Dishwasher, washing method, and control program

Abstract

To improve washing efficiency of a dishwasher.SOLUTION: A dishwasher includes: a washing tank 12 in which washed objects such as tableware 13 are stored; a feed water valve 1 for feeding water to the washing tank 12; a washing drainage pump 2 for draining from the washing tank 12; a detergent pump 7 for supplying a detergent to the washing tank 12; an oil amount detection part for detecting the dirt degree of washing water; and a control part for executing a step of controlling the feed water valve 1, the washing drainage pump 2, and the detergent pump 7, and washing washed objects. The control part executes a washing step of washing washed objects in washing water including a detergent, acquires the dirt degree of washing water in the washing step from the oil amount detection part, determines whether to execute an additional washing step according to the dirt degree of washing water, and executes the additional washing step when determining to execute the step.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dishwasher, a cleaning method, and a control program for controlling a dishwasher. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART In a dishwasher, a technique has been proposed in which the turbidity of wash water is detected by an optical sensor and operation is controlled based on the detection result (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for controlling the number of rinse steps based on the turbidity of the wash water in the wash step and the difference between the turbidity of the wash water in the wash step and the turbidity of the wash water in the first rinse step. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-010799 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present inventors have recognized that it is an issue to improve such technology to further increase the washing efficiency of dishwashers.

[0006] The present disclosure provides techniques for improving the cleaning efficiency of dishwashers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The dishwasher of the present disclosure includes a washing tub that accommodates items to be washed, a water supply unit for supplying water to the washing tub, a drain unit for draining water from the washing tub, a detergent supply unit for supplying detergent to the washing tub, a dirt detection unit for detecting the degree of dirt in the wash water, and a control unit that controls the water supply unit, drain unit, and detergent supply unit to execute a process of washing the items to be washed. The control unit executes a washing process in which the items to be washed are washed with washing water containing detergent, obtains the degree of dirt in the washing water from the dirt detection unit, and determines whether to execute an additional washing process depending on the degree of dirt in the washing water, and executes the additional washing process if it is determined to execute the additional washing process.

[0008] The cleaning method of the present disclosure comprises the steps of washing the object to be washed with cleaning water containing detergent in a cleaning tank containing the object to be washed, detecting the degree of dirtiness of the cleaning water in the washing step, deciding whether or not to perform an additional washing step depending on the degree of dirtiness of the cleaning water, and, if it is decided to perform the additional washing step, performing the additional washing step.

[0009] The control program in the present disclosure is a control program for controlling a dishwasher, and causes a computer to execute the steps of washing the items to be washed with washing water containing detergent in a washing tub containing the items to be washed, detecting the degree of dirtiness of the washing water in the washing step, deciding whether to perform an additional washing step depending on the degree of dirtiness of the washing water, and executing the additional washing step if it is decided to perform the additional washing step.

[0010] Any combination of the above components, and conversion of the present disclosure into a method, device, system, recording medium, computer program, etc., are also effective aspects of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present disclosure, the cleaning efficiency of a dishwasher can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] Schematic cross-sectional view of a dishwasher according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] A functional configuration diagram of a control unit for controlling the dishwasher according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a flowchart showing the steps of a cleaning method according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart showing the steps of a cleaning method according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a flowchart showing the steps of a cleaning method according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] A timing chart showing the wash water temperature in each process and the on / off status of the water supply valve, wash drain pump (during washing), heater, detergent pump, wash drain pump (during draining), and drying fan DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, unnecessary detailed description may be omitted. For example, detailed description of already well-known matters or redundant description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted.

[0014] The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0015] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0016] The dishwasher of the first embodiment is equipped with a configuration for automatically supplying detergent to the washing tub, and automatically supplies an appropriate amount of detergent to the washing tub depending on the amount of dirt and oil adhering to the items to be washed, the amount of the items to be washed, etc., to wash the items. This improves the efficiency of washing and rinsing the items to be washed. In addition, the amount of detergent used can be appropriately adjusted, preventing excessive detergent use.

[0017] [1-1.Configuration] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a dishwasher according to a first embodiment.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the dishwasher 10 in this embodiment includes a main body 11, a washing tank 12, a water supply valve 1, a washing drain pump 2, a heater 3, a water temperature sensor 4, a turbidity sensor 5, a detergent tank 6, a detergent pump 7, a drying fan 8, and a washing nozzle 9.

[0019] The washing tub 12 is provided inside the main body 11. Inside the washing tub 12, a dish basket 14 is housed in which dishes 13 and other items to be washed are placed.

[0020] The water supply valve 1 is provided in a path for supplying wash water into the wash tub 12. Here, wash water refers to the liquid used in the dishwasher 10 to wash and rinse items such as dishes 13.

[0021] The washing drain pump 2 is driven to circulate washing water in the washing tank 12 to wash the object to be washed and to drain the washing water from the washing tank 12.

[0022] Heater 3 heats the cleaning water in cleaning tank 12. Water temperature sensor 4 detects the temperature of the cleaning water in cleaning tank 12. As will be described later, water temperature sensor 4 is also used to detect the amount of items to be cleaned.

[0023] The turbidity sensor 5 detects the turbidity of the wash water in the washing tank 12. As described below, the turbidity sensor 5 is used to detect the amount of dirt and oil adhering to the object being washed. The turbidity sensor 5 may be an optical sensor or a camera equipped with a light-emitting element that irradiates the wash water with light such as infrared light, visible light, or ultraviolet light, and a light-receiving element that faces the light-emitting element and receives light that has passed through the wash water to detect its transmittance. The turbidity sensor 5 is installed in a path for draining the wash water in the washing tank 12, a washing water channel, or a non-draining circulation path, and detects the turbidity of the wash water when it is drained from the washing tank 12. When installed in a path for draining the wash water in the washing tank 12, turbidity detection can be performed in the drainage path, enabling stable detection even when the amount of water used is small. Furthermore, since the turbidity sensor 5 is only exposed to dirt for a short period of time, it is effective in preventing a decrease in sensitivity due to contamination. The turbidity sensor 5 may be installed to detect the turbidity of the wash water inside the washing tank 12. In this case, the turbidity sensor 5 may be placed in a location where it is immersed in or comes into contact with the cleaning water inside the washing tank 12, such as on the wall or bottom surface inside the washing tank 12. In this case, the turbidity sensor 5 can detect the turbidity of the cleaning water inside the washing tank 12 at any timing.

