Processing agent tank system and dishwasher

Abstract

To provide a treatment agent tank device having high user convenience and capable of stably and highly accurately detecting an amount of a treatment agent for a long period of time, and dishwasher with the treating agent tank device.SOLUTION: A treatment agent tank device includes a tank housing part 70, a storage tank 80 detachably attached to the tank housing part 70 and storing a treatment agent, and a capacitive sensor 90 provided at a sensor position on a right inner surface 71d, the sensor installation wall, out of a housing part wall 71 of the tank housing part 70 and detecting an amount of the treatment agent in the storage tank 80 mounted on the tank housing part 70. A first magnetic 72a and a second magnetic 72b are disposed on the right inner surface 71d, and a ferromagnetic material 84 magnetically attracted by the first magnetic 72a and the second magnetic 72b is disposed on a right outer surface 83d, the sensor facing wall.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a treatment agent tank device and a dishwasher.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a conventional treatment agent tank device. In this treatment agent tank device, a storage tank is detachably attached to a tank housing portion. The storage tank stores a liquid treatment agent.

[0003] A capacitance sensor is provided on the first side wall of the tank housing portion facing the outer surface of the tank of the storage tank attached to the tank housing portion. The capacitance sensor detects the amount of the treatment agent in the storage tank attached to the tank housing portion.

[0004] A pressing portion is provided on the inner surface of the second side wall of the tank housing portion, which is opposed to the first side wall provided with the capacitance sensor. This pressing portion presses the storage tank attached to the tank housing portion against the first side wall provided with the capacitance sensor.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] By the way, the capacitance sensor detects the liquid level of the treatment agent in the storage tank, that is, the amount of the treatment agent, by utilizing the difference between the capacitance of the treatment agent in the storage tank and the capacitance of the air in the storage tank. Therefore, if an air layer exists between the capacitance sensor and the storage tank, the detection accuracy of the capacitance sensor may be reduced by that air layer.

[0007] However, in the conventional treatment agent tank device described above, the storage tank is pressed against the capacitance sensor by utilizing the elastic force of the side wall of the tank housing where the pressing part is provided. In this case, repeated loading or stress concentration may cause fatigue failure of the side wall or wear of the pressing part, or the material itself may change over time, which may reduce the pressing force of the pressing part. As a result, in this treatment agent tank device, an air layer is more likely to be interposed between the storage tank and the capacitance sensor, which may make it difficult to accurately detect the amount of treatment agent stably over a long period of time.

[0008] On the other hand, a float-type system can also be used to detect the liquid level in the storage tank. In the float-type system, a float is connected to an arm that is supported so as to be able to swing within the storage tank. A magnetic sensor then detects the movement of a ferromagnetic material attached to the float, which moves up and down in conjunction with the liquid level. However, in this case, if the treatment agent hardens on the support part of the arm after prolonged use, detection errors are likely to occur due to poor swinging of the arm. For this reason, it is necessary to increase the frequency of tank cleaning to prevent the treatment agent from hardening. Also, if the tank has a mechanism such as an arm attached, that mechanism tends to get in the way when washing the storage tank thoroughly. For this reason, cleaning the tank is troublesome with the float-type system, and it cannot be said to be convenient for the user.

[0009] Furthermore, in the case of dishwashers equipped with an automatic dispensing mechanism for processing agents such as liquid detergents, a processing agent tank device is desirable that is easy to clean, convenient for the user, and can accurately detect the amount of processing agent over a long period of time.

[0010] This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional circumstances, and aims to solve the problem of providing a processing agent tank device that is convenient for the user and can accurately detect the amount of processing agent stably over a long period of time, as well as a dishwasher equipped with such a processing agent tank device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The processing agent tank apparatus of the present invention comprises a tank housing section and A storage tank for storing the treatment agent is detachably attached to the aforementioned tank housing section, A capacitive sensor is provided at the sensor position on the sensor mounting wall of the storage wall of the tank storage section, which is installed in the tank storage section and detects the amount of the processing agent in the storage tank, The present invention is characterized by comprising: a first housing position set at a position different from the sensor position on the sensor installation wall; a first magnet positioned on one of the sensor-facing wall of the storage tank's tank peripheral wall that faces the sensor installation wall when the storage tank is mounted in the tank housing; and a first ferromagnetic material positioned on the other of the first housing position and the first tank position and magnetically attached to the first magnet.

[0012] In the treatment agent tank device of the present invention, a storage tank is detachably mounted in the tank housing section. A capacitance sensor is provided at a sensor position on the sensor mounting wall of the housing section wall of the tank housing section. The capacitance sensor detects the amount of treatment agent in the storage tank mounted in the tank housing section. The housing section wall has a plurality of walls that partition the housing space in which the storage tank is housed.

[0013] Capacitive sensors detect the liquid level of the treatment agent in the storage tank, i.e., the amount of treatment agent, by utilizing the difference between the capacitance of the air in the storage tank and the capacitance of the treatment agent in the storage tank. Therefore, if an air layer exists between the capacitance sensor and the storage tank, detection errors in the capacitance sensor are more likely to occur.

