Washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washer capable of reducing dripping of water remaining in a washing nozzle from washing injection holes after terminating a rinsing step.SOLUTION: A dishwasher 100 comprises an upper nozzle 3 provided on an upper side of a washing chamber 1B and injecting water to the washing chamber, while rotating in one direction. The upper nozzle 3 includes a body part 30 extending from a rotation center of a rotary shaft R3 along a radial direction in the upper nozzle 3. In the body part 30, a washing nozzle 30C constituting washing injection holes 31 and a washing flow path 32, and a rinsing nozzle 30D constituting rinsing injection holes 33 and a rinsing flow path 34 are integrally configured. The plurality of washing injection holes 31 is provided on a front side in the rotation direction R of the upper nozzle 3 in the washing flow path 32 and is aligned along the extension direction of the washing flow path 32.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning machine for cleaning objects to be cleaned such as tableware.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a cleaning machine (dishwasher) that performs cleaning by spraying cleaning water stored in a cleaning tank onto tableware housed in a cleaning chamber, and performs rinsing by spraying rinsing water stored in a rinsing water tank onto the tableware. In such a cleaning machine, a nozzle having injection holes for injecting water is rotatably provided in the cleaning chamber.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a nozzle (rotating blade) in which a flow path of cleaning water during a cleaning process and a cleaning injection hole for injecting the water, and a flow path of rinsing water during a rinsing process and a rinsing injection hole for injecting the water are integrally formed. Patent Document 2 discloses that a cleaning nozzle provided with a flow path of cleaning water during a cleaning process and a cleaning injection hole for injecting the water, and a rinsing nozzle provided with a flow path of rinsing water during a rinsing process and a rinsing injection hole for injecting the water are provided separately.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In a cleaning machine having such a nozzle, after the rinsing process is completed, if the cleaning water remaining in the cleaning nozzle drips from the cleaning injection holes, there is a risk that the objects to be cleaned that have been cleaned by rinsing will be soiled.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning machine capable of reducing dripping of water remaining in the cleaning nozzle from the cleaning injection holes after the rinsing process is completed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The cleaning machine of the present invention is a cleaning machine provided above a cleaning chamber for accommodating an object to be cleaned and including a nozzle that injects water into the cleaning chamber while rotating in one direction. The nozzle includes a cleaning nozzle and a rinsing nozzle that extend along the radial direction from the center of rotation of the rotation axis in the nozzle and rotate integrally. The cleaning nozzle has a cleaning injection hole for injecting cleaning water and a cleaning flow path that extends from the center of rotation to the cleaning injection hole and through which the cleaning water flows. The rinsing nozzle has a rinsing injection hole for injecting rinsing water and a rinsing flow path that extends from the center of rotation to the rinsing injection hole and through which the rinsing water flows. The cleaning injection holes are provided on the front side in the rotation direction of the nozzle in the cleaning flow path and are arranged in a plurality along the extending direction of the cleaning flow path.

[0008] In this configuration, since the cleaning injection holes are provided on the front side in the rotation direction of the nozzle in the cleaning flow path and are arranged along the extending direction of the cleaning flow path, the cleaning water remaining in the cleaning flow path moves toward the cleaning injection holes by the rotation of the cleaning nozzle that rotates integrally with the rinsing nozzle during the rinsing process, and the cleaning water remaining in the cleaning flow path is discharged from the cleaning injection holes. Thereby, the cleaning water remaining in the cleaning flow path after the rinsing process can be reduced. As a result, dripping of water remaining in the cleaning nozzle from the cleaning injection holes after the rinsing process is completed can be reduced. Note that the water discharged from the cleaning injection holes during the rinsing process is washed away by the water injected from the rinsing injection holes even if it adheres to the object to be cleaned.

[0009] In the cleaning machine of the present invention, the cleaning nozzle and the rinsing nozzle may be integrally configured. In this configuration, the number of parts can be reduced, so the workability during assembly or maintenance during manufacturing can be improved.

[0010] In the dishwasher of the present invention, a hemispherical protrusion protruding upward in the vertical direction is formed on the washing nozzle as a part of the washing flow path, and the washing injection hole is formed by cutting out a part of the front side in the rotation direction of the protrusion, and the cut-out part may be arranged along the flow path wall part forming the front end in the rotation direction in the washing flow path. In this configuration, the water remaining in the washing flow path during the washing process is discharged by the rotation of the nozzle during the rinsing process. In this configuration, even if there is a protrusion for directing the injection direction of the washing water, it becomes easier to discharge water from the washing injection hole, and the water remaining in the washing flow path is discharged by the rotation of the nozzle during the rinsing process.

Advantages of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the dripping of the water remaining in the washing nozzle from the washing injection hole after the rinsing process.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, a dishwasher (cleaning machine) 100 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same elements, and redundant descriptions are omitted. For convenience of explanation, in FIG. 1, the front-rear direction, the left-right direction, and the up-down direction are respectively set.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, a dishwasher 100 according to an embodiment is an under-counter type cleaning machine in which a door portion 15 is provided on the front surface of a cleaning chamber 1B. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the dishwasher 100 includes a cleaning machine main body portion 1, a door portion 15, a cleaning tank 20, an upper nozzle 3, a lower nozzle 4, a cleaning pump 5, a rinsing tank 6, a rinsing pump 7, a detergent supply pump 8, a rinse aid supply pump 9, and a controller 10.