[0024] The detergent tank 6 stores liquid detergent therein. The detergent pump 7 is driven to supply the liquid detergent stored in the detergent tank 6 into the washing tub 12. The operating time of the detergent pump 7 varies depending on the amount of liquid detergent to be supplied. Furthermore, the greater the amount of detergent to be supplied, the longer the operating time of the detergent pump 7.

[0025] Drying fan 8 blows air for drying during the process of drying items to be washed, such as dishes 13. Drying fan 8 is provided near heater 3. By driving heater 3 when driving drying fan 8, heated air can be blown onto the items to be washed, accelerating drying.

[0026] The cleaning nozzle 9 is rotatably provided at the bottom of the cleaning tank 12, and sprays cleaning water onto the object to be cleaned from a plurality of nozzles provided on the surface.

[0027] 2 shows the functional configuration of control unit 50 for controlling dishwasher 10 in embodiment 1. Control unit 50 is realized by hardware such as a microcomputer, a microcontroller, and an integrated circuit.

[0028] The control unit 50 includes a dirt amount detection unit 51, a dish amount detection unit 52, an oil amount detection unit 53, a detergent amount determination unit 54, a liquid delivery control unit 55, and a process control unit 56. These components are realized in hardware by the CPU, memory, and other LSIs of any computer, and in software by programs loaded into memory, but the functional blocks shown here are realized by the cooperation of these components. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that these functional blocks can be realized in various ways, such as by hardware alone or a combination of hardware and software.

[0029] The process control unit 56 controls the processes executed in the dishwasher 10. The process control unit 56 controls a pre-wash process in which the items to be washed are pre-washed with washing water containing no detergent, a washing process in which the items to be washed are washed with washing water containing detergent, an additional washing process that is executed when a large amount of oil adheres to the items to be washed, a rinsing process in which the items to be washed are rinsed, a heated rinsing process in which the items to be washed are rinsed with heated washing water, and a drying process in which the items to be washed are dried. The process control unit 56 may execute these processes consecutively, may execute only one of the processes, or may execute a combination of two or more of the processes in any order. The dishwasher 10 also has an automatic program that automatically determines and executes some of the processes controlled by the process control unit 56. With this automatic program, the dishwasher 10 can automatically determine whether to add a washing process or a rinsing process and the amount of detergent to add, depending on the amount of dirt.

[0030] The dirt amount detection unit 51 detects the amount of dirt adhering to the object to be washed. The dirt amount detection unit 51 acquires the turbidity of the wash water in the washing tank 12 in which the object to be washed is stored from the turbidity sensor 5, and detects the degree of dirt on the object to be washed based on the turbidity of the wash water. The dirt amount detection unit 51 determines that the higher the turbidity of the wash water, the greater the amount of dirt.

[0031] The turbidity of this wash water is determined by converting the transmittance into a voltage and viewing it as a numerical value. Wash water mixed with dirt from the object being washed is colored and cloudy, and its turbidity is detected as a low numerical value. For this reason, the reference value for determining the level of dirt is set low. In this embodiment, the level of dirt is divided into three levels: small, medium, and large. Furthermore, when classifying the level of dirt, two thresholds are used: a first threshold that divides the level of dirt into small and medium, and a second threshold that divides the level of dirt into medium and large. These thresholds are determined by the ratio of the approximate voltage value to the maximum voltage value corresponding to the expected turbidity. For example, if the maximum voltage value corresponding to the approximate expected turbidity is 100%, the first threshold is set to approximately 30%, and the second threshold is set to approximately 70%. When a voltage of 30% or less is detected, the amount of dirt is determined to be small because it is a value smaller than the first threshold, and when a voltage of 30% to 70% is detected, the amount of dirt is determined to be medium because it is a value larger than the first threshold and smaller than the second threshold.Furthermore, when a voltage of 70% or more is detected, the amount of dirt is determined to be large because it is a value larger than the second threshold.

[0032] Therefore, for example, if the first threshold value is set to 25% and the second threshold value is set to 70%, and the maximum voltage value corresponding to the expected turbidity is 2.0 V, if the detected voltage is 1.2 V, the turbidity sensor 5 will determine that the amount of contamination is medium because it is higher than 0.5 V and lower than 1.4 V. Also, for example, if the detected voltage is higher than 1.4 V, the turbidity sensor 5 will determine that the amount of contamination is high. However, these threshold values ​​do not need to be two, and the threshold values ​​themselves may be changed as appropriate depending on the specifications of the turbidity sensor. Furthermore, instead of setting the maximum voltage value corresponding to the expected turbidity to 100%, the maximum voltage value detectable by the turbidity sensor used may be set to 100%.

[0033] Furthermore, by changing the threshold value depending on the temperature of the wash water used, it is possible to more accurately detect dirt and determine the amount of detergent to be dispensed. In this embodiment, the lower the water temperature used for washing, the more difficult it is to remove dirt, so a larger amount of detergent is required, and the threshold voltage is set low so that a large amount of dirt is detected. Also, the higher the water temperature, the easier it is to remove dirt, so there is no need to use an excessively large amount of detergent, and the threshold voltage is set high so that a small amount of dirt is detected.

[0034] For example, we will explain how to set the second threshold in three stages depending on the water temperature. When the water temperature is 30°C or lower, the second threshold is 70%, but when the water temperature is between 30°C and 40°C, the second threshold is set slightly higher at 76%. Furthermore, when the water temperature is 40°C or higher, the second threshold is set to 82%.

[0035] By setting a variable threshold value in this way and accurately determining the amount of dirt in multiple stages, it is possible to limit the amount of detergent used to the required amount, which is also effective from the perspective of environmental considerations and cost reduction.

