dishwasher

Abstract

To provide a dishwasher that prevents solidification of detergent as much as possible by stocking detergent outside the washing tank and allows a user to readily detach a detergent tank while ensuring a capacity of the washing tank.SOLUTION: A dishwasher includes: a washing tank 1 having an opening 1a on an upper side and storing tableware 8; a housing 2 for supporting the washing tank 1 so as to be freely put in and taken out therefrom in a longitudinal direction; a detergent tank 15 provided forward on an outer side of the washing tank 1 and retaining liquid detergent; and detergent discharge routes 14b, 18 for communicating the detergent tank 15 to the washing tank 1. The detergent tank 15 is configured to be freely put in and taken out in a horizontal direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0005]

[0001] The present invention relates to a dishwasher that pulls out a washing tank from a housing to accommodate and wash dishes.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in-built dishwashers used in a built-in state in a system kitchen, a type in which a washing tank having a door portion that can be opened and closed forward is fixed in a housing has been mainstream. However, in recent years, a dishwasher that pulls out a washing tank having an opening portion upward from the housing to accommodate and wash dishes has become mainstream (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Further, in the dishwasher of Patent Document 1, a washing tank having an opening portion upward and accommodating dishes, a housing that supports the washing tank so as to be freely inserted and removed in the front-rear direction, a detergent inlet provided outside the washing tank and injecting detergent into the washing tank, and an injection path that communicates the detergent inlet and the washing tank are provided. By injecting detergent from a detergent inlet provided at a location independent of the washing tank, it is possible to surely inject detergent regardless of the size and shape of the dishes placed in the washing tank.

[0004] Furthermore, in the dishwasher of Patent Document 2, a detergent storage container is detachably or integrally attached to the inner wall of the washing tank, and this detergent storage container is attached at substantially the same height as or above the water supply port of the washing water provided on the inner wall of the washing tank. As a result, there is no risk that the detergent spills, flows out, or solidifies before starting the washing of dishes or the like, and there are dishwashers that can effectively wash dishes or the like.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

[0006] However, with this conventional dishwasher design, the detergent is poured in through the top opening and flows directly into the washing tub. This means that the user must add the required amount of detergent each time the dishwasher is used, and it is not possible to stock up on detergent.

[0007] Furthermore, if a detergent container is placed inside the washing tank, the detergent may solidify due to repeated cycles of moisture and drying within the tank. Also, placing a detergent container inside the washing tank reduces the volume of the washing tank, thus decreasing the space available for placing dishes.

[0008] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems by storing detergent outside the washing tank to prevent solidification of the detergent as much as possible, thereby securing the volume of the washing tank, and further providing a dishwasher that is easy for the user to use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To solve the aforementioned conventional problems, the dishwasher of the present invention comprises a washing tank having an opening at the top for accommodating dishes, a door covering the front side of the washing tank, a housing that supports the washing tank so that it can be moved in and out in the front-rear direction, a detergent tank for storing liquid detergent provided between the front outside of the washing tank and the door, and a detergent discharge path connecting the detergent tank and the washing tank. The unit further includes an operating section for setting the cleaning course and turning the power on or off, the operating section being located on the upper front outside of the washing tank, between the front outside of the washing tank and the door body, and the detergent tank being housed approximately below the operating section.