[0014] In this processing agent tank device, a capacitance sensor is provided on the sensor mounting wall of the tank housing section, and a first magnet or a first ferromagnetic material is positioned on the sensor mounting wall at a first housing section position different from the sensor position. Furthermore, on the sensor-facing wall of the tank perimeter wall that faces the sensor mounting wall when the storage tank is installed in the tank housing section, a first ferromagnetic material that is magnetically attached to the first magnet positioned at the first housing section, or a first magnet that magnetically attaches to the first ferromagnetic material positioned at the first housing section, is positioned at a first tank position opposite the first housing section position.

[0015] With this configuration, when the storage tank is installed in the tank housing, the first magnet and the first ferromagnetic material magnetically adhere to each other, increasing the contact between the sensor mounting wall of the tank housing where the capacitive sensor is installed and the sensor-facing wall of the storage tank. As a result, the air layer between the capacitive sensor and the storage tank is more easily eliminated, improving the detection accuracy of the capacitive sensor.

[0016] Furthermore, because magnetic force is used to enhance the adhesion between the sensor mounting wall in the tank housing and the sensor-facing wall of the storage tank, unlike when using the elastic force of an elastic material, it is less susceptible to fatigue failure of elastically deformed parts due to repeated loading or stress concentration, as well as changes in the material itself over time. As a result, there is less risk of a decrease in the effectiveness of eliminating the air layer between the capacitive sensor and the storage tank.

[0017] Therefore, the treatment agent tank device of the present invention is convenient for the user and can accurately detect the amount of treatment agent stably over a long period of time.

[0018] The first magnet is preferably a permanent magnet. Furthermore, the first ferromagnetic material is preferably a soft magnetic material or a hard magnetic material before magnetization.

[0019] Soft magnetic materials or hard magnetic materials before magnetization are attracted to and magnetized by the first magnet regardless of the polarity of the magnetic force. Therefore, in the manufacturing process of attaching the first magnet to the wall of the containment section or the surrounding wall of the tank, the first magnet can be attached without worrying about the polarity of the magnetic force.

[0020] Preferably, this processing agent tank device further comprises a second magnet and a second ferromagnetic material magnetized to the second magnet. The second magnet may be positioned at either the second housing position or the second tank position, and the second ferromagnetic material may be positioned at the other of the second housing position or the second tank position. The second housing position may be set at a position different from the sensor position and the first housing position in the housing wall, excluding the housing wall facing the sensor installation wall. The second tank position may be set at a position opposite to the second housing position in the tank peripheral wall facing the housing wall where the second housing position is set when a storage tank is installed in the tank housing.

[0021] This configuration allows for increased stability of the storage tank's orientation within the tank housing, and improved contact between the sensor mounting wall and the sensor-facing wall, through magnetic attachment between the first magnet and the first ferromagnetic material, and between the second magnet and the second ferromagnetic material. As a result, it becomes easier to eliminate the air gap between the capacitive sensor and the storage tank.

[0022] In this processing agent tank device, it is preferable that the storage tank is inserted into the tank housing from above. The second housing position may be set at a position different from the sensor position and the first housing position on the sensor mounting wall of the housing wall, and at a position separated from the first housing position in the depth direction of the tank housing. Furthermore, it is preferable that the first magnet and the first ferromagnetic material are permanent magnets that are magnetically attracted to each other. It is also preferable that permanent magnets that are magnetically attracted to each other are arranged at the second housing position and the second tank position. Furthermore, it is preferable that the two permanent magnets arranged on the housing wall have different polarities.

[0023] With this configuration, when the storage tank is mounted in the tank housing portion, the permanent magnets facing each other on the housing portion wall and the tank peripheral wall are magnetically attached to each other. The permanent magnets arranged on the housing portion wall are separated in the depth direction of the tank housing portion (the insertion direction of the storage tank into the tank housing portion). Therefore, at two locations separated in the depth direction of the tank housing portion, the tank peripheral wall and the housing portion wall can be brought into close contact by magnetic force. As a result, the posture stability of the storage tank mounted in the tank housing portion can be further enhanced, or the adhesion between the sensor installation wall provided with the capacitance sensor and the sensor facing wall can be further enhanced. Thus, it becomes easier to further eliminate the air layer existing between the capacitance sensor and the storage tank.

[0024] Also, in this configuration, when mounting the storage tank in the tank housing portion, the permanent magnet arranged on the housing portion wall on the shallower side in the depth direction of the tank housing portion and the permanent magnet arranged near the bottom of the tank peripheral wall that first approaches have polarities that repel each other. Therefore, the attachment / detachment operation of the storage tank with respect to the tank housing portion becomes easier.

[0025] The first magnet is preferably an electromagnet arranged at the first housing portion position.

[0026] In this case, the electromagnet may be excited only when it is desired to detect the amount of the treatment agent in the storage tank. Therefore, for example, by demagnetizing the electromagnet when attaching / detaching the storage tank, the attachment / detachment operation of the storage tank with respect to the tank housing portion becomes easier.