[0036] The dirt amount detection unit 51 may obtain the turbidity of the wash water in the pre-wash step from the turbidity sensor 5 and detect the degree of dirt on the object to be washed based on the turbidity of the wash water. In this case, the pre-wash step, which involves washing with water without using detergent before the washing process, mainly selectively separates hydrophilic dirt such as proteins and carbohydrates into the wash water, and by measuring the turbidity of the wash water at this time, the dirt amount detection unit 51 can particularly measure the amount of hydrophilic dirt.

[0037] The dish amount detection unit 52 detects the amount of items to be washed contained in the washing tub 12. When the washing water in the washing tub 12 containing the items to be washed is heated by the heater 3, the dish amount detection unit 52 obtains the temperature of the washing water from the water temperature sensor 4 and detects the amount of items to be washed based on the rate of change in the temperature of the washing water. The dish amount detection unit 52 stores a threshold value in advance, and determines that the amount of items to be washed is small if the rate of increase in the temperature of the washing water is faster than the threshold value, and determines that the amount of items to be washed is large if the rate of increase in the temperature of the washing water is slower than the threshold value.

[0038] When water temperature sensor 4 detects the temperature of the wash water, if it calculates that it will take more than 50 seconds to raise the water temperature by, for example, 10°C, dish amount detection unit 52 will determine that the amount of dishes is large. Conversely, if water temperature sensor 4 calculates that it will take less than 50 seconds to raise the water temperature by, for example, 10°C, dish amount detection unit 52 will determine that the amount of dishes is small. However, this threshold value can be set to any value between 40 and 60 seconds without any problems, and may be changed as appropriate.

[0039] Furthermore, dish amount detection unit 52 may store two or more threshold values ​​in advance and classify the amount of items to be washed into three or more levels. Dish amount detection unit 52 may detect the amount of items to be washed from the weight of the items to be washed detected by a weight sensor. In this case, the weight sensor may, for example, measure and compare the weight of the washing tub 12 when it is empty and when it contains items to be washed. Alternatively, a weight reference value may be set to determine the amount of items to be washed. Dish amount detection unit 52 may detect the amount of items to be washed from images of the inside of washing tub 12 captured by an imaging device. In this case, the imaging device may, for example, be installed outside dishwasher 1 and may capture and compare the weight of washing tub 12 when it is empty and when it contains items to be washed.

[0040] The oil amount detection unit 53 detects the amount of oil adhering to the object to be cleaned. The oil amount detection unit 53 acquires the turbidity of the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 12 containing the object to be cleaned from the turbidity sensor 5, and detects the amount of oil adhering to the object to be cleaned based on the turbidity of the cleaning water. The oil amount detection unit 53 determines that the higher the turbidity of the cleaning water, the greater the amount of oil. The oil amount detection unit 53 may acquire the turbidity of the cleaning water in the washing process from the turbidity sensor 5, and detect the amount of oil adhering to the object to be cleaned based on the turbidity of the cleaning water containing oil emulsified by the detergent. In this case, after the water washing, hydrophobic dirt such as oil is separated into the cleaning water by a washing process in which detergent is added, and by measuring the turbidity of the cleaning water at this time, the oil amount detection unit 53 can particularly determine the amount of hydrophobic dirt.

[0041] The turbidity of this cleaning water is determined by converting the transmittance into a voltage and viewing it as a numerical value. Cleaning water mixed with oil stains from the object being cleaned is milky white water, which makes it difficult for light to pass through, and the turbidity is detected as a high numerical value. For this reason, the reference value for determining the amount of dirt is set higher than when the dirt amount detection unit 51 detects the amount of dirt. The method for determining the amount of dirt is generally the same as that of the dirt amount detection unit 51, so a description will be omitted.

[0042] Specifically, in this embodiment, the oil level detection unit 53 classifies the amount of contamination into two levels: small and large. Furthermore, when classifying the amount of contamination, a third threshold value is used to classify the level of contamination into small and large. For example, when the maximum voltage value corresponding to the approximate expected turbidity is set to 100%, the third threshold value is set to approximately 50%. When a voltage of 50% or less is detected, the value is smaller than the third threshold value, and therefore the amount of contamination is determined to be small. When a voltage of 50% or more is detected, the value is larger than the third threshold value, and therefore the amount of contamination is determined to be large. The actual third threshold value is set to, for example, 1.0 V, which is 50%.

[0043] However, there may be multiple thresholds, and the thresholds themselves may be changed as appropriate according to the specifications of the turbidity sensor. Furthermore, instead of setting the maximum voltage value corresponding to the expected turbidity as 100%, the maximum voltage value detectable by the turbidity sensor used may be set to 100%. Furthermore, as with detection by dirt amount detection unit 51, the thresholds may be changed depending on the temperature of the wash water.

[0044] The detergent amount determination unit 54 determines the amount of detergent to be supplied to the washing tub 12 when washing the items based on the amount of dirt detected by the dirt amount detection unit 51, the amount of items to be washed detected by the dish amount detection unit 52, and the amount of oil detected by the oil amount detection unit 53. The detergent amount determination unit 54 increases the amount of detergent as the amount of dirt detected by the dirt amount detection unit 51 increases. The detergent amount determination unit 54 increases the amount of detergent as the amount of items to be washed detected by the dish amount detection unit 52 increases. The detergent amount determination unit 54 increases the amount of detergent as the amount of oil detected by the oil amount detection unit 53 increases. Alternatively, the amount of detergent added may be a combination of a predetermined amount of detergent and an amount determined based on the amount of items to be washed detected by the dish amount detection unit 52 from the start of the washing cycle. When the user selects the automatic mode described above, the dishwasher 10 automatically determines the amount of dirt and determines the amount of detergent as described above, thereby performing optimal washing for the dirt.

[0045] The liquid supply control unit 55 controls the supply of detergent from the detergent tank 6 to the washing tank 12. The liquid supply control unit 55 drives the detergent pump 7 at a predetermined timing so that the amount of detergent determined by the detergent amount determination unit 54 is supplied into the washing tank 12.

[0046] [1-2. Operation] The operation and function of the dishwasher 10 configured as above will now be described.

