dishwasher

Abstract

To provide a dishwasher capable of easily supplying water to a water storage tank from the outside of a body.SOLUTION: A dishwasher according to the present invention includes: a body; a washing tank that is provided within the body and that has a front opening allowing an object-to-be-washed such as tableware to be taken in and out; washing equipment for washing the object-to-be-washed housed within the washing tank; a door body for openably / closably covering the front opening; and a water storage tank for storing water necessary for washing of the object-to-be-washed below the washing tank. A water supply port for supplying the water to the water storage tank from the outside of the body is provided on the front side of the water storage tank.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a dishwasher. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, dishwashers equipped with a water storage tank that stores water to be supplied to the washing tub of the dishwasher are known (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-230498 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, conventional dishwashers still have room for improvement in terms of supplying water to the water tank.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and to provide a dishwasher in which water can be easily supplied to the water tank. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the present invention provides a dishwasher comprising: a main body; a washing tub provided in the main body and having a front opening through which items to be washed, such as dishes, are put in and taken out; a washing device for washing the items contained in the washing tub; a door that can open and close freely to cover the front opening; and a water storage tank below the washing tub for storing water required to wash the items to be washed, the water storage tank having a protruding portion that protrudes forward beyond the door and a water supply port on an upper surface of the protruding portion for supplying water to the water storage tank from outside the main body. The water supply port is formed so that its width is longer than its depth when viewed from above, and the maximum width of the water supply port is longer than the height from the lowest to the highest level of water when the water storage tank is full. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the dishwasher of the present invention, water can be easily supplied to the water storage tank from outside the main body. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a dishwasher according to a first embodiment of the present invention, with a door and a water supply port of a water storage tank closed; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dishwasher with a door opened according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a state in which a water supply port of a water storage tank of a dishwasher according to a first embodiment of the present invention is open; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a dishwasher according to a first embodiment of the present invention, with a water supply port of a water storage tank in an open state; [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a partial plan view of a dishwasher according to a first embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which a water supply port of a water storage tank is open. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a partial rear perspective view of a dishwasher according to a first embodiment of the present invention with its outer shell removed; [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a rear view of a dishwasher according to a first embodiment of the present invention with its outer shell removed. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is an end view taken at the position AA of the dishwasher in the state where the water supply port of the water tank is closed in the first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a partial end view of the dishwasher according to the first embodiment of the present invention, taken along the line AA, with the water supply port of the water storage tank open. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a simplified explanatory diagram showing the flow of water supplied to a dishwasher according to a first embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Findings that form the basis of the present invention) The present inventors have conducted extensive research into how to efficiently recover water from the heating chamber, and have come to the following findings.

[0010] Some conventional dishwashers are equipped with a water storage tank. However, in these dishwashers, the water storage tank must be removed from the dishwasher body, filled with water, and then installed back into the dishwasher body before use. Even in dishwashers that can be filled with water without removing the water storage tank, the water inlet is often located in a place that is difficult for users to access, causing inconvenience.

[0011] In addition, in the case of countertop dishwashers, which are often placed on top of the kitchen counter, the overwhelming majority of countertop dishwashers are placed right next to the kitchen sink, because this allows the dishes to be immediately loaded into the dishwasher, and also allows the dishes to be pre-washed with water from the faucet attached to the sink before being loaded directly into the dishwasher, which then starts to wash the dishes.

[0012] The inventors have therefore come up with the following invention for a dishwasher having a water supply port that makes it easy to supply water to the water tank without removing or attaching the water tank to the dishwasher.

[0013] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dishwasher comprising: a main body; a washing tub provided within the main body and having a front opening through which items to be washed, such as dishes, are put in and taken out; a washing device for washing the items to be washed contained in the washing tub; a door body that can be opened and closed freely to cover the front opening; and a water storage tank below the washing tub for storing the water needed to wash the items to be washed, the dishwasher having a water supply port on the front side of the water storage tank for supplying water from outside the main body to the water storage tank.

[0014] This configuration makes it easy for users to fill the water tank with water, for example, from another container or a water hose. Also, if the dishwasher is placed right next to a kitchen sink, any water spilled during filling can easily flow into the sink. When a dishwasher is placed right next to a kitchen sink, the water inlet is often positioned slightly above the sink and at the same height as the faucet, making it very easy for users to fill the water inlet.

[0015] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the dishwasher according to the first aspect, wherein the water supply port is arranged on an upper surface of a protrusion that protrudes forward beyond the door body.

[0016] This configuration makes it easier for users to fill the water tank with water, for example, from another container or a water hose. Also, if the dishwasher is placed right next to a kitchen sink, the protruding portion may extend beyond the kitchen counter toward the sink, making it easier for water spills to flow into the sink. Also, when a dishwasher is placed right next to a kitchen sink, the water inlet is often positioned slightly above the sink and at the same height as the faucet, making it very easy for users to fill the water inlet.