[0010] Furthermore, in order to solve the aforementioned conventional problems, the dishwasher of the present invention comprises a washing tank having an opening at the top for accommodating dishes, a housing that supports the washing tank so that it can be moved in and out in the front and back directions, a detergent tank provided on the outside front of the washing tank for storing liquid detergent, and a detergent discharge path connecting the detergent tank and the washing tank, and further comprises a detergent tank storage section on the outside front of the washing tank for housing the detergent tank, and has a transparent section on the side of the detergent tank that is visible to the user when the washing tank is pulled out in the front direction by a predetermined distance or more and the detergent tank is stored in the detergent tank storage section, and has a scale on the transparent section that indicates the amount of detergent. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The dishwasher of the present invention stores detergent outside the washing tank to minimize detergent solidification, while ensuring sufficient volume in the washing tank and allowing the user to easily attach and detach the detergent tank. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Schematic side view of a dishwasher in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, with the washing tank extended from the housing. [Figure 2] Schematic front view of a dishwasher in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, showing the detergent tank in the process of being stored or pulled out. [Figure 3] Schematic front view of a dishwasher with the detergent tank housed in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 4] Schematic side view of another dishwasher in the state in which the washing tank is pulled out from the housing, according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 5] Schematic front view of a dishwasher with the detergent tank housed in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 6] Schematic side view of a dishwasher in Embodiment 2 of the present invention, with the washing tank extended from the housing. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] The first invention comprises a washing tank having an opening at the top for accommodating tableware, a housing that supports the washing tank so that it can be moved in and out in the front-to-back direction, a detergent tank provided on the outside front of the washing tank for storing liquid detergent, and a detergent discharge path connecting the detergent tank and the washing tank, wherein the detergent tank is configured to be moved in and out in the left-to-right direction, thereby preventing the detergent from solidifying as much as possible by storing the detergent outside the washing tank, ensuring the volume of the washing tank, and allowing the user to easily attach and detach the detergent tank.

[0014] The second invention is that, in the first invention, the detergent tank is configured to be able to be moved in and out in the left and right directions when the washing tank is pulled out forward by a predetermined distance or more. As a result, when the washing tank is fully housed in the casing, the detergent tank does not stand out, resulting in a dishwasher with a simple design. The detergent tank can only be moved in and out when the washing tank is pulled out forward by a predetermined distance or more. Therefore, the space for storing the detergent tank in front of the washing tank and the lateral space when the washing tank is pulled out from the casing can be utilized to allow the user to easily move the detergent tank in and out.

[0015] The third invention is that, in the first or second invention, by further including a detergent tank storage section for housing the detergent tank on the outside front of the washing tank, a dishwasher with a simple design can be constructed in which the detergent tank is not conspicuous when the washing tank is completely housed in the casing, and the space for housing the detergent tank on the outside front of the washing tank can be effectively utilized. It is possible.

[0016] The fourth invention is that, in the third invention, the detergent tank has a transparent portion on the side of the detergent tank that is visible to the user when the detergent tank is stored in the detergent tank storage compartment, and the transparent portion has a scale indicating the amount of detergent, so that the user can visually check the amount of detergent even when the detergent tank is stored in the detergent tank storage compartment.

[0017] The fifth invention is the third or fourth invention, wherein the detergent tank further has a detergent discharge port for discharging the liquid detergent into the detergent discharge path, the detergent discharge path is connected to the detergent tank storage section, and the detergent discharge port is configured to be connected to the detergent discharge path when the detergent tank is stored in the detergent tank storage section. By doing so, when the detergent tank is stored in the detergent tank storage section, a path for transferring the detergent from the detergent discharge port to the detergent discharge path can be secured.

[0018] The sixth invention is any one of the first to fifth inventions, further having a detergent pump for transferring the liquid detergent stored in the detergent tank to the washing tub. By doing so, the liquid detergent stored in the detergent tank can be sucked by the detergent pump and transferred into the washing tub. Also, by controlling the driving time of the detergent pump, the required amount of liquid detergent can be transferred into the washing tub.

[0019] The seventh invention is the sixth invention, wherein the detergent pump is arranged in the middle of the detergent discharge path, so that the liquid detergent stored in the detergent tank can be sucked by the detergent pump and transferred into the washing tub via the detergent discharge path.

[0020] The eighth invention is any one of the first to seventh inventions, further having an operation unit provided at the upper front outside of the washing tub for setting a washing course or turning on / off the power. By doing so, the user can take out and put in the detergent tank in the left-right direction while operating the operation unit from the front and above the washing tub.

[0021] The ninth invention is the eighth invention, wherein the detergent tank is stored substantially below the operation unit, so that the space at the upper front outside of the washing tub and the space below it can be effectively utilized.

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited by this embodiment.

[0023] (Embodiment 1) Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a dishwasher in the first embodiment of the present invention, with the washing tank pulled out from the housing.

[0024] Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a built-in dishwasher installed in a system kitchen, etc., with the washing tub 1 of the dishwasher extended from the casing 2 of the dishwasher.