[0047] Figures 3, 4, and 5 are flowcharts showing the steps of the washing method in embodiment 1. Figure 6 is a timing chart showing the wash water temperature in each step and the on / off states of the water supply valve 1, wash drain pump 2 (during washing), heater 3, detergent pump 7, wash drain pump 2 (during draining), and drying fan 8.

[0048] 3 shows the procedure for the pre-washing process. In the pre-washing process, the process control unit 56 opens the water supply valve 1 to supply water to the cleaning tank 12 (S10). The process control unit 56 drives the cleaning drain pump 2 for a predetermined time to pre-wash the object to be cleaned (S12). The process control unit 56 drives the cleaning drain pump 2 to drain cleaning water from the cleaning tank 12 (S14).

[0049] The dirt amount detection unit 51 obtains the turbidity of the drained wash water from the turbidity sensor 5 and detects the dirt amount on the object to be washed (S16). If the dirt amount is less than the reference value (Y in S18), the detergent amount determination unit 54 sets the amount of detergent corresponding to a dirt level of "light," and if the dirt amount is more than the reference value (N in S18), it sets the amount of detergent corresponding to a dirt level of "heavy" (S22). This completes the pre-wash process.

[0050] 4 shows the procedures for the washing process, rinsing process, heated rinsing process, and drying process. In the washing process, the process control unit 56 opens the water supply valve 1 to supply water to the washing tub 12 (S30). If the detergent amount determination unit 54 has set an amount of detergent corresponding to a "light" soiling level (Y in S32), the liquid supply control unit 55 dispenses a small amount of detergent corresponding to the "light" soiling level from the detergent tank 6 into the washing tub 12 (S34). If the detergent amount determination unit 54 has set an amount of detergent corresponding to a "heavy" soiling level (N in S32), the liquid supply control unit 55 dispenses a standard amount of detergent corresponding to the "heavy" soiling level from the detergent tank 6 into the washing tub 12 (S36). The process control unit 56 drives the washing drain pump 2, heater 3, and washing nozzle 9 for a predetermined time, and sprays the washing water onto the object while heating it, thereby washing the object (S38). Before executing the washing process in which the object to be washed is washed with washing water containing detergent, the amount of dirt is detected in a pre-washing process and an appropriate amount of detergent is determined in advance, thereby improving the washing efficiency and suppressing the use of excessive detergent.

[0051] The dish amount detection unit 52 obtains the temperature of the wash water from the water temperature sensor 4 at predetermined times t1 and t2 during the washing process as shown in FIG. 6, and detects the amount of items contained in the washing tub 12 based on the rate of change in the temperature of the wash water from t1 to t2. If the amount of items is greater than the reference value (N in S40), the detergent amount determination unit 54 determines the amount of detergent to be added, and the liquid delivery control unit 55 adds the determined amount of detergent from the detergent tank 6 to the washing tub 12 (S42). If the amount of items is less than the reference value (Y in S40), no additional detergent is added. The process control unit 56 continues to drive the wash drain pump 2, heater 3, and washing nozzle 9 to wash the items (S44). To ensure sufficient washing time after adding additional detergent, the dish amount detection unit 52 may detect the amount of items early in the washing process, for example, in the first half. In addition, to detect the rate of change in the temperature of the wash water more accurately, the dish amount detection unit 52 may detect the amount of items to be washed after the wash water has been heated to room temperature or above. The dish amount detection unit 52 may also detect the amount of items to be washed by driving the heater 3 to heat the wash water in the pre-wash step. In this case, an amount of detergent corresponding to the amount of items to be washed can be supplied into the washing tub 12 at the start of the washing step, thereby improving washing efficiency. Even when the dish amount detection unit 52 detects the amount of items to be washed using a weight sensor or an imaging device, etc., an amount of detergent corresponding to the amount of items to be washed can be supplied into the washing tub 12 at the start of the washing step, thereby improving washing efficiency. When a predetermined washing time has elapsed, the process control unit 56 drives the wash drain pump 2 to drain the wash water from the washing tub 12 (S46).

[0052] The oil amount detection unit 53 obtains the turbidity of the drained wash water from the turbidity sensor 5 and detects the amount of oil adhering to the object to be washed (S47). If the amount of oil is greater than the reference value (N in S48), the detergent amount determination unit 54 determines the amount of detergent to be added, and the process control unit 56 executes an additional wash process (S50). Alternatively, the heater 3 may be driven to increase the temperature of the wash water during the rinsing process. Alternatively, the heater 3 may be driven during the additional wash process to increase the temperature of the wash water during the additional wash process. If the amount of oil is less than the reference value (Y in S48), the additional wash process is not executed. During the wash process, part of the wash water may be drained to obtain the turbidity of the wash water and detect the amount of oil. In this case, detergent can be added in an amount corresponding to the amount of oil during the wash process. Also, if the turbidity sensor 5 can detect the turbidity of the wash water inside the wash tank 12, detergent can be added in an amount corresponding to the amount of oil during the wash process. This completes the wash process.

[0053] In this way, the detergent dispensing step is repeated multiple times depending on the detection result of the amount of dirt or the amount of dishes. Also, the dirt amount detection step is repeated multiple times depending on the detection result of the amount of dirt.

[0054] In the rinsing process, the process control unit 56 opens the water supply valve 1 to supply water to the cleaning tank 12, drives the cleaning drain pump 2 to rinse the object to be cleaned, and then drives the cleaning drain pump 2 to drain the cleaning water from the cleaning tank 12 (S52). The process control unit 56 repeats the above rinsing operation twice.

[0055] In the heating and rinsing process, the process control unit 56 opens the water supply valve 1 to supply water to the cleaning tank 12, drives the cleaning drain pump 2 and heater 3 to heat the cleaning water while rinsing the object to be cleaned, and then drives the cleaning drain pump 2 to drain the cleaning water from the cleaning tank 12 (S54).

[0056] In the drying step, the process control section 56 drives the heater 3 intermittently and the drying fan 8 to dry the object to be washed (S56).