[0027] This treatment agent tank device preferably further includes an attachment / detachment detection unit and a control unit. The attachment / detachment detection unit is provided in the tank housing portion and can detect that the storage tank has been attached / detached to / from the tank housing portion. The control unit can control the energization of the electromagnet based on the detection result of the attachment / detachment detection unit.

[0028] In this case, since the attachment / detachment situation of the storage tank in the tank housing portion can be grasped by the attachment / detachment detection unit, the control unit can excite or demagnetize the electromagnet at an appropriate timing according to the attachment / detachment situation of the storage tank.

[0029] The dishwasher of the present invention is characterized by being equipped with the treatment agent tank device of the present invention.

[0030] For example, in a dishwasher equipped with an automatic dispensing mechanism for detergents, rinse aids, and other processing agents, it is possible to install a removable processing agent tank that is convenient for the user and can accurately detect the amount of processing agent over a long period of time. [Effects of the Invention]

[0031] The treatment agent tank device of the present invention offers user convenience and can accurately detect the amount of treatment agent over a long period of time. The dishwasher of the present invention is equipped with a processing agent tank device that is convenient for the user and can accurately detect the amount of processing agent over a long period of time. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0032] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a dishwasher equipped with a detergent tank device according to Example 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the detergent tank device of Example 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the detergent tank device of Example 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the detergent tank device of Example 2. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view showing the detergent tank device of Example 3. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view showing the detergent tank device of Example 4. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view showing the detergent tank device of Example 5. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view showing the detergent tank device of Example 6. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0033] Examples 1 to 6 that embody the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0034] (Example 1) As shown in Figure 1, the dishwasher 1 of Example 1 is an example of a specific embodiment of the dishwasher of the present invention and is equipped with the detergent tank device 60 of Example 1, which is an example of the processing agent tank device of the present invention. The dishwasher 1 is a front-pull type installed below the countertop CT1 of a system kitchen.

[0035] In this embodiment, the side facing the dishwasher 1 when a user is using the system kitchen, i.e., the left side of Figure 1, is defined as the front of the dishwasher 1, and the opposite side, the right side of Figure 1, is defined as the rear of the dishwasher 1. Furthermore, the side to the left when the user is facing the dishwasher 1, i.e., the far side of Figure 1, is defined as the left side of the dishwasher 1, and the side to the right, i.e., the near side of Figure 1, is defined as the right side of the dishwasher 1. The front-to-back, left-to-right, and up-and-down directions shown in Figures 2 and beyond all correspond to those in Figure 1.

[0036] As shown in Figure 1, the dishwasher 1 is integrated into the system kitchen 100 and is installed below the countertop CT1 of the system kitchen 100. The dishwasher 1 comprises a housing 3, a washing tank 5, a washing means 7, and a dish basket 9.

[0037] The housing 3 is formed in a roughly box shape. The housing 3 has a housing opening 3h that connects the inside and outside of the housing 3. Inside the housing 3, there is a lid 35 that opens and closes the washing space 5h of the washing tank 5, as well as a water supply pipe P1 that supplies water to the washing tank 5 and a drain pipe P2 that drains the washing water from the washing tank 5 to the outside of the dishwasher 1. The water supply pipe P1 is also provided with a water supply solenoid valve 37 that opens and closes the water supply pipe P1.

[0038] The washing tank 5 is formed in a roughly box shape. A washing space 5h is formed in the washing tank 5. The washing space 5h is open at the top and is connected to the outside of the washing tank 5, i.e., the outside of the dishwasher 1, by an exhaust passage 5a. Furthermore, a water supply pipe P1 is connected to the washing space 5h.

[0039] Furthermore, the washing tank 5 has a water storage chamber 51 and a heater chamber 52. The water storage chamber 51 is in communication with the lower part of the washing space 5h and can store washing water. The water storage chamber 51 is also connected to the drain pipe P2. Here, the washing water consists of either water supplied to the washing space 5h from the water supply pipe P1, or water supplied to the washing space 5h from the water supply pipe P1 mixed with a treatment agent such as detergent.

[0040] Furthermore, a cleaning means 7 is provided in the water storage chamber 51. The cleaning means 7 consists of a nozzle 53, a filter 54, and a pump 55. The nozzle 53 has multiple discharge holes 53a, and cleaning water can be sprayed into the cleaning space 5h from each discharge hole 53a. The pump 55 supplies the cleaning water that has passed through the filter 54 in the water storage chamber 51 to the nozzle 53, and also circulates the cleaning water to the drain pipe P2 by reversing its drive.

[0041] The heater chamber 52 is located below the cleaning space 5h. Inside the heater chamber 52 is a heater 52a capable of heating the cleaning water and the air in the cleaning space 5h.

[0042] Furthermore, the washing tank 5 is equipped with a water level detection tank 56 and a drying fan 57. The water level detection tank 56 is designed to allow a portion of the washing water to flow into it. The water level detection tank 56 is also equipped with a water level sensor 56a. The water level sensor 56a detects the water level of the washing water in the washing space 5h through the washing water in the water level detection tank 56. The drying fan 57 supplies outside air from the dishwasher 1 into the washing space 5h.

