X1. The spray direction of the second rotary nozzle 61U changes in various directions so as to splash the wash water toward the tableware TW1 placed in the dish basket 70U in particular in the washing tub 7.

[0061] The second cleaning water collision nozzle 62U is provided on the lower surface of the downstream end of the second pressure-feed pipe P6. The second cleaning water collision nozzle 62U has a generally cylindrical shape that protrudes downward about the jet axis X1. In particular, the tip of the second cleaning water collision nozzle 62U is shaped to prevent the jetted cleaning water from diffusing in a cone shape.

[0062] That is, the second cleaning water collision nozzle 62U is provided at a position facing the first cleaning water collision nozzle 62D from above. The second rotary nozzle 61U is provided above the second cleaning water collision nozzle 62U.

[0063] When the cleaning water pumped by the second pump 66 reaches the second cleaning water collision nozzle 62U via the second pressure delivery pipe P6, the second cleaning water collision nozzle 62U sprays the cleaning water downward around the spray axis X1. At this time, the cleaning water sprayed from the second cleaning water collision nozzle 62U becomes a water column around the spray axis X1.

[0064] When the water column of cleaning water sprayed from the first cleaning water collision nozzle 62D and the water column of cleaning water sprayed from the second cleaning water collision nozzle 62U collide with each other, the cleaning water is scattered radially sideways from the spray axis X1 within the cleaning tank 7, and the sideways scattering direction changes irregularly to an upward sloping direction, a horizontal direction, or a downward sloping direction.

[0065] The cleaning water sprayed into the cleaning tank 7 from the first rotary nozzle 61D, the first cleaning water collision nozzle 62D, the second rotary nozzle 61U and the second cleaning water collision nozzle 62U is stored in the water storage section 71. The cleaning water is then repeatedly supplied to the first rotary nozzle 61D and the first cleaning water collision nozzle 62D by the first pump 65, and is also repeatedly supplied to the second rotary nozzle 61U and the second cleaning water collision nozzle 62U by the second pump 66.

[0066] <Heater, temperature sensor, drying fan and water level sensor> As shown in FIG. 1, the dishwasher 1 further includes a heater 63, a temperature sensor 31, a drying fan 68 and a water level sensor .

[0067] Heater 63 is disposed at the bottom of water storage section 71. Drying fan 68 is attached to the rear wall of cleaning tank 7. Temperature sensor 31 is provided at a position below heater 63 at the bottom of water storage section 71.

[0068] The heater 63 heats the cleaning water stored in the water storage section 71 of the cleaning tank 7 or the air inside the cleaning tank 7. The temperature sensor 31 detects the temperature of the cleaning water stored in the water storage section 71 of the cleaning tank 7 or the air inside the cleaning tank 7 in the vicinity of the heater 63.

[0069] Drying fan 68 rotates with heater 63 operating to send heated air into washing tub 7 to dry the tableware TW1. The air sent into washing tub 7 by drying fan 68 is exhausted to the outside of dishwasher 1 via exhaust passage 79 that opens at the upper end of the front surface of housing 9 and communicates with the inside of washing tub 7.

[0070] The water level sensor 34 is provided next to the water storage section 71 of the cleaning tank 7. The water level sensor 34 detects the level of the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 7 based on the up and down movement of a float in a water level detection tank connected to the water storage section 71 of the cleaning tank 7 via a communication pipe.

[0071] <Control unit and impact height adjustment means> As shown in FIG. 3, the dishwasher 1 further includes a control unit C1, a drive circuit C1D, and impact height adjustment means C1H.

[0072] The control unit C1 is an electronic circuit unit including a CPU, a storage unit C1M, and an interface circuit (not shown).

[0073] The memory unit C1M is composed of memory elements such as ROM and RAM. The memory unit C1M stores various programs executed by the control unit C1 to operate the dishwasher 1, such as a cleaning operation program for the control unit C1 to control the cleaning device 60 to execute a cleaning operation. The memory unit C1M also stores various information such as setting information of the dishwasher 1, initial setting information for executing the various programs, and the like, as needed.

[0074] The control unit C1 receives detection signals from the temperature sensor 31 and the water level sensor 34. The control unit C1 also receives detection signals from sensors (not shown), for example, a lock sensor that detects whether the door body 8 is closed and locked.

[0075] Furthermore, the control unit C1 outputs control signals for controlling the first pump 65, the second pump 66, the water supply electromagnetic valve 69, the heater 63, and the drying fan 68 to the drive circuit C1D.

[0076] Based on a control signal from the control unit C1, the drive circuit C1D switches between supplying power to the first pump 65, the second pump 66, the water supply solenoid valve 69, the heater 63, and the drying fan 68 and stopping the power supply, and adjusts the voltage, current, etc. when supplying power.

[0077] The impact height adjustment means C1H constitutes a part of the drive circuit C1D, and in particular drives the first pump 65 and the second pump 66 which are components of the cleaning device 60.

[0078] More specifically, the collision height adjustment means C1H switches between supplying power to the electric motors built into each of the first pump 65 and the second pump 66 and stopping the power supply, and adjusts the rotation speed by changing the voltage, current, etc. when supplying power.

[0079] At this time, the collision height adjustment means C1H controls the first pump 65 to adjust the flow rate and supply pressure of the cleaning water supplied to the first cleaning water collision nozzle 62D, thereby adjusting the spray speed, spray pressure, spray amount per unit time, etc. of the cleaning water sprayed from the first cleaning water collision nozzle 62D.

[0080] In addition, the collision height adjustment means C1H controls the second pump 66 to adjust the flow rate and supply pressure of the cleaning water supplied to the second cleaning water collision nozzle 62U, thereby adjusting the spray speed, spray pressure, spray amount per unit time, etc. of the cleaning water sprayed from the second cleaning water collision nozzle 62U.

[0081] Thereby, the collision height adjustment means C1H can adjust the collision height at which the cleaning water jetted from the first cleaning water collision nozzle 62D and the cleaning water jetted from the second cleaning water collision nozzle 62U collide with each other.

[0082] Furthermore, the control unit C1 can change the collision height by controlling the collision height adjustment means C1H while controlling the washing device 60 to perform the washing operation. Specifically, while the washing operation is being performed, the control unit C1 changes the collision height, changes the range of fluctuation of the collision height, or changes the fluctuation pattern or period of fluctuation of the collision height according to, for example, the size, shape, and quantity of the tableware TW1 placed in the dish basket 70D.

[0083] 4, in this embodiment, the control unit C1 fixes the lower limit height PD1 when changing the collision height during the washing operation to a position slightly above the bottom of the dish basket 70D. Wash water that collides at the lower limit height PD1 is likely to splash toward the bottom ends of various types of tableware TW1 placed in the dish basket 70D.

[0084] In addition, in this embodiment, the control unit C1 can change the upper limit height when changing the collision height during cleaning operation to the first position PU1, the second position PU2 or the third position PU3 depending on the size of the tableware TW1 placed in the dish basket 70D, etc.

[0085] A position equally distant from the first cleansing water impingement nozzle 62D and the second cleansing water impingement nozzle 62U is defined as an intermediate position PU0.

[0086] The first position PU1 is higher than the intermediate position PU0 and slightly higher than the upper end of the dish basket 70D. Wash water that collides at the upper limit height set at the first position PU1 is likely to splash toward the upper ends of standard-sized tableware TW1, such as plates TW1D, placed in the dish basket 70D.

[0087] The second position PU2 is higher than the intermediate position PU0 and the first position PU1. The wash water that collides at the upper limit height set at the second position PU2 is likely to splash toward the top of tableware TW1 that is larger than the standard size placed in the dish basket 70D, such as a deep-bottomed pot TW1P.

[0088] The third position PU3 is lower than the first position PU1 and is equal to or lower than the intermediate position PU0. In this embodiment, the third position PU3 is equal to the intermediate position PU0. The wash water that collides at the upper limit height set at the third position PU3 is likely to splash toward the upper end of tableware TW1 that is smaller than the standard size placed in the dish basket 70D, such as a rice bowl TW1C.

[0089] <Cleaning operation courses 1 to 3> The control unit C1 is capable of causing the cleaning device 60 to perform a cleaning operation in one operating course selected from a plurality of operating courses. The operating courses include a first operating course, a second operating course, and a third operating course.

[0090] In the first operating course, the upper limit height is the first position PU1, and standard-sized tableware TW1 is to be washed. The control unit C1 varies the collision height between the lower limit height PD1 and the upper limit height, which is the first position PU1, during the washing operation in the first operating course.

[0091] In the second operating course, the upper limit height is the second position PU2, and tableware TW1 such as cooking utensils that are larger than the standard size are to be washed. The control unit C1 varies the collision height between the lower limit height PD1 and the upper limit height, which is the second position PU2, while performing the washing operation in the second operating course.

[0092] In the third operating course, the upper limit height is the third position PU3, and tableware TW1 smaller than the standard size is to be washed. During the washing operation in the third operating course, the control unit C1 varies the collision height between the lower limit height PD1 and the upper limit height, which is the third position PU3.

[0093] <Input / output section> 1 and 3, the dishwasher 1 further includes an input / output unit 40. The input / output unit 40 is disposed at the upper end of the front surface of the door 8, as shown in FIG.

[0094] The input / output unit 40 has a plurality of buttons (not shown) for the user to perform input operations. The input / output unit 40 also has lamps and display elements capable of displaying numbers, letters, etc. to transmit various information to the user. As shown in Fig. 3, the input / output unit 40 transmits the user's input operations to the control unit C1 and displays the information transmitted from the control unit C1.

[0095] The user can perform an input operation to the input / output unit 40 to select one of the first, second and third operating programs, taking into consideration the size of the tableware TW1 to be placed in the tableware basket 70D, etc.

[0096] <Washing operation> In the dishwasher 1 having the above configuration, the control unit C1 causes the washing device 60 to perform a washing operation in the following procedure.

[0097] That is, the user places tableware TW1 in tableware baskets 70D, 70U and closes door 8, and then operates input / output unit 40 to select an operation course and issue a command to start the washing operation.

[0098] As a result, the control unit C1 causes the cleaning device 60 to start a cleaning operation on the condition that the lock of the door body 8 is detected by a lock sensor (not shown). At this time, the control unit C1 causes the cleaning device 60 to perform a cleaning operation in the operation course selected by the user's input operation to the input / output unit 40.

[0099] The washing device 60 operates the first pump 65 to spray washing water from the first rotating nozzle 61D and the first washing water collision nozzle 62D, and operates the second pump 66 to spray washing water from the second rotating nozzle 61U and the second washing water collision nozzle 62U. In this way, the washing device 60 washes the tableware TW1 placed in the tableware baskets 70D, 70U with the washing water that splashes in various directions in the washing tub 7.

[0100] In the washing operation, the control unit C1 sequentially executes a washing step using washing water containing detergent and a rinsing step using clean washing water, thereby washing the tableware TW1 in the washing tub 7 thoroughly.

[0101] In the cleaning process and rinsing process, the control unit C1 controls the collision height adjustment means C1H to vary the collision height between an upper limit height (first position PU1, second position PU2 or third position PU3) related to the selected operating course and a lower limit height PD1.

[0102] As shown in Fig. 5, when a deep-bottomed pot TW1P is placed on the dish basket 70D, the second operating program is selected, and the collision height fluctuates between the upper limit height (second position PU2) and the lower limit height PD1. As a result, the washing water that collides and splashes splashes sideways from the jet axis X1 in the range from the top to the bottom of the deep-bottomed pot TW1P, and the sideways splash direction changes irregularly. As a result, the washing water that collides and splashes easily gets on the inner circumferential surface or the inner bottom surface of the deep-bottomed pot TW1P, and the change in the sideways splash direction is unlikely to be uniform.

[0103] Then, the control unit C1 executes a drying step at the end of the washing operation, appropriately operates the heater 63 and the drying fan 68 to dry the tableware TW1 in the washing tub 7, and then ends the washing operation.

[0104] <Action and effect> In the dishwasher 1 of the first embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 and 5, during the cleaning operation, cleaning water sprayed upward from the first cleaning water collision nozzle 62D around the spray axis X1 extending vertically and cleaning water sprayed downward from the second cleaning water collision nozzle 62U around the spray axis X1 collide with each other, causing the cleaning water to splash radially sideways from the spray axis X1 within the cleaning tub 7, and the sideways splash direction changes irregularly to an upward sloping direction, a horizontal direction, or a downward sloping direction.

[0105] As a result, the cleaning water that collides and splashes is likely to splash onto the inner peripheral surface or inner bottom surface of tableware TW1 placed sideways in the dish basket 70D, particularly deep-bottomed tableware TW1 such as pots TW1P, as shown in Figure 5, and the direction of sideways splashing is unlikely to change uniformly.

[0106] Therefore, the dishwasher 1 of the first embodiment can improve the washing performance for the inside of the tableware TW1 placed sideways in the dish basket 70D.

[0107] In addition, in this dishwasher 1, the washing device 60 has a first rotating nozzle 61D and a second rotating nozzle 61U. The washing water sprayed from the first rotating nozzle 61D is likely to splash onto the outer periphery and the outer surface of the bottom of the tableware TW1 placed sideways in the dish basket 70D. The washing water sprayed from the second rotating nozzle 61U is likely to splash onto the tableware TW1 placed in the dish basket 70U, and is also likely to drip onto the tableware TW1 placed in the dish basket 70D. As a result, this dishwasher 1 can improve the washing performance for the whole of the tableware TW1 placed sideways in the dish basket 70D. In addition, in this dishwasher 1, the vibration caused when the first rotating nozzle 61D rotates is transmitted to the first washing water collision nozzle 62D, so that the distribution of the washing water sprayed from the first washing water collision nozzle 62D in a cross section perpendicular to the spray axis X1 is likely to be irregularly fluctuated. As a result, the collision position between the cleaning water sprayed from the first cleaning water collision nozzle 62D and the cleaning water sprayed from the second cleaning water collision nozzle 62U tends to vary irregularly, making it even more difficult for the change in the scattering direction of the colliding cleaning water to become uniform.

[0108] Furthermore, in this dishwasher 1, the collision height adjustment means C1H can raise or lower the collision height, allowing the colliding wash water to splash in various directions over a wide range in the vertical direction within the washing tub 7. As a result, the washing water that splashes upon collision is likely to splash on the inner circumferential surface or the inner bottom surface of the tableware TW1 even if the size, shape, quantity, etc. of the tableware TW1 placed in the dish basket 70D vary, and the change in the horizontal splash direction is less likely to become uniform. As a result, this dishwasher 1 can reliably achieve improved washing performance for the inside of tableware TW1 placed horizontally in the dish basket 70D.

[0109] Furthermore, in this dishwasher 1, the control unit C1 can control the washing device 60 to control the collision height adjustment means C1H during the washing operation to change the collision height. Specifically, the control unit C1 can change the collision height, change the range of collision height fluctuation, or change the fluctuation pattern or fluctuation period of the collision height according to, for example, the size, shape, and number of tableware TW1 placed in the dish basket 70D during the washing operation. As a result, the dishwasher 1 can more reliably improve the washing performance for the inside of tableware TW1 placed sideways in the dish basket 70D.

[0110] Furthermore, in this dishwasher 1, the control unit C1 can cause the washing device 60 to perform a washing operation in one operating course selected from a plurality of operating courses. Each operating course includes a first operating course in which the upper limit height is a first position PU1, a second operating course in which the upper limit height is a second position PU2, and a third operating course in which the upper limit height is a third position PU3.

[0111] This configuration allows the user to select the first operating program when standard-sized dishware TW1 is placed in the dish basket 70D.

[0112] In addition, the user can select the second operating program when placing bulky tableware TW1, such as a frying pan or deep-bottomed pot TW1P, in the dish basket 70D. This allows the control unit C1 to set a higher upper limit for the collision height as the tableware TW1 becomes bulkier in the height direction. This allows the dishwasher 1 to prevent wash water from splashing on the upper portion of the bulky tableware TW1.

[0113] Furthermore, the user can select the third operating program when placing tableware TW1 that is not bulky in the vertical direction, such as a rice bowl TW1C, a small plate, a small bowl, or a teacup, in the dish basket 70D. This allows the control unit C1 to lower the upper limit of the collision height as the tableware TW1 is not bulky in the vertical direction. This prevents the dishwasher 1 from being easily splashed with wash water above the tableware TW1 that is not bulky in the vertical direction.

[0114] As a result, the dishwasher 1 can more reliably improve the washing performance for the inside of the tableware TW1 placed sideways in the dish basket 70D.

[0115] Example 2 As shown in Fig. 6, a dishwasher 2 of Example 2 is another example of a specific embodiment of the dishwasher of the present invention. The dishwasher 2 is a front-drawer type in which the washing tank 207 slides, and is disposed below the countertop CT1 of the system kitchen.

[0116] <Housing, washing tank, dish basket and lid> Dishwasher 2 includes housing 209, washing tub 207, dish basket 270, and lid 208. In this embodiment, the side facing housing 209 to a user using the system kitchen, i.e., the left side of the paper in Fig. 6, is defined as the front of housing 209, and the right side of the paper in Fig. 6 is defined as the rear of housing 209.

[0117] Housing 209 is substantially box-shaped and has housing opening 209H. Housing opening 209H opens a wide area from the top to the bottom of the front of housing 209. Housing opening 209H connects the inside of housing 209 to the outside.

[0118] The cleaning tank 207 is housed in the housing 209. The position of the cleaning tank 207 shown in Fig. 6 is the housed position. When the cleaning tank 207 is in the housed position, it closes the housing opening 209H.

[0119] A slide rail mechanism (not shown) is disposed between the side surface of the approximately box-shaped cleaning tank 207 and the inner wall surface of the housing 209. As shown in Fig. 7, the slide rail mechanism allows the cleaning tank 207 to slide in the front-rear direction relative to the housing 209.

[0120] The cleaning tank 207 has a tank opening 207H. The tank opening 207H opens the top of the cleaning tank 207. A handle 207G is provided at the top end of the front part of the cleaning tank 207.

[0121] When the user grips handle 207G and manually slides cleaning tank 207 from the storage position shown in Fig. 6 to the front of housing 209, cleaning tank 207 moves to the drawn-out position exposed to the outside of housing 209 through housing opening 209H as shown in Fig. 7. When the user manually slides cleaning tank 207 from the drawn-out position shown in Fig. 7 to the rear of housing 209, cleaning tank 207 returns to the stored position shown in Fig. 6.

[0122] A water storage section 271 for storing water is provided at the bottom inside the cleaning tank 207. The water storage section 271 is divided by a residue filter 267 into an upper section and a lower section.

[0123] The dish basket 270 is provided in the washing tub 207. In the washing tub 207, dishes TW1 are stored in the dish basket 270.

[0124] Dish basket 270 has a size and shape that allows dishes TW1D, deep-bottomed pots TW1P, etc. to be placed sideways easily. Dish basket 270 also has restriction fence 270E. Restriction fence 270E protrudes upward from the center of the bottom of dish basket 270 in a generally cylindrical shape.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 7, when the washing tank 207 is in the pulled-out position, a user can place tableware TW1 in the washing tank 207 or remove it from the washing tank 207 through the tank opening 207H.

[0126] Lid 208 is disposed at the upper part inside housing 209. Lid 208 is supported by a linking mechanism (not shown) so as to move up and down in conjunction with the sliding of cleaning tank 207.

[0127] Lid 208 closes tank opening 7H when cleaning tank 207 is in the storage position shown in Fig. 6. On the other hand, lid 208 rises to open tank opening 207H when cleaning tank 207 moves between the storage position shown in Fig. 6 and the pulled-out position shown in Fig. 7.

[0128] <Water supply pipe, water supply solenoid valve and drain pipe> 6, the dishwasher 2 further includes a water supply pipe P201, a water supply solenoid valve 269, and a drain pipe P202. The water supply pipe P201, the water supply solenoid valve 269, and the drain pipe P202 are provided inside the housing 209.

[0129] The water supply pipe P201 supplies water into the washing tank 207 from a water supply source (not shown) provided outside the dishwasher 2. The water supply solenoid valve 269 opens and closes the water supply pipe P201 to switch between supplying and stopping water into the washing tank 207. The water supplied into the washing tank 207 by the water supply pipe P201 and the water supply solenoid valve 269 is stored in a water storage section 271 and used as washing water during washing operation. The drain pipe P202 drains the washing water in the washing tank 207 to the outside of the dishwasher 2.

[0130] <Cleaning equipment> The dishwasher 2 further includes a washing device 260. The washing device 260 has the following configuration and performs a washing operation for washing the tableware TW1 in the washing tub 207 with washing water.

[0131] The cleaning device 260 includes a pump 265, a connection pipe P203, a branch pipe P204, a first flow rate adjustment valve 275, a second flow rate adjustment valve 276, a first pressure feed pipe P205, and a second pressure feed pipe P206.

[0132] The pump 265 is attached to the lower part of the water storage section 271 of the cleaning tank 207. The pump 265 is an electric motor-driven type, and is capable of appropriately changing the pressure and flow rate when pumping the cleaning water.

[0133] The connection pipe P203 is connected to a portion of the water storage section 271 located below the residual filter 267 and to the suction port of the pump 265.

[0134] The upstream end of the branch pipe P204 is connected to the discharge port of the pump 265. One branch end of the branch pipe P204 is connected to the inlet of the first flow control valve 275. The other branch end of the branch pipe P204 is connected to the inlet of the second flow control valve 276.

[0135] The first pressure feed pipe P205 is connected to the outlet of the first flow rate adjustment valve 275. The first pressure feed pipe P205 extends upward and protrudes to the center of a portion of the water storage section 271 that is located above the residue filter 267.

[0136] When an electric motor built into the pump 265 rotates, the pump 265 pressure-feeds the cleaning water stored in the water storage section 271 to the first pressure-feed pipe P205 via the first flow rate adjustment valve 275. The first flow rate adjustment valve 275 adjusts the flow rate of the cleaning water pressure-feeded to the first pressure-feed pipe P205.

[0137] The second pressure feed pipe P206 is connected to the outlet of the second flow rate adjustment valve 276. The second pressure feed pipe P206 extends rearward, then bends, and extends upward along the rear wall of the cleaning tank 207. The second pressure feed pipe P206 has an expandable portion P206A that is bent in a substantially U-shape near the rear end of the lid 208, and further extends forward from the downstream end of the expandable portion P206A along the upper surface of the lid 208. The downstream end of the second pressure feed pipe P206 is located in the center of the upper surface of the lid 208.

[0138] As shown in FIG. 7, the second pressure feed pipe P206 can follow the sliding of the cleaning tank 207 by means of the expandable portion P206A.

[0139] 6, when an electric motor built into the pump 265 rotates, the pump 265 pressure-feeds the cleaning water stored in the water storage section 271 to the second pressure-feed pipe P206 via the second flow rate adjustment valve 276. The second flow rate adjustment valve 276 adjusts the flow rate of the cleaning water pressure-feeded to the second pressure-feed pipe P206.

[0140] The drain pipe P202 is connected to another outlet of the pump 265. The pump 265 pumps the washing water stored in the water storage section 271 to the drain pipe P202 by reverse rotation of an electric motor built in the pump 265, and discharges the washing water to the outside of the dishwasher 2.

[0141] The cleaning device 260 further includes a rotating nozzle 261D and a first cleaning water collision nozzle 262D. The rotating nozzle 261D and the first cleaning water collision nozzle 262D are provided below the dish basket 270.

[0142] The rotary nozzle 261D has a connecting portion 261D1, a plurality of arms 261D2, and a plurality of nozzle holes 261D3.

[0143] The connecting portion 261D1 is rotatably connected to the upper end of the first pressure feed pipe P205. This allows the rotary nozzle 261D to rotate around an ejection axis X2 that extends vertically in the center of the cleaning tank 207. Each arm 261D2 extends from the connecting portion 261D1 in a radially outward direction of the ejection axis X2. Each nozzle hole 261D3 is provided on the upper surface of each arm 261D2.

[0144] When the cleaning water pressure-fed by the pump 265 reaches the rotary nozzle 261D via the first flow control valve 275 and the first pressure-fed pipe P205, the rotary nozzle 261D sprays the cleaning water from each nozzle hole 261D3 while rotating around the spray axis X2. The spray direction of the rotary nozzle 261D changes in various directions so as to scatter the cleaning water over the entire area inside the cleaning tank 207.

[0145] The first cleaning water collision nozzle 262D is provided on the upper surface of the connecting portion 261D1 of the rotary nozzle 261D. The first cleaning water collision nozzle 262D has a substantially cylindrical shape that protrudes upward about the jetting axis X2. In particular, the tip of the first cleaning water collision nozzle 262D has a shape that suppresses the jetted cleaning water from diffusing in a cone shape.

[0146] When the cleaning water pressure-fed by the pump 265 reaches the first cleaning water collision nozzle 262D via the first flow rate adjustment valve 275 and the first pressure-fed pipe P205, the first cleaning water collision nozzle 262D sprays the cleaning water upward about the spray axis X2. At this time, the cleaning water sprayed from the first cleaning water collision nozzle 262D becomes a water column centered on the spray axis X2.

[0147] The restriction fence 270E restricts the position of the tableware TW1 placed in the tableware basket 270 so that the tableware TW1 does not obstruct the spraying of wash water by the first wash water collision nozzle 262D.

[0148] The cleaning device 260 further has a second cleaning water collision nozzle 262U. The second cleaning water collision nozzle 262U is provided on the cover 208. The second cleaning water collision nozzle 262U is connected to the downstream end of the second pressure feed pipe P206, protrudes downward, and penetrates the cover 208.

[0149] The second cleaning water collision nozzle 262U has a substantially cylindrical shape centered on the jet axis X2. In particular, the tip of the second cleaning water collision nozzle 262U has a shape that prevents the jetted cleaning water from diffusing in a cone shape.

[0150] That is, the second cleaning water collision nozzle 262U is provided at a position facing the first cleaning water collision nozzle 262D from above.

[0151] When the cleaning water pressure-fed by the pump 265 reaches the second cleaning water collision nozzle 262U via the second flow rate adjustment valve 276 and the second pressure-fed pipe P206, the second cleaning water collision nozzle 262U sprays the cleaning water downward about the spray axis X2. At this time, the cleaning water sprayed from the second cleaning water collision nozzle 262U becomes a water column centered on the spray axis X2.

[0152] When the column-like cleaning water sprayed from the first cleaning water collision nozzle 262D and the column-like cleaning water sprayed from the second cleaning water collision nozzle 262U collide with each other, the cleaning waters are scattered radially sideways from the spray axis X2 within the cleaning tank 207, and the direction of the sideways scattering changes irregularly to an upward sloping direction, a horizontal direction, or a downward sloping direction.

[0153] The cleaning water sprayed into the cleaning tank 207 from the rotating nozzle 261D, the first cleaning water collision nozzle 262D, and the second cleaning water collision nozzle 262U is stored in the water storage section 271. Then, the cleaning water is repeatedly supplied by the pump 265 to the rotating nozzle 261D, the first cleaning water collision nozzle 262D, and the second cleaning water collision nozzle 262U.

[0154] <Heater, temperature sensor, drying fan and water level sensor> The dishwasher 2 further includes a heater 263 , a temperature sensor 231 , a drying fan 268 and a water level sensor 234 .

[0155] The heater 263 is disposed at the bottom of the water storage section 271. The drying fan 268 is attached to the rear wall of the cleaning tank 207. An exhaust passage 279 is provided on the front wall of the cleaning tank 207 to exhaust the air sent into the cleaning tank 207 by the drying fan 268. The temperature sensor 231 is provided at a position below the heater 263 at the bottom of the water storage section 271. The water level sensor 234 is provided next to the water storage section 271 of the cleaning tank 207.

[0156] The configurations and operations of the heater 263, temperature sensor 231, drying fan 268, and water level sensor 234 are similar to those of the heater 63, temperature sensor 31, drying fan 68, and water level sensor 34 according to the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described.

[0157] <Control unit and impact height adjustment means> As shown in FIG. 8, the dishwasher 2 further includes a control unit C2, a drive circuit C2D, and impact height adjustment means C2H.

[0158] The control unit C2 is an electronic circuit unit including a CPU, a storage unit C2M, and an interface circuit (not shown), similar to the control unit C1 according to the first embodiment. The information stored in the storage unit C2M is also similar to the information stored in the storage unit C1M according to the first embodiment.

[0159] The control unit C2 receives detection signals from the temperature sensor 231 and the water level sensor 234. The control unit C2 also receives detection signals from sensors (not shown), such as a lock sensor that detects whether the cleaning tank 207 is locked in the storage position.

[0160] Furthermore, the control unit C2 outputs control signals for controlling the pump 265, the first flow rate adjustment valve 275, the second flow rate adjustment valve 276, the water supply solenoid valve 269, the heater 263, and the drying fan 268 to the drive circuit C2D.

[0161] Based on a control signal from the control unit C2, the drive circuit C2D switches between supplying power to the pump 265, the first flow control valve 275, the second flow control valve 276, the water supply solenoid valve 269, the heater 263, and the drying fan 268 and stopping the power supply, and adjusts the voltage, current, etc. when supplying power.

[0162] The impact height adjustment means C2H constitutes a part of the drive circuit C2D, and in particular drives the pump 265, the first flow rate adjustment valve 275, and the second flow rate adjustment valve 276 which are components of the cleaning device 260.

[0163] More specifically, the impact height adjustment means C2H switches between supplying power to the electric motor built into the pump 265 and stopping the supply of power, and adjusts the rotation speed by changing the voltage, current, etc. when supplying power.

[0164] In addition, the collision height adjustment means C2H switches between supplying power to the electric actuators built into each of the first flow control valve 275 and the second flow control valve 276 and stopping the supply of power to them, thereby increasing or decreasing the opening of the valve bodies of each of the first flow control valve 275 and the second flow control valve 276.

[0165] At this time, the collision height adjustment means C2H controls the pump 265 and the first flow rate adjustment valve 275 to adjust the flow rate and supply pressure of the cleaning water supplied to the first cleaning water collision nozzle 262D, thereby adjusting the spray speed, spray pressure, spray amount per unit time, etc. of the cleaning water sprayed from the first cleaning water collision nozzle 262D.

[0166] In addition, the collision height adjustment means C2H controls the pump 265 and the second flow rate adjustment valve 276 to adjust the flow rate and supply pressure of the cleaning water supplied to the second cleaning water collision nozzle 262U, thereby adjusting the spray speed, spray pressure, spray amount per unit time, etc. of the cleaning water sprayed from the second cleaning water collision nozzle 262U.

[0167] Thereby, the collision height adjustment means C2H can adjust the collision height at which the cleaning water jetted from the first cleaning water collision nozzle 262D and the cleaning water jetted from the second cleaning water collision nozzle 262U collide with each other.

[0168] In addition, the control unit C2 can control the collision height adjustment means C2H to change the collision height while controlling the cleaning device 260 to perform the cleaning operation. Furthermore, the control unit C2 can cause the cleaning device 260 to perform the cleaning operation in one operation course selected from a plurality of operation courses.

[0169] The specific contents of the washing operation, the change in impact height, and the multiple operation courses are the same as those in the first embodiment, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0170] <Input / output section> 6 and 8, the dishwasher 2 further includes an input / output unit 240. The input / output unit 240 is disposed at the upper end of the front part of the washing tub 207. The configuration of the input / output unit 240 is similar to that of the input / output unit 40 according to the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0171] The input / output unit 240 transmits the user's input operation to the control unit C2 and displays the information transmitted from the control unit C2. As in the first embodiment, the user can perform an input operation to the input / output unit 240 to select one of a plurality of operating courses.

[0172] <Action and effect> In the dishwasher 2 of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, during the cleaning operation, cleaning water sprayed upward from the first cleaning water collision nozzle 262D around the vertically extending spray axis X2 collides with cleaning water sprayed downward from the second cleaning water collision nozzle 262U around the spray axis X2, causing the cleaning water to splash radially sideways from the spray axis X2 in the cleaning tank 207, and the sideways splash direction changes irregularly to an upwardly sloping direction, a horizontal direction, or a downwardly sloping direction.

[0173] As a result, the washing water that collides and splashes is likely to splash onto the inner peripheral surface or inner bottom surface of tableware TW1 placed sideways in the dish basket 270, especially deep-bottomed tableware TW1 such as pots TW1P, and the direction of sideways splashing is unlikely to change uniformly.

[0174] Therefore, similar to dishwasher 1 of embodiment 1, dishwasher 2 of embodiment 2 can achieve improved washing performance for the inside of tableware TW1 placed sideways in dish basket 270.

[0175] In addition, in this dishwasher 2, the washing device 260 has a rotating nozzle 261D. The washing water sprayed from the rotating nozzle 261D is likely to be sprayed on the outer peripheral surface and the outer surface of the bottom of the tableware TW1 placed sideways in the dish basket 70D. As a result, this dishwasher 2 can improve the washing performance for the whole of the tableware TW1 placed sideways in the dish basket 270. In addition, in this dishwasher 2, the vibration caused when the rotating nozzle 261D rotates is transmitted to the first washing water collision nozzle 262D, so that the distribution of the washing water sprayed from the first washing water collision nozzle 262D in a cross section perpendicular to the spray axis X2 is likely to be irregularly fluctuated. As a result, the collision position between the washing water sprayed from the first washing water collision nozzle 262D and the washing water sprayed from the second washing water collision nozzle 262U is likely to vary irregularly, so that the change in the scattering direction of the colliding washing water is less likely to be uniform.

[0176] Furthermore, in this dishwasher 2, the second cleaning water collision nozzle 262U rises together with the lid body 208 which opens the tub opening 207H when the cleaning tub 207 moves between the stored position shown in Figure 6 and the pulled-out position shown in Figure 7. As a result, the second cleaning water collision nozzle 262U is less likely to hinder the movement of the cleaning tub 207 and is less likely to hinder the storage and removal of tableware TW1 from the dish basket 270 of the cleaning tub 207.

[0177] In the above, the present invention has been described based on Examples 1 and 2. However, the present invention is not limited to the above Examples 1 and 2, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0178] For example, the present invention also includes a configuration in which the dishwasher 1 of Example 1 is modified so that the dish basket 70U is removed and each nozzle hole 61U3 of the second rotating nozzle 61U is provided on the underside of each arm 61U2, and a configuration in which the upper dish basket 70U and second rotating nozzle 61U are removed from the dishwasher 1 of Example 1.

[0179] In the first embodiment, the third position PU3 is equal to the intermediate position PU0, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The present invention also includes a configuration in which the third position PU3 according to the first embodiment is changed to be lower than the intermediate position PU0.

[0180] In the first embodiment, the control unit C1 fixes the lower limit height PD1, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The present invention also includes a configuration in which the control unit C1 according to the first embodiment changes the lower limit height PD1.

[0181] The present invention also includes a configuration in which the cleaning device has a plurality of sets of the first cleaning water collision nozzle and the second cleaning water collision nozzle.The present invention also includes a configuration in which the cleaning device has a plurality of fixed nozzles distributed in the cleaning tank in addition to the first cleaning water collision nozzle and the second cleaning water collision nozzle.

[0182] In the first embodiment, the collision height adjustment means C1H controls the first pump 65 and the second pump 66 to adjust the collision height, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, in the first embodiment, instead of the first pump 65, the second pump 66, and the collision height adjustment means C1H, a pump, a first flow rate adjustment valve, and a second flow rate adjustment valve similar to the collision height adjustment means C2H, the pump 265, the first flow rate adjustment valve 275, and the second flow rate adjustment valve 276 according to the second embodiment may be adopted, thereby adjusting the collision height. [Industrial Applicability]

[0183] The present invention can be used in, for example, a dishwasher or a dishwasher-dryer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0184] 1, 2... Dishwasher TW1…Object to be cleaned 7, 207…Cleaning tank 70D, 70U, 270...Dish basket 60, 260...Cleaning equipment X1, X2…Injection axis center 62D, 262D…First cleaning water collision nozzle 62U…262U…Second cleaning water collision nozzle 61D, 261D...Rotary nozzle (61D...First rotary nozzle) C1H, C2H... Impact height adjustment means C1, C2: Control section PU1…1st position PU2…2nd position PU0…Intermediate position PU3…3rd position 9, 209…Housing 207H…tank opening 208…Cover body

Claims

1. A cleaning tank in which an object to be cleaned is accommodated; a dish basket provided in the washing tank and on which the items to be washed are placed; A washing device that performs a washing operation to wash the object to be washed with washing water in the washing tank, The washing device is a first washing water impingement nozzle that is provided below the dish basket and has a tip shape that prevents the sprayed washing water from diffusing in a cone shape, and the first washing water impingement nozzle sprays the washing water in a water column directed vertically upward around a spray axis extending vertically; a second cleaning water collision nozzle arranged opposite the first cleaning water collision nozzle from above and having a tip shape that prevents the sprayed cleaning water from diffusing into a cone shape, the second cleaning water collision nozzle spraying the cleaning water in the form of a water column directed vertically downward around the spray axis.

2. 2. The dishwasher according to claim 1, further comprising a collision height adjustment means for adjusting the collision height at which the cleaning water sprayed from the first cleaning water collision nozzle and the cleaning water sprayed from the second cleaning water collision nozzle collide.

3. A cleaning tank in which an object to be cleaned is accommodated; a dish basket provided in the washing tank and on which the items to be washed are placed; A washing device that performs a washing operation to wash the object to be washed with washing water in the washing tank, The washing device includes a first washing water collision nozzle that is provided below the dish basket and sprays the washing water upward around a spray axis that extends vertically; a second cleaning water collision nozzle that is provided at a position facing the first cleaning water collision nozzle from above and that sprays the cleaning water downward around the spray axis, a collision height adjusting means for adjusting a collision height at which the cleaning water jetted from the first cleaning water collision nozzle and the cleaning water jetted from the second cleaning water collision nozzle collide with each other.

4. A control unit is provided to control the cleaning device to perform the cleaning operation, 4. The dishwasher according to claim 2, wherein the control unit is capable of changing the collision height by controlling the collision height adjustment means during execution of the washing operation.

5. The control unit is capable of causing the cleaning device to perform the cleaning operation in one operating course selected from a plurality of operating courses, Each of the operation courses includes a first operation course in which an upper limit height when the impact height is changed during the execution of the cleaning operation is a first position; a second operating course in which the upper limit height is a second position higher than the first position, 5. The dishwasher according to claim 4, wherein the second position is higher than an intermediate position equally spaced from the first wash water impingement nozzle and the second wash water impingement nozzle.

6. The control unit is capable of causing the cleaning device to perform the cleaning operation in one operating course selected from a plurality of operating courses, Each of the operation courses includes a first operation course in which an upper limit height when the impact height is changed during the execution of the cleaning operation is a first position; a third operating course in which the upper limit height is a third position that is lower than the first position, 6. The dishwasher according to claim 4, wherein the third position is equal to or lower than a middle position spaced apart from the first wash water impingement nozzle and the second wash water impingement nozzle by an equal distance.

7. 7. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the washing device is provided below the dish basket and has a rotary nozzle which sprays the washing water while rotating about the spray axis.

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