Dishwasher

Abstract

To provide a dishwasher that is adapted to various design of a system kitchen, makes it possible, even when no operation switch exists on a door body covering the dishwasher's front face, to extract the door body and a washing tank to a position at which tableware is easy to store, and is easy to use.SOLUTION: A dishwasher comprises: a housing (31) having a front face opening (32) on its front face; a tableware basket (47) that is provided so as to be inserted / extracted into / from the inside of the housing (31) to store tableware; and a movement part including a door body (40) for covering the front face opening (32). The dishwasher further comprises: a support mechanism for supporting the door body (40) to the housing (31) in a state movable forward / backward; a drive device (51) including a drive motor (52) for moving the door body (40); and a control unit (44) for controlling at least driving of the drive motor (52) on the basis of time. The control unit (44) is configured to stop after driving the drive motor (52) for a predetermined time. Thereby, the dishwasher that is easy to use can be provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a built-in dishwasher for washing and drying tableware.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a dishwasher having the configuration shown in FIG. 11 has been disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] FIG. 11 is a side longitudinal sectional view of a conventional dishwasher. The main body 14 of the dishwasher has an open front surface. Inside the main body 14, a washing tank 15 with an open upper surface is provided so as to be pullable forward. The dashed line shown in FIG. 11 indicates the state where the washing tank 15 is pulled out.

[0004] In the dishwasher, a washing nozzle 8, a tableware basket 4, and a heater (not shown) are provided inside the washing tank 15. A washing pump 7 and a water supply valve 9 are provided outside the washing tank 15. The water supply valve 9 is connected to a water supply and introduces tap water that becomes washing water into the washing tank 15. The washing pump 7 circulates the washing water stored in the washing tank 15. The washing nozzle 8 is rotatably provided in the washing tank 15 and injects the washing water pumped by the washing pump 7. The tableware basket 4 is detachably provided in the washing tank 15. The tableware basket 4 holds the accommodated tableware 3. The tableware basket 4 is configured such that the washing water sprayed from the washing nozzle 8 efficiently hits the tableware 3. A heater (not shown) heats the washing water or the air for drying.

[0005] The washing tank 15 is provided with slide rails 16 on the outer side surface. The main body 14 is provided with slide rails 17 on the inner side surface. The slide rails 16 slide while being held by the slide rails 17. The washing tank 15 is supported by the main body 14 via the slide rails 16 and the slide rails 17 of the main body 14. Thereby, the washing tank 15 can be pulled out from and pushed into the main body 14.

[0006] The inner lid 21 is provided at the upper part inside the main body 14 and is arranged to close the opening on the upper surface of the washing tub 15. That is, the inner lid 21 is configured to close the opening on the upper surface of the washing tub 15 via the packing 22 when the washing tub 15 is housed inside the main body 14.

[0007] The washing tub 15 is provided with a door 23 at the front part. The door 23 covers the opening on the front surface of the main body 14 when the washing tub 15 is housed inside the main body 14. The door 23 has a handle part 24 and an operation switch at the upper part of the front surface. The handle part 24 is used when the user pulls or pushes in the washing tub 15 by grasping it. The operation switch is operated by the user, and washing operations such as the washing step, rinsing step, and drying step of the dishwasher are set.

[0008] The washing tub 15 is provided with a rack gear 18 at the lower part, on which the teeth of the gear are formed in a straight line. At this time, the length of the rack gear 18 is configured to be longer than the stroke when the washing tub 15 is pulled out from the main body 14. A drive motor 19 having a speed reduction mechanism is fixed to the main body 14. A gear 20 meshing with the rack gear 18 is attached to the motor shaft of the drive motor 19. The drive motor 19 is configured to be able to rotate forward or backward. The washing tub 15 is driven by the drive motor 19 via the rack gear 18.

[0009] As described above, the conventional dishwasher is configured.

[0010] Hereinafter, the operation of the dishwasher having the above configuration will be described.

[0011] First, the user pulls out the washing tub 15 from the main body 14 and sets the tableware 3 inside the washing tub 15. At this time, the washing tub 15 can be pulled out either by the user himself / herself grasping the handle part 24 or by the user operating the operation switch to drive the drive motor 19 to drive the washing tub 15.

[0012] Therefore, hereinafter, a dishwasher configured to automatically pull out the washing tub 15 by driving the drive motor 19 will be described as an example.

[0013] Specifically, when the user operates the operation switch, the control device (not shown) rotates the drive motor 19 forward at a constant speed, and rotates the gear 20 attached to the motor shaft in a predetermined direction. At this time, the rotational force of the gear 20 acts to push out the engaged rack gear 18. As a result, the washing tub 15 comes out from inside the main body 14 to the front while the slide rails 16 and 17 slide. When the washing tub 15 comes out to an arbitrarily set position such as a position where it can accommodate the tableware 3, the control device stops driving the drive motor 19 and stops the movement of the washing tub 15.

[0014] Next, the user places the tableware 3 in the tableware basket 4 in the washing tub 15 and puts a detergent into the washing tub 15. At this time, the tip of the pulled-out washing tub 15 drops due to the weight of the accommodated tableware 3.

[0015] Next, when the user operates the operation switch, the control device rotates the drive motor 19 in the reverse direction. At this time, the rotational force of the gear 20 acts to pull in the engaged rack gear 18. As a result, the washing tub 15 is pulled into and accommodated in the main body 14 while the slide rails 16 and 17 slide. When the washing tub 15 is accommodated in the main body 14, the control device drives the inner lid 21. As a result, the upper surface opening of the washing tub 15 is closed by the inner lid 21.

[0016] Next, the user operates the operation switch to set the washing course and start the washing operation of the dishwasher. Thereby, the control device controls the washing pump 7, the water supply valve 9, the heater, the drain pump (not shown), etc., and washes the tableware 3 accommodated in the tableware basket 4. At this time, the control device controls the above-mentioned respective elements so as to perform a washing operation set in the order of, for example, a washing step, a rinsing step, and a drying step.

[0017] Then, when the cleaning operation is completed, the user takes out the tableware 3. Specifically, the user operates the operation switch in the same manner as before the cleaning operation. As a result, the control device rotates the drive motor 19 to pull out the cleaning tank 15 to a predetermined position. At this time, due to the smooth rotation of the drive motor 19, the tableware 3 accommodated in the cleaning tank 15 is pulled out without contacting each other.

[0018] As described above, the conventional dishwasher operates.

[0019] In addition, for the conventional dishwasher, a decorative panel with the same design and made of the same material as the door and drawer of the built-in kitchen is attached to the lower front part of the door 23. This decorative panel aims to improve the design of the built-in kitchen.

[0020] However, the handle part, operation switch, etc. are usually configured with the unique design of the dishwasher. Therefore, the designs of the handle part 24, operation switch, etc. cannot be completely matched with the design of the built-in kitchen.

[0021] Also, in recent years, in the diverse designs of built-in kitchens, there are dishwashers with a novel design that omits the handle part and are driven by an electric motor or the like. Therefore, these designs also need to be adapted to the design of the built-in kitchen to be incorporated.

[0022] Furthermore, not only limited to drawers like furniture, there are also dishwashers equipped with a mechanism to push out the drawer slightly, such as a push rod used for the drawers and doors of home appliances such as refrigerators. However, in the case of dishwashers equipped with such a configuration, the opening amount (pull-out amount) of the drawer is small. Therefore, the user needs to touch the drawer and pull it out further to the desired position.

[0023] Therefore, the dishwasher described in Patent Document 1 is configured to stop the drive motor and halt the movement of the washing tub when the washing tub is pulled out to a set position. Further, Patent Document 1 suggests that the pulling-out amount of the washing tub is opened to a sufficient position so that dishes can be set immediately.

[0024] However, the dishwasher of Patent Document 1 does not disclose the setting and control of the stop position of the washing tub.

[0025] Also, when pulling out the washing tub via the drive motor, the control device needs to control so that, for example, contact with the user or other objects does not occur, which is present in front of the door. However, those controls are not disclosed either.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0026]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0027] The present invention adapts to the diversified designs of system kitchens and provides a user-friendly dishwasher even when there are no operation switches on the door body that covers the front of the dishwasher, and the door body and the washing tub accommodate easily pull pull out able to , and provide a user-friendly dishwasher.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0028] The dishwasher of the present invention includes a housing having a front opening at the front, a dish basket for accommodating dishes, a door body for covering the front opening, and a moving part including a washing tub. Further, the dishwasher has the moving part at least to a position where tableware can be accommodated forward directionA drive device having a drive unit for moving, and a control unit for controlling at least the drive of the drive unit are provided. The drive device includes a drive unit, a pinion gear driven by the drive unit, and a rack gear meshing with the pinion gear. The drive unit is fixed inside the housing so that the pinion gear is positioned near the front opening, and the rack gear is fixed to the washing tub. and formed by arranging the teeth downward and in a straight line a rack gear. The drive unit is fixed inside the housing so that the pinion gear is positioned near the front opening, and the rack gear is fixed to the washing tub. having a length of at least the stroke by which at least the washing tank is pulled out is configured. 。

Advantages of the Invention

[0029] According to this configuration, even when there is no operation unit on the door body that covers the front surface, the dishwasher can automatically pull out the moving part by the drive device to a position where tableware can be accommodated. Thereby, the usability of the dishwasher is improved.

[0030] Also, it can be easily adapted to the designs of diversified system kitchens.

[0031] That is, the dishwasher of the present invention can provide a user-friendly dishwasher that can easily accommodate tableware in the washing tub even when there is no operation unit on the door body.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0032]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited by this embodiment.

[0034] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, the dishwasher according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0035] FIGS. 1 and 2 are views showing a side longitudinal section of a dishwasher with a pull-out type washing tank in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the washing tank is housed in the housing. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the upper surface opening of the washing tank is pulled out until it is fully opened from the housing. Note that the dishwasher of this embodiment is used, for example, by being incorporated into a system kitchen K.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 1, the dishwasher of this embodiment includes a housing 31, a washing tank 33, a door body 40, a control unit 44, a drive device 51, and the like.

[0037] The housing 31 has a front opening 32 with the entire front surface opened. The washing tank 33 is provided so as to be movable in the front-rear direction with respect to the housing 31 and to be able to be taken in and out from the front opening 32 of the housing 31.

[0038] In addition, in the present embodiment, as shown in the figure, the forward direction is the direction in which the door body 40 and the washing tub 33 are pulled out, and the backward direction is the direction in which the washing tub 33 is stored and the door body 40 is closed, and the description will be made. Also, the installation side of the dishwasher is the lower side, the opposite side is the upper side, and further, the right side facing the front of the door body 40 is the right side, and the left side is the left side. Hereinafter, the description will be made.

[0039] The housing 31 is provided with slide rails 31a installed in a substantially horizontal direction (including the horizontal direction) on the inner surface sides of both left and right side surfaces. The washing tub 33 is provided with slide rails 34 installed in a substantially horizontal direction (including the horizontal direction) on the outer surface sides of both left and right side surfaces. The washing tub 33 is supported by the slide rails 31a of the housing 31 via the slide rails 34 and moves along the slide rails 31a. The washing tub 33 has an upper surface opening 35 with the entire upper surface opened. Then, tableware 36 and the like, which are objects to be washed, are accommodated in a tableware basket 47 disposed in the washing tub 33 through the upper surface opening 35.

[0040] An inner lid 37, a parallel link mechanism 38, a seal portion 39, and the like are disposed above the housing 31. The inner lid 37 closes the upper surface opening 35 of the washing tub 33. The parallel link mechanism 38 supports the inner lid 37. The parallel link mechanism 38 is composed of, for example, a pair on the left and right and two sets in the front and rear, and drives the inner lid 37 in the vertical direction. The seal portion 39 is provided on the outer periphery of the lower surface of the inner lid 37. The seal portion 39 seals the upper surface opening 35 of the washing tub 33 when the inner lid 37 descends. Also, the parallel link mechanism 38 lifts the inner lid 37 when the washing tub 33 is pulled out from the housing 31. Thereby, the inner lid 37 and the seal portion 39 are configured not to interfere with the movement of the washing tub 33.