[0043] Furthermore, a gripping part 5g is provided at the upper front end of the washing tank 5, as well as an operation unit 40 and an alert unit 41. The user operates the dishwasher 1 using the operation unit 40. Specifically, the user selects the type of washing operation and the duration of the washing operation through the operation unit 40. The alert unit 41 displays the type of washing operation and duration selected by the user by illuminating LEDs.

[0044] Furthermore, the front of the washing tank 5 is equipped with an automatic detergent dispenser 59, a detergent tank device 60, and a control unit C1. The detergent tank device 60 is located above the automatic detergent dispenser 59 and is connected to the automatic detergent dispenser 59 via a check valve (not shown). Detergent is stored inside the detergent tank device 60, and the automatic detergent dispenser 59 automatically dispenses the detergent stored in the detergent tank device 60 into the washing space 5h at a predetermined timing. The control unit C1 stores a control program for controlling the operation of the dishwasher 1. The control unit C1 is electrically connected to the operation unit 40, notification unit 41, washing means 7, automatic detergent dispenser 59, and detergent tank device 60, etc. Based on the control program, the control unit C1 controls the washing means 7 and the automatic detergent dispenser 59, etc., to operate the dishwasher 1.

[0045] The cleaning tank 5 is movable in the front-rear direction relative to the housing 3. By moving forward relative to the housing 3, the cleaning tank 5 is exposed to the outside of the housing 3 through the housing opening 3h. Conversely, by moving backward relative to the housing 3, the cleaning tank 5 enters the interior of the housing 3 through the housing opening 3h, as shown in Figure 1. Figure 1 illustrates the state in which the cleaning tank 5 is moved to its furthest rear position relative to the housing 3. The lid 35 moves downward to close the top of the cleaning space 5h when the cleaning tank 5 is located inside the housing 3. The control unit C1 can detect when the cleaning tank 5 is in the furthest rear cleaning position relative to the housing 3 using a position sensor (not shown).

[0046] The dish basket 9 is located within the washing space 5h of the washing tank 5. The dish basket 9 is capable of holding dishes TW. Here, dishes TW include not only dishes such as plates, bowls and soup bowls, but also eating utensils such as chopsticks. Furthermore, dishes TW also include cooking containers such as frying pans and pots used for cooking, as well as cups and teacups.

[0047] In this dishwasher 1, after the dishes TW are placed in the dish basket 9, the user operates the control unit 40. Then, as shown in Figure 1, the washing tank 5 is moved backward to position it inside the housing 3. When the control unit C1 detects that the washing tank 5 is in the washing position, it controls the operation of the washing means 7 and other components based on the control program and starts the washing operation.

[0048] When the washing operation is started, the water supply solenoid valve 37 opens, and water is supplied into the washing space 5h via the water supply pipe P1. Furthermore, detergent is dispensed into the washing space 5h as needed by the automatic detergent dispenser 59. In addition, in the washing means 7, washing water is supplied to the nozzle 53 by the pump 55, and the washing water is sprayed into the washing space 5h from each discharge hole 53a of the nozzle 53. As a result, the dishes TW are washed with the washing water in the washing space 5h for a predetermined time.

[0049] After the washing of the dishes TW is complete, the pump 55 is reversed, causing the washing water to be discharged to the outside of the dishwasher 1 via the drain pipe P2, and the drying fan 57 dries the dishes TW. Thus, the washing operation in the dishwasher 1 is completed. After the washing operation is complete, the user can remove the dishes TW from the dish basket 9 in the washing space 5h by moving the washing tub 5 forward.

[0050] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the detergent tank device 60 comprises a tank housing 70 and a storage tank 80. The storage tank 80 is detachably mounted in the tank housing 70. The storage tank 80 stores liquid detergent 61. Detergent 61 is an example of the treatment agent of the present invention.

[0051] The tank housing section 70 has a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped housing space with an open top. The housing space of the tank housing section 70 is divided by five housing inner surfaces 71. The housing inner surfaces 71 consist of a front inner surface 71a, a rear inner surface 71b, a left inner surface 71c, a right inner surface 71d, and a bottom inner surface 71e. The housing inner surfaces 71 are an example of the housing wall of the present invention.

[0052] The storage tank 80 is a box-shaped body having a rectangular parallelepiped shape corresponding to the storage space of the tank housing section 70. The storage tank 80 has a tank body 81 with an open top having a storage space for storing detergent 61 inside, and a lid 82 that closes the opening of the tank body 81. The tank body 81 has five tank outer surfaces 83. The tank outer surfaces 83 consist of a front outer surface 83a, a rear outer surface 83b, a left outer surface 83c, a right outer surface 83d, and a bottom outer surface 83e. The tank outer surfaces 83 are an example of the tank peripheral wall of the present invention.

[0053] When the storage tank 80 is installed in the tank housing section 70, each inner surface of the housing section inner surface 71 faces each other. That is, the front inner surface 71a faces the front outer surface 83a, the rear inner surface 71b faces the rear outer surface 83b, the left inner surface 71c faces the left outer surface 83c, the right inner surface 71d faces the right outer surface 83d, and the bottom inner surface 71e faces the bottom outer surface 83e.