[0025] The washing tank 1 has an opening 1a at the top and is equipped with a basket 7 for accommodating tableware 8. A first rail 5 is fixed below the washing tank 1, and this first rail 5 is supported by a second rail 6 fixed to the housing 2, allowing it to move freely in and out of the housing 2 in the front-to-back direction (left-to-right direction on the plane of Figure 1).

[0026] A flat surface 23 is located in front of the opening 1a, which is the upper front outer surface of the washing tub 1. The flat surface 23 houses an operation unit 24 for setting the dishwasher's washing course and power on / off, and a display unit 25 for displaying the washing status, operating status, time, etc. An operation display board (not shown) is located on the back side of the operation unit 24 and the display unit 25.

[0027] Side walls 12 connecting the cleaning tank 1 and the door body 3 are positioned on both sides of the cleaning tank 1 and the door body 3, and the front space 13 is partitioned by the front side of the cleaning tank 1, the door body 3, the side walls 12, and the flat surface 23.

[0028] Furthermore, the water supply for cleaning in the cleaning tank 1 is configured to be supplied to the cleaning tank 1 at the required level and amount via a water supply route such as a water supply hose from a branch water tap on a system kitchen (not shown), and then by a water supply pump and water supply valve (not shown).

[0029] A circulation pump 9 is located on the lower outside of the washing tank 1, and the washing water supplied to the washing tank 1 is circulated through a circulation path, allowing the washing water to be sprayed from the washing nozzle 11 to wash the dishes 8. A heater 10 for heating the washing water is also located near the bottom of the washing tank 1.

[0030] Furthermore, a drainage route including a drain pump (not shown) and a drain hose is provided for draining the washing water from the washing tank 1. When the washing and rinsing of the dishes 8 is complete, the washing water in the washing tank 1 can be drained into the sink of the system kitchen or the like by driving this drain pump.

[0031] A detergent tank storage section 14 is located in the front space 13, which is the outer front of the washing tank 1. The detergent tank storage section 14 is constructed by welding, screwing, or integrally molding to one side of the side wall 12 (the detergent tank storage section 14 may also be attached or constructed by welding, screwing, or integrally molding to the front of the washing tank 1).

[0032] Figure 2 is a schematic front view of a dishwasher in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, with the detergent tank partially retracted or partially removed. Figure 3 is a schematic front view of a dishwasher in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, with the detergent tank fully retracted.

[0033] In Figures 2 and 3, the detergent tank storage section 14 is hollow, and the detergent tank 15 is stored in this section 14 so that it can be easily moved in and out from the left and right (sideways) when viewed from the front (front side of the door body 3). The detergent tank 15 is located in the detergent tank storage section 14, which is situated approximately below the flat section 23 (or the operation section 24, or the display section 25). In Figures 2 and 3, the detergent tank 15 is shown being pulled out to the right from the detergent tank storage section 14, but the detergent tank storage section 14 and the detergent tank 15 may be arranged symmetrically to those in Figures 2 and 3, so that the detergent tank 15 is pulled out to the left from the detergent tank storage section 14.

[0034] As a result, when the washing tub 1 is fully housed in the casing 2, the detergent tank 15 is not conspicuous, allowing for a simple dishwasher design, and the space for housing the detergent tank 15 on the outside front of the washing tub 1 can be effectively utilized.

[0035] As shown in Figure 1, the detergent tank 15 is configured to be freely inserted and removed from the detergent tank storage section 14 in the left and right directions when the washing tank 1 is pulled out forward by a distance a (indicated by the dotted arrow in Figure 1) or more. Distance a represents the shortest distance between the mating surface of the door body 3 and the housing 2 and the washing tank 1 side surface of the detergent tank storage section 14. In other words, distance a represents the state when the entire detergent tank storage section 14 is pulled out in front of the furthest front part of the housing 2.

[0036] As a result, when the washing tank 1 is fully housed in the casing 2, the detergent tank 15 is not conspicuous, allowing for a simple dishwasher design, and the washing tank 1 is positioned towards the front. Since the detergent tank 15 can only be inserted or removed when it has been pulled out beyond a certain distance (distance a), the user can easily insert or remove the detergent tank 15 by utilizing the space for storing the detergent tank 15 in front of the washing tank 1 and the lateral space when the washing tank 1 is pulled out from the housing 2. Note that distance a is not particularly limited beyond the distance at which the detergent tank 15 can be inserted or removed in the left-right direction.