[0057] FIG. 5 shows the procedure for the additional washing step (S50 in FIG. 4). In the additional washing step, the process control unit 56 opens the water supply valve 1 to supply water to the washing tank 12 (S60). The liquid supply control unit 55 pours the amount of detergent set by the detergent amount determination unit 54 from the detergent tank 6 into the washing tank 12 (S62). The process control unit 56 drives the washing drain pump 2 and the washing nozzle 9 for a predetermined time to spray washing water onto the object to be washed (S64). Since the interior of the washing tank 12 and the object to be washed are at high temperatures in the immediately preceding washing step, the process control unit 56 does not need to drive the heater 3 in the additional washing step. Alternatively, the process control unit 56 may drive the heater 3 to heat the washing water even in the additional washing step. After a predetermined washing time has elapsed, the process control unit 56 drives the washing drain pump 2 to drain the washing water from the washing tank 12 (S66).

[0058] 6 shows a timing chart indicating the wash water temperature in each step and the on / off of each component of the dishwasher 10. In the pre-wash step, the wash drain pump 2 is driven to drain the water. The amount of detergent corresponding to the amount of dirt on the object to be washed detected by the dirt amount detection unit 51 is determined by the amount of water drained at this time.

[0059] In the washing process, first, heater 3 is driven to start heating the wash water. Then, the amount of detergent set in the pre-washing process is dispensed from detergent tank 6 into washing tub 12. Next, the amount of items to be washed contained in washing tub 12 is detected based on the rate of change in temperature of the heated washing water from t1 to t2, and the presence or absence of additional detergent and the amount to be dispensed corresponding to the amount of items to be washed are determined. Then, this determined additional amount of detergent is dispensed from detergent tank 6 into washing tub 12. In the subsequent washing process, after a predetermined washing time has elapsed, washing drain pump 2 is driven to drain the water. Furthermore, based on the drainage at this time, whether or not to perform a further washing process and the amount of additional detergent are determined corresponding to the amount of oil detected by dirt amount detection unit 51. If it is determined that further detergent should be dispensed, the additional washing process is performed, and the additional amount of detergent is dispensed from detergent tank 6 into washing tub 12.

[0060] Thus, according to the above example, depending on the detected amount of dirt, up to two wash cycles may be performed, excluding the pre-wash. If the amount of dirt is even greater, multiple wash cycles may be added based on the amount of dirt drained after the additional wash cycle. Also, according to the above example, depending on the detected amount of dirt, detergent may be added in stages up to three times.

[0061] Next, each pattern of detergent dosage determined based on the detection results in the washing step, rinsing step, and heated rinsing step in FIG. 4 will be described in detail.

[0062] (Pattern A) When passing through the N flows of S32, S40, and S48 In the pre-washing step, if the value detected by the dirt detector is higher than the predetermined threshold and it is determined that there is a large amount of dirt, for example, 8g of detergent is added. However, there is no problem if the amount is in the range of 7g to 9g (8g in total).

[0063] If the amount of dirt is judged to be large, and the value detected by the dish amount detector during the washing process is higher than the predetermined threshold, an additional 5g of detergent is added. However, if the amount is within the range of 4g to 6g, there is no problem (total 13g).

[0064] If the amount of dirt is high and the amount of dishes is large, and the value detected by the oil level detector during the washing process is higher than the predetermined threshold, an additional 8g of oil will be added. However, if the amount is within the range of 7g to 9g, there is no problem (total 21g).

[0065] (Pattern B) When passing through the flow N of S32, N of S40, and Y of S48 In the pre-washing step, if the value detected by the dirt detector is higher than the predetermined threshold and it is determined that there is a large amount of dirt, for example, 8g of detergent is added. However, there is no problem if the amount is in the range of 7g to 9g (8g in total).

[0066] If the amount of dirt is judged to be large, and the value detected by the dish amount detector during the washing process is higher than the predetermined threshold, an additional 5g of detergent is added. However, if the amount is within the range of 4g to 6g, there is no problem (total 13g).

[0067] If the amount of dirt is high and the amount of dishes is large, and the value detected by the oil level detector during the washing process is lower than the predetermined threshold, and the amount of oil is judged to be low, no additional detergent will be added. Alternatively, a small amount may be added (13g in total).

[0068] (Pattern C1) When passing through the flow N of S32, Y of S40, and N of S48 In the pre-washing step, if the value detected by the dirt detector is higher than the predetermined threshold and it is determined that there is a large amount of dirt, for example, 8g of detergent is added. However, there is no problem if the amount is in the range of 7g to 9g (8g in total).

[0069] If the amount of dirt is judged to be large, and the value detected by the dish amount detector during the washing process is lower than the predetermined threshold, and it is judged that the amount of dishes is small, no additional detergent will be added. Alternatively, a small amount may be added (8g in total).

[0070] If the amount of dirt is high and the amount of dishes is low, and the oil level detector detects a high oil level above the threshold during the washing process, an additional 5g of oil will be added. However, if the amount is within the range of 4g to 6g, there is no problem (total of 13g).

[0071] (Pattern C2) When passing through the flow of Y at S32, N at S40, and N at S48 In the pre-washing step, if the value detected by the dirt detector is lower than the predetermined threshold and it is determined that the amount of dirt is small, add, for example, 5 g of detergent. However, there is no problem if the amount is in the range of 4 g to 6 g (5 g in total).

[0072] If the amount of dirt is judged to be small, and the value detected by the dish amount detector during the washing process is higher than the predetermined threshold, and it is judged that the amount of dishes is large, an additional 3g of detergent is added. However, if the amount is within the range of 2g to 4g, there is no problem (total 8g).

[0073] If the amount of dirt is small but the amount of dishes is large, and the oil level detector detects a value higher than the predetermined threshold during the washing process, an additional 5g of oil will be added. However, if the amount is within the range of 4g to 6g, there is no problem (total of 13g).

[0074] (Pattern D1) When passing through the flow N of S32, Y of S40, and Y of S48 In the pre-washing step, if the value detected by the dirt detector is higher than the predetermined threshold and it is determined that there is a large amount of dirt, for example, 8g of detergent is added. However, there is no problem if the amount is in the range of 7g to 9g (8g in total).

[0075] If the amount of dirt is judged to be large, and the value detected by the dish amount detector during the washing process is lower than the predetermined threshold, and it is judged that the amount of dishes is small, no additional detergent will be added. Alternatively, a small amount may be added (8g in total).