[0054] A capacitance sensor 90 is provided on the right inner surface 71d of the inner surface 71 of the storage section. The capacitance sensor 90 detects the amount of detergent 61 in the storage tank 80 installed in the tank storage section 70. The capacitance sensor 90 is provided extending vertically at the rear of the right inner surface 71d. The capacitance sensor 90 is electrically connected to the control unit C1. In this embodiment, the right inner surface 71d of the inner surface 71 of the storage section becomes the sensor installation surface where the capacitance sensor 90 is provided. The sensor installation surface is an example of a sensor installation wall of the present invention.

[0055] On the right inner surface 71d of the housing inner surface 71, which is the inner surface for sensor installation, a first permanent magnet 72a and a second permanent magnet 72b are provided. The polarity of the first permanent magnet 72a and the polarity of the second permanent magnet 72b are the same. The first permanent magnet 72a is an example of the first magnet of the present invention. The second permanent magnet 72b is an example of the second magnet of the present invention.

[0056] The first permanent magnet 72a is positioned on the inner surface of the sensor installation at a different location from the sensor position where the capacitance sensor 90 is located. Specifically, the first permanent magnet 72a is positioned at the upper end of the front part of the right inner surface 71d, which is the inner surface of the sensor installation. This upper end of the front part of the right inner surface 71d is the position of the first housing.

[0057] The second permanent magnet 72b is positioned on the inner surface 71 of the housing at a location different from the sensor position and the first housing position. Specifically, the second permanent magnet 72b is positioned at the lower end of the front part of the right inner surface 71d, which is the inner surface where the sensor is installed, on the inner surface 71 of the housing. This lower end of the front part of the right inner surface 71d is the second housing position.

[0058] Of the outer surface 83 of the tank, a soft magnetic material as the first ferromagnetic material is arranged at a first tank position opposite to the first housing position on the sensor-facing outer surface that faces the sensor installation inner surface when the storage tank 80 is mounted in the tank housing 70. Specifically, of the outer surface 83 of the tank, a soft magnetic material as the first ferromagnetic material is arranged at a first tank position opposite to the first housing position on the right outer surface 83d, which is the sensor-facing outer surface that faces the right inner surface 71d, which is the sensor installation inner surface when the storage tank 80 is mounted in the tank housing 70. The sensor-facing outer surface is an example of the center-facing wall of the present invention.

[0059] Furthermore, on the outer surface 83 of the tank, which faces the inner surface 71 of the storage section where the second storage section position is set when the storage tank 80 is installed in the tank storage section 70, a soft magnetic material is arranged at the second tank position opposite to the second storage section position. Specifically, on the right outer surface 83d of the tank outer surface 83, which faces the right inner surface 71d, which is the inner surface 71 of the storage section where the second storage section position is set when the storage tank 80 is installed in the tank storage section 70, a soft magnetic material is arranged at the second tank position opposite to the second storage section position.

[0060] In this detergent tank device 60, the soft magnetic material serving as the first ferromagnetic material located at the first tank position and the soft magnetic material serving as the second ferromagnetic material located at the second tank position are integrally formed by a single strip-shaped metal plate 84. The metal plate 84 is made of ferritic stainless steel, which serves as the ferromagnetic material to be magnetically attached to the first permanent magnet 72a and the second permanent magnet 72b. The metal plate 84 extends continuously over substantially the entire length in the vertical direction, including the first and second tank positions, at the front of the right outer surface 83d.

[0061] Thus, a capacitance sensor 90 and a first permanent magnet 72a and a second permanent magnet 72b are provided on the right inner surface 71d of the inner surface 71 of the tank housing section 70, which is the inner surface where the sensor is installed, and a metal plate 84 is provided on the right outer surface 83d of the outer surface 83 of the storage tank 80, which is the outer surface facing the sensor, and the metal plate 84 is magnetically attached to the first permanent magnet 72a and the second permanent magnet 72b.

[0062] As shown in Figure 3, the first permanent magnet 72a, the second permanent magnet 72b, and the capacitance sensor 90 are embedded in the right inner surface 71d such that their surfaces are exposed flush with the right inner surface 71d. Similarly, the metal plate 84 is embedded in the right outer surface 83d such that its surface is exposed flush with the right outer surface 83d. Therefore, when the storage tank 80 is installed in the tank housing section 70, the first permanent magnet 72a, the second permanent magnet 72b, the capacitance sensor 90 and the metal plate 84 do not interfere with each other, and this interference does not reduce the adhesion between the right inner surface 71d and the right outer surface 83d.