[0017] According to a third aspect of the present invention, the water supply port is formed so that its width is longer than its depth when viewed from above, and the maximum width of the water supply port is equal to the width from the lowest level to the highest level of the water when the water storage tank is full. The dishwasher according to the first or second aspect is provided, which has a length greater than a height dimension.

[0018] With this configuration, the wide water inlet makes it less likely for water to spill from both sides when filling the tank, and the short depth of the water inlet makes it more likely for water to spill from the front of the inlet when filling the tank, but if the dishwasher is placed right next to a kitchen sink, even if water is spilled when filling the tank, it can easily flow into the sink. Also, because the maximum width of the water inlet is longer than the height from the lowest to highest level of the water in the water storage tank when it is full, it makes it less likely for water to overflow from the water storage tank when a user suddenly pours water from another container or water from a water hose into the water inlet of the water storage tank.

[0019] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the dishwasher according to the second aspect, wherein a weight is disposed on the protrusion.

[0020] This configuration prevents the dishwasher body from moving backward or tipping backward. In this embodiment, the water storage tank is located below the wash tub, so if the wash tub were to have the same dish capacity as a conventional dishwasher, the dishwasher body would inevitably be taller than conventional models. Furthermore, the wash pump that supplies wash water to the washing device is located at the rear of the body, and the weight and rearward momentum of the door when the door is opened from a closed position toward the top of the body inevitably cause the center of gravity of the body to be shifted toward the rear. Furthermore, when the water storage tank is located toward the front of the body, it is common for the door to be opened and dishes to be placed in the wash tub when the water storage tank is almost empty, which can lead to poor balance of the body's center of gravity. Even in such cases, the dishwasher body can be prevented from moving backward or tipping backward.

[0021] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the dishwasher according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the main body has legs at the front of its bottom surface, and the water supply port is arranged forward of the legs.

[0022] This configuration makes it easier for the user to fill the water tank with water, for example, from a separate container or a water hose. Also, if the front legs of the dishwasher are located close to a kitchen sink, this makes it easier for water to flow into the sink even if it is spilled when filling the tank.

[0023] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dishwasher as described in any one of the first to fifth aspects, which has a recess in the main body located above the water inlet and below the door body, and the recess has a first inclined portion that slopes downward, and which is configured so that some of the water adhering to the first inclined portion flows into the water inlet.

[0024] With this configuration, even if water is spilled on the main body (which is located above the water inlet and below the door body and also behind the water inlet), some of the water will flow into the water inlet and be collected in the water storage tank of the water inlet.

[0025] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the dishwasher according to the sixth aspect, wherein the first inclined portion is provided with a waterproof operation display unit, and the operation display unit notifies the user when the water level in the water tank is below a predetermined level or when the water level has reached the predetermined level.

[0026] With this configuration, a waterproof operation display unit is disposed on the first inclined portion, and even if water is spilled on the operation unit located above the water inlet and below the door body (which is also located behind the water inlet), water can be prevented from entering the operation display unit and causing damage to the operation display unit. Also, since the operation display unit is disposed in a position just behind the water inlet, if the operation display unit notifies the user whether the amount of water in the water storage tank is full (or the appropriate amount) or low, the user can check the water storage tank. The state of the water can be easily recognized.

[0027] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the dishwasher according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, further comprising a lid portion that covers the water supply port, the lid portion having a second inclined portion that inclines downward and forward.

[0028] With this configuration, when water is not being supplied to the water storage tank, the lid can be closed to prevent foreign objects and dust from entering the water storage tank. The lid can be either movable or detachable. Furthermore, because the lid is tilted downward and forward, even if water accidentally gets on the lid, if the dishwasher is placed right next to a kitchen sink, the water from the lid can easily flow from the bottom of the dishwasher body into the sink.

[0029] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dishwasher as described in any one of the first to seventh aspects, which has a movable lid that covers the water supply port, and when the lid is movable open, a rib is formed by part of the lid that directs water into the water tank.

[0030] With this configuration, when the movable lid is opened, a rib that directs water into the water storage tank is formed in part of the lid, so that water put into the water supply port is reliably guided to the water storage tank, and water put into the water supply port is prevented as much as possible from leaking out through gaps in the movable lid.

[0031] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the X direction is the width direction of the dishwasher body 1, the Y direction is the front-rear direction (depth direction), and the Z direction is the height direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0032] (Embodiment 1) Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a dishwasher according to a first embodiment of the present invention with the door and the water supply port of the water storage tank closed. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a dishwasher according to a first embodiment of the present invention with the door open. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a dishwasher according to a first embodiment of the present invention with the water supply port of the water storage tank open.