[0041] The washing tub 33 is provided with a door body 40 at the front. The door body 40 includes an operation panel 41 provided on the front surface of the washing tub 33 and a decorative panel 42 attached to the operation panel 41. When the washing tub 33 is housed in the housing 31, the decorative panel 42 covers the entire front opening 32 of the housing 31. The decorative panel 42 is made of the same material, the same color, and the same design as the decorative panel which is a door such as the drawer of the built-in kitchen K. Further, a handle 43 is attached to the decorative panel 42. The handle 43 constitutes a hand-held portion that is used when the user pulls out the washing tub 33. The same handle as that of the built-in kitchen K is attached to the handle 43. Thereby, the entire built-in kitchen K is configured with a unified design.

[0042] Also, depending on the built-in kitchen K, there is also a built-in kitchen K having a design composed only of the decorative panel 42 without providing the handle 43 on the front surface of the door body 40. In the case of this configuration, the washing tub 33 including the door body 40 is automatically pulled out, for example, via a driving device. At this time, for example, the upper part or the side part of the decorative panel 42 serves as a hand-held portion and functions as a handle. Therefore, the dishwasher according to the present embodiment does not distinguish between a manual operation and an automatic operation in the pulling-out operation of the washing tub 33.

[0043] In the present embodiment, the washing tub 33 and the slide rail 34 are exemplified as a support mechanism that is supported by the housing 31 in a state where the door body 40 can move back and forth.

[0044] The control unit 44 is disposed on the back surface of the operation panel 41. The control unit 44 executes a washing operation while controlling all operations of the dishwasher. The washing operation includes a washing step, a rinsing step, a drying step, and the like. The washing step is a step of removing dirt such as tableware 36 using a detergent or the like. The rinsing step is a step of removing the detergent or the like attached to the tableware 36 or the like. The drying step is a step of drying the washed tableware 36 or the like.

[0045] Further, the control unit 44 is composed of a printed circuit board (not shown) on which sensors exemplified by an acceleration sensor 45 are disposed. The acceleration sensor 45 detects the magnitudes of the substantial accelerations in the three-axis directions of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis of the dishwasher. In the dishwasher, the X-axis corresponds to the front-rear direction, the Y-axis corresponds to the left-right direction, and the Z-axis corresponds to the up-down direction. The acceleration sensor 45 detects the directions and magnitudes of various accelerations generated in the dishwasher. Specifically, the acceleration sensor 45 detects the direction and magnitude of the acceleration generated by the movement of the door body 40 and the washing tub 33 in the front-rear direction (X-axis). Further, the acceleration sensor 45 detects the direction and magnitude of the acceleration due to the vibration applied to the door body 40. Therefore, it is desirable to securely attach the printed circuit board to the operation panel 41 so that there are no problems with the mounting orientation and mechanical strength. Thereby, the acceleration sensor 45 mounted on the printed circuit board can more reliably and accurately detect the acceleration applied to the dishwasher.

[0046] That is, the control unit 44 controls the operation of the dishwasher based on the signals regarding the direction and magnitude of the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 45 and the states (such as opening and closing operations) of the door body 40 and the washing tub 33. machine.

[0047] Note that the substantial acceleration means that fluctuations due to the mounting angle error and the installation inclination angle error to some extent in the state where the printed circuit board on which the acceleration sensor 45 is mounted is fixed at a predetermined position in the three-axis directions are allowed. At this time, the substantial acceleration also includes the case where it is corrected by a predetermined angle when the printed circuit board is fixed with a predetermined angle in advance. However, for the accelerations in the vertical and horizontal directions, they can be corrected by detecting the deviation from gravity.

[0048] Further, the control unit 44 can detect the deviation between gravity and the acceleration in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, when installing the dishwasher, as will be described later, the control unit 44 can be used as a level.

[0049] The dishwasher according to this embodiment is configured such that the user can operate the dishwasher by applying vibration to the door body 40, the washing tub 33, etc.

[0050] Specifically, as methods of applying vibration, there are the following methods.

[0051] For example, there is a method of applying vibration by the user knocking on the door body 40 with a hand, such as tapping it firmly, or knocking on the door body 40 by tapping it with a fingertip. There is also a method of applying vibration by lightly knocking on the door body 40 with something held in the user's hand. Furthermore, when the user's hand is wet or cannot be used because the user is holding something, there is also a method of applying vibration by the user prodding the door body 40 with an elbow or a knee, etc. In short, as long as the predetermined vibration applied to the door body 40, etc. is transmitted to the acceleration sensor 45 and can be detected, the method is not particularly limited. In many cases when applying vibration, vibration is applied to the door body 40 by a method that generates sound. Therefore, hereinafter, a configuration in which the dishwasher is operated by knocking on the door body 40 to apply vibration will be described as an example.

[0052] In addition, the dishwasher according to this embodiment includes a drive device 51 inside the housing 31. The drive device 51 includes a drive motor 52 that constitutes a drive unit, a pinion gear 53, a rack gear 54, etc. The drive device 51 moves the door body 40 and the washing tub 33 at least forward or backward. Specifically, when the control unit 44 receives a predetermined signal from a sensor exemplified by the acceleration sensor 45, etc. or the operation unit 46, etc., the control unit 44 drives the drive motor 52 of the drive device 51. The sensor is not limited to the acceleration sensor 45 as long as it is a sensor that detects changes such as vibration applied to the door body 40, etc. For example, an electrostatic sensor that detects that the user has touched the door body 40, etc. may be used as the sensor. Thereby, an operation instruction can be easily given with a simple operation without requiring force.

[0053] Hereinafter, the basic control operation of the dishwasher according to this embodiment will be described by taking as an example a configuration that detects vibration by knocking.

[0054] First, the washing tub 33 is housed inside the housing 31. When the dishwasher is in the stopped state of operation, the user knocks on the door body 40, for example, twice from the front. At this time, the acceleration sensor 45 detects the vibration applied in the front-rear direction, which is the same as the pulling-out direction of the washing tub 33. The acceleration sensor 45 outputs the detected predetermined signal to the control unit 44. Thereby, the control unit 44 determines that the door body 40 has been knocked by the user.

[0055] Then, the control unit 44 controls to drive the drive motor 52 of the drive device 51. Thereby, the moving part composed of the door body 40, the washing tub 33, etc. moves forward and is automatically pulled out from inside the housing 31.

[0056] Note that the moving part includes the entire part that is driven by the driving part and moves. However, depending on the form of the dishwasher, the components of the moving part are different. Specifically, in Embodiments 1 to 3, mainly, the washing tub 33 and the door body 40 are exemplified as the moving part. However, in Embodiment 4 described later, the washing space 75 of the washing tub 73 is configured inside the housing 71. Therefore, the inner surface of the door body 74 constitutes the front surface of the washing tub 73, but the washing space 75 itself does not move. Therefore, the washing tub 73 is not included in the moving part of Embodiment 4. Therefore, in Embodiment 4, mainly, the door body 74, the lower dish basket 77, the upper dish basket 78, and the support mechanism 80 are exemplified as the moving part.

[0057] That is, in Embodiments 1 to 3, mainly with the washing tub 33 as the main body, the washing tub 33, or the door body 40 and the washing tub 33 are described as the moving part. On the other hand, in Embodiment 4, mainly with the door body 74 as the main body, the moving part is described.

[0058] Also, in the dishwasher of the present embodiment, the operation unit 46 is disposed on the front side of the upper opening 35 of the washing tub 33. The operation unit 46 is disposed, for example, on the upper surface of the convex part that protrudes from the back surface of the decorative plate 42 of the door body 40 to the inside of the housing 31. Thereby, the operation unit 46 is housed so as to be concealed inside the housing 31 when the washing tub 33 is housed inside the housing 31.

[0059] The operation unit 46 includes operation buttons (not shown) and a display unit (not shown) such as LEDs. The operation buttons are used by the user to set the control for each step of the cleaning operation. The display unit displays the content set via the operation buttons using LEDs.

[0060] Also, inside the cleaning tank 33, a dish basket 47, a cleaning nozzle 48, a heater 49, etc. are further arranged. On the other hand, outside the cleaning tank 33, a cleaning pump 50 and a drying device (not shown) etc. are arranged. The cleaning nozzle 48 is rotatably provided in the cleaning tank 33 below the dish basket 47. The heater 49 is arranged, for example, in the space between the bottom inside the cleaning tank 33 and the cleaning nozzle 48. The heater 49 heats the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 33 during the washing step and the rinsing step of the cleaning operation. Also, the heater 49 heats the air inside the cleaning tank 33 during the drying step of the cleaning operation. These are arranged inside and outside the cleaning tank 33 together with the door body 40 including the decorative panel 42, and move back and forth integrally with the cleaning tank 33.

[0061] The cleaning pump 50 circulates the cleaning water. Specifically, the cleaning pump 50 sucks the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 33 and injects the cleaning water from the cleaning nozzle 48 toward the tableware 36.

[0062] That is, the moving part including the cleaning tank 33 is configured to be able to be taken in and out in the front - rear direction by the driving device 51.

[0063] Hereinafter, the driving device 51 of the present embodiment will be described.

[0064] The driving device 51 is composed of a rack & pinion type mechanism that can take the above - mentioned moving part in and out in the front - rear direction.

[0065] Note that the driving device 51 may be configured by, for example, a method of winding a belt around a pulley or a belt conveyor method. Also, the driving direction may be configured to drive only in the forward direction or only in the backward direction. In this case, the non - driving direction is driven by the user, for example.

[0066] The drive unit 51 includes a drive motor 52, which is a drive unit, and a pinion driven by the drive motor 52. The gears include a pinion gear 53 and a rack gear 54 that meshes with the pinion gear 53.

[0067] The rack gear 54 is formed by arranging gear teeth in a straight line. The rack gear 54 is fixed to the lower part of one of the outer left and right sides of the cleaning tank 33 constituting the support mechanism. The rack gear 54 has a length at least equal to or greater than the stroke by which the cleaning tank 33 is pulled out. The pinion gear 53 is attached to a motor shaft driven by a drive motor 52. The drive motor 52 includes a reduction mechanism (not shown). The drive motor 52 is fixed inside the housing 31 at a position where the pinion gear 53 is near the front opening 32.

[0068] 1 is shown as having teeth facing downward to mesh with the pinion gear 53, but is not limited to this. For example, the teeth of the rack gear 54 may be formed facing upward or sideways to mesh with the pinion gear 53.

[0069] The above-mentioned rack gear 54 and pinion gear 53 configuration converts the rotational motion of the drive motor 52 into linear motion. The washing tank 33 is then moved linearly to a position where the top opening 35 is substantially fully open. As a result, the dish basket 47 contained in the washing tank 33 is moved upward to a position where it is substantially fully open. As the washing tank 33 moves forward, it tilts downward due to the weight of the dishes 36 contained therein. At this time, the vicinity of the pinion gear 53 provided at the front opening 32 at the front of the housing 31 becomes the fulcrum of the washing tank 33 tilting downward. Therefore, it is unlikely that the meshing between the rack gear 54 and the pinion gear 53 will come off. This allows a simple mechanism to be used even when a separate configuration is provided to prevent the meshing from coming off.

[0070] In addition, as a configuration that prevents disengagement of the meshing, there is a configuration in which, for example, the drive motor 52 including the pinion gear 53 is tilted in accordance with the tilt of the cleaning tank 33. Further, there is a configuration in which the pinion gear 53 is pressed against the rack gear 54 in accordance with the tilt of the cleaning tank 33.

[0071] In addition, the speed reduction mechanism provided in the drive motor 52 is configured with a gear ratio or the like such that the user can easily take the cleaning tank 33 in and out manually.