[0063] In this detergent tank device 60, when the storage tank 80 is installed in the tank housing 70, the first permanent magnet 72a and the second permanent magnet 72b and the metal plate 84 magnetically adhere to each other, thereby increasing the contact between the right inner surface 71d of the tank housing 70, where the capacitance sensor 90 is installed, and the right outer surface 83d of the storage tank 80. Moreover, since the first permanent magnet 72a and the second permanent magnet 72b are positioned far apart in the depth direction of the tank housing 70, the posture stability of the storage tank 80 installed in the tank housing 70 can be increased, and the contact between the right inner surface 71d where the capacitance sensor 90 is installed and the right outer surface 83d can be further increased. As a result, the air layer interposed between the capacitance sensor 90 and the storage tank 80 is more easily eliminated, and the detection accuracy of the capacitance sensor 90 can be improved.

[0064] Furthermore, since magnetic force is used to improve the adhesion between the sensor-mounted inner surface of the tank housing 70 and the sensor-facing outer surface of the storage tank 80, unlike when the elastic force of an elastic material is used, it is less susceptible to fatigue failure of the elastically deformed part due to repeated loading or stress concentration, as well as changes in the material itself over time. As a result, there is little risk of a decrease in the effectiveness of eliminating the air layer between the capacitance sensor 90 and the storage tank 80.

[0065] Furthermore, the storage tank 80, which is detachable from the tank housing 70, does not have any mechanical parts such as electrodes, circuit components, or oscillating parts. This makes cleaning the storage tank 80 even easier.

[0066] Therefore, the detergent tank device 60 of the embodiment is convenient for the user and can accurately detect the amount of processing agent stably over a long period of time.

[0067] In this detergent tank device 60, metal plates 84, which are soft magnetic materials, are used as the first and second ferromagnetic materials. Therefore, in the manufacturing process of attaching the first permanent magnet 72a and the second permanent magnet 72b to the inner surface 71 of the storage section, the first permanent magnet 72a and the second permanent magnet 72b can be attached without worrying about the polarity of the magnetic force. Furthermore, since the metal plates 84 are soft magnetic materials, it is easy to set the plate thickness and perform processes such as bending. As a result, the structural constraints on the tank storage section 70 and the storage tank 80 are reduced, and the design becomes easier.

[0068] Therefore, this dishwasher 1 can be equipped with a removable storage tank 80 that is convenient for the user and can accurately detect the amount of processing agent over a long period of time.

[0069] (Example 2) The dishwasher 1 of Example 2 has a modified configuration of the detergent tank device 60 compared to the dishwasher 1 of Example 1.

[0070] As shown in Figure 4, in the detergent tank device 60 of Embodiment 2, a second permanent magnet 72b is placed at the right end of the front part of the bottom inner surface 71e of the inner surface 71 of the storage section. This right end of the front part of the bottom inner surface 71e becomes the second storage section position, which is set at a different position from the first storage section position on the inner surface 71 of the storage section.

[0071] The first permanent magnet 72a is positioned at the upper end of the front part of the right inner surface 71d, which is the inner surface where the sensor is installed, similar to the detergent tank device 60 of Embodiment 1.

[0072] Furthermore, the metal plate 84 provided on the outer surface 83 of the tank has an L-shape, which includes a main body portion 84a that extends continuously over almost the entire length in the vertical direction at the front of the right outer surface 83d, and a bent portion 84b that is connected to the lower end of the main body portion 84a and bent toward the bottom outer surface 83e.

[0073] When the storage tank 80 is installed in the tank housing section 70, the first permanent magnet 72a faces the upper part of the main body 84a of the metal plate 84, and the second permanent magnet 72b faces the bent portion 84b of the metal plate 84.

[0074] In this detergent tank device 60, the first permanent magnet 72a and the second permanent magnet 72b are positioned far apart in the depth direction of the tank housing 70. Moreover, the first permanent magnet 72a and the second permanent magnet 72b are positioned on two different surfaces of the inner surface 71 of the housing, namely the right inner surface 71d and the bottom inner surface 71e. This further enhances the posture stability of the storage tank 80 mounted in the tank housing 70, and improves the contact between the right inner surface 71d and the right outer surface 83d, where the capacitance sensor 90 is provided.

[0075] (Example 3) The dishwasher 1 of Example 3 has a modified configuration of the detergent tank device 60 compared to the dishwasher 1 of Example 1.

[0076] As shown in Figure 5, in the detergent tank device 60 of Embodiment 3, a second permanent magnet 72b is positioned at the right end of the lower part of the front inner surface 71a of the inner surface 71 of the storage section. This right end of the front part of the front inner surface 71a becomes the second storage section position, which is set at a different position from the first storage section position on the inner surface 71 of the storage section.

[0077] The first permanent magnet 72a is positioned at the upper end of the front part of the right inner surface 71d, which is the inner surface where the sensor is installed, similar to the detergent tank device 60 of Embodiment 1.

[0078] Furthermore, the metal plate 84 provided on the outer surface 83 of the tank has a main body portion 84a that extends continuously over almost the entire length in the vertical direction at the front of the right outer surface 83d, and a horizontally folded portion 84c that is connected to the lower end of the main body portion 84a and folded horizontally toward the front outer surface 83a.

[0079] When the storage tank 80 is installed in the tank housing section 70, the first permanent magnet 72a faces the upper part of the main body 84a of the metal plate 84, and the second permanent magnet 72b faces the lateral folded portion 84c of the metal plate 84.