[0033] Fig. 4 is a partial perspective view of the dishwasher in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention with the water supply port of the water storage tank open. Fig. 5 is a partial plan view of the dishwasher in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention with the water supply port of the water storage tank open.

[0034] Fig. 6 is a partial rear perspective view of the dishwasher in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention with the outer shell removed. Fig. 7 is a back view of the dishwasher in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention with the outer shell removed.

[0035] Fig. 8 is an end view taken at position AA of the dishwasher in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention with the water supply port of the water storage tank closed. Fig. 9 is a partial end view taken at position AA of the dishwasher in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention with the water supply port of the water storage tank open.

[0036] FIG. 10 is a simplified explanatory diagram showing the flow of water supplied to the dishwasher in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, a washing tub 2 made of resin is provided inside the dishwasher body 1. A front opening 3 is provided in front of the washing tub 2, through which dishes and other items to be washed are put in and taken out. The top and bottom of the front opening 3 are configured to be opened and closed by doors (upper door 4 and lower door 5). In this embodiment, the doors are configured as upper door 4 and lower door 5, but the front opening 3 may be opened and closed by only one door, or by multiple doors. It may consist of a body.

[0038] A seal member (not shown) made of an elastic material such as silicone rubber is attached to the front surface around the front opening 3. The seal member and an upper door body seal receiving portion (not shown) provided on the upper door body 4 are configured to ensure a seal between the upper door body 4 and the front opening 3 so that water does not leak outside the main body. In addition, a seal member (not shown) provided on the lower door body 5 and an upper door body seal receiving portion (not shown) provided on the inside surface of the upper door body are configured to ensure a seal between the upper door body 4 and the lower door body 5 so that water does not leak outside the main body.

[0039] 1, the upper door 4 and the lower door 5 are opened and closed by being rotated in conjunction with each other by a pair of door opening / closing mechanisms (not shown) provided on the left and right outer walls of the cleaning tank 2 (FIG. 2). The upper door 4 is opened to a position directly above the main body and approximately horizontal, and the lower door 5 is opened to a position below the front of the front opening 3 and approximately horizontal with its inner surface facing upward.

[0040] A recess 12 is formed below the upper door 4, with the width direction (X direction) being longer than the height direction (Z direction), and is configured so that the user's fingers can be placed on the rear side of the grip 11. A first inclined portion 13 that slopes forward and downward is formed in this recess 12. Although not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an operation display unit 13a is arranged on the first inclined portion 13 in FIG. 3.

[0041] The operation display unit 13a is waterproof. As an example, the operation display unit 13a may be an operation display panel with a membrane structure. The membrane on the operation display surface can cover the openings for operating the switches as operation buttons, thereby improving watertightness, and therefore it is also used in devices that may be exposed to water, such as dishwashers. The operation display panel with a membrane structure has a membrane-like member on its surface, and switches are mounted on a circuit board and arranged behind the membrane-like member. The switches are operated via the membrane-like member. For this reason, the membrane-like member is flexible, and a force transmission member is provided to transmit the pressing force applied to the membrane-like member to the switch.

[0042] Furthermore, by using a translucent material as the film-like member and mounting a light-emitting member such as an LED behind the film-like member, a part of the operation display unit 13a can be turned on, blinked, or turned off to visually notify the user. Note that as a method of notifying the user, a sound generator such as a speaker or buzzer may be mounted on the main body 1 to generate some kind of sound.

[0043] Furthermore, although not shown in the present embodiment, a control device consisting of a microcomputer, CPU, etc. is installed inside the main body, and when a user, described later, operates the power button 132, various setting buttons, or pause / start button 133 on the operation display unit 13a, the control device inputs the operation signal, and the control device outputs a signal to open the water supply valve 15 to supply water from the faucet into the cleaning tank 2 via the faucet water supply hose 38, thereby allowing water from the faucet to be supplied into the cleaning tank 2.

[0044] Furthermore, the control device is configured to output a signal to drive the washing pump 22, suck up the washing water stored in the washing tank 2 with the washing pump 22, guide the washing water to the washing nozzle water conduit (not shown), and spray the washing water from the washing nozzle 14 (washing device) to perform washing and rinsing operations on items to be washed, such as dishes, in the washing tank 2.

[0045] When the predetermined washing or rinsing operation is completed, the control device starts the drain pump (not shown). ) to drain the water in the cleaning tank 2 to the outside of the main body via a drainage path (not shown) inside the main body and a drainage hose 37.