[0076] If the amount of dirt is high and the amount of dishes is low, and the value detected by the oil level detector during the washing process is lower than the predetermined threshold, no additional detergent will be added. Alternatively, a small amount may be added (8g in total).

[0077] (Pattern D2) When passing through the flow of Y at S32, N at S40, and Y at S48 In the pre-washing step, if the value detected by the dirt detector is lower than the predetermined threshold and it is determined that the amount of dirt is small, add, for example, 5 g of detergent. However, there is no problem if the amount is in the range of 4 g to 6 g (5 g in total).

[0078] If the amount of dirt is judged to be small, and the value detected by the dish amount detector during the washing process is higher than the predetermined threshold, and it is judged that the amount of dishes is large, an additional 3g of detergent is added. However, if the amount is within the range of 2g to 4g, there is no problem (total 8g).

[0079] If the amount of dirt is small and the amount of dishes is large, and the value detected by the oil level detector during the washing process is lower than the predetermined threshold, no additional detergent will be added. Alternatively, a small amount may be added (8g in total).

[0080] (Pattern E) When passing through the flow of Y at S32, Y at S40, and N at S48 In the pre-washing step, if the value detected by the dirt detector is lower than the predetermined threshold and it is determined that the amount of dirt is small, add, for example, 5 g of detergent. However, there is no problem if the amount is in the range of 4 g to 6 g (5 g in total).

[0081] If the amount of dirt is judged to be small, and the value detected by the dish amount detector during the washing process is lower than the predetermined threshold, no additional detergent will be added. Alternatively, a small amount may be added (5g in total).

[0082] If the amount of dirt is low and the amount of dishes is small, and the oil level detector detects a high oil level during the washing process and the value is higher than the predetermined threshold, an additional 3g of oil will be added. However, if the amount is within the range of 2g to 4g, there is no problem (8g in total).

[0083] (Pattern F) When passing through the flow of Y at S32, Y at S40, and Y at S48 In the pre-washing step, if the value detected by the dirt detector is lower than the predetermined threshold and it is determined that the amount of dirt is small, add, for example, 5 g of detergent. However, there is no problem if the amount is in the range of 4 g to 6 g (5 g in total).

[0084] If the amount of dirt is judged to be small, and the value detected by the dish amount detector during the washing process is lower than the predetermined threshold, no additional detergent will be added. Alternatively, a small amount may be added (5g in total).

[0085] If the amount of dirt is low and the amount of dishes is small, and the value detected by the oil level detector during the washing process is lower than the predetermined threshold, no additional detergent will be added. Alternatively, a small amount may be added (5g in total).

[0086] According to these patterns A to F, the following can be said about the amount of detergent dispensed in this embodiment.

[0087] For example, when the flow of N in S32 and Y in S40 is passed, that is, in the pre-wash process, the amount of detergent to be dispensed (e.g., 8g) when the value detected by the dirt detection unit is higher than the predetermined threshold and it is determined that the amount of dirt is large, and in the washing process, the amount of detergent to be dispensed (e.g., 0g) when the value detected by the dish amount detection unit is lower than the predetermined threshold and it is determined that the amount of dishes is small, is approximately equal to the sum of the flow of Y in S32 and N in S40, that is, the amount of detergent to be dispensed (e.g., 5g) when the flow of Y in S32 and N in S40 is passed, that is, the amount of detergent to be dispensed (e.g., 3g) when the value detected by the dish amount detection unit is higher than the predetermined threshold and it is determined that the amount of dirt is small, and in the washing process, the amount of detergent to be dispensed (e.g., 3g).

[0088] Furthermore, for example, when pattern B is in effect, that is, in the pre-washing step, the amount of detergent to be dispensed when the value detected by the dirt detection unit is higher than the predetermined threshold and it is determined that the amount of dirt is large (e.g., 8 g), and in the washing step, the amount of detergent to be dispensed when the value detected by the dish amount detection unit is higher than the predetermined threshold and it is determined that the amount of dishes is large (e.g., 5 g), and in the washing step, the amount of detergent to be dispensed when the value detected by the oil amount detection unit is lower than the predetermined threshold and it is determined that the amount of oil is small (e.g., 0 g), the sum of these is when pattern C1 is in effect, that is, the amount of detergent to be dispensed when the value detected by the dirt detection unit is higher than the predetermined threshold and it is determined that the amount of dirt is large (e.g., 8 g), and in the washing step, the amount of detergent to be dispensed when the value detected by the dirt detection unit is higher than the predetermined threshold and it is determined that the amount of dirt is large (e.g., 5 g). It is approximately equal to the sum of the amount of detergent to be dispensed when the amount of dishes is determined to be low because the value detected by the oil amount detection unit is higher than the predetermined threshold and the amount of oil is high during the washing process (e.g., 5g), and when pattern C2 is the case, that is, the amount of detergent to be dispensed when the value detected by the dirt detection unit is lower than the predetermined threshold and the amount of dirt is low (e.g., 5g), and the amount of detergent to be dispensed when the predetermined value detected by the dish amount detection unit is higher than the predetermined threshold during the washing process (e.g., 3g), and the amount of detergent to be dispensed when the value detected by the oil amount detection unit is higher than the predetermined threshold and the amount of oil is high during the washing process (e.g., 5g).