[0072] Note that a known clutch mechanism (not shown) or a slip mechanism (not shown) may be provided in the drive device 51 from the drive motor 52 to the rack gear 54 including the speed reduction mechanism. Thereby, when the user manually takes the cleaning tank 33 in and out, the load generated by the drive motor 52 is reduced. As a result, the user can take the cleaning tank 33 in and out of the housing 31 with a smaller force. Further, when pulling out, even if the door body 40 of the cleaning tank 33 collides with an obstacle exemplified by a person or an object, the cleaning tank 33 easily stops by a clutch mechanism, a slip mechanism, or the like. That is, it is possible to suppress a large force from being applied to the obstacle. Therefore, the occurrence of problems due to a collision with an obstacle or the like can be more effectively reduced. Furthermore, the generation of an excessive current that causes the drive motor 52 to reach a locked state is suppressed.

[0073] Note that when manually moving the cleaning tank 33, as will be described later, a configuration in which the motor circuit of the drive motor 52 is interrupted is preferable. Thereby, the resistance when manually moving the cleaning tank 33 generated by the drive motor 52 is reduced. As a result, the cleaning tank 33 can be taken in and out with a smaller force.

[0074] Further, when the control unit 44 of the present embodiment moves the washing tub 33 forward, as described above, it controls the drive of the drive motor 52 so that the upper surface opening 35 of the washing tub 33 is in a substantially fully open state. Note that "substantially fully open" means a state where the washing tub 33 is pulled out the most and the upper surface opening 35 is the most open, or a state where the upper surface opening 35 is opened by half or more. That is, "substantially fully open" means a state where the dish basket 47 is opened upward and pulled out to such an extent that the user can take in and out the tableware 36. This means a state where the user can take in and out the tableware 36 after the washing tub 33 is pulled out to such an extent that the upper surface opening 35 is substantially fully open.

[0075] Therefore, the control unit 44 controls the moving amount of the washing tub 33 by the driving time of the drive motor 52.

[0076] Specifically, as will be described later, the control unit 44 drives the drive motor 52 for a set predetermined time T1 and then stops it. Thereby, the washing tub 33 can be stopped at an arbitrary position where the upper surface opening 35 of the washing tub 33 is substantially fully open.

[0077] According to this configuration, the control unit 44 detects the vibration when the user knocks on the door body 40 with the acceleration sensor 45. Thereby, the control unit 44 controls the drive motor 52 to automatically pull out the washing tub 33 forward. Therefore, the user does not need to exert labor to pull out the washing tub 33.

[0078] That is, the dishwasher of the present embodiment can automatically pull out the washing tub 33 to a position where the tableware 36 can be easily accommodated by the drive device 51. Thereby, the usability of the dishwasher is improved. In addition, the door body 40 that covers the front surface can be configured to be able to omit the operation unit 46 or the handle 43. Therefore, it can more appropriately respond to the diversified designs of the system kitchen K.

[0079] As described above, the drive device 51 of the present embodiment is configured and operates.

[0080] Hereinafter, the control operation of the control unit 44 of the present embodiment based on the above predetermined time T1 will be described.

[0081] Note that the predetermined time T1 is set according to the control content of the dishwasher. Specifically, the predetermined time T1 is adjusted according to the moving distance of the washing tank 33, the moving speed, and the magnitude of the torque of the drive motor 52 until the moving speed is reached.

[0082] That is, when the user feels that the set time until the washing tank 33 is fully opened is too long, the moving speed is slow. On the other hand, when the set time until the washing tank 33 is fully opened is too short, the moving speed of the washing tank 33 becomes fast. Therefore, when the washing tank 33 comes into contact with an obstacle, there is a risk of reducing the safety against obstacles such as people.

[0083] Therefore, considering the above content, the dishwasher of the present embodiment is set to a speed of 150 mm / sec to 250 mm / sec as the standard moving speed of the washing tank 33. As for the user's feeling, it is more preferable to set the moving speed to 170 mm / sec to 230 mm / sec. If the moving speed is set within the above range, the user will not feel that the moving speed of the washing tank 33 is slow, and safety can also be ensured.

[0084] Here, the above standard moving speed means the speed in a constant speed state excluding the acceleration state at the start of the movement of the washing tank 33 and the deceleration state before stopping. However, depending on the configuration of the dishwasher, there may be a case where a constant speed moving speed does not exist (cannot be realized). In this case, it is preferable to set the maximum speed of the moving speed as the standard moving speed so that the maximum speed is within the above range of the moving speed. Thereby, the same effect as above can be obtained.

[0085] Note that when the washing tank 33 is automatically pulled out, there is a risk of contact with a person in front of the washing tank 33. Furthermore, when the washing tank 33 is stored in the housing 31, there is a risk of pinching a person's hand or finger. Therefore, it is also necessary to consider the moving speed in terms of the above safety. In this case, considering the kinetic energy W due to the weight and moving speed of the washing tank 33 is effective for enhancing safety. Effective above.

[0086] Generally, the kinetic energy W is given by W = (1 / 2)mv 2 as shown below.

[0087] Here, m corresponds to, for example, the mass of the washing tub 33, and v corresponds to the moving speed.

[0088] Therefore, in the dishwasher of the present embodiment, the kinetic energy W is set to be 0.5 J or less. The setting of 0.5 J or less is such that even if contact between the door body 40 and a person occurs during the movement of the washing tub 33 or a person's hand or finger is pinched when the washing tub 33 is being housed, the impact is mitigated and safety can be maintained. This prevents the occurrence of problems in unforeseen situations.

[0089] Specifically, the setting of 0.5 J or less is defined with reference to the maximum weight of the washing tub 33 with dishes 36 or the like housed therein being 16 kg and the moving speed being 250 mm / second. Therefore, when the above maximum weight increases, it is preferable to decrease the moving speed so that the kinetic energy W becomes 0.5 J or less.

[0090] Furthermore, in the dishwasher of the present embodiment, including the acceleration period at the start of the movement of the washing tub 33, it is set such that up to 50% of the upper surface opening 35 of the washing tub 33 is pulled out by driving the drive motor 52 for about 2 seconds. And the predetermined time T1 for driving the drive motor 52 to pull out the upper surface opening 35 of the washing tub 33 to the maximum is set to about 3.5 seconds.

[0091] As described above, the drive motor 52 is configured to be drivable for an arbitrary set time with the predetermined time T1 as the maximum value. Thereby, the washing tub 33 can be stopped at an arbitrary pulled-out position according to the set time. That is, the set time can be adjusted according to the actual usage situation of the user.

[0092] For example, as an actual usage state of a dishwasher, there is a case where the dishwasher is installed in a narrow place where there are obstacles near the front of the dishwasher. In this case, the entire washing tub 33 cannot be pulled out. Therefore, the set time is adjusted to set the amount of pull-out of the washing tub 33. Thereby, it becomes possible to install the dishwasher even in a narrow place.

[0093] Also, in the dishwasher of the present embodiment, the control unit 44 may be configured to drive the drive motor 52 with two or more different stepped voltages.

[0094] For example, a voltage higher than the standard voltage is applied during the acceleration period when the washing tub 33 starts to move, and a voltage lower than the standard voltage is applied during the deceleration period immediately before stopping, to drive the drive motor 52. Thereby, at the time of acceleration when the washing tub 33 starts to move, the torque generated by the drive motor 52 is increased. As a result, the acceleration period of the washing tub 33 can be shortened. Note that the above standard voltage corresponds to the applied voltage when the washing tub 33 is moved at a constant speed.

[0095] On the other hand, immediately before stopping the movement of the washing tub 33, a voltage lower than the standard voltage is applied to drive the drive motor 52 to reduce its rotation. Thereby, the shock applied to the tableware 36 and the like accommodated in the tableware basket 47 is suppressed. As a result, the contact between the tableware 36 due to the shock can be suppressed, and the generation of noise and breakage can be prevented. Furthermore, the splashing of the water stored in the washing tub 33 due to the shock can be reduced. Thereby, the water splashing out from the washing tub 33 or the water wetting of the dried tableware 36 after washing can be prevented.

[0096] Note that in the above, the case of controlling the drive voltage in two stages, at the start of the movement of the washing tub 33 and when stopping the movement, has been described as an example, but it is not limited to this. For example, to move smoothly in a shorter time The drive voltage may be smoothly applied so that the degree changes to drive the drive motor 52. That is, the above two or more stepped voltages include a state where the voltage changes linearly or smoothly. Thereby, the shock applied to the tableware 36 or the like can be further suppressed.

[0097] Also, in the dishwasher of the present embodiment, when the cleaning tank 33 moves, the movement of the cleaning tank 33 to a predetermined position may be stopped halfway due to contact with an obstacle such as an object or a person. In this case, after the elapse of the predetermined time T1 described above, the control unit 44 stops energization to the drive motor 52 and stops the drive. As a result, the locked state in which the rotation of the drive motor 52 stops becomes a short time of up to the predetermined time T1 at maximum. Therefore, the locked state of the drive motor 52 is not maintained for a long time. Thereby, the continuous application of a load that forces the drive motor 52 to rotate is suppressed over a long period. As a result, the drive motor 52 can be used safely and stably over a long period. Also, the contact between the cleaning tank 33 and the obstacle or the person is eliminated in a short time. Therefore, the occurrence of problems with the obstacle or the person and problems with the dishwasher can be more reliably suppressed.

[0098] Furthermore, in the dishwasher of the present embodiment, it is assumed that there is contact between an obstacle and somewhere in the moving part including the door body 40 or the like, or an unexpected load is applied halfway until the cleaning tank 33 reaches a predetermined position. In this case, it is preferable that the control unit 44 immediately controls to stop the drive of the drive motor 52.

[0099] Here, as a method for assuming contact with an obstacle or a person, for example, there is a method of detecting a change in acceleration with the acceleration sensor 45 and controlling it with the control unit 44. Specifically, when the acceleration sensor 45 detects an acceleration or a change in acceleration equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value in any of the three-axis directions, including vibrations in the moving direction of the door body 40 during the driving of the drive motor 52, the control unit 44 stops the driving of the drive motor 52. In the case of this configuration, not limited to the case of contact with an obstacle, even when the user intentionally knocks on the door body 40 or when a child contacts it from the lateral or vertical direction, the control unit 44 immediately stops the driving of the drive motor 52. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of malfunctions with respect to the obstacle or person in contact with the moving part and maintain high safety.

[0100] Also, as a method for detecting that some unexpected load has been applied, for example, there is a method of monitoring the acceleration in all directions with the acceleration sensor 45 and controlling it with the control unit 44. Specifically, when the acceleration sensor 45 detects a change in acceleration such that the driving of the driven door body 40 and the cleaning tank 33 decelerates or stops, the control unit 44 stops the driving of the drive motor 52. In addition, there is also a method in which the control unit 44 monitors the current during the driving of the drive motor 52 and controls it to stop the driving of the drive motor 52. Specifically, when the control unit 44 detects an increase in current when the door body 40 and the cleaning tank 33 decelerate or stop, the control unit 44 stops the driving of the drive motor 52. Alternatively, when a current equal to or greater than a predetermined value flows through the drive motor 52 for, for example, 0.5 seconds or more and the locked state of the drive motor 52 is detected, the control unit 44 stops the driving of the drive motor 52.

[0101] Note that the above methods can be implemented without particular limitation. Also, the above methods may be implemented in combination. By these methods, the time from when the movement of the cleaning tank 33 is inhibited until the driving of the drive motor 52 is stopped is shortened. As a result, not limited to malfunctions such as overheating of the drive motor 52, the influence of malfunctions on obstacles can be more effectively prevented.

[0102] That is, by detecting the change in the acceleration or current, the washing tub 33 can be surely stopped. Further, by providing the clutch mechanism or the slip mechanism described above, the movement of the washing tub 33 can be immediately stopped. Therefore, the above configuration is useful as a method for stopping the washing tub 33 when a load equal to or greater than a predetermined value is applied to the door body 40 or the drive motor 52. It is useful as a method for stopping the washing tub 33.