[0015] The cleaning machine main body portion 1 is formed including a frame (not shown), a stainless steel exterior panel 11, and an interior panel (wall portion) 2. The exterior panel 11 has a pair of side panels 11A, 11A that form the side surfaces in the left-right direction, an upper panel 11B, an upper front panel 11C, a lower front panel 11D, and a rear panel 11E. At least the lower front panel 11D is provided so as to be easily detachable from the frame. Legs 12 are attached to the four corners at the lower part of the cleaning machine main body portion 1. An operation portion 13 for operating various operations of the dishwasher 100 is provided on the upper front panel 11C.

[0016] The operation portion 13 is a part for performing input operations of operation modes and various settings. The operation portion 13 of the present embodiment is configured by a liquid crystal screen and a strengthened glass (electrostatic switch) covering the same. An operator can perform various operations by touching the strengthened glass covering the liquid crystal screen. Note that the operation portion 13 may be configured by various buttons or a touch panel, or may be configured by a remote controller, an operation terminal, etc. that are separate from the cleaning machine main body portion 1.

[0017] In the lower region of the main body 1 of the dishwasher, a machine room 1A is formed to accommodate a washing pump 5, a rinsing tank 6, a rinsing pump 7, a detergent supply pump 8, and a rinse aid supply pump 9. In the upper region of the main body 1 of the dishwasher, a washing chamber 1B is formed to accommodate a rack on which tableware (objects to be washed) D and the like are set. The washing chamber 1B is a space above the washing tank 20 and is constituted by an interior panel 2. The interior panel 2 mainly has a pair of side panels 2A, 2A, an upper panel 2B, and a rear panel (not shown). Rack rails 23 for supporting the rack are formed on the inner surfaces of the pair of side panels 2A, 2A. An opening 1C is formed in the main body 1 of the dishwasher for taking in and out the rack on which tableware D and the like are set into and from the washing chamber 1B. The rack rails 23 may be integrally formed with the side panels 2A, 2A by extrusion processing, or may be formed by attaching other members to the inner surfaces of the side panels 2A, 2A.

[0018] The door portion 15 is disposed outside the opening 1C. The door portion 15 is provided so as to be able to open and close the opening 1C. When the door portion 15 is opened, the washing chamber 1B is opened to the outside of the main body 1 of the dishwasher. The door portion 15 is rotatably provided with a shaft extending in the left - right direction at the lower end of the door portion 15 as a rotation axis. An operator can open the washing chamber 1B by tilting forward a handle 15A provided at the upper end of the door portion 15.

[0019] The washing tank 20 is provided below the washing chamber 1B. The washing tank 20 stores washing water used for washing tableware D and the like accommodated in the washing chamber 1B. The washing water is water sprayed into the washing chamber 1B in the washing process. The washing tank 20 is provided with a washing water detection unit 24, a washing water heater 25A, and a washing water temperature sensor 25B.

[0020] The cleaning water detection unit 24 detects the water level of the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 20. The cleaning water detection unit 24 is, for example, a switch that turns ON when the water level in the cleaning tank 20 exceeds the fixed water level H1 and turns OFF when it is below the fixed water level H1. The detection result by the cleaning water detection unit 24 is acquired by the controller 10. The cleaning pump 5, which will be described in detail later, will cause a so-called air bite and be unable to inject the cleaning water from the upper nozzle 3 and the lower nozzle 4 when it sucks in air during operation. In one embodiment, the operation of the cleaning pump 5 is stopped when the cleaning water detection unit 24 turns OFF during operation, thereby preventing the cleaning pump 5 from sucking in air.

[0021] The cleaning water heater 25A heats the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 20 in order to improve the sterilization ability and the cleaning ability. The cleaning water temperature sensor 25B detects the temperature of the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 20. The detection result by the cleaning water temperature sensor 25B is acquired by the controller 10. The ON / OFF of the cleaning water heater 25A is controlled by the controller 10. For example, the cleaning water heater 25A is controlled by the controller 10 so as to maintain the cleaning water at a predetermined temperature based on the water temperature detected by the cleaning water temperature sensor 25B.

[0022] A circular through-hole 20b is formed in the bottom 20a of the cleaning tank 20. The through-hole 20b is a circular plate-like member in which a plurality of long holes penetrating in the thickness direction are formed, and is covered by a pump guard 26 that prevents the intrusion of foreign matter. The through-hole 20b is connected to the cleaning pump 5 via a connection portion 50. The connection portion 50 is formed with a first connection hole 50a connected to the through-hole 20b, a drain hole 50b connected to a drain pipe 28 that discharges water to the outside of the cleaning machine main body portion 1, and a second connection hole 50c connected to the cleaning pump 5. Note that the connection portion 50 may be integrally formed with the cleaning pump 5 as a part of the casing constituting the cleaning pump 5, or may be provided separately from the cleaning pump 5 as a member connecting the cleaning tank 20 and the cleaning pump 5.