[0080] In this detergent tank device 60, similar to the detergent tank device 60 of Embodiment 2, the first permanent magnet 72a and the second permanent magnet 72b are positioned far apart in the depth direction of the tank housing 70. Moreover, the first permanent magnet 72a and the second permanent magnet 72b are positioned on two different surfaces of the inner surface 71 of the housing, namely the right inner surface 71d and the front inner surface 71a. This further enhances the posture stability of the storage tank 80 mounted in the tank housing 70, and improves the contact between the right inner surface 71d and the right outer surface 83d, where the capacitance sensor 90 is provided.

[0081] (Example 4) The dishwasher 1 of Example 4 has a modified configuration of the detergent tank device 60 compared to the dishwasher 1 of Example 1.

[0082] As shown in Figure 6, in the detergent tank device 60 of Embodiment 4, similar to the detergent tank device 60 of Embodiment 1, the first permanent magnet 72a is positioned at the upper end of the front part of the right inner surface 71d, which is the inner surface where the sensor is installed.

[0083] Furthermore, a third permanent magnet 72c is positioned at the right end of the lower part of the front inner surface 71a of the housing inner surface 71. The polarity of the first permanent magnet 72a and the polarity of the third permanent magnet 72c are different. The right end of the lower part of the front inner surface 71a of the housing inner surface 71 is the position of the second housing. The third permanent magnet 72c is an example of the second magnet of the present invention. The polarity of the first permanent magnet 72a and the polarity of the third permanent magnet 72c may be the same.

[0084] A fourth permanent magnet 85a is positioned at the upper end of the front part of the right outer surface 83d of the tank outer surface 83. The first permanent magnet 72a positioned on the right inner surface 71d and the fourth permanent magnet 85a positioned on the right outer surface 83d are magnetically attracted to each other. The upper end of the front part of the right outer surface 83d of the tank outer surface 83 is the first tank position. The fourth permanent magnet 85a is an example of the first ferromagnetic material of the present invention.

[0085] Furthermore, a fifth permanent magnet 85b is positioned at the lower end of the front part of the front outer surface 83a of the tank outer surface 83. The third permanent magnet 72c positioned on the front inner surface 71a and the fifth permanent magnet 85b positioned on the front outer surface 83a are magnetically attracted to each other. The lower end of the front part of the front outer surface 83a of the tank outer surface 83 becomes the second tank position. The fifth permanent magnet 85b is an example of the second ferromagnetic material of the present invention.

[0086] In this configuration, when the storage tank 80 is installed in the tank housing 70, the permanent magnets facing each other magnetically attract each other between the inner surface 71 of the housing 70 and the outer surface 83 of the tank. Specifically, the first permanent magnet 72a located on the right inner surface 71d of the inner surface 71 of the housing 71 and the fourth permanent magnet 85a located on the right outer surface 83d of the outer surface 83 of the tank attract each other. Also, the third permanent magnet 72c located on the front inner surface 71a of the inner surface 71 of the housing 71 and the fifth permanent magnet 85b located on the front outer surface 83a of the outer surface 83 of the tank attract each other. Furthermore, the first permanent magnet 72a and the third permanent magnet 72c located on the inner surface 71 of the housing 70 are far apart in the depth direction of the tank housing 70 (the direction in which the storage tank 80 is inserted into the tank housing 70). Moreover, the first permanent magnet 72a and the third permanent magnet 72c are located on two different surfaces of the inner surface 71 of the housing 71, namely the right inner surface 71d and the front inner surface 71a. Therefore, the posture stability of the storage tank 80 mounted in the tank housing section 70 can be further enhanced, and the contact between the sensor mounting inner surface where the capacitance sensor 90 is provided and the sensor-facing outer surface can be further improved. As a result, it becomes easier to eliminate the air layer present between the capacitance sensor 90 and the storage tank 80.

[0087] Furthermore, by configuring the permanent magnets to magnetically attach to each other, their magnetic forces can be complemented, allowing for the use of less expensive permanent magnets, such as permanent magnets with weaker individual magnetic forces or smaller permanent magnets.

[0088] (Example 5) The dishwasher 1 of Example 5 has a modified configuration of the detergent tank device 60 compared to the dishwasher 1 of Example 1.

[0089] As shown in Figure 7, in the detergent tank device 60 of Embodiment 5, similar to the detergent tank device 60 of Embodiment 1, the first permanent magnet 72a is positioned at the upper end of the front part of the right inner surface 71d, which is the inner surface where the sensor is installed.

[0090] Furthermore, a third permanent magnet 72c is positioned at the lower end of the front part of the right inner surface 71d of the housing inner surface 71. The polarity of the first permanent magnet 72a and the polarity of the third permanent magnet 72c are different. The lower end of the front part of the right inner surface 71d of the housing inner surface 71 becomes the position of the second housing.