[0046] The control device may be configured to execute a drying operation to dry the dishes in the washing tub 2 using a drying device (not shown) after the washing operation and rinsing operation are completed.

[0047] When the user presses the pause / start button 133 while the dishwasher is running, the control device can stop the operation of the water supply valve 15, the washing pump 22, the drain pump (not shown), the water supply pump 24 (described below), etc., thereby stopping the operation of the dishwasher.

[0048] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, the user can select one of two patterns by operating the various setting buttons on the operation display unit 13a: a method in which tap water is supplied from the branch water faucet into the washing tank 2 to wash and rinse dishes, or a method in which water stored in the water storage tank 23 described below is supplied into the washing tank 2 to wash and rinse dishes.

[0049] The configuration for supplying water stored in water storage tank 23 into washing tub 2 to wash and rinse dishes will now be described in detail.

[0050] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, inside the main body 1, a water storage tank 23 is installed below the washing tank 2, separate from the washing tank 2, for storing the water needed to wash items such as dishes.

[0051] 1 to 3, the main body 1 has a water supply port 26 at a substantially central position on the lower front side, in front of the water storage tank 23, for supplying water from outside the main body to the water storage tank 23. Water can be supplied into the water storage tank 23 from this water supply port 26 using a container such as a measuring cup or bucket, or a hose connected to a water tap.

[0052] In this embodiment, the maximum width of the water supply port 26 is about 22 cm, and the maximum depth is about 7.5 cm (when the lid 29 is open).

[0053] In this embodiment, a movable lid 29 is provided to cover water inlet 26, and lid 29 can be closed when water is not being supplied from water inlet 26 (FIGS. 1 and 2), and can be opened when water is being supplied from water inlet 26 (FIG. 3). When lid 29 is closed, a protrusion 29c is formed on the top surface of lid 29, and when a user touches protrusion 29c and applies a downward force, lid 29 rotates and can be opened as shown in FIG. 3. Note that lid 29 may be movable or detachable.

[0054] Water supply port 26 is located below the door bodies (upper door body 4 and lower door body 5) when they are closed as shown in Figures 1 and 3, on the upper surface of protrusion 25 which protrudes forward from the door bodies. In this embodiment, protrusion 25 has a maximum width of about 35 cm, a maximum depth of about 4 cm, and a maximum height of about 13.5 cm (when lid 29 is closed).

[0055] Therefore, if lid 29 is movable in the front-to-rear direction as in this embodiment, the depth dimension of water inlet 26 can be made longer than the depth dimension of protrusion 25 (the opening in the depth direction of water inlet 26 can be widened). Note that a configuration may also be adopted in which water inlet 26 is provided directly on the front surface of the main body without providing protrusion 25, and a movable or removable lid 29 is provided for opening and closing water inlet 26.

[0056] In addition, since the protruding portion 25 is provided in the approximate center of the bottom of the main body 1, there is a space on both sides of the protruding portion 25 between it and the main body 1. This space can be used to comfortably accommodate a water faucet.

[0057] As shown in Fig. 4, when lid 29 is open, translucent portion 26a and water level line 26b are located on the back wall of water inlet 26 in positions that allow the user to recognize them from above and in front. If water level line 26b is used as a line indicating when water storage tank 23 is full (or at an appropriate level), the user can fill water while knowing how much water is needed to fill it. In this embodiment, the amount of water required to perform a normal washing and rinsing cycle is, for example, about 8 liters, so when about 9 liters of water is stored in water storage tank 23, the user can visually recognize through translucent portion 26a that the water has reached water level line 26b.

[0058] Furthermore, when the user turns on the power by pressing the power button 132, if the water tank is not full or the water level is less than a predetermined level, the water supply lamp 131 may be turned on or flashing to notify the user that there is insufficient water in the water storage tank 23. Furthermore, if the water tank is full or reaches a predetermined level, the water supply lamp 131 may be turned off, or a speaker, buzzer, or the like may be used to notify the user that the water tank is full or reaches a predetermined level.

[0059] As a different notification pattern, when the user turns on the power by pressing the power button 132, if the water tank is not full or the water level is less than a predetermined level, the water supply lamp 131 may be turned off and the user may be notified by a speaker, buzzer, etc. that there is insufficient water in the water storage tank 23. Furthermore, when the water tank is full or reaches a predetermined level, the water supply lamp 131 may be turned on or flashing, or a notification that the water tank is full or reaches a predetermined level may be made by a speaker, buzzer, etc. These sound and visual notifications may be combined as appropriate.

[0060] 5, a mesh filter 27 is disposed below the water supply port 26, so that even if some foreign matter enters through the water supply port 26, the foreign matter will not enter the water storage tank 23. Furthermore, when the lid 29 is open, a part of the back side of the lid 29 serves as a water receiving portion 29e to receive water and send it to the water storage tank 23.