[0103] Furthermore, in the dishwasher according to the present embodiment, when the control unit 44 stops the drive motor 52 while the washing tub 33 is stopped midway before reaching a predetermined position, the motor circuit may be interrupted as described above. Usually, when the user tries to manually move the washing tub 33 forward or backward from the position where the washing tub 33 has stopped when the washing tub 33 stops midway. At this time, the drive motor 52 is forced to idle, and a counter electromotive force is generated in the drive motor 52. Therefore, when the washing tub 33 stops midway, the motor circuit of the drive motor 52 is interrupted. Thereby, the generation of loads such as abnormal current flowing through the printed circuit board of the control unit 44 due to the counter electromotive force of the drive motor 52 can be prevented in advance. Also, since no abnormal current due to the counter electromotive force flows, power generation by the drive motor 52 does not occur. Therefore, the load due to the power generation of the drive motor 52 does not increase with respect to the manual operation by the user. As a result, the user can easily move the washing tub 33 with a small force even if the washing tub 33 stops midway.

[0104] Note that the control unit 44 restores the interrupted motor circuit when it detects a predetermined signal, for example, when the door body 40 is closed, and further receives a signal for driving the drive motor 52.

[0105] As described above, the dishwasher according to the present embodiment is controlled by the control unit.

[0106] Hereinafter, the operation and action of the dishwasher according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0107] The user pulls out the washing tub 33 to accommodate the tableware 36 therein. At this time, the user can also manually pull out the washing tub 33 by grasping the handle 43.

[0108] Therefore, hereinafter, a case where the user drives the drive motor 52 by knocking the door body 40, for example, twice to automatically move the washing tub 33 will be described as an example. The reason for setting the detection of the knock to twice will be described later.

[0109] In this case, when the user knocks the door body 40 twice, vibrations are generated on the door body 40 due to being knocked. The vibrations are transmitted from the decorative panel 42 to the operation panel 41 and then to the control unit 44 fixed to the operation panel 41. Then, the vibrations transmitted to the printed circuit board of the control unit 44 are detected as acceleration by the acceleration sensor 45.

[0110] That is, when the user knocks the door body 40 twice, the control unit 44 detects the direction and magnitude of the acceleration from the output signal of the acceleration sensor 45. Specifically, the acceleration sensor 45 detects the magnitude of the acceleration in each of the three-axis directions of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis.

[0111] Then, the control unit 44 drives the drive motor 52 only when, for example, the acceleration X in the X-axis is equal to or greater than the first threshold value A, the acceleration Y in the Y-axis is equal to or less than the second threshold value B, and the acceleration Z in the Z-axis is equal to or less than the third threshold value C. That is, only when the above conditions are met, the control unit 44 determines that the door body 40 has been knocked from the front according to the user's intention. As a result, malfunction during the opening and closing of the washing tub 33 that is not based on the user's intention is prevented.

[0112] Therefore, when the acceleration X is less than the first threshold value A, the control unit 44 determines that it is not a vibration from the front of the door body 40. Also, even when the acceleration X is equal to or greater than the first threshold value A, if the acceleration Y is equal to or greater than the second threshold value B or the acceleration Z is equal to or greater than the third threshold value C, the control unit 44 determines that it is not a vibration from the front of the door body 40.

[0113] However, as described above, the dishwasher of the present embodiment is used by being incorporated into the built-in kitchen K. In the built-in kitchen K, it usually has a worktop such as a cooking counter. Therefore, in preparation for cooking and the like, the operation of hitting the worktop is repeated, and a large number of vibrations with various accelerations are generated. Examples of the hitting operation include an operation of cutting food ingredients, an operation of crushing food ingredients with a mortar, and an operation of hitting with an instrument to soften meat. In addition, there are housework operations such as placing food or tableware on the worktop. At this time, as described above, even if an acceleration threshold is set in the three-axis directions detected by the acceleration sensor, the control unit 44 of the dishwasher may erroneously detect even a large number of vibrations three or more times as vibrations of the door body 40 being knocked twice. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is preferable that the control unit 44 executes the control of the dishwasher only when two knocks are continuously detected. That is, when vibrations corresponding to three or more consecutive knocks are detected, it is preferable that the control unit 44 cancels the driving operation of the dishwasher.

[0114] Also, when vibrations from the decorative panel 42 are added, a signal in the X direction is strongly detected. However, for the vibrations caused by hitting the worktop of the built-in kitchen K, a signal in the Z direction appears strongly. Therefore, when the vibrations in the Z direction are stronger than those in the X direction, it is preferable that the control unit 44 determines that it is not vibrations from the decorative panel 42 and controls the operation of the dishwasher. Thereby, false detection during normal housework operations can be prevented, and unintended malfunction of the dishwasher can be more reliably prevented.

[0115] Next, when the control unit 44 determines that the detected acceleration is due to an operation (vibration) for the user to pull out the washing tub 33, for example, it sounds a buzzer 0.4 seconds later. Thereby, the user is notified of the start of the movement of the door body 40 and the washing tub 33.

[0116] Next, after the determination, for example, 0.6 seconds later, the control unit 44 drives the drive motor 52 in a predetermined direction. Then, the drive motor 52 moves the rack gear 54 provided at the lower part of the washing tank 33 forward via the pinion gear 53 provided on the motor shaft. As a result, while the slide rail 34 of the washing tank 33 and the slide rail 31a of the housing 31 slide, the washing tank 33 moves forward from the front opening 32 of the housing 31 and is pulled out.

[0117] In this embodiment, it is adjusted such that when the drive motor 52 is driven for about 3.5 seconds, the washing tank 33 is most pulled out. As a result, the washing tank 33 is pulled out to a position where the upper surface opening 35 is substantially fully opened and stops.

[0118] Next, the user stores the tableware 36 in the tableware basket 47 from the upper surface opening 35 in a state where the upper surface opening 35 is fully opened.

[0119] Next, the user turns on a power switch (not shown) provided on the front side of the upper surface opening 35. Then, the user operates the operation unit 46 to set the washing operation of the dishwasher. In the case of this embodiment, the control unit 44 is configured to be always energized regardless of the on / off state of the power switch. As a result, the control unit 44 is always on standby in a state where it can detect a knock by the user.

[0120] Next, when the storage of the tableware 36 and the setting of the washing operation are completed via the operation unit 46, the user knocks on the door body 40, for example, only once. At this time, when the control unit 44 detects one knock in a state where the washing tank 33 is pulled out, first, it notifies the user by sound or the like, for example, via a buzzer. Then, the control unit 44 drives the drive motor 52 to move the washing tank 33 backward. As a result, the washing tank 33 is stored in the housing 31, and the door body 40 closes the front opening 32 of the housing 31. At this time, the control unit 44 uses the detection shown below for the washing tank 3 Determine whether the storage of the tub 3 is completed. Specifically, the control unit 44 determines whether the storage is completed, for example, by controlling the time until storage, detecting the storage position, detecting the acceleration when the tub 33 is stored and stops, detecting the locked current of the drive motor 52, etc.

[0121] In the above description, as a method for storing the tub 33, a configuration in which the drive motor 52 is driven to automatically store it has been described as an example, but it is not limited to this. For example, a configuration in which the user manually pushes the front surface of the door body 40 while storing the tub 33 into the housing 31 may be used.

[0122] Also, for example, a start switch (not shown) may be provided, and instead of the user knocking once after the setting is completed, a configuration may be adopted in which the user presses the start switch to store the tub 33. When a start switch is provided, pressing the start switch may be regarded as a signal indicating the completion of the operation setting by the user. That is, when the tub 33 is stored in the housing 31 by the drive device 51 or manually and the start switch has not been pressed, the washing operation may not be started. As a result, the user can once store the tableware 36 in the tub 33 and then, after a certain time, store the tableware 36 little by little while adding it again.

[0123] Next, when the control unit 44 detects the storage of the tub 33, it executes the set washing operation.

[0124] When a predetermined washing operation is completed, the user pulls out the tub 33 to take out the tableware 36. Specifically, similar to when storing the tableware 36, the door body 40 is knocked, for example, twice. At this time, the control unit 44 notifies the user of the start of pulling out the tub 33 with a buzzer. Then, the control unit 44 drives the drive motor 52 to pull out the tub 33 to a predetermined position.

[0125] Next, after the user takes out the tableware 36 from the tableware basket 47 in the washing tank 33, the user knocks on the door body 40 again, for example, only once. At this time, when in the state shown below, the control unit 44 drives the drive motor 52 backward to store the washing tank 33 only, and does not perform the washing operation. Specifically, for example, when the washing tank 33 is pulled out, there is no operation setting by the operation unit 46, or when a single knock is detected with the start switch not pressed, the washing operation is not performed.

[0126] Thus, a series of operations for washing tableware, including the operations of the user, is completed.

[0127] Note that in this embodiment, during the washing operation of the dishwasher, the user or the like may accidentally touch the decorative plate 42 or the handle 43 of the door body 40. In this case, it is inconvenient for the control unit 44 to detect an unintended contact and for the washing tank 33 to be pulled out. Therefore, during the operation of the dishwasher, the control unit 44 may be configured not to drive the drive motor 52 with, for example, about two knocks as in the case of stopping. In this case, when the acceleration sensor 45 detects, for example, three or more knocks, it is preferable that the control unit 44 temporarily stops the washing operation and pulls out the washing tank 33. That is, it is preferable to set the washing tank 33 to be pulled out only when the control unit 44 detects an intentional operation of the user. Thereby, the control unit 44 can prevent the execution of control unintended by the user. Furthermore, the control unit 44 may have a function such as a so-called child lock. With these configurations, the safety of the dishwasher is further improved.

[0128] Also, in this embodiment, the control unit 44 has been described by taking as an example the configuration in which the drive motor 52 is driven only when, for example, the acceleration X in the X-axis direction of the detected three-axis acceleration magnitude is greater than or equal to the first threshold value A, the acceleration Y in the Y-axis direction is less than or equal to the second threshold value B, and the acceleration Z in the Z-axis direction is less than or equal to the third threshold value C, but it is not limited to this. The dishwasher of this embodiment is particularly a system It is incorporated into the kitchen K and is basically installed on the upper surface of a cabinet such as a drawer or on the floor surface. Therefore, due to the strength of the installation surface where the dishwasher is installed, etc., the transmission state of the applied vibration changes. Thus, it is preferable to set values and combinations of respective thresholds for the magnitudes of accelerations in three axial directions according to the installation state of the dishwasher, etc. Thereby, a dishwasher with high versatility and excellent operability can be realized.

[0129] Specifically, when installing the dishwasher on the upper surface of the cabinet, for example, only the legs of the dishwasher contact the built-in kitchen K. That is, a gap is formed between the built-in kitchen K and the periphery of the dishwasher. At this time, seal members such as sponges and rubber plates may be provided on the side surface and the front part of the upper part of the housing 31, and the gap may be blocked. In this case, since the seal member has flexibility, vibrations in the left-right direction and the front-back direction are absorbed, and transmission to the dishwasher is suppressed. Therefore, the vibration applied to the built-in kitchen K is likely to propagate in the vertical direction. That is, the direction of vibration that is easily affected by the strength of the installation surface is the vertical direction. Thus, considering the above state, in the setting of the Z-axis corresponding to the vertical direction, instead of the above setting of "acceleration Z is equal to or less than the third threshold C", for example, it may be preferable to set "acceleration Z of the Z-axis is equal to or greater than the fourth threshold D".

[0130] Also, when installing the dishwasher on the upper surface of the cabinet, it is preferable to connect the built-in kitchen K and the dishwasher with a rigid member. Thereby, vibrations applied to the built-in kitchen K other than the door body 40 of the dishwasher can be accurately detected. For example, if the front part of the housing 31 is firmly connected in the left-right and vertical directions, vibrations in the Y-axis in the left-right direction and the Z-axis in the vertical direction can be accurately detected. At this time, it is more preferable to connect the front-back direction with flexibility. Thereby, the influence of vibrations applied to the X-axis corresponding to the front-back direction is reduced by the vibrations in the Y-axis in the left-right direction and the Z-axis in the vertical direction. As a result, the control unit 44 can more accurately distinguish between the vibrations applied to the door body 40 and the other vibrations, and control the operation of the dishwasher.

[0131] As described above, the dishwasher according to this embodiment can assign control such as pulling out and pushing in the washing tub 33 based on the combination of the state of the washing tub 33 and the knock by the user. In this case, for the knock detected by the control unit 44, not only the number of times but also the detection of the intensity may be combined. This is effective for increasing the types of control controlled by the control unit 44 and realizing various controls.