[0037] Furthermore, by having an operating unit 24 located on the upper front outside of the washing tank 1 for setting the washing course and turning the power on and off, the user can, for example, operate the operating unit 24 with one hand from the front and above of the washing tank 1 while simultaneously moving the detergent tank 15 in and out in the left and right directions with the other hand.

[0038] The detergent tank 15 is a bottle-shaped container that can store liquid detergent and consists of a detergent tank detergent outlet 15c, a detergent tank detergent suction path 15d, and a detergent container lid 15e.

[0039] The detergent tank's detergent discharge port 15c, detergent tank's detergent suction path 15d, and detergent container lid 15e are integrated and detachable from the detergent tank 15. Therefore, when the detergent container lid 15e is removed from the detergent tank 15, the integrated detergent tank's detergent discharge port 15c and detergent tank's detergent suction path 15d can also be removed from the detergent tank 15. The tip of the detergent tank's detergent suction path 15d extends to near the bottom of the detergent tank 15, allowing for suction until almost all of the liquid detergent is gone.

[0040] The user can refill the detergent tank 15 with liquid detergent by removing the detergent tank 15 from the detergent tank storage section 14 and removing the detergent dispenser lid section 15e from the detergent tank 15.

[0041] These features allow the liquid detergent to be stored outside the washing tank 1, minimizing solidification of the detergent, while ensuring the volume of the washing tank 1 is maintained, and allowing the user to easily attach and detach the detergent tank 15.

[0042] Furthermore, the detergent discharge port 15c of the detergent tank has a protrusion 15f that protrudes laterally from the detergent container lid 15e. The detergent tank storage section 14 has a recess 14c that fits the protrusion 15f of the detergent discharge port 15c of the detergent tank, and the storage of the detergent tank 15 into the detergent tank storage section 14 is completed when the protrusion 15f fits into this recess 14c.

[0043] The alignment of the recess 14c and the protrusion 15f allows the detergent tank 15 to be stored in the detergent tank storage section 14, thereby securing a path for transferring detergent from the detergent tank's detergent outlet 15c to the detergent discharge path 14b on the detergent tank storage section side. Furthermore, the fitting of the protrusion 15f and the recess 14c enables the detergent tank 15 to be stably stored within the detergent tank storage section 14.

[0044] A detergent tank storage compartment detergent outlet 14a is provided in the recess 14c of the detergent tank storage compartment 14, and a detergent tank storage compartment side detergent discharge path 14b is located at the detergent tank storage compartment detergent outlet 14a. A detergent pump 16 is connected to the other end of the detergent tank storage compartment side detergent discharge path 14b, and a washing tank side detergent discharge path 18 is connected between the detergent pump 16 and the washing tank detergent outlet 17 provided on the front of the washing tank 1. In other words, the detergent pump 16 is located in the middle of the detergent input path, which is between the detergent tank storage compartment side detergent discharge path 14b and the washing tank side detergent discharge path 18.

[0045] As a result, the detergent tank 15 delivers liquid detergent to the detergent discharge path 14b on the detergent tank storage side. The detergent tank has a detergent discharge port 15c for dispensing detergent, and the detergent discharge path 14b on the detergent tank storage side is connected to the detergent tank storage 14. The detergent discharge port 15c is configured to be connected to the detergent discharge path 14b on the detergent tank storage side when the detergent tank 15 is stored in the detergent tank storage 14.

[0046] Furthermore, the control device 19 is located at the lower front of the washing tank 1 (Figure 1) and is configured to control the operation of the circulation pump 9, the drainage pump, the water supply pump (water supply valve), and the detergent pump 16.

[0047] The control device 19 controls the rotational speed and operating time of the detergent pump 16 to draw in the required amount of liquid detergent from the detergent tank 15 when washing dishes 8. The liquid detergent stored in the detergent tank 15 is then transferred and supplied to the washing tank 1 via the detergent tank detergent suction path 15d, the detergent tank detergent discharge port 15c, the detergent tank storage unit detergent discharge port 14a, the detergent tank storage unit side detergent discharge path 14b, the detergent pump 16, the washing tank side detergent discharge path 18, and the washing tank detergent discharge port 17 in that order.