[0061] Furthermore, by tilting the water receiving portion 29e backward and downward, the water supplied to the water supply port 26 can be reliably guided to the water storage tank 23, and the water contained in the water supply port 26 can be prevented as much as possible from leaking out through the gaps in the movable lid portion 29.

[0062] 8 and 9, the main body 1 has a leg 1a at the front of its bottom surface, and the water inlet 26 and protrusion 25 are located further forward than the leg 1a. Furthermore, the lid 29 is formed with a second inclined portion 29a that slopes forward and downward, and the surface located between the lid 29 and the operation and display unit 13a formed with the first inclined portion 13 is formed with a third inclined portion 30 that slopes forward and downward.

[0063] In many cases, dishwasher body 1 is placed in a kitchen with legs 1a on top of kitchen counter 50, close to or near the sink, or on the edge of the sink. This is because kitchens are often small and limited in area.

[0064] In this situation, even if water is spilled on the main body (which is located above the water inlet 26 and below the door body), such as the first inclined portion 13 or the third inclined portion 30, when supplying water to the water inlet 26, some of the water will flow into the water inlet 26 in Figure 9 and can be collected in the water storage tank 23.

[0065] In addition, when the lid 29 is closed as shown in FIG. 8, the lid 29 is configured with a second inclined portion 29a that is inclined forward and downward. Therefore, even if water accidentally gets on the top surface of the lid 29, if the dishwasher is placed right next to the kitchen sink, the water on the top surface of the lid 29 will not get on the dishwasher. This allows the water to flow more easily from the lower part of the dishwasher body (projection 25) to the sink 51.

[0066] 9, when lid 29 is open, rib 29b is formed from part of lid 29 so as to direct water into water storage tank 23. Rib 29b, in combination with the configuration of water receiving portion 29e described above, reliably guides water supplied to water supply port 26 into water storage tank 23 (see dotted arrow in FIG. 9), and can prevent water put into water supply port 26 from leaking out through gaps in movable lid 29 as much as possible.

[0067] As mentioned above, when lid portion 29 is closed, the top surface of lid portion 29 has protrusion 29c, and when a user touches protrusion 29c and applies downward force, lid portion 29 rotates, and lid portion 29 can be opened as shown in Figure 3 because hinge portion 29d shown in Figure 9 allows lid portion 29 to be moved freely to open and close.

[0068] As water is supplied from the water supply port 26, the float 23a that detects the water level in the water tank 23 rises, and when the water tank 23 reaches the full water position P (or a predetermined amount), an output signal from a detection means such as a Hall IC that detects the position of the float 23a is input to the control device, and an alert is issued by the water supply lamp 131 or sound as described above.

[0069] Furthermore, the height dimension Q from the lowest to the highest level of the water in the water storage tank 23 when it is full is approximately 11 cm. The maximum width dimension (approximately 22 cm) of the water supply port 26 is longer than the height dimension Q from the lowest to the highest level of the water in the water storage tank 23 when it is full, so that when a user suddenly pours water from another container or water from a water hose into the water supply port 26 of the water storage tank 23, it is possible to prevent water from overflowing from the water storage tank 23.

[0070] Furthermore, a weight 28 is disposed on the front side of the interior of the protrusion 25. In this embodiment, the weight 28 is made of rust-resistant stainless steel, but it may also be made of galvanized steel plate. The total weight of the weight 28 is about 500 g. Incidentally, the width of the main body 1 is about 55 cm, the depth is about 34 cm, and the height is about 60 cm, and the mass of the main body 1 is about 19 kg (the mass of the main body 1 when there are no items to be washed, such as dishes, in the washing tank 2).

[0071] Furthermore, because heavy components such as the wash pump 22 are located at the rear of the main body 1 and the water storage tank 23 is located below the wash tub 2 compared to a conventional dishwasher that does not have the water storage tank 23, the height of the main body 1 is about 20 cm higher than that of a conventional dishwasher, which reduces the stability of the main body 1 and causes the center of gravity of the main body 1 to be shifted further rearward. Furthermore, when the upper door 4 is opened and rotated upward, the main body 1 may shift backward or be prone to tipping over. By installing the weight 28, the stability of the main body can be increased and the main body 1 can be prevented from shifting backward or tipping over as much as possible.

[0072] Next, the configuration for sending water stored in water storage tank 23 to cleaning tank 2 will be described. As shown in Figures 6 to 8, water supply pump 24, which sucks water stored in water storage tank 23, is disposed at the rear of main body 1. When the control device operates water supply pump 24, the water sucked by water supply pump 24 passes through water supply pipe 24a and is sent into cleaning tank 2 from water supply hole 24c provided on the side of cleaning tank 2. A flow meter 24b is provided midway along water supply pipe 24a, which measures the amount of water required for cleaning and rinsing in cleaning tank 2, and when the control device determines that the required amount has been supplied to cleaning tank 2, it stops water supply pump 24.