[0089] Furthermore, for example, when pattern D1 is in effect, that is, in the pre-washing step, the amount of detergent to be dispensed when the value detected by the dirt detection unit is higher than the predetermined threshold and it is determined that the amount of dirt is large (e.g., 8 g), and in the washing step, the amount of detergent to be dispensed when the value detected by the dish amount detection unit is lower than the predetermined threshold and it is determined that the amount of dishes is small (e.g., 0 g), and in the washing step, the amount of detergent to be dispensed when the value detected by the oil amount detection unit is lower than the predetermined threshold and it is determined that the amount of oil is small (e.g., 0 g), the sum of these is equal to or less than pattern D2, that is, the amount of detergent to be dispensed when the value detected by the dirt detection unit is lower than the predetermined threshold and it is determined that the amount of dirt is small (e.g., 5 g), and in the washing step, the predetermined value detected by the dish amount detection unit is lower than the predetermined threshold and it is determined that the amount of oil is small (e.g., 0 g). It is approximately equal to the sum of the amount of detergent to be dispensed when the value detected by the oil amount detection unit is lower than the predetermined threshold and the amount of oil is judged to be small (for example, 3g), and the amount of detergent to be dispensed when the value detected by the oil amount detection unit is lower than the predetermined threshold and the amount of oil is judged to be small (for example, 0g) during the washing process, and it is also approximately equal to the sum of the amount of detergent to be dispensed when the value detected by the dirt detection unit is lower than the predetermined threshold and the amount of dirt is judged to be small (for example, 5g), and the amount of detergent to be dispensed when the predetermined value detected by the dish amount detection unit is lower than the predetermined threshold and the amount of oil is judged to be small during the washing process (for example, 0g), and the amount of detergent to be dispensed when the value detected by the oil amount detection unit is higher than the predetermined threshold and the amount of oil is judged to be large (for example, 3g) during the washing process.

[0090] In the above example, the amount of detergent supplied to the washing tank 12 was adjusted based on the amount of dirt adhering to the objects to be washed, the amount of objects to be washed contained in the washing tank 12, and the amount of oil adhering to the objects to be washed. However, the amount of detergent may be adjusted based on only one of these, or on a combination of any two of these. Therefore, during the washing process, part of the washing water may be drained to obtain the turbidity of the washing water and detect the amount of oil. In this case, detergent may be added in an amount corresponding to the amount of oil even during the washing process. Furthermore, the number of times and order in which the amount of detergent is adjusted, as well as the amount of detergent adjusted, may be arbitrary.

[0091] As described above, the dishwasher 10 determines the amount of dirt depending on the amount of dirt at the time of use and dispenses the appropriate amount of detergent to perform optimal washing. This allows the user to easily start washing whether the amount of dirt is large or small. Even if the amount of dirt differs from the user's expected amount, the dishwasher dispenses the optimal amount of detergent at the optimal timing according to the actual amount of dirt, allowing the dishes to be washed. This prevents the user from adding too much detergent, making it possible to conserve detergent while still ensuring sufficient cleaning power. This operation is performed when the user selects the automatic mode.

[0092] In the above example, the amount of detergent supplied to the washing tank 12 was adjusted based on the amount of dirt adhering to the object to be washed, the amount of the object to be washed contained in the washing tank 12, and the amount of oil adhering to the object to be washed. However, the determination of the amount of dirt, the determination of the amount of detergent, and the addition of detergent in the automatic course may be performed based on only one of these, or on a combination of any two of them.

[0093] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in this embodiment, dishwasher 10 includes washing tub 12, which contains dishes 13 and other items to be washed; water supply valve 1 for supplying water to washing tub 12; wash drain pump 2 for draining water from washing tub 12; detergent pump 7 for supplying detergent to washing tub 12; oil level detector 53 for detecting the degree of soiling of the wash water; and controller 50 for controlling water supply valve 1, wash drain pump 2, and detergent pump 7 to perform a process of washing the items to be washed. Controller 50 performs a washing process in which the items to be washed are washed with detergent-containing wash water, obtains the degree of soiling of the wash water from oil level detector 53, and determines whether to perform an additional washing process based on the degree of soiling of the wash water. If a decision is made to perform the additional washing process, the additional washing process is performed. This improves the detergency and efficiency of dishwasher 10. It also reduces the use of excessive detergent.

[0094] In this embodiment, the oil level detection unit 53 is provided in a path for draining the cleaning water from the cleaning tank 12, and the control unit 50 acquires the degree of contamination of the cleaning water detected by the oil level detection unit 53 when the cleaning water is drained from the cleaning tank 12 after the washing process has been performed. This improves the accuracy of oil level detection.

[0095] In this embodiment, the control unit 50 acquires the degree of dirtiness of the wash water during the washing cycle from the oil level detection unit 53. If the amount of dirt is greater than a certain reference value, the control unit 50 determines the amount of detergent to be added according to the amount of dirt and executes the additional washing cycle. If the amount of dirt is less than the reference value, the additional washing cycle is not executed. This allows the operating time of the dishwasher 10 to be reduced as needed. It also reduces the use of excessive detergent.

[0096] In this embodiment, detergent pump 7 dispenses detergent into washing tub 12 in multiple stages based on the detection result from oil level detector 53. This allows the operating time of dishwasher 10 to be reduced as needed. It also prevents excessive detergent use.

[0097] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 50 executes a pre-washing process in which the items to be washed are pre-washed with washing water that does not contain detergent before the washing process, allowing the dirt amount detection unit 51 and the oil amount detection unit 53 to separately detect dirt caused by the pre-washing process and dirt caused by the washing process. By executing a pre-washing process, the dirt amount detection can be performed first, and the dirt amount detection and the oil amount detection can be performed separately. Therefore, effective washing is possible depending on the type of dirt, and the detergency and cleaning efficiency of the dishwasher 10 can be improved. In addition, excessive detergent use can be suppressed.

[0098] In this embodiment, the dirt amount detection unit 51 and the oil amount detection unit 53 separately detect hydrophilic dirt separated in the pre-wash step and hydrophobic dirt separated in the wash step, and the control unit 50 controls the operation based on the detection results of the dirt amount detection unit 51 and the oil amount detection unit 53. This enables effective washing depending on the type of dirt, improving the detergency and cleaning efficiency of the dishwasher 10. It also reduces the use of excessive detergent.

[0099] In this embodiment, dishwasher 10 further includes heater 3 for heating the wash water in wash tub 12, and control unit 50 controls heater 3 to heat the wash water during the washing process, but does not heat the wash water during the additional washing process because the temperature of the wash water is already high enough. This reduces operating costs.

[0100] In this embodiment, the washing method includes the steps of washing the object with washing water containing detergent in the washing tank 12 containing the object, detecting the degree of dirtiness of the washing water in the washing step, determining whether to perform an additional washing step based on the degree of dirtiness of the washing water, and performing the additional washing step if it is determined to perform the additional washing step. This improves the washing power and washing efficiency of the dishwasher 10. It also reduces the use of excessive detergent.