[0048] Figure 4 is a schematic side view of another dishwasher in which the washing tank in Embodiment 1 of the present invention has been pulled out from the housing.

[0049] When the detergent tank 15 is stored in the detergent tank storage compartment 14, at least a portion of the side of the detergent tank 15 visible to the user has a transparent section 15a, and this transparent section 15a has a scale 15b indicating the amount of detergent. As a result, even when the detergent tank 15 is stored in the detergent tank storage compartment 14, the user can visually check the amount of detergent from the side, making it easy to visually estimate how much liquid detergent is being used and when to refill it.

[0050] (Embodiment 2) Figure 5 is a schematic front view of the dishwasher in the state with the detergent tank housed, according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 6 is a schematic side view of the dishwasher in the state with the washing tank pulled out from the housing, according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Descriptions of configurations that overlap with Embodiment 1 are omitted.

[0051] In Figure 5, the operating unit 24 and the display unit 25 are located on the upper front of the door body 3, and the handle 4, unlike the protruding handle in Embodiment 1, is configured as a handle 4 that is recessed inward toward the door body 3.

[0052] In this embodiment as well, the operation unit 24 and display unit 25 for setting the washing course and power on / off are located on the upper front outside of the washing tank 1. This allows the user to operate the operation unit 24 from the front and above the washing tank 1 while inserting and removing the detergent tank 15 in the left and right directions. Alternatively, either the operation unit 24 or the display unit 25 may be placed on the flat surface 23, and the other on the upper front surface of the door body 3 (as shown in Figure 6).

[0053] The contents of Embodiment 1 and the contents of Embodiment 2 may be freely combined within the scope described. [Industrial applicability]

[0054] As described above, the dishwasher according to the present invention stores detergent outside the washing tank to prevent solidification of the detergent as much as possible, secures the volume of the washing tank, and allows the user to easily attach and detach the detergent tank, so it can also be applied to appliances such as washing machines that use detergent. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0055] 1 Washing tank 1a opening 2 cabinets 3 Door Body 4. Handle 5. The first rail 6. The second rail 7 baskets 8. Tableware 9. Circulation pump 10 Heaters 11 Cleaning nozzles 12 Side wall 13 Front space 14. Detergent tank storage compartment 14a Detergent tank storage compartment Detergent outlet 14b Detergent dispensing path on the detergent tank storage side (detergent dispensing path) 14c recess 15 detergent tank 15a Transparent part 15b scale 15c Detergent tank Detergent outlet 15d Detergent tank Detergent suction path 15e Detergent dispenser lid 15f convex part 16 detergent pump 17. Washing tank detergent discharge port 18. Detergent discharge path on the washing tank side (detergent discharge path) 19 Control device 23 Plane part 24 Control section 25 Display section

Claims

1. A washing tank having an opening at the top for storing tableware, A door covering the front of the aforementioned washing tank, A housing that supports the aforementioned cleaning tank so that it can be moved in and out in the front-to-back direction, A detergent tank for storing liquid detergent is provided between the outer front of the washing tank and the door body, The detergent discharge path connects the detergent tank and the washing tank, The detergent tank is configured to be able to be moved in and out when the washing tub is extended forward by a predetermined distance or more. dishwasher.

2. The dishwasher according to claim 1, further comprising a detergent tank storage section for housing the detergent tank located outside and in front of the washing tub.

3. The dishwasher according to claim 2, wherein the detergent tank is removable from the detergent tank storage compartment.

4. The detergent tank further has a detergent outlet for discharging liquid detergent into the detergent discharge path. The dishwasher according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the detergent discharge path is connected to the detergent tank storage section, and the detergent discharge port is connected to the detergent discharge path when the detergent tank is stored in the detergent tank storage section.

5. The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an operating unit provided on the outer front upper part of the washing tub for setting the washing course and turning the power on or off.

6. The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a detergent pump for transferring liquid detergent stored in the detergent tank to the washing tank.

7. The detergent tank further has a detergent outlet for discharging liquid detergent into the detergent discharge path, The dishwasher according to claim 6, wherein the detergent pump is located below the detergent tank and the detergent outlet and in the middle of the detergent discharge path.

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