[0091] A fourth permanent magnet 85a is positioned at the upper end of the front part of the right outer surface 83d of the tank outer surface 83. The first permanent magnet 72a positioned on the right inner surface 71d and the fourth permanent magnet 85a positioned on the right outer surface 83d are magnetically attracted to each other. The upper end of the front part of the right outer surface 83d of the tank outer surface 83 is the first tank position.

[0092] Furthermore, a fifth permanent magnet 85b is positioned at the lower end of the front part of the right outer surface 83d of the tank outer surface 83. The third permanent magnet 72c positioned on the right inner surface 71d and the fifth permanent magnet 85b positioned on the right outer surface 83d are magnetically attracted to each other. The lower end of the front part of the right outer surface 83a of the tank outer surface 83 is the position of the second tank.

[0093] This configuration, similar to that in Embodiment 4, further enhances the posture stability of the storage tank 80 mounted in the tank housing 70, and improves the adhesion between the sensor mounting inner surface on which the capacitance sensor 90 is provided and the sensor-facing outer surface. Therefore, it becomes easier to eliminate the air layer present between the capacitance sensor 90 and the storage tank 80.

[0094] Furthermore, in this configuration, the polarity of the first permanent magnet 72a and the polarity of the fifth permanent magnet 85b are different. Therefore, when attaching the storage tank 80 to the tank housing 70, when inserting the storage tank 80 into the tank housing 70 from above, the first permanent magnet 72a located at the upper end of the right inner surface 71d and the fifth permanent magnet 85b located at the lower end of the right outer surface 83d repel each other. As a result, the attachment and detachment of the storage tank 80 to the tank housing 70 becomes easier.

[0095] (Example 6) The dishwasher 1 of Example 6 has a modified configuration of the detergent tank device 60 compared to the dishwasher 1 of Example 1.

[0096] As shown in Figure 8, in the detergent tank device 60 of Embodiment 6, the electromagnet 73 is positioned at the lower end of the front part of the right inner surface 71d, which is the inner surface where the sensor is installed. The electromagnet 73 is electrically connected to the control unit C1.

[0097] A metal plate 84 is positioned at the lower end of the front part of the right outer surface 83d of the outer surface 83 of the tank, so as to face the electromagnet 73 when the storage tank 80 is installed in the tank housing 70.

[0098] Furthermore, a limit switch 74 is positioned at the upper end of the front part of the right inner surface 71d, which is the inner surface where the sensor is installed. The limit switch 74 is electrically connected to the control unit C1. A sixth permanent magnet 86 is positioned at the upper end of the front part of the right outer surface 83d of the outer surface 83 of the tank, so as to face the limit switch 74 when the storage tank 80 is installed in the tank housing 70. The limit switch 74 and the sixth permanent magnet 86 detect when the storage tank is attached to or detached from the tank housing. The limit switch 74 and the sixth permanent magnet 86 are examples of the attachment / detachment detection unit of the present invention.

[0099] With this configuration, the electromagnet 73 only needs to be energized when it is desired to detect the amount of detergent 61 in the storage tank 80. Therefore, for example, by demagnetizing the electromagnet 73 when attaching or detaching the storage tank 80, the process of attaching and detaching the storage tank 80 from the tank housing 70 becomes easier.

[0100] Furthermore, the limit switch 74 and the sixth permanent magnet 86 allow the system to monitor the attachment and detachment status of the storage tank 80 in the tank housing section 70. Therefore, the control unit C1 controls the energization of the electromagnet 73 based on the detection results from the limit switch 74 and the sixth permanent magnet 86, thereby enabling or demagnetizing the electromagnet 73 at an appropriate timing in accordance with the attachment and detachment status of the storage tank 80.

[0101] Although the present invention has been described above in reference to Examples 1 to 6, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to Examples 1 to 6, and can be applied with appropriate modifications without departing from its spirit.

[0102] In this embodiment, the capacitance sensor 90 is provided on the inner surface 71 of the tank housing 70, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the capacitance sensor 90 may be provided on the outer surface of the housing wall that forms the housing space of the tank housing 70. By providing the capacitance sensor 90 on the outer surface of the housing wall, it is possible to prevent the storage tank 80 from coming into contact with the capacitance sensor 90 when attaching or detaching the storage tank 80. Furthermore, the first housing position and the second housing position may be on the outer surface or inside the housing wall, and the first tank position and the second tank position may be on the inner surface or inside the wall of the storage tank 80. Even if the first housing position and the second housing position are on the outer surface or inside the housing wall, and the first tank position and the second tank position are on the inner surface or inside the wall of the storage tank, the opposing first permanent magnet and second permanent magnet and the first ferromagnetic material and second ferromagnetic material can be made to press against the wall surface.

[0103] In the embodiments, soft magnetic materials and permanent magnets are used as the first and second ferromagnetic materials, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, ceramic materials such as copper-zinc ferrite and nickel-zinc ferrite may be used as the first and second ferromagnetic materials, respectively, as hard magnetic materials before magnetization.

[0104] In the embodiment, a metal plate made of ferritic stainless steel is used as the soft magnetic material, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and other ferromagnetic metal materials can be used as appropriate.

[0105] In this embodiment, the first and second magnets are arranged on the inner surface 71 