[0073] As shown in Figure 6, the water supply pipe 24a is connected to the water supply hole 24c of the cleaning tank 2 above the water supply hole 24c and above the maximum water level in the cleaning tank 2, preventing backflow from the cleaning tank 2 to the water supply pump 24.

[0074] 6 to 8, in order to accommodate a method of supplying tap water from a branch tap into washing tub 2 to wash and rinse dishes, a tap water supply hose 38 and a tap water supply unit 39 are arranged at the rear of main body 1, and a water supply valve 15 for controlling the water supplied from the branch tap into washing tub 2 is installed inside main body 1. A flow meter may be provided integrally with water supply valve 15, or a flow meter may be provided midway along faucet water supply hose 38.

[0075] An example of a series of operations of the dishwasher of this embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG.

[0076] [Operation when using a water tank] When the user presses power button 132 on operation display unit 13a, the dishwasher is turned on. If water supply lamp 131 on operation display unit 13a is flashing, this means that there is not enough water in water storage tank 23. Therefore, after opening lid 29, water is supplied to water storage tank 23 from water supply port 26 using a measuring cup (a hand-held container such as a bucket or a hose from a water tap can also be used) that is attached to the dishwasher and can be used to measure the amount of water.

[0077] When the water level in the water storage tank 23 reaches near the water level line 26b due to water supply, the water supply lamp 131 goes out and a buzzer sounds to notify that the amount of water in the water storage tank 23 is sufficient to operate the dishwasher.

[0078] The user presses the various setting buttons on the operation display unit 13a to set the wash or rinse course, and the wash operation starts when he presses the pause / start button 133. Here, if the water supply lamp 131 is still flashing, the wash operation cannot be started even if the pause / start button 133 is pressed.

[0079] When the washing operation starts according to each course, water is sucked from the water storage tank 23 by the water supply pump 24, and the water is supplied to the washing tank 2 through the water supply pipe 24a and the water supply hole 24c of the washing tank 2. At this time, the amount of water required for each course is measured by the flow meter 24b, and once the required amount of water has been supplied to the washing tank 2, the operation of the water supply pump 24 stops.

[0080] The water supplied to the bottom of the washing tub 2 is heated to an appropriate temperature by a wash water heater (not shown), and the washing pump 22 is started to operate, starting the washing process. The washing pump 22 sucks water from the washing tub 2 and sprays the wash water from the washing nozzle 14 through a washing nozzle water conduit (not shown). The sprayed wash water comes into contact with the dishes and other items to be washed placed in the dish basket 7, washing them. Residues and the like washed away from the dishes and other items are collected by a residue filter 33 located at the bottom of the washing tub 2, and the washed wash water is stored at the bottom of the washing tub 2 and is sucked again by the washing pump 22 and sprayed from the washing nozzle 14 through the washing nozzle water conduit (not shown), repeating this process to wash the dishes.

[0081] Furthermore, if detergent such as liquid detergent, powder detergent or tablet detergent is placed in a designated detergent container (not shown) or at the bottom of the cleaning tank 2 before starting cleaning, the cleaning water sprayed from the cleaning nozzle 14 will mix with the detergent, and as the detergent dissolves in the water, cleaning water containing detergent will be created.

[0082] When the cleaning process is completed after a predetermined period of time, a drain pump (not shown) is driven, and cleaning water is drained from drain hose 37 via a drain path (not shown) into sink 51 or the like outside the main body. This cleaning process may have a course of being performed multiple times. (Water storage tank 23 stores an amount of water to perform multiple cleanings.)

[0083] Once drainage of the cleaning tank 2 is complete, the drain pump is stopped and the rinsing process begins. In the rinsing process, water is sucked from the water storage tank 23 by the water supply pump 24, and supplied to the cleaning tank 2 from the water supply hole 24c of the cleaning tank 2 via the water supply pipe 24a. At this time, the amount of water required for rinsing of the relevant course is measured by the flow meter 24b, and once the required amount of water has been supplied to the cleaning tank 2, the operation of the water supply pump 24 is stopped.