[0132] In addition, it is preferable that the combination of the detection of the acceleration sensor 45 and the control operation, and the setting of the stop position of the washing tub 33, etc. can be set by the user via the operation unit 46 or the like. At this time, a configuration in which the above setting state or the like can be confirmed on the display unit is more preferable. Specifically, at least the setting of the threshold value related to the setting that the user can handle, including the sensitivity of the sensor to vibrations applied to the door body 40, or the setting of the operation of the drive motor 52, etc. And a configuration in which the set value can be confirmed by the user via the display unit provided on the operation unit 46. As a result, the user can freely set the number of knocks, the detection level of the knock intensity, etc., and can easily confirm the setting content. As a result, the usability of the dishwasher is further improved.

[0133] Hereinafter, an example of the configuration of the control executed by the control unit 44 will be described by dividing it into items (a) to (e) according to the combination of the state of the washing tub 33 and the number of knocks described above.

[0134] (a) When the user knocks on the door body 40 twice in a state where the washing tub 33 is housed when the washing operation is stopped, the control unit 44 controls as follows. In this case, the control unit 44 drives the drive motor 52 to move the washing tub 33 forward. (Operation preparation) (b) In a state where the washing tub 33 is pulled out and the washing operation is not set, when the user knocks on the door body 40 once, the control unit 44 controls as follows. In this case, the control unit 44 only drives the drive motor 52 to store the washing tub 33 and does not start the washing operation. (Operation preparation or operation end) When the user knocks on the door body 40 once, the control unit 44 controls as follows. In this case, the control unit 44 drives the drive motor 52 to store the washing tub 33 and does not start the washing operation. (Operation preparation or operation end) (c) When the user knocks on the door body 40 twice with the cleaning tank 33 pulled out and the cleaning operation set, the control unit 44 controls as follows. In this case, the control unit 44 drives the drive motor 52 to store the cleaning tank 33 only and does not start the cleaning operation. (Operation preparation) (d) When the user knocks on the door body 40 once with the cleaning tank 33 pulled out and the cleaning operation set, the control unit 44 controls as follows. In this case, the control unit 44 drives the drive motor 52 to store the cleaning tank 33 and starts the set cleaning operation. (Operation start) (e) During the cleaning operation, when the user knocks on the door body 40 three times with the cleaning tank 33 housed, the control unit 44 controls as follows. In this case, the control unit 44 temporarily stops the cleaning operation and drives the drive motor 52 to move the cleaning tank 33 forward. (Operation temporary stop) That is, as in (b) and (c), when the cleaning operation is not started only by storing the cleaning tank 33, the user interrupts the cleaning preparation while accommodating the tableware 36. As a result, the user can leave the dishwasher. Also, as in (b), when the user determines that it is the state of (d) where the cleaning operation is to be started, the user can be made aware that the setting of the cleaning operation has not yet been executed.

[0135] In the above embodiment, in the assignment of various controls, a configuration in which various controls are assigned according to different numbers of knocks has been described as an example, but it is not limited to this. For example, if necessary, a start switch or the like may also be used to configure all control operations to be possible with the same number of knocks. In this case, the user does not need to remember the number of knocks for each control operation. Therefore, the usability such as the operability of the user is improved.

[0136] Also, in the above embodiment, when the handle 43 is provided on the door body 40, a configuration may be set in which the user does not use the driving device 51. Specifically, the control unit 44 may be configured to cancel the driving of the driving motor 52. This can expand the options such as substituting for the child lock or not using the driving device due to a narrow space.

[0137] The operation and effects of the dishwasher configured as described above will be described below.

[0138] The dishwasher of the present embodiment includes at least an acceleration sensor 45 that detects vibrations applied to the door body 40. The control unit 44 is configured to drive the drive motor 52 for a set time within a predetermined time T1, which is the maximum value, to move the washing tub 33 forward and pull it out from the housing 31. Thereby, even when there is no operation unit 46 or handle 43 on the door body 40 of the dishwasher, the washing tub 33 can be automatically pulled out to a predetermined position. Also, since there is no operation unit 46 or handle 43 on the door body 40, the design of the dishwasher can be easily adapted to the design of the diversified system kitchen K. Furthermore, the set time can be adjusted according to the actual usage situation of the user. Thereby, the control unit 44 can control the washing tub 33 to stop at an arbitrary position.

[0139] Also, the control unit 44 of the dishwasher of the present embodiment is configured to drive the drive motor 52 when receiving a signal from the acceleration sensor 45 that detects a predetermined vibration applied to the door body 40. Thereby, the control unit 44 can detect the vibration when the user knocks on the door body 40 and move the washing tub 33 in an arbitrary direction. Specifically, the control unit 44 can appropriately drive the drive motor 52 to move the washing tub 33 forward or backward according to the timing of the washing operation and the state of the washing tub 33.

[0140] In addition, the control unit 44 of the dishwasher according to the present embodiment drives the drive motor 52 to automatically and controllably move it to a position where the upper surface opening 35 of the washing tank 33 is substantially fully open. As a result, the user does not need to manually pull out the washing tank 33. Therefore, the user can easily take in and out the tableware 36 without imposing an excessive burden such as excessive labor on the user.

[0141] Further, when the control unit 44 of the dishwasher according to the present embodiment receives a signal from the acceleration sensor 45 that has detected the acceleration generated when the washing tank 33 stops, it controls the drive motor 52 to stop. As a result, even when the door body 40 or the washing tank 33 collides with an obstacle and stops, the occurrence of a malfunction with respect to the obstacle is prevented. At this time, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 10, a configuration in which a locking portion is provided at a predetermined position of the drawer may be adopted. Thereby, the control unit 44 can surely stop the washing tank 33 at the predetermined position.

[0142] In addition, when the washing tank 33 is stopped, the control unit 44 of the dishwasher according to the present embodiment controls to cut off the drive motor 52 and the motor circuit. As a result, the user can manually move the washing tank 33. At this time, when the washing tank 33 is moved, the drive motor 52 idles and a back electromotive force is generated. However, the drive motor 52 and the motor circuit are disconnected. Therefore, an abnormal current does not flow through the printed circuit board of the control unit 44 due to the generated back electromotive force. Further, when the user manually performs an opening / closing operation, since an electrical load due to the back electromotive force of the drive motor 52 does not occur, an extra load is not applied to the user during the opening / closing operation. Therefore, the user can easily perform the operation of taking in and out the washing tank 33 manually with less labor.

[0143] In addition, the drive device 51 of the dishwasher according to the present embodiment includes a drive motor 52, a pinion gear 53 driven by the drive motor 52, and a rack gear 54 that meshes with the pinion gear 53. The drive motor 52 is fixed inside the housing 31 so that the pinion gear 53 is positioned near the front opening 32. The rack gear 54 is fixed outside the washing tub 33. At this time, when the washing tub 33 moves forward, it assumes a forwardly inclined state. In this case, the vicinity of the pinion gear 53 provided at the front serves as a fulcrum. Therefore, the possibility of the meshing between the rack gear 54 and the pinion gear 53 becoming disengaged is low. However, if a new configuration is separately provided to reliably prevent the meshing from becoming disengaged, it can be realized by a mechanism with a simple configuration.

[0144] As disclosed above, the control unit 44 of the dishwasher according to the present embodiment controls the drive device 51 and safely moves the washing tub 33 according to the user's intention. Therefore, the labor for the user to manually move the washing tub 33 is reduced, and the usability is improved. In addition, the operation unit 46 is entirely concealed inside the housing 31. As a result, the design of the dishwasher can be easily adapted to the design of the diversified system kitchen K. As a result, the design of the system kitchen K is unified, and the design property is further improved.

[0145] In addition, when the control unit 44 comes into contact with an obstacle existing in front of the washing tub 33, the control unit 44 detects vibrations or changes in acceleration generated by the contact. Then, the control unit 44 immediately stops the drive of the drive motor 52. Thereby, the occurrence of major problems in the obstacle and the dishwasher can be prevented in advance. As a result, the dishwasher can maintain high safety.

[0146] (Embodiment 2) Hereinafter, the dishwasher according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0147] FIGS. 3 and 4 are diagrams showing a longitudinal side cross-section of a dishwasher with a pull-out type washing tub according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows a state in which the washing tub is housed in the housing. FIG. 4 shows the washing It shows a state where the upper surface opening of the cleaning tank is pulled out until it fully opens from inside the housing.

[0148] The dishwasher of this embodiment has a drive device configuration different from that of the drive device in Embodiment 1. Since the other configurations are the same as those in Embodiment 1, Embodiment 1 is incorporated by reference and the description is omitted.

[0149] That is, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the drive device 55 of this embodiment is configured by a roller press-contact type and enables the cleaning tank 33 to be taken in and out.

[0150] The drive device 55 includes a drive motor 56, a roller 57 driven by the drive motor 56, a press-contact rail 58 with which the roller 57 is press-contacted, and the like. The press-contact rail 58 is fixed to one lower part on the outer side of the left and right side surfaces of the cleaning tank 33. The press-contact rail 58 has a length of at least the stroke by which the cleaning tank 33 is pulled out. The roller 57 is attached to a motor shaft driven by the drive motor 56 and is press-contacted with the press-contact rail 58. The drive motor 56 is provided with a speed reduction mechanism (not shown). The drive motor 56 is fixed inside the housing 31 at a position where the roller 57 is near the front surface opening 32.

[0151] Note that the roller 57 shown in FIG. 3 is shown in a configuration where it is press-contacted with the press-contact rail 58 from below, but it is not limited to this. For example, the roller 57 may be configured to be press-contacted with the press-contact rail 58 from above or from the lateral direction. Also, the press-contact rail 58 may not be a separately provided configuration as described above, but may be a configuration that uses the side surface or the bottom surface itself of the cleaning tank 33 as the press-contact rail 58.

[0152] With the configuration of the roller 57 and the press-contact rail 58 described above, the rotational motion of the drive motor 56 is converted into a linear motion. Thereby, the cleaning tank 33 is linearly moved to a position where the upper surface opening 35 is substantially fully opened.

[0153] At this time, similar to the first embodiment, if the drive motor 56 is configured to be driven for a set time, the washing tub 33 can stop at an arbitrary pull-out position according to the set time.

[0154] Also, in the case of the configuration by the combination of the roller 57 and the pressure contact rail 58, it can be assembled without considering the gear meshing as in the rack & pinion type of the first embodiment.

[0155] Furthermore, the drive device 55 can automatically pull out the washing tub 33. Therefore, for example, when pulling out the washing tub 33, the user does not need to apply excessive force to the washing tub 33.

[0156] That is, the dishwasher of the present embodiment can automatically pull out the washing tub 33 by the drive device 55 to a position where the tableware 36 can be easily accommodated. Thereby, the usability of the dishwasher is improved. In addition, the dishwasher of the present embodiment can be easily adapted to the design of the diversified system kitchen K.

[0157] (Embodiment 3) Hereinafter, the dishwasher of the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0158] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a longitudinal side cross section of the dishwasher in the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0159] The dishwasher of the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a second operation unit is provided on the door body. Since the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the description of the first embodiment is incorporated and omitted.

[0160] That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the door body 40 of the present embodiment includes a second operation unit 46b at the upper part of the decorative plate 42. The second operation unit 46b is provided with an operation switch (not shown) of a drive motor 52 which is at least a drive unit for moving the washing tub 33, or a sensor or the like. The operation switch is composed of, for example, a plurality of button switches so as to be able to distinguish in which direction of the front-rear direction the washing tub 33 is to be moved.

[0161] Further, the sensor is composed of, for example, a non-contact type sensor such as an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, an optical sensor, or a sound (voice) recognition sensor. Specifically, the ultrasonic sensor, the infrared sensor, and the optical sensor are provided with, for example, a transmission unit and a reception unit, and when a hand or the like is held within a predetermined distance range, a detection signal is output to the control unit 44. On the other hand, the sound (voice) recognition sensor recognizes, for example, a sound such as a clap or a sound of hitting an object, or a voice, and outputs the detected content to the control unit 44. Thereby, the control unit 44 determines the operation content based on the output detection signal and detection content, drives the drive motor 52, and moves the washing tub 33. Note that the infrared sensor may be configured to detect infrared rays radiated from the human body.

[0162] In this case, similar to the control by the acceleration sensor 45 described in the first embodiment, it is preferable to determine the control method (operation direction, etc.) of the washing tub 33 based on the number of times of hands held within a predetermined time or the number of sounds. In the case of the voice recognition sensor, the control method of the washing tub 33 is determined based on the instruction content by voice.

[0163] When the control unit 44 of the present embodiment moves the washing tub 33 forward, the drive motor 52 is controlled so that the upper surface opening 35 is substantially fully opened. Note that substantially fully opened is the same as the meaning described in the first embodiment.

[0164] Further, the control unit 44 controls the drive motor 52 by time in the same manner as in the first embodiment. That is, the control unit 44 drives the drive motor 52 for a set predetermined time T1 and then stops.

[0165] With this configuration, the user can automatically perform the operation of pulling out or storing the washing tub 33. Therefore, when pulling out and storing the washing tub, no labor of the user is required.

[0166] That is, the dishwasher of the present embodiment can automatically pull out the washing tub 33 by the driving device 55 to a position where the tableware 36 can be easily accommodated. Therefore, the usability of the dishwasher is improved.

[0167] In addition, the dishwasher of the present embodiment can be easily adapted to the design of the diversified system kitchen K.

[0168] (Embodiment 4) Hereinafter, the dishwasher according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8.

[0169] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another pull-out type dishwasher according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a front longitudinal sectional view of the dishwasher. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a main part of the slide rail portion in FIG. 7.

[0170] The dishwasher of the present embodiment is different from that of Embodiment 1 in the configuration of the washing tub of the dishwasher and the configuration of the support mechanism of the door body. That is, the washing tub of Embodiment 1 is configured to be pulled out from the housing in a pull-out type. On the other hand, the washing tub of the present embodiment is configured by a washing space surrounded by the inside of the housing and the inner surface of the door body. Therefore, the washing space of the washing tub is fixedly configured inside the housing. Due to this difference, the support mechanism for supporting the door body includes, in Embodiment 1, the washing tub to which the door body is attached and the slide rail for moving the washing tub. On the other hand, the support mechanism of the present embodiment includes a support member to which the door body is attached and a slide rail. Since the other configurations are the same as those in Embodiment 1, Embodiment 1 is incorporated and the description is omitted.

[0171] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the dishwasher of the present embodiment includes a housing 71, a washing tub 73, a door body 74, a washing space 75, a drive device 83, and the like.

[0172] The housing 71 has a front opening 72 with the entire front surface being open. The washing tub 73 is formed inside the housing 71 provided with the front opening 72. The door body 74 is disposed so as to cover the front opening 72. The washing space 75 is formed by the washing tub 73 and the door body 74. Inside the washing space 75, a lower dish basket 77 on which dishes 76 are placed and an upper dish basket 78 are disposed in a state where they can move back and forth. Note that when the lower dish basket 77 and the upper dish basket 78 are locked to the door body 74, they move back and forth together with the door body 74. On the other hand, when the locking is released, the lower dish basket 77 and the upper dish basket 78 move individually with respect to the door body 74. That is, the lower dish basket 77 and the upper dish basket 78 have a form of moving integrally with the door body 74 and a form of moving individually.

[0173] The door body 74 has an operation unit 79 on its upper surface 74a. The operation unit 79 can switch on and off the power supply, start, pause, and switch the washing and drying courses by the user's button operation. At this time, a switch for operating a control unit (not shown) to move the door body 74 may be provided on the operation unit 79. The control unit is provided below the operation unit 79.

[0174] Further, the door body 74 is supported by the housing 71 in a state where it can move back and forth via a support mechanism 80. The support mechanism 80 includes a support member 81, a slide rail 82, and the like as described above. The slide rail 82 is attached to the inner surfaces on both the left and right sides of the housing 71 at the outer lower part of the washing tub 73.

[0175] As shown in FIG. 8, the slide rail 82 includes a fixed rail 82a, a first movable rail 82b, a second movable rail 82c, and the like. The first movable rail 82b is slidably mounted on the fixed rail 82a. The second movable rail 82c is slidably mounted on the first movable rail 82b.

[0176] The support member 81 is formed of a metal plate such as stainless steel, for example, and the front end portion 81a is fixed to the lower inner side of the door body 74. The support member 81 is fixed on the second movable rail 82c of the slide rail 82.

[0177] Then, when the door body 74 moves forward, the support member 81 and the second movable rail 82c move forward integrally with the first movable rail 82b while supporting the door body 74 substantially vertically (including vertically). Thereby, the slide rail 82 extends.

[0178] The drive device 83 has at least a drive motor 84 that constitutes a drive unit, and is disposed below the cleaning tank 73 in the housing 71. The drive device 83 moves the door body 74 at least forward or backward.

[0179] The control unit receives a predetermined signal from a sensor exemplified by an acceleration sensor 45 or the like, or an operation switch or the like. Thereby, the control unit drives the drive motor 84 that is a drive unit based on the received signal. Thereby, the control unit drives the drive motor 84 which is a drive unit.

[0180] As described above, the dishwasher of the present embodiment is configured.

[0181] Hereinafter, the drive device 83 of the present embodiment will be described.

[0182] The drive device 83 is configured by a rack & pinion type mechanism as in the first embodiment.

[0183] The drive device 83 includes a drive motor 84, a pinion gear 85 driven by the drive motor 84, a rack gear 86 that meshes with the pinion gear 85, and the like.

[0184] The rack gear 54 is formed by arranging the teeth of the gear in a straight line. The rack gear 86 is fixed in the vicinity of the support member 81. The rack gear 86 has a length of at least the stroke through which the door body 74 moves. The pinion gear 85 is attached to the motor shaft driven by the drive motor 84. The drive motor 84 is provided with a speed reduction mechanism (not shown). The drive motor 84 is fixed inside the housing 71 at a position where the pinion gear 85 is near the front opening 72.

[0185] With the configuration of the above-described rack gear 86 and pinion gear 85, the rotational motion of the drive motor 84 is converted into a linear motion. As a result, the door body 74 is moved forward or backward. Since other detailed controls are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

[0186] According to the present embodiment, since the cleaning tank is configured separately and the accessory devices do not move either, the moving part is composed of the door, the dish basket, the cleaning nozzle, etc. Therefore, the moving part can be configured to be lightweight. As a result, the drive device can also be configured to be relatively small.

[0187] (Other Embodiments) The configurations of the four embodiments have been disclosed above.

[0188] Hereinafter, other embodiments of various configurations including the drive device will be described.

[0189] First, an example of another embodiment of a method for stopping at a predetermined position when the cleaning tank 33 is pulled out will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0190] That is, in the first embodiment, the method of controlling the drive motor 52 by time is disclosed as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the drive motor may be controlled by the methods described in 1. to 3. below so that the cleaning tank 33 stops.

[0191] 1. As shown in FIG. 9, a position detection unit 59 composed of, for example, a micro switch is provided near the front opening 32 of the housing 31. The position detection unit 59 detects a predetermined position of the cleaning tank 33 and outputs the detected signal to the control unit 44. The control unit 44 may be configured to control the drive of the drive motor to stop based on the signal detected by the position detection unit 59 during the movement of the cleaning tank 33. Note that the position detection unit 59 may be a photoelectric switch. The photoelectric sensor measures the moving distance of the cleaning tank 33 to detect the position of the cleaning tank 33. Also, the drive unit may be configured by a stepping motor. In this case, the moving distance of the cleaning tank 33 can be detected based on the number of pulses for driving the stepping motor.

[0192] 2. As shown in FIG. 10, a locking portion 60 composed of, for example, a first protrusion 60a and a second protrusion 60b is provided. Then, the locking portion 60 may be configured to stop the cleaning tank 33 at a predetermined position. The first protrusion 60a of the locking portion 60 is provided, for example, near the front opening portion 32 of the housing 31. The second protrusion 60b is provided at the rear portion of the slide rail 34 or the cleaning tank 33. The first protrusion 60a and the second protrusion 60b are arranged to abut at a predetermined position where the cleaning tank 33 is pulled out. Thereby, the cleaning tank 33 stops at a predetermined position. At this time, the control unit 44 detects the lock current of the drive motors 52 and 56 generated when the cleaning tank 33 stops by the locking portion 60. Thereby, the control unit 44 may be configured to stop the drive of the drive motors 52 and 56.

[0193] 3. As shown in FIG. 10, for example, a locking portion 60 including a first protrusion 60a and a second protrusion 60b is provided. Then, the locking portion 60 may be configured to stop the cleaning tank 33 at a predetermined position. The first protrusion 60a of the locking portion 60 is provided, for example, near the front opening 32 of the housing 31. The second protrusion 60b is provided on the slide rail 34 or the rear portion of the cleaning tank 33. The first protrusion 60a and the second protrusion 60b are configured to abut at a predetermined position where the cleaning tank 33 is pulled out. Thereby, the cleaning tank 33 stops at a predetermined position. At this time, the acceleration sensor 45 detects the acceleration generated when the cleaning tank 33 stops due to the locking portion 60, and outputs the detected signal to the control unit 44. Thereby, the control unit 44 may be configured to stop the drive motors 52 and 56 based on the signal of the acceleration sensor 45.

[0194] According to the configuration described in 1. to 3. above, it is not necessary to determine the relationship between the set time shown in the first embodiment and the amount of the cleaning tank 33 pulled out, and the stop position can be physically set.

[0195] That is, if the position detection unit 59 in 1. or the first protrusion 60a in 2. and 3. is slid back and forth and can be fixed at an arbitrary position, the cleaning tank 33 can be surely stopped at an arbitrary position.

[0196] In addition, in the case of the configuration in 2., based on the detection of the lock current of the drive motors 52 and 56 generated by the stop of the cleaning tank 33, the drive of the drive motors 52 and 56 is stopped. Therefore, there is a risk that an excessive load due to the lock current is applied to the drive motors 52 and 56. However, since it is immediately cut off if it exceeds a predetermined current value, the time during which the lock current flows through the drive motors 52 and 56 is short. Therefore, an unreasonable load is not applied to the drive motors 52 and 56, and the drive motors 52 and 56 can be stopped.

[0197] Also, in the case of the configurations of 2. and 3., the locking portion 60 is preferably formed of a material having cushioning properties. Thereby, the shock at the contact of the first protrusion 60a and the second protrusion 60b constituting the locking portion 60 is absorbed. Therefore, the washing tub 33 stops smoothly, and the transmission of shock to the accommodated tableware 36 is alleviated. As a result, noise due to contact between the tableware 36 and breakage of the tableware 36 are prevented. Also, splashing of the water stored in the washing tub 33 due to contact can be prevented. Therefore, water splashing from the washing tub 33 and water wetting of the dried tableware 36 after washing can be prevented.

[0198] Also, in the above-described Embodiments 1 and 2, the configuration in which the drive motors 52 and 56 of the drive devices 51 and 55 are fixed near the front opening 32 of the housing 31 and the rack gears 54 and the pressure contact rails 58 are fixed outside the washing tub 33 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the drive motors 52 and 56 of the drive devices 51 and 55 may be fixed to the rear part of the washing tub 33, and the rack gears 54 and the pressure contact rails 58 may be fixed inside the housing 31.

[0199] Generally, when providing a drive device for a drawer of furniture or a refrigerator, it is preferably configured to provide the power supply of the drive unit on the housing side.

[0200] However, in the drawer-type dishwasher of the present embodiment, since power is required for the heater 49 and the washing pump 50 arranged in the washing tub 33, a power cord is arranged on the washing tub 33 side. Therefore, according to the above configuration, the signal lines and the power cord from the control unit 44 to the drive motors 52 and 56 can be arranged only on the side surface of the washing tub 33 without being routed to the housing 31 side. This facilitates the design and assembly of the dishwasher and improves the workability during maintenance.

[0201] ​In addition, in the above-described Embodiment 1, the configuration in which teeth are provided below the rack gear 54 of the drive device 51 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, teeth may be formed on both the upper and lower sides of the rack gear 54 of the drive device 51, and the rack gear 54 may be sandwiched from the vertical directions by two pinion gears 53. Further, the teeth of the rack gear 54 may be formed in either the vertical direction, and rollers may be provided on the side without teeth so as to sandwich the rack gear 54 from the vertical directions. By these means, a configuration in which the rack gear 54 and the pinion gear 53 are surely engaged and do not easily come off can be realized.

[0202] In addition, in each of the above-described Embodiments 1, 2, and 4, when the cleaning tank 33 stops midway due to contact with an obstacle, an example in which the user manually continues to move the cleaning tank 33 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the drive devices 51 and 55 are driven to automatically move the cleaning tank 33. In this case, it is necessary to distinguish whether to pull out or store the cleaning tank 33 from the stop position. Therefore, as a method for distinguishing the moving direction, the number of times the user taps the decorative panel 42 may be detected by the acceleration sensor 45 to distinguish the moving direction. Further, a switch indicating the moving direction may be provided on the operation unit 46, and the moving direction of the cleaning tank 33 may be distinguished by the operation of the user. According to this configuration, the drive devices 51 and 55 can be effectively utilized. As a result, the labor for the user to manually move the cleaning tank 33 is reduced.

[0203] Next, another embodiment of the control method of the drive devices 51 and 55 will be described.

[0204] In the above-mentioned embodiments, the control unit 44 immediately drives the drive motors 52, 56 when it detects a signal from the user to drive the drive motors 52, 56, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 44 may control the drive motors 52, 56 to start driving a predetermined time T2 (for example, 0.4 to 1 second) after detecting a signal from the user to drive the drive motors 52, 56. According to this control, when cleaning water is being sprayed from the cleaning nozzle in the washing step, the drive motors 52, 56 can be driven after waiting for the cleaning pump to stop. This makes it possible to prevent the cleaning water sprayed from the cleaning nozzle from splashing out of the cleaning tank. In addition, when the control unit 44 continuously detects a signal to drive the drive motors 52, 56 and repeatedly drives the drive motors 52, 56, the predetermined time T2 can be set to ensure time to temporarily stop the drive motors 52, 56. This makes it possible to control the large starting current flowing through the drive motors 52, 56 so that it does not flow continuously. As a result, excessive temperature rise in the drive motors 52, 56 due to a large continuous starting current can be prevented.

[0205] At this time, it is more preferable to provide an alarm unit that notifies the movement of the door body 40 by driving the drive motors 52, 56, since this improves safety. In this case, it is preferable to configure the alarm to start before the door body 40 starts to move during the above-mentioned predetermined time T2. This makes it possible to prevent the door body 40 from coming into contact with obstacles such as people due to its movement. As a result, the safety of the dishwasher is further improved.

[0206] In each of the above-described embodiments, a door closing detection sensor for detecting the closing of the door body 40 may be further provided. In this case, the door closing detection sensor can be substituted with, for example, a position detection unit 59 shown in FIG. 9. At this time, the control unit 44 detects the closing of the door body 40 by the door closing detection sensor. After detecting the blocking signal, the control unit 44 controls so as not to detect a signal from the acceleration sensor 45 for a predetermined time T3 (e.g., 0.5 seconds). Alternatively, even if the control unit 44 detects a signal from the acceleration sensor 45, it is preferable that the control unit 44 controls so as to suspend driving of the drive motor.

[0207] Generally, when the door body 40 is closed, the entire housing 31, including the tableware 36 and the like, vibrates due to the shock caused by the contact between the door body 40 and the housing 31. Therefore, there is a risk that the acceleration sensor 45 may erroneously detect the above vibration as an operation signal by knocking.

[0208] However, by providing a predetermined time T3 so as not to detect the above vibration, it is possible to prevent erroneously detecting the vibration at the time of closing. Also, by providing the predetermined time T3, it is possible to secure the time during which the drive motors 52 and 56 are temporarily stopped. As a result, excessive temperature rise of the drive motors 52 and 56 can be prevented.

[0209] At this time, a notification unit that notifies when detecting a closing signal of the door body 40 by a door closed detection sensor may be provided. Thereby, it is possible to surely notify the user of the closing of the door body 40. Further, it is possible to notify after the elapse of the predetermined time T3 when the closing signal is detected, and to notify the user that the state is such that a knock for pulling out the door body 40 can be received. According to this configuration, the user can easily confirm the reliable closing of the door body 40 and the normal execution of the subsequent washing operation.

[0210] Also, in each of the above embodiments, the control unit 44 may be controlled to notify the occurrence of the following abnormal states. The abnormal state is, for example, when the drive motors 52 and 56 are driven in the backward direction after closing the door body 40, and the control unit 44 fails to detect a signal from the door closed detection sensor despite detecting the stop of the drive motors 52 and 56. Thereby, it is possible to make the user recognize that the door body 40 is not completely closed, and prompt the user to quickly execute the subsequent countermeasures.

[0211] Further, even if the user operates to close the door body 40 due to the notification of the abnormal state, when the notification is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 5 times), control may be performed to stop the driving of the drive motors 52 and 56 in addition to the notification of the occurrence of the abnormality. According to this configuration, it is possible to control so that the lock currents of the drive motors 52 and 56 do not flow repeatedly. As a result, an excessive temperature rise of the drive motors 52 and 56 can be prevented.

[0212] Furthermore, by the notification of the abnormal state, it is possible to notify the user that it is necessary to identify the cause of the occurrence of the abnormality. Examples of the cause of the occurrence of the abnormality include whether the door body 40 cannot be closed due to an obstacle, whether the drive motors 52 and 56 or the door closed detection sensor has failed, and the like. As a result, the user can identify the cause of the occurrence of the abnormality and immediately take countermeasures. As a result, it is possible to more reliably prevent the washing operation from being executed with the door body 40 not closed.

[0213] Also, in each of the above embodiments, the control unit 44 may control to notify the occurrence of the following abnormality. Note that the occurrence of the abnormality first detects, for example, a signal that the door body 40 has been closed by the door closed detection sensor. Then, in the detected state, the drive motors 52 and 56 are driven in the forward direction to open the door body 40. After the driving, when the control unit 44 continues to detect the signal of the door closed detection sensor for a predetermined time T4 (for example, 2.5 seconds). According to this configuration, the control unit 44 can determine that the door body 40 is not moving and can quickly notify the user of the abnormality of the door body 40.

[0214] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, when the notification of the following occurrence of the abnormality is repeated, the control unit 44 may control to stop the driving of the drive motors 52 and 56 further. Specifically, even if the user knocks and the door body 40 does not open and the user is notified, then when the notification is repeated further and reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, 5 times). According to this control, it is possible to prevent the lock currents of the drive motors 52 and 56 from flowing repeatedly. Thereby, an excessive temperature rise of the drive motors 52 and 56 can be prevented.

[0215] Furthermore, the above notification can inform the user that it is necessary to identify the cause of the abnormality. Examples of the cause of the abnormality include whether the door body 40 cannot move due to an obstacle or the like, whether the drive motors 52 and 56 or the door closing detection sensor has failed, and the like.

[0216] Next, another embodiment of applying the acceleration sensor 45 to control will be described.

[0217] In each of the above embodiments, the configuration of controlling the operation of the washing tub 33 of the dishwasher based on the signal detected by the acceleration sensor 45 has been described as an example, but it is not limited thereto. The acceleration sensor 45 may be applied as, for example, a level used to detect the inclination when installing the dishwasher.

[0218] Since the dishwasher uses water, if it is installed in an inclined state, there is a risk of problems such as water leakage. Therefore, it is necessary to check the horizontal state of the dishwasher during installation.

[0219] Therefore, the control unit 44 uses the acceleration sensor 45 as a level and detects the deviation between gravity and the acceleration in the Z-axis direction. As a result, there is no need to separately provide a level to detect the inclination of the dishwasher. As a result, the workability during installation of the dishwasher is improved.

[0220] Also, when the installation surface of the place where the dishwasher is installed is inclined due to aging, the control unit 44 detects the inclination with the acceleration sensor 45. Then, the control unit 44 notifies the user of the occurrence of the inclination of the installation surface of the dishwasher. Furthermore, the control unit 44 controls to stop the operation of the dishwasher. As a result, the user can use the dishwasher over a long period without causing problems while adjusting the inclination of the installation surface.

[0221] Further, the control unit 44 may control the drive motors 52 and 56 so as to change the moving speed of the door body 40 by determining the inclination state of the installation surface detected by the acceleration sensor 45. Specifically, when the installation surface is inclined forward or backward by less than a predetermined value (for example, 0.5 degrees or more and less than 2 degrees), it is controlled so that the moving speed of the door body 40 becomes slightly slower than normal.

[0222] On the other hand, when the inclination of the installation surface is large (for example, 1 degree or more and less than 2 degrees), there is a risk of water leakage and an excessive load may be applied to the drive device 51. In this case, the control unit 44 can notify the user, for example, via the notification unit, and prompt measures such as repairing the installation surface. Thereby, the occurrence of problems can be prevented in advance. That is, when the dishwasher is installed on an installation surface that is inclined to such an extent that it does not interfere with the washing operation, the control unit 44 controls the drive motors 52 and 56 so that the moving speed of the door body 40 becomes slower. Thereby, the safety of the dishwasher can be further improved.

[0223] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the control unit 44 may control so that the drive motors 52 and 56 cannot be driven when the inclination of the installation surface detected by the acceleration sensor 45 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (for example, 2 degrees or more). By this control, the operation of the dishwasher can be regulated before a problem such as water leakage or an excessive load on the drive device occurs. Thereby, the safety of the dishwasher is improved.

[0224] Also, in each of the above embodiments, the acceleration sensor 45 may be configured to detect vibrations generated when the washing water collides with the inner wall of the washing tank 33 during the washing operation. According to this configuration, the control unit 44 can, from the direction and magnitude of the acceleration due to the vibrations detected by the acceleration sensor 45, The situation inside the cleaning tank 33 described below can be easily determined. Specifically, it is possible to determine whether the cleaning pump 50 is operating normally and whether the cleaning nozzle 48 is rotating normally. Furthermore, it is possible to determine from which of the plurality of cleaning nozzles 48 the cleaning water is being sprayed and how much tableware 36 is accommodated. As a result, malfunctions in the operation can be detected at an early stage, or the cleaning efficiency can be improved by applying it to the spraying method of the cleaning nozzle.

[0225] Also, in each of the above embodiments, when the situation described below occurs, the control unit 44 may determine that the drive motors 52, 56 or the acceleration sensor 45, etc. are malfunctioning and issue an abnormality notification. Specifically, when a predetermined output from the acceleration sensor 45 is not input when a signal for driving the drive motors 52, 56 is output, the control unit 44 issues an abnormality notification. As a result, abnormalities in the drive device system can be easily notified to the user and prompt a response.

[0226] Also, in each of the above embodiments, when the control unit 44 detects an abnormality in the acceleration sensor 45 such as an erroneous output, it may control to pull out the cleaning tank 33. According to this control, it is possible to avoid the problem that the acceleration sensor 45 cannot detect a knock by the user and the cleaning tank 33 cannot be pulled out. Furthermore, the control unit 44 can notify the user of the abnormality of the acceleration sensor 45 via a notification unit or the like.

[0227] As described above, the notification unit is provided, for example, on the operation unit 46, and notifies the user or the like of the start during the operation of the drive device 51, the occurrence of an abnormality, etc. The notification unit is configured to notify audibly by a synthesized sound such as a voice or a buzzer. As a result, it is possible to easily notify the user near the dishwasher of the operation state of the dishwasher.

[0228] Specifically, when notifying through sound by the notification unit, it is preferable that the control unit 44 starts the notification after a lapse of a predetermined time T5 after detecting vibration such as a knock with the acceleration sensor 45.

[0229] In this case, the predetermined time T5 is preferably from 0.1 second to 0.6 seconds. Usually, when the user knocks on the door body 40, the user is concentrating on the knocking operation. At this time, if the notification unit generates a sound similar to knocking, when the predetermined time T5 is less than 0.1 second, the sound due to knocking and the sound of the first part of the notification sound overlap and are heard. Therefore, it is difficult for the user to hear the sound of the notification unit, making the determination difficult. On the other hand, when the predetermined time T5 exceeds 0.6 seconds, the user hears the sound of the notification unit with an impression of being prolonged, and there may be cases where accurate determination is difficult. Therefore, it is preferable to start the generation of the notification sound by the notification unit after the elapse of the predetermined time T5 after detecting the vibration due to knocking or the like. Thereby, the user can accurately hear and determine the notification sound without being disturbed by the sound of their own knocking.

[0230] Further, the notification unit may be configured to notify the user of the display of an error code or the like by the blinking of a lamp such as an LED or a combination of the lighting of a plurality of lamps.

[0231] Moreover, not limited to the acceleration sensor 45, when an abnormality occurs, the washing tub 33 may be configured to be automatically pulled out. Note that the occurrence of an abnormality is assumed to be, for example, water leakage, abnormal water level, excessive generation of detergent foam, etc. Therefore, it is detected by a detection method corresponding to each abnormal state, and the washing tub 33 is automatically pulled out. Thereby, the user can be visually made aware of the occurrence of an abnormality. For example, in the case of a configuration where the operation unit 46 is hidden inside the housing 31 like the dishwashers of Embodiments 1 and 2, the configuration of automatically pulling out the washing tub 33 is particularly preferable. Thereby, the user can easily confirm the error code or the LED display displayed on the pulled-out operation unit 46. In this case, the amount of pulling out of the washing tub 33 is not particularly limited as long as the operation unit 46 can be visually recognized.

[0232] Also, in each of the above embodiments, the dishwasher may be configured to separately include, for example, a remote controller (not shown) that transmits an operation signal to the dishwasher. In this case, the control unit 44 receives various operation signals transmitted from the remote controller. Then, based on the received operation signals, the control unit 44 controls each part.

[0233] For example, when pulling out and storing the washing tub 33, the control unit 44 detects a predetermined signal transmitted from the remote controller. Then, based on the received predetermined signal, the control unit 44 drives the drive motors 52 and 56 to move the washing tub 33. According to this configuration, from a position away from the dishwasher, the user can freely operate the dishwasher according to the time for which they want to wash the dishes. As a result, the convenience of the dishwasher is further improved.

[0234] Note that the embodiments disclosed above may be combined with each other without particularly limiting the configurations of the combinable embodiments. Thereby, the same effects can be obtained.

[0235] As described above, the dishwasher of the present invention includes a housing having a front opening at the front, a dish basket that is provided in the housing so as to be insertable and removable and that houses dishes, and a moving part including a door body that covers the front opening. Further, the dishwasher includes a support mechanism that supports the moving part on the housing in a state where it can move back and forth, a drive device that has a drive part for moving the moving part at least forward or backward, and a control unit that controls at least the drive of the drive part by time. The control unit is configured to stop after driving the drive part for a predetermined time.

[0236] According to this configuration, even when there is no operation part on the door body that covers the front of the dishwasher, the drive device can automatically pull out the moving part to a position where dishes can be accommodated. As a result, the usability of the dishwasher is improved. Further, it can be easily adapted to the designs of diversified system kitchens.

[0237] In addition, the dishwasher of the present invention may be configured such that when the control unit detects the stop of the moving part during movement, the driving of the driving part is stopped. According to this configuration, even when there is no operation part on the door body covering the front surface, the dishwasher can automatically pull out the moving part by the driving device to the position where tableware can be accommodated. Thereby, the usability of the dishwasher is improved. Furthermore, it can be adapted to the design of a diversified system kitchen. Also, when the moving part is stopped at a predetermined position, the time for the driving part to enter the locked state is shortened. Therefore, an excessive load is not applied to the driving part. Furthermore, even when the moving part collides with an obstacle and stops, the occurrence of defects with respect to the obstacle can be prevented.

[0238] In addition, the dishwasher of the present invention may be configured such that the control unit monitors the current of the driving part and detects the stop of the moving part based on the change in the current. According to this configuration, the control unit detects an increase in the current that occurs when the moving part stops due to some load. Thereby, the control unit can stop the driving part in a short time.

[0239] In addition, the dishwasher of the present invention may be provided with a sensor for detecting acceleration, and the control unit may be configured to monitor the acceleration of the moving part by the sensor and detect the stop of the moving part based on the magnitude or change of the acceleration. According to this configuration, the control unit detects the magnitude or change of the acceleration when the moving part stops due to some load. Thereby, the control unit can stop the driving part in a short time.

[0240] In addition, the dishwasher of the present invention may be configured such that when the control unit detects contact with an obstacle or the occurrence of a load during the movement of the moving part, the driving part is stopped. According to this configuration , the occurrence of defects with respect to the obstacle in contact with the moving part can be prevented. Also, even when the user knocks on the door body intentionally, the control unit can immediately stop the driving of the driving part.

[0241] Further, the dishwasher of the present invention may be configured such that the control unit monitors the current of the drive unit and detects contact with an obstacle or the occurrence of a load during the movement of the moving unit based on the change in the current. According to this configuration, the control unit detects an increase in the current when contact with an obstacle or a load occurs in the moving unit. Thereby, the control unit can stop the drive unit in a short time.

[0242] Further, the dishwasher of the present invention may be configured such that the sensor detects vibration by acceleration, and the control unit monitors the acceleration of the moving unit by the sensor and detects contact with an obstacle or the occurrence of a load during the movement of the moving unit based on the change in the acceleration. According to this configuration, the control unit detects a change in the acceleration when contact with an obstacle or a load occurs in the moving unit. Thereby, the control unit can stop the drive unit in a short time.

[0243] Further, the dishwasher of the present invention may be configured such that the drive device includes a drive unit, a pinion gear driven by the drive unit, and a rack gear meshing with the pinion gear. The drive unit is fixed inside the housing such that the pinion gear is located near the front opening, and the rack gear is fixed to the support mechanism. According to this configuration, when the moving unit moves forward and is pulled out to be in a forward-downward state, the vicinity of the pinion gear provided at the front serves as a fulcrum. Thereby, the possibility that the meshing between the rack gear and the pinion gear becomes disengaged is low. Therefore, when providing a mechanism for preventing disengagement separately, the mechanism can be configured simply.

[0244] Further, the dishwasher of the present invention may be configured such that the drive device includes a drive unit, a pinion gear driven by the drive unit, and a rack gear meshing with the pinion gear. The drive unit is fixed to the rear part of the support mechanism, and the rack gear is fixed inside the housing. According to this configuration, in the arrangement of the signal line and the power line from the control unit to the drive unit, it is only necessary to perform processing on the support mechanism side without routing them to the housing side. Therefore, the design and assembly become easy, and the workability of maintenance is improved.

[0245] Further, in the dishwasher of the present invention, the drive device may include a drive unit and a roller driven by the drive unit, and the outer peripheral surface of the roller may be configured to be in pressure contact with a pressure contact rail provided on the support mechanism. According to this configuration, even when there is no operation unit on the door body that covers the front surface, the dishwasher can automatically pull out the moving part to the position where tableware can be accommodated by the drive device. Thereby, the usability of the dishwasher is improved. In addition, it can be easily adapted to the designs of diversified system kitchens. Furthermore, at the time of assembly, it is not necessary to worry about the meshing of gears as in the rack & pinion type, and the assembly becomes easier.

[0246] Further, in the dishwasher of the present invention, the drive device may be configured to move the moving part at a moving speed of 150 mm / sec to 250 mm / sec. According to this configuration, even when there is no operation unit on the door body that covers the front surface, the dishwasher can automatically pull out the moving part to the position where tableware can be accommodated by the drive device. Thereby, the usability of the dishwasher is improved. In addition, it can be easily adapted to the designs of diversified system kitchens. Moreover, it can give a high level of satisfaction to the user without making the user feel dissatisfied with the moving speed of the moving part.

[0247] Further, in the dishwasher of the present invention, the drive device may be configured to move the moving part with a kinetic energy of 0.5 J or less. According to this configuration, even if the moving part comes into contact with an obstacle such as a person during movement or a person's hand or finger is pinched during storage, the impact can be mitigated. Thereby, the safety of the dishwasher is improved.

[0248] Further, in the dishwasher of the present invention, the control unit may be configured to drive the drive unit with two or more stepped different voltages According to this configuration, at the time of stopping or the like, the shock applied to the stored tableware can be reduced. Thereby, the generation of noise and the breakage of tableware due to the contact of tableware with each other can be prevented in advance. In addition, the splashing of the water stored in the moving washing tank can be suppressed. Therefore, the water can be prevented from splashing out of the washing tank or the tableware dried after washing can be prevented from getting wet.

[0249] In addition, the dishwasher control unit of the present invention may be configured to cut off the motor circuit when the drive unit is stopped. According to this configuration, when the user manually moves the moving part, the disconnection from the motor circuit can prevent the abnormal voltage from being applied to the printed circuit board of the control unit due to the back electromotive force generated by the idling of the drive unit. As a result, the load on the user during manual operation can be reduced, and a highly reliable dishwasher can be realized.

[0250] In addition, the dishwasher control unit of the present invention may be configured to drive the drive unit until the dish basket is substantially fully opened upward. According to this configuration, the drive unit can automatically pull out the moving part. Therefore, the user can easily load and unload dishes without manual labor.

[0251] In addition, the dishwasher of the present invention may be provided with a remote control for transmitting an operation signal, and the control unit may be configured to drive the drive unit when a predetermined operation signal from the remote control is detected. According to this configuration, the user can operate the dishwasher from a location away from the dishwasher. As a result, the convenience of the dishwasher is further improved.

Industrial Applicability

[0252] The dishwasher of the present invention can easily pull out and store the washing tub and execute the washing operation even if a decorative panel without an operation unit or a handle is attached to improve the design. Therefore, it is useful as a dishwasher that is built into a system kitchen and used where design unity is required.

Explanation of Signs

[0253] 3,36 tableware 4,47 dish basket 7,50 washing pump 8,48 washing nozzle 9 water supply valve 14 main body 15,33 washing tub 16, 17, 31a, 34 Slide Rail 18, 54 Rack Gear 19 Drive Motor 20 Gear 21, 37 Inner Cover 22 Packing 23 Door 24 Handle Part 31 Housing 32 Front Opening 35 Upper Opening 38 Parallel Link Mechanism 39 Seal Part 40 Door Body 41 Operation Panel 42 Decorative Panel 43 Handle 44 Control Unit 45 Acceleration Sensor (Sensor) 46 Operation Part 46b Second Operation Part 49 Heater 51 Driving Device 52 Drive Motor 53 Pinion Gear 55 Driving Device 56 Drive Motor 57 Roller 58 Pressing Rail 59 Position Detection Part 60 Locking Part 60a First Protrusion 60b Second Protrusion 71 Housing 72 Front Opening 73 Washing Tank 74 Door Body 74a Upper Surface 75 Washing Space 76 Tableware 77 Lower Tableware Basket 78 Upper Tableware Basket 79 Operation Part 80 Support Mechanism 81 Support Member 81a Front End Part 82 Slide Rail 82a Fixed Rail Movable rails 82b and 82c Drive device 83 Drive motor 84 Pinion gear 85 Rack gear 86

Claims

1. a housing having a front opening at the front, a tableware basket for storing tableware, a moving part including a door body and a washing tank that cover the front opening, and a driving device having a driving part for moving the moving part forward at least to a position where tableware can be stored, a control part for controlling at least the driving of the driving part, the driving device includes the driving part, a pinion gear driven by the driving part, and a rack gear formed by engaging with the pinion gear and arranging teeth downward and in a straight line, the driving part is fixed inside the housing so that the pinion gear is located near the front opening, the rack gear is fixed to the washing tank and has a length of at least the stroke in which the washing tank is pulled out, a dishwasher.

2. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the rack gear is fixed to a lower part of one of the outer sides of the left and right side surfaces of the washing tank.

3. The dishwasher according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the driving device is provided with a clutch mechanism or a slip mechanism.

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