[0101] In addition, in this embodiment, the cleaning method further comprises a step of draining cleaning water from the cleaning tank after the step of cleaning the object to be cleaned, and in the step of detecting the degree of contamination of the cleaning water, the degree of contamination of the cleaning water drained from the cleaning tank 12 is detected. This makes it possible to improve the accuracy of detecting the amount of oil.

[0102] In addition, in this embodiment, the washing method heats the washing water in the washing step, but does not heat the washing water in the additional washing step because the temperature of the washing water is already high enough, thereby reducing operating costs.

[0103] In this embodiment, the control program for controlling the dishwasher causes the computer to execute the steps of washing the items with detergent-containing wash water in the washing tub 12 containing the items, detecting the degree of contamination of the wash water in the washing step, determining whether to perform an additional washing step based on the degree of contamination of the wash water, and, if so, executing the additional washing step. This improves the detergency and washing efficiency of the dishwasher 10. It also reduces the use of excessive detergent.

[0104] (Other embodiments) As described above, the first embodiment has been described as an example of the technology disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the components described in the first embodiment above to create new embodiments.

[0105] Therefore, other embodiments will be exemplified below.

[0106] In embodiment 1, a dishwasher for washing items such as dishes has been described, but the technology disclosed herein can also be applied to washing machines for washing clothes and other items, and cleaning devices for washing other items. [Industrial Applicability]

[0107] The present invention can be used in a dishwasher for washing items to be washed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1 Water supply valve 2. Cleaning drainage pump 3 Heater 4 Water temperature sensor 5 Turbidity sensor 6 Detergent Tank 7 Detergent Pump 8 Drying Fan 9 Cleaning nozzle 10. Dishwasher 11 Main unit 12 Cleaning tank 13 Tableware 50 control section 51 Dirt amount detection unit 52 Dish amount detection unit 53 Oil level detector 54 Detergent amount determination unit 55 Liquid delivery control unit 56 Process Control Department

Claims

1. a cleaning tank in which the object to be cleaned is accommodated; a water supply unit for supplying water to the cleaning tank; a drainage section for draining water from the cleaning tank; a detergent supply unit for supplying detergent to the washing tank; a heating unit that heats the cleaning water in the cleaning tank; a dirt detection unit that detects the degree of dirt in the cleaning water; a control unit that controls the water supply unit, the drain unit, and the detergent supply unit to perform a process of washing the object to be washed; Equipped with The control unit a washing step of washing the object to be washed with washing water containing a detergent followed by a rinsing step of rinsing the object to be washed; The degree of contamination of the washing water in the washing step is acquired from the contamination detection unit; determining whether to perform an additional washing step according to the degree of dirtiness of the washing water; When it is determined that the additional washing step is to be performed, the additional washing step is performed after the washing step and before the rinsing step, and the temperature of the washing water in the additional washing step is controlled to be higher than the temperature of the washing water in the rinsing step. dishwasher.

2. The dirt detection unit is provided in a path for draining cleaning water from the cleaning tank, The control unit acquires the degree of dirt of the cleaning water detected by the dirt detection unit when the cleaning water is drained from the cleaning tank after the washing step is performed.

2. The dishwasher of claim 1.

3. The control unit The degree of contamination of the washing water in the washing step is acquired from the contamination detection unit; If the amount of dirt is greater than a certain reference value, the amount of detergent to be added is determined according to the amount of dirt, and the additional washing step is carried out; If the amount of soiling is less than the reference value, the additional washing step is not performed.

3. The dishwasher according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The detergent supply unit supplies the detergent to the washing tank in a plurality of stages according to the detection result from the dirt detection unit. A dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The control unit executes a pre-washing process of pre-washing an object to be washed with washing water that does not contain detergent before the washing process, The dirt detection unit is capable of detecting dirt caused by the pre-washing step and dirt caused by the washing step separately. A dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The dirt detection unit separately detects hydrophilic dirt separated by the pre-washing step and hydrophobic dirt separated by the washing step, The control unit controls the operation based on the detection result by the dirt detection unit.

6. The dishwasher of claim 5.

7. A method for washing dishes that can perform additional washing steps depending on the degree of dirtiness of the wash water, A step of performing a washing process in which an object to be washed is accommodated in a washing tank with washing water containing a detergent supplied by a detergent supply unit for supplying the detergent to the washing tank; A step of performing a rinsing step of rinsing the object to be washed after the washing step; a step of detecting the degree of dirt in the washing water in the washing step by a dirt amount detection unit; determining whether to perform an additional washing step depending on the degree of contamination of the washing water; If it is determined that the additional washing step is to be performed, performing the additional washing step after the washing step and before the rinsing step; Equipped with A method for washing dishes in which the temperature of the washing water in the additional washing step is controlled by a heating unit that heats the washing water in the washing tank so that the temperature of the washing water in the additional washing step is higher than the temperature of the washing water in the rinsing step.

8. Further, after the step of cleaning the object to be cleaned, a step of draining cleaning water from the cleaning tank is included, In the step of detecting the degree of contamination of the cleaning water, the degree of contamination of the cleaning water discharged from the cleaning tank is detected. The method for washing tableware according to claim 7.

9. A control program for controlling a dishwasher capable of performing additional washing steps depending on the degree of dirtiness of wash water, comprising: On the computer, A step of performing a washing process in which an object to be washed is accommodated in a washing tank with washing water containing a detergent supplied by a detergent supply unit for supplying the detergent to the washing tank; A step of performing a rinsing step of rinsing the object to be washed after the washing step; a step of detecting the degree of dirt in the washing water in the washing step by a dirt amount detection unit; determining whether to perform an additional washing step depending on the degree of contamination of the washing water; If it is determined that the additional washing step is to be performed, performing the additional washing step after the washing step and before the rinsing step; Execute A control program for controlling the heating of the cleaning water in the additional washing step by a heating unit that heats the cleaning water in the cleaning tank so that the temperature of the cleaning water in the additional washing step is higher than the temperature of the cleaning water in the rinsing step.

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