[0084] The water supplied to the bottom of the washing tub 2 is heated to an appropriate temperature by a wash water heater (not shown) (it does not need to be heated during rinsing), and the washing pump 22 is started to operate, starting the rinsing process. The washing pump 22 sucks water from the washing tub 2, passes through a washing nozzle water conduit (not shown), and sprays rinsing water from the washing nozzle 14. The sprayed rinsing water comes into contact with the dishes and other items to be washed placed in the dish basket 7, rinsing the dishes and other items. The rinsing water used to rinse the dishes and other items is stored at the bottom of the washing tub 2, and is sucked in again by the washing pump 22, passes through the washing nozzle water conduit (not shown), and is sprayed from the washing nozzle 14, and this process is repeated to rinse the dishes.

[0085] When the rinsing process is completed after a predetermined period of time, a drain pump (not shown) is driven, and rinsing water is drained from drain hose 37 via a drain path (not shown) into sink 51 or the like outside the main body. This rinsing process may have a course of being performed multiple times (water sufficient for performing multiple rinses is stored in water storage tank 23).

[0086] After the rinsing process is completed, a heated rinsing process may be started to sterilize the dishes with high-temperature water, or if the dishwasher is equipped with a drying device, a drying process may be started to dry the dishes. The above is the series of operating steps of a dishwasher when using the water storage tank 23.

[0087] [Operation when using a branch water faucet] The dishwasher turns on when the user presses the power button 132 on the operation and display unit 13a. The setting buttons on the operation and display unit 13a can be used to change the setting from using water from the water storage tank 23 to using water from the branch water faucet, and the setting buttons are used to change the setting to using water from the branch water faucet. When the setting is changed to using water from the faucet, the water supply lamp 131 on the operation and display unit 13a turns off.

[0088] When the user presses the various setting buttons on the operation display unit 13a to set the washing or rinsing course and presses the pause / start button 133, the washing operation starts.

[0089] When a washing operation starts according to each course, water supply valve 15 is opened and water is supplied from the branch faucet through faucet water supply hose 38 and faucet water supply section 39 into washing tank 2. At this time, the amount of water required for each course is measured using a flow meter integrated with water supply valve 15, and once the required amount of water has been supplied to washing tank 2, water supply valve 15 is closed.

[0090] The water supplied to the bottom of the washing tub 2 is heated to an appropriate temperature by a wash water heater (not shown), and the washing pump 22 is started to operate, starting the washing process. The washing pump 22 sucks water from the washing tub 2 and sprays the wash water from the washing nozzle 14 through a washing nozzle water conduit (not shown). The sprayed wash water comes into contact with the dishes and other items to be washed placed in the dish basket 7, washing them. Residues and the like washed away from the dishes and other items are collected by a residue filter 33 located at the bottom of the washing tub 2, and the washed wash water is stored at the bottom of the washing tub 2 and is sucked again by the washing pump 22 and sprayed from the washing nozzle 14 through the washing nozzle water conduit (not shown), repeating this process to wash the dishes.

[0091] Before starting the wash, use a liquid detergent, powder detergent, tablet detergent, or other detergent in advance. If the detergent is placed in a detergent container (not shown) or at the bottom of the cleaning tank 2, the cleaning water sprayed from the cleaning nozzle 14 will mix with the detergent, and as the detergent dissolves in the water, the cleaning water will contain detergent.

[0092] After the cleaning process has been performed for a predetermined period of time, the cleaning process is completed and the drain pump (not shown) is driven, and the cleaning water is drained from the drain hose 37 via a drain path (not shown) into a sink 51 or the like outside the main body.

[0093] Once drainage of the cleaning tank 2 is complete, the drain pump is stopped and the rinsing process begins. In the rinsing process, the water supply valve 15 is opened and water is supplied from the branch faucet through the faucet water supply hose 38 and the faucet water supply section 39 into the cleaning tank 2. At this time, the flow meter integrated with the water supply valve 15 measures the amount of water required for each course, and once the required amount of water has been supplied to the cleaning tank 2, the water supply valve 15 is closed.

[0094] The water supplied to the bottom of the washing tub 2 is heated to an appropriate temperature by a wash water heater (not shown) (it does not need to be heated during rinsing), and the washing pump 22 is started to operate, starting the rinsing process. The washing pump 22 sucks water from the washing tub 2, passes through a washing nozzle water conduit (not shown), and sprays rinsing water from the washing nozzle 14. The sprayed rinsing water comes into contact with the dishes and other items to be washed placed in the dish basket 7, rinsing the dishes and other items. The rinsing water used to rinse the dishes and other items is stored at the bottom of the washing tub 2, and is sucked in again by the washing pump 22, passes through the washing nozzle water conduit (not shown), and is sprayed from the washing nozzle 14, and this process is repeated to rinse the dishes.

[0095] After the rinsing process has been performed for a predetermined period of time, the rinsing process is completed by driving a drain pump (not shown), and the rinsing water is drained from the drain hose 37 via a drain path (not shown) into a sink 51 or the like outside the main body.