[0023] The cleaning tank 20 is provided with an overflow pipe 27 extending in the vertical direction. The overflow pipe 27 allows water exceeding a predetermined water level in the cleaning tank 20 to flow in from its upper end and drain to the outside of the cleaning tank 20, defining the water level of the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 20. The lower end of the overflow pipe 27 is detachably inserted into a drain hole 50b formed in a connection part 50 through a burring-processed pump guard 26 covering a through hole 20b. By removing the lower end of the overflow pipe 27 from the drain hole 50b, the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 20 can be discharged through the through hole 20b and the drain hole 50b.

[0024] The upper nozzle 3 is provided above the cleaning chamber 1B. The upper nozzle 3 is rotatably provided on an upper support part 21A provided above the cleaning chamber 1B. The upper nozzle 3 has a main body part 30 extending from a base end part, which is the rotation center of the rotation axis of the upper nozzle 3, to a tip end part along the radial direction. The main body part 30 is integrally formed with a cleaning injection hole 31 for injecting the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 20, a cleaning flow path 32 extending from the rotation center to the cleaning injection hole 31 through which the cleaning water flows, a rinsing injection hole 33 for injecting the rinsing water stored in the rinsing tank 6, and a rinsing flow path 34 extending from the rotation center to the rinsing injection hole 33 through which the rinsing water flows. The upper nozzle 3 rotates when the flow of the cleaning water generated in the cleaning flow path 32 or the flow of the rinsing water generated in the rinsing flow path 34 is converted into a rotational force. An upper cleaning pipe 58 for supplying cleaning water to the cleaning flow path 32 and an upper rinsing pipe 78 for supplying rinsing water to the rinsing flow path 34 are connected to the upper nozzle 3.

[0025] The lower nozzle 4 is provided below the cleaning chamber 1B. The lower nozzle 4 is rotatably provided on a lower support portion 21B provided below the cleaning chamber 1B. The lower nozzle 4 has a main body portion 40 that extends from a base end portion, which is the center of rotation of the rotation axis of the lower nozzle 4, along the radial direction to a tip end portion. The main body portion 40 is integrally formed with a cleaning injection hole 41 for injecting the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 20, a cleaning flow path 42 that extends from the center of rotation to the cleaning injection hole 41 and through which the cleaning water flows, a rinsing injection hole 43 for injecting the rinsing water stored in the rinsing tank 6, and a rinsing flow path 44 that extends from the center of rotation to the rinsing injection hole 43 and through which the rinsing water flows. The lower nozzle 4 rotates when the flow of the cleaning water generated in the cleaning flow path 42 or the flow of the rinsing water generated in the rinsing flow path 44 is converted into a rotational force. A lower cleaning pipe 59 for supplying the cleaning water to the cleaning flow path 42 and a lower rinsing pipe 79 for supplying the rinsing water to the rinsing flow path 44 are connected to the lower nozzle 4.

[0026] The tableware D arranged in the dish rack is sprayed with the cleaning water by the upper nozzle 3 and the lower nozzle 4 in the cleaning process, and is sprayed with the rinsing water by the upper nozzle 3 and the lower nozzle 4 in the rinsing process.

[0027] The cleaning pump 5 is arranged in the machine room 1A. The cleaning pump 5 sends out the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 20 to the cleaning chamber 1B that houses the tableware D and the like. The cleaning pump 5 takes in the cleaning water of the cleaning tank 20 through the connection portion 50 and sends out the cleaning water to the upper nozzle 3 and the lower nozzle 4. An upper cleaning pipe 58 is connected to the first discharge port of the cleaning pump 5. The upper cleaning pipe 58 is connected to the upper nozzle 3. A lower cleaning pipe 59 is connected to the second discharge port of the cleaning pump 5. The lower cleaning pipe 59 is connected to the lower nozzle 4.

[0028] The rinsing tank 6 is disposed in the machine room 1A. The rinsing tank 6 stores rinsing water used for rinsing tableware D and the like. The rinsing water is water sprayed into the washing chamber 1B in the initial water supply process and the rinsing process. Water is supplied to the rinsing tank 6 from an external water source via a water supply pipe 60. A strainer 60A is provided in the water supply pipe 60. A valve 60B is provided on the downstream side of the strainer 60A in the water supply pipe 60.

[0029] The rinsing tank 6 is provided with a rinsing water detection unit 62, an overflow unit 63, a rinsing water heater 64A, and a rinsing water temperature sensor 64B.

[0030] The rinsing water detection unit 62 is a switch that detects that the water stored in the rinsing tank 6 is at a fixed water level H2. The detection result of the rinsing water detection unit 62 is acquired by the controller 10. The valve 60B is controlled by the controller 10. For example, the controller 10 opens and closes the valve in conjunction with the detection of the fixed water level H2 by the rinsing water detection unit 62, and controls the valve 60B so as to maintain the water level of the rinsing water stored in the rinsing tank 6 constant.

[0031] The overflow unit 63 discharges water that has exceeded the full water level in the rinsing tank 6. The rinsing tank 6 is a closed tank. For example, when the valve 60B malfunctions and closes, the water level exceeds the full water level. The rinsing water heater 64A heats the rinsing water stored in the rinsing tank 6 to improve the sterilization ability and the rinsing ability. The rinsing water temperature sensor 64B detects the temperature of the rinsing water. The detection result by the rinsing water temperature sensor 64B is acquired by the controller 10. The ON / OFF of the rinsing water heater 64A is controlled by the controller 10. For example, the rinsing water heater 64A is controlled by the controller 10 so as to maintain the rinsing water at a predetermined temperature based on the water temperature detected by the rinsing water temperature sensor 64B.

[0032] The rinsing pump 7 sends out the rinsing water stored in the rinsing tank 6 to the cleaning chamber 1B that houses tableware D and the like. The rinsing pump 7 takes in the rinsing water in the rinsing tank 6 and sends out the rinsing water to the upper nozzle 3 and the lower nozzle 4. An upper rinsing pipe 78 and a lower rinsing pipe 79 are connected to the discharge port of the rinsing pump 7 via a rinsing pipe 77. The upper rinsing pipe 78 is connected to the upper nozzle 3. The lower rinsing pipe 79 is connected to the lower nozzle 4.

[0033] The detergent supply pump 8 is arranged in the machine room 1A. The detergent supply pump 8 supplies the detergent stored in the detergent tank 8A to the cleaning chamber 1B via a pipe 8B. The detergent discharged into the cleaning chamber 1B flows into the cleaning tank 20 and mixes with the cleaning water. The rinse agent supply pump 9 is arranged in the machine room 1A. The rinse agent supply pump 9 supplies the rinse agent stored in the rinse agent tank 9A to the rinsing pipe 77 via a pipe 9B. The rinse agent supplied to the rinsing pipe 77 mixes with the rinsing water and is supplied to the cleaning chamber 1B via the upper nozzle 3 and the lower nozzle 4.

[0034] The controller 10 is arranged between the upper panel 11B in the main body part 1 of the dishwasher and the upper panel 2B that constitutes the cleaning chamber 1B. The controller 10 controls the overall operation of the dishwasher 100. The controller 10 is a computer system or a processor implemented on an integrated circuit. The controller 10 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an input / output interface, and the like. Various programs or data are stored in the ROM. The controller 10 controls a cleaning operation that takes as one cycle the execution of a cleaning process of spraying cleaning water into the cleaning chamber 1B to clean the tableware D and the execution of a rinsing process of spraying rinsing water into the cleaning chamber 1B to rinse the tableware D.

[0035] Next, the upper nozzle 3 will be described in detail mainly with reference to FIGS. 1, 3, 5, and 6. As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 5, and 6, the upper nozzle 3 extends from the base end portion BP, which is the center of rotation of the rotation axis R3 in the upper nozzle 3, along the radial direction to the tip end portion TP, and the tip end portion TP side is curved backward in the rotation direction R of the upper nozzle 3. The main body portion 30 includes a cleaning nozzle 30C formed by a plurality of cleaning injection holes 31 for injecting the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 20 and a cleaning flow path 32 that extends from the center of rotation of the rotation axis R3 to the cleaning injection holes 31 and through which the cleaning water flows, and a rinsing nozzle 30D formed by a plurality of rinsing injection holes 33 for injecting the rinsing water stored in the rinsing tank 6 and a rinsing flow path 34 that extends from the center of rotation of the rotation axis R3 to the rinsing injection holes 33 and through which the rinsing water flows. The cleaning nozzle 30C and the rinsing nozzle 30D are integrally formed.

[0036] FIGS. 5 and 6 are views of the first part (upper part) 3A and the second part (lower part) 3B obtained by dividing the main body portion 30 of the upper nozzle 3 into two along the rotation plane, respectively, as seen from the inner surface side (flow path side). The first part 3A and the second part 3B constituting the main body portion 30 are integrally formed of a resin material such as polypropylene. The main body portion 30 of the upper nozzle 3 is formed by fixing such two first parts 3A and second parts 3B by welding or the like. In the state of the first part 3A and the second part 3B shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the cleaning flow path 32 and the rinsing flow path 34 described in detail below are not formed, and only grooves that become the cleaning flow path 32 and the rinsing flow path 34 are formed when the first part 3A and the second part 3B are fixed to each other. Here, for the sake of convenience of explanation, these grooves are also referred to as the cleaning flow path 32 and the rinsing flow path 34, and the upper nozzle 3 will be described.

[0037] The cleaning flow path 32 has a first inflow portion 32a that passes through the center of rotation of the rotation axis R3 and extends in the first direction D1 along the radial direction, and a first curved portion 32b that extends from the first inflow portion 32a so as to be convex forward in the rotation direction R. Cleaning water flows into the first inflow portion 32a from the upper cleaning pipe 58 via the first inflow shaft 30a. Cleaning water flows into the first curved portion 32b from the first inflow portion 32a. A series of cleaning flow paths 32 continuing from the first inflow portion 32a to the first curved portion 32b extends without curving convexly rearward in the rotation direction R and extends convexly forward in the rotation direction R from the base end portion BP to the tip end portion TP.

[0038] The rinsing flow path 34 has a second inflow portion 34a that passes through the center of rotation of the rotation axis R3 and extends in the second direction D2 that intersects the first direction D1 along the radial direction, and a second curved portion 34b that extends from the second inflow portion 34a so as to be convex forward in the rotation direction R and along the first curved portion 32b. In the present embodiment, the intersection angle between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 is 60°, but it is not limited to this angle. Rinsing water flows into the second inflow portion 34a from the upper rinsing pipe 78 via the second inflow shaft 30b. Rinsing water flows into the second curved portion 34b from the second inflow portion 34a. A series of rinsing flow paths 34 continuing from the second inflow portion 34a to the second curved portion 34b extends without curving convexly rearward in the rotation direction R and extends convexly forward in the rotation direction R from the base end portion BP to the tip end portion TP.

[0039] The upper nozzle 3 is provided with a detaching mechanism 37 for detaching the main body 30 from the upper support portion 21A provided in the cleaning chamber 1B. When the third direction D3 is defined as the direction that intersects both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 along the radial direction passing through the rotation center of the upper nozzle 3, the detaching mechanism 37 has a pair of knob portions 37a, 37a disposed opposite to the third direction D3. In the present embodiment, the intersection angle between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, the intersection angle between the second direction D2 and the third direction D3, and the intersection angle between the third direction D3 and the first direction D1 in the rotation direction R are each 60°. In other words, the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 are shifted by 60° each in the rotation direction R. Note that each intersection angle is not limited to 60°.

[0040] The outer shape of both end portions of the main body 30 in the third direction D3 passing through the rotation center of the main body 30 is formed in a concave shape toward the rotation center. The pair of knob portions 37a, 37a project along the third direction D3 from the outer shape of the concave main body 30. The detaching mechanism 37 can detach the main body 30 from the upper support portion 21A by pressing both of the pair of knob portions 37a, 37a closer to each other along the third direction D3.

[0041] More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 7(A) and 7(B), the detaching mechanism 37 includes a pair of knob portions 37a, 37a, a first rail portion 37b connected to one of the knob portions 37a, a first fitting portion 37d slidably provided in the first rail portion 37b and provided to one of the knob portions 37a via a first compression spring 37f, a second rail portion 37c connected to the other knob portion 37a, a second fitting portion 37e slidably provided in the second rail portion 37c and provided to the other knob portion 37a via a second compression spring 37g, a first pressing portion 37h connected to one of the knob portions 37a, and a second pressing portion 37i connected to the other knob portion 37a.

[0042] In the detaching mechanism 37 configured as described above, when a pair of knob portions 37a, 37a are pressed along the third direction D3, as shown in FIG. 7(B), the second fitting portion 37e is pressed via the first pressing portion 37h, and the first fitting portion 37d is pressed via the second pressing portion 37i. As a result, the first fitting portion 37d and the second fitting portion 37e are separated from each other. Thereby, the fitting between the detaching mechanism 37 and the upper support portion 21A is released, and the upper nozzle 3 (main body portion 30) can be removed from the upper support portion 21A.

[0043] Further, when the pressing of the pair of knob portions 37a, 37a is released, as shown in FIG. 7(A), the first compression spring 37f and the second compression spring 37g compressed when the pair of knob portions 37a, 37a were pressed cause the first fitting portion 37d and the second fitting portion 37e to be pressed and move, and the first fitting portion 37d and the second fitting portion 37e come into contact with each other. At this time, the ring-shaped fitting portion formed by the opposing portions of the first fitting portion 37d and the second fitting portion 37e fits into the groove portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical upper support portion 21A (see FIG. 1). Thereby, the fitting of the detaching mechanism 37 to the upper support portion 21A is restored, and the upper nozzle 3 (main body portion 30) can be fixed to the upper support portion 21A.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, when the main body portion 30 is viewed in plan (when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis R3), the rinsing flow path 34 and the cleaning flow path 32 are arranged in the order of the rinsing flow path 34 and the cleaning flow path 32 around the rotation direction R with respect to the third direction D3 as a reference. And the degree of bending of the first bending portion 32b is larger than the degree of bending of the second bending portion 34b. In the present embodiment, as approaching the tip portion TP in the main body portion 30, the first bending portion 32b approaches the second bending portion 34b. Here, the degree of bending refers to the curve radius or the curvature radius of the bent portion (arc-shaped portion). The smaller the curve radius, the larger the degree of bending, and the larger the curvature radius, the larger the degree of bending.

[0045] In order to wash away the dirt on the tableware D, it is necessary to inject a large amount of washing water from the washing injection holes 31. As shown in FIG. 6, in the washing flow path 32 of the upper nozzle 3, in order to enable the flow of a large amount of washing water, it has a width in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction (along the circumferential direction). The washing injection holes 31 are provided on the front side in the rotation direction R (for example, on the front side of the center position in the width direction) in such a washing flow path 32 having such a width, and are arranged in a plurality along the extending direction of the washing flow path 32. Further, the plurality of washing injection holes 31 provided in the washing flow path 32 constituting the first curved portion 32b are arranged along the front edge portion in the rotation direction R of the main body portion 30.

[0046] A hemispherical first protrusion (protrusion) 35 that protrudes vertically upward (that is, from the outside to the inside of the main body portion 30) is formed in the washing flow path 32. The first protrusion 35 is recessed upward when the main body portion 30 is viewed from below. The washing injection holes 31 are provided at or near the apex of the hemisphere in such a first protrusion 35. The first protrusion 35 directs the injection direction of the washing water from the main body portion 30. More specifically, the washing water is injected radially from such washing injection holes 31, and a part of the water injected from such washing injection holes 31 changes its direction along the inner surface of the hemisphere in the first protrusion 35, so that the water can be injected in the direction in which the tableware D is arranged. From this, the first protrusion 35 can also be regarded as a part of the washing injection holes 31.

[0047] In the present embodiment, the cleaning injection holes 31 are formed by cutting out a part of such a first protruding portion 35 in one direction, so that the cleaning injection holes 31 are shifted toward the front side in the rotation direction R of the first protruding portion 35. More specifically, in the first protruding portion 35, the above-mentioned cut-out portion (if the cut-out portion has a length (when extending in one direction), one end thereof) is arranged along the flow path wall surface on the front side in the rotation direction of the cleaning flow path 32, so that the cleaning injection holes 31 are shifted toward the front side in the rotation direction R of the cleaning flow path 32, that is, toward the flow path wall surface of the cleaning flow path 32. Note that the degree of shifting the cleaning injection holes 31 toward the front side in the rotation direction is appropriately adjusted so that the cleaning water guided to the front side in the rotation direction in the cleaning flow path 32 can be discharged from the cleaning injection holes 31 due to the rotation of the upper nozzle 3 during the rinsing process.

[0048] In the present embodiment, the size (cut-out length) of the cut-out of the first protruding portion 35 forming the cleaning injection holes 31 is made longer as it is closer to the tip portion TP in the extending direction of the main body portion 30, and is brought closer to the flow path wall surface on the front side in the rotation direction of the cleaning flow path 32. The cleaning water remaining in the cleaning flow path 32 is guided to the tip portion TP by the rotation of the upper nozzle 3 during the rinsing process. In the present embodiment, the closer the cleaning injection holes 31 are arranged to the tip portion TP, the longer the size of the cut-out is made and the closer it is brought to the flow path wall surface on the front side in the rotation direction of the cleaning flow path 32. Therefore, the cleaning water in the cleaning flow path 32 guided to the tip portion TP during the rinsing process can be effectively discharged.

[0049] Similarly, in the rinsing flow path 34, a hemispherical second protruding portion 36 protruding upward in the vertical direction (that is, from the outside to the inside of the main body portion 30) is formed. The second protruding portion 36 is provided to direct the injection direction of the rinsing water from the main body portion 30. The rinsing injection holes 33 are formed by cutting out a part of such a second protruding portion 36 in one direction.

[0050] Next, the lower nozzle 4 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and 4 to 6. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 to 6, the lower nozzle 4 extends from the base end portion BP, which is the center of rotation of the rotation axis R4 in the lower nozzle 4, along the radial direction to the tip end portion TP, and the tip end portion TP side is curved backward in the rotation direction R of the lower nozzle 4. The main body portion 40 includes a plurality of cleaning injection holes 41 for injecting the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 20, a cleaning flow path 42 that extends from the center of rotation of the rotation axis R4 to the cleaning injection holes 41 and through which the cleaning water flows, a plurality of rinsing injection holes 43 for injecting the rinsing water stored in the rinsing tank 6, and a rinsing flow path 44 that extends from the center of rotation of the rotation axis R4 to the rinsing injection holes 43 and through which the rinsing water flows, and are integrally formed.

[0051] FIGS. 5 and 6 are views of the first part (lower part) 4A and the second part (upper part) 4B obtained by dividing the main body portion 40 of the lower nozzle 4 into two along the rotation plane, respectively, as seen from the inner surface side (flow path side). The first part 4A and the second part 4B constituting the main body portion 40 are integrally formed of a resin material such as polypropylene. The main body portion 40 of the lower nozzle 4 is formed by fixing such two first parts 4A and second parts 4B by welding or the like. In the state of the first part 4A and the second part 4B shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the cleaning flow path 42 and the rinsing flow path 44 described in detail below are not formed, and there are only grooves that become the cleaning flow path 42 and the rinsing flow path 44 when the first part 4A and the second part 4B are fixed to each other. For this reason, for convenience of explanation, these grooves are also referred to as the cleaning flow path 42 and the rinsing flow path 44, and the lower nozzle 4 will be described.

[0052] The cleaning flow path 42 has a first inflow portion 42a that passes through the center of rotation of the rotation axis R4 and extends in the first direction D1 along the radial direction, and a first curved portion 42b that extends from the first inflow portion 42a so as to be convex forward in the rotation direction R. Cleaning water flows into the first inflow portion 42a from the lower cleaning pipe 59 via the first inflow shaft 40a. Cleaning water flows into the first curved portion 42b from the first inflow portion 42a. The series of cleaning flow paths 42 that continue from the first inflow portion 42a to the first curved portion 42b extend from the base end portion BP to the tip end portion TP so as to be convex forward in the rotation direction R without curving so as to be convex rearward in the rotation direction R.

[0053] The rinsing flow path 44 has a second inflow portion 44a that passes through the center of rotation of the rotation axis R4 and extends in the second direction D2 that intersects the first direction D1 along the radial direction, and a second curved portion 44b that extends from the second inflow portion 44a so as to be convex forward in the rotation direction R and along the first curved portion 42b. In the present embodiment, the intersection angle between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 is 60°, but it is not limited to this angle. Rinsing water flows into the second inflow portion 44a from the lower rinsing pipe 79 via the second inflow shaft 40b. Rinsing water flows into the second curved portion 44b from the second inflow portion 44a. The series of rinsing flow paths 44 that continue from the second inflow portion 44a to the second curved portion 44b extend from the base end portion BP to the tip end portion TP so as to be convex forward in the rotation direction R without curving so as to be convex rearward in the rotation direction R.

[0054] The lower nozzle 4 is provided with a detaching mechanism 47 for detaching the main body 40 from the lower support portion 21B provided in the cleaning chamber 1B. When the direction intersecting both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 along the radial direction through the rotation center of the lower nozzle 4 is defined as the third direction D3, the detaching mechanism 47 has a pair of knob portions 47a, 47a arranged to face the third direction D3. In the present embodiment, the intersection angle between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, the intersection angle between the second direction D2 and the third direction D3, and the intersection angle between the third direction D3 and the first direction D1 in the rotation direction R are each 60°. In other words, the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 are shifted by 60° each in the rotation direction R. Note that each intersection angle is not limited to 60°.

[0055] The outer shape of both end portions of the main body 40 in the third direction D3 passing through the rotation center of the main body 40 is formed in a concave shape toward the rotation center. Note that the configuration and operation of the detaching mechanism 47 including the pair of knob portions 47a, 47a, the first rail portion 47b connected to one knob portion 47a, the first fitting portion 47d slidably provided in the first rail portion 47b and provided to one knob portion 47a via a first compression spring 47f, the second rail portion 47c connected to the other knob portion 47a, the second fitting portion 47e slidably provided in the second rail portion 47c and provided to the other knob portion 47a via a second compression spring 47g, the first pressing portion 47h connected to one knob portion 47a, and the second pressing portion 47i connected to the other knob portion 47a, shown in FIGS. 7(A) and 7(B), are the same as the configuration and operation of the detaching mechanism 37 described above, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted here.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, when the main body 40 is viewed in plan view (when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis R4), the rinsing channel 44 and the cleaning channel 42 are arranged in the order of the rinsing channel 44 and the cleaning channel 42 around the rotation direction R with the third direction D3 as a reference. And the degree of bending of the first bending portion 42b is larger than the degree of bending of the second bending portion 44b. In the present embodiment, the first bending portion 42b approaches the second bending portion 44b as approaching the tip portion TP in the main body 40.

[0057] In the cleaning channel 42, a hemispherical first protrusion 45 protruding downward in the vertical direction (that is, from the outside to the inside of the main body 40) is formed. When the main body 40 is viewed from above, the first protrusion 45 is recessed downward. The first protrusion 45 is provided to direct the injection direction of the cleaning water from the main body 40. The cleaning injection hole 41 is provided in such a first protrusion 45. Similarly, in the rinsing channel 44, a hemispherical second protrusion 46 protruding upward in the vertical direction (that is, from the outside to the inside of the main body 40) is formed. The second protrusion 46 is provided to direct the injection direction of the rinsing water from the main body 40. The rinsing injection hole 43 is formed by cutting out a part of such a second protrusion 46 in one direction.

[0058] Next, the operation and effect of the dishwasher 100 of the above embodiment will be described. In such a dishwasher 100, a cleaning operation is performed in which one cycle includes executing a cleaning process of injecting cleaning water into the cleaning chamber 1B to clean the tableware D and executing a rinsing process of injecting rinsing water into the cleaning chamber 1B to rinse the tableware D. When the cleaning process ends in such a cleaning operation, some cleaning water may remain in the cleaning channel 32 that constitutes the cleaning nozzle 30C. Since the cleaning water is water mixed with dirt, if the cleaning water remaining in the cleaning channel 32 drips (so-called after-dripping) after the rinsing process ends, there is a risk of soiling the tableware D that has been cleaned in the rinsing process.

[0059] In the dishwasher 100 of the above-described embodiment, the cleaning injection holes 31 are provided on the front side in the rotational direction of the cleaning flow path 32 and are arranged along the extending direction of the cleaning flow path 32. For this reason, due to the rotation of the main body portion 30 during the rinsing process, the cleaning water remaining in the cleaning flow path 32 moves toward the cleaning injection holes 31, and the cleaning water remaining in the cleaning flow path 32 is discharged from the cleaning injection holes 31. Thereby, the cleaning water remaining in the cleaning flow path 32 after the rinsing process can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to reduce the dripping of water from the cleaning injection holes 31 after the rinsing process. Note that even if the water discharged from the cleaning injection holes 31 during the rinsing process adheres to the tableware D or the like, it is washed away by the water jetted from the rinsing injection holes 33.

[0060] The upper nozzle 3 (main body portion 30) of the dishwasher 100 of the above-described embodiment is integrally formed with a plurality of cleaning injection holes 31, a cleaning flow path 32, a plurality of rinsing injection holes 33, and a rinsing flow path 34. That is, the cleaning nozzle 30C and the rinsing nozzle 30D are integrally formed. Thereby, the number of parts can be reduced, so that the workability during assembly or maintenance during manufacturing can be improved.

[0061] In at least the cleaning channel 32 of the upper nozzle 3 of the dishwasher 100 of the above-described embodiment, a hemispherical first protrusion 35 that protrudes vertically upward is formed as a part of the cleaning channel 32, and the cleaning injection holes 31 are formed by cutting out a part of the front side in the rotation direction of the first protrusion 35. With this configuration, cleaning water is jetted radially from the cleaning injection holes 31, and a part of the water jetted from such cleaning injection holes 31 changes its direction along the inner surface of the hemisphere in the first protrusion 35, so that water can be jetted in the direction in which the tableware D is arranged. Further, in the dishwasher 100 of the present embodiment, the notch portion in the first protrusion 35 is arranged along the channel wall portion that forms the front end in the rotation direction R in the cleaning channel 32. Thereby, even when the cleaning injection holes 31 are formed by cutting out the first protrusion 35, the cleaning injection holes 31 can be moved closer to the front side in the rotation direction R in the width direction of the cleaning channel 32. As a result, due to the rotation of the upper nozzle 3 during the rinsing step, the cleaning water remaining in the cleaning channel 32 can be easily discharged from the cleaning injection holes 31, and dripping of water from the cleaning injection holes 31 after the rinsing step can be reduced.

[0062] As described above, one embodiment has been explained, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the invention.

[0063] The upper nozzle 3 of the dishwasher 100 of the above-described embodiment has been described by taking as an example a case where the cleaning nozzle 30C and the rinsing nozzle 30D are integrally formed, that is, an example where a plurality of cleaning injection holes 31, a cleaning channel 32, a plurality of rinsing injection holes 33, and a rinsing channel 34 are integrally formed, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, at least the upper nozzle 3 includes a cleaning nozzle 30C in which a plurality of cleaning injection holes 31 and a cleaning channel 32 are integrally formed, and a rinsing nozzle 30D in which a plurality of rinsing injection holes 33 and a rinsing channel 34 are integrally formed, which are separately configured, and the cleaning nozzle 30C and the rinsing nozzle 30D may be configured to rotate integrally therewith.

[0064] In the configuration according to such a modification, the cleaning injection holes 31 that constitute the cleaning nozzle 30C may be provided on the front side in the rotational direction of the cleaning flow path 32 and may be arranged along the extending direction of the cleaning flow path 32.

[0065] <Other Modifications> In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the rinsing flow path 34(44) and the cleaning flow path 32(42) are arranged in the order of the rinsing flow path 34(44) and the cleaning flow path 32(42) around the rotational direction R with respect to the third direction D3. However, they may be arranged in the order of the cleaning flow path 32(42) and the rinsing flow path 34(44) around the rotational direction R with respect to the third direction D3.

[0066] The above-described embodiment and modification are applicable not only to the dishwasher 100 of the type in which the door portion 15 is provided on the front side of the dishwasher main body portion 1, but also to, for example, a dishwasher of the type in which the door portion opens and closes vertically.

[0067] In the above-described embodiment and modification, the dishwasher 100 having a configuration in which rinsing water is supplied from the rinsing tank 6 built in the machine room 1A of the dishwasher main body portion 1 to the upper nozzle 3 and the lower nozzle 4 has been described as an example, but it is not limited thereto. For example, it may be applied to a dishwasher having a configuration in which the rinsing water is supplied from a gas booster or an electric booster that is provided outside the dishwasher main body portion 1 of the dishwasher 100 and in which the water stored in the rinsing tank is heated by a heating source such as gas or electricity to the upper nozzle 3 and the lower nozzle 4.

[0068] The present invention may appropriately combine the above-described embodiment and other modifications.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0069] 1…Body of the dishwasher, 1A…Mechanical chamber, 1B…Washing chamber, 3…Upper nozzle, 4…Lower nozzle, 5…Washing pump, 6…Rinsing tank, 7…Rinsing pump, 15…Door part, 20…Washing tank, 30, 40…Body part, 31, 41…Washing injection holes, 32, 42…Washing flow paths, 32a, 42a…First inflow part, 32b, 42b…First curved part, 33, 43…Rinsing injection holes, 34, 44…Rinsing flow paths, 34a, 44a…Second inflow part, 34b, 44b…Second curved part, 35, 45…First protruding part (protruding part), 36, 46…Second protruding part, 37, 47…Detaching and attaching mechanism, 37a, 47a…Knob part, 100…Dishwasher (washing machine), BP…Base end part, TP…Tip end part, D…Tableware, R…Rotating direction.

Claims

1. A cleaning machine provided above a cleaning chamber for accommodating an object to be cleaned, the cleaning machine comprising a nozzle that rotates in one direction and injects water into the cleaning chamber, the nozzle includes a cleaning nozzle and a rinsing nozzle that extend along a radial direction from the center of rotation of the rotation axis of the nozzle and rotate integrally, the cleaning nozzle, has a cleaning injection hole for injecting cleaning water, and a cleaning flow path that extends from the center of rotation to the cleaning injection hole and through which the cleaning water flows, the rinsing nozzle, has a rinsing injection hole for injecting rinsing water, and a rinsing flow path that extends from the center of rotation to the rinsing injection hole and through which the rinsing water flows, the cleaning injection holes are provided on the front side in the rotation direction of the nozzle in the cleaning flow path and are arranged in a plurality along the extending direction of the cleaning flow path, a hemispherical protruding portion that protrudes vertically upward is formed in the cleaning nozzle as a part of the cleaning flow path, the cleaning injection holes are formed by cutting out a part of the front side in the rotation direction of the protruding portion, the cut-out portion is arranged along a flow path wall portion that forms the front end in the rotation direction in the cleaning flow path. A cleaning machine.

2. The cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning nozzle and the rinsing nozzle are integrally configured.

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