[0096] After the rinsing process is completed, a heated rinsing process can be started to sterilize the dishes with high-temperature water, or if the dishwasher is equipped with a drying device, a drying process can be started to dry the dishes. The above is the series of operating steps of a dishwasher when using a branch water faucet.

[0097] As described above, the dishwasher of this embodiment can select either tap water from the branch water valve of the water faucet or water stored in the water tank by changing the settings on the operation display unit 13a, making it a user-friendly dishwasher that allows users to choose how to use the dishwasher in the kitchen.

[0098] Conventional dishwashers did not allow the user to choose whether to use water stored in a water tank or tap water from a branch faucet, so there was still room for improvement in terms of user convenience.

[0099] Therefore, in order to solve such problems, the following configuration is provided, and therefore, in this embodiment and the present invention, a dishwasher that is highly convenient for the user can be provided.

[0100] That is, the washing machine comprises a main body, a washing tank provided in the main body and having a front opening through which items to be washed, such as dishes, are put in and taken out, a washing device for washing the items contained in the washing tank, a door that can be freely opened and closed to cover the front opening, a water storage tank for storing water needed to wash the items to be washed, a water supply pump that sends water from the water storage tank to the washing tank, a water supply valve that sends water from tap water to the washing tank, and an operation display unit that allows the user to change various settings, and is operable to wash the items to be washed using water from the water storage tank and to wash the items to be washed using water from tap water. It is also possible to present a dishwasher that allows the user to select either of the above washing methods using the operation display unit. [Industrial Applicability]

[0101] As described above, the dishwasher of the present invention allows water to be easily supplied to the water tank from outside the main body, and is therefore particularly useful as a tabletop dishwasher that is placed on a kitchen worktop or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 1 Main unit 1a Legs 2 Cleaning tank 3 Front opening 4 Upper door body (door body) 5 Lower door body (door body) 7 Dish basket 11 Gripping part 12 recess 13 1st slope part 13a Operation display section 131 Water supply lamp 132 Power button 133 Pause / Start Button 14 Cleaning nozzle (cleaning device) 15 Water supply valve 22 Cleaning pump 23 Water Tank 23a Float 24 Water supply pump 24a Water supply pipe 24b Flow meter 24c Water supply hole 25 Protrusion 26 Water inlet 27 mesh filter 28 weight 29 Lid 29a 2nd slope 29b Rib 29c Convex part 29d Hinge part 29e Water receiving part 30 Third slope 33 Residue filter 37 Drain hose 38 Faucet water supply hose 39 Faucet water supply section 50 Kitchen Counter 51 Sink

Claims

1. The main body and a washing tank provided in the main body and having a front opening through which items to be washed, such as tableware, are put in and taken out; a cleaning device that cleans the objects to be cleaned contained in the cleaning tank; a door body that covers the front opening in an openable and closable manner; a water storage tank below the cleaning tank for storing water necessary for cleaning the object to be cleaned; a protrusion that protrudes forward of the door body and integrally with the main body when the door body is closed; a water supply port for supplying water from outside the main body to the water storage tank on an upper surface of the protruding portion; The water supply port is formed so that its width is longer than its depth when viewed from above, and the maximum width of the water supply port is longer than the height from the lowest to the highest level of water in the water storage tank when it is full.

2. The dishwasher of claim 1 , wherein a weight is disposed on the protrusion.

3. 3. The dishwasher according to claim 1, further comprising legs at the front of the bottom surface of the main body, and the water supply port is disposed forward of the legs.

4. A dishwasher as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the main body has a recess located above the water supply port and below the door body, the recess has a first inclined portion that slopes downward, and a portion of the water adhering to the first inclined portion flows into the water supply port.

5. The main body and a washing tank provided in the main body and having a front opening through which items to be washed, such as tableware, are put in and taken out; a cleaning device that cleans the objects to be cleaned contained in the cleaning tank; a door body that covers the front opening in an openable and closable manner; a water storage tank below the cleaning tank for storing water necessary for cleaning the object to be cleaned; a water supply port for supplying water to the water storage tank from outside the main body, the water supply port being provided on the front side of the water storage tank; The main body has a recess located above the water supply port and below the door body, and the recess has a bottom a first inclined portion inclined toward the water supply port, and a part of the water adhering to the first inclined portion flows into the water supply port; A waterproof operation display unit is disposed on the first inclined portion, and the operation display unit notifies the user when the water level in the water storage tank is below a predetermined level or when the water level reaches the predetermined level.

6. The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a lid portion that covers the water supply port, the lid portion having a second inclined portion that inclines downward toward the front.

7. The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a movable lid that covers the water supply port, and a rib that directs water into the water tank when the lid is movable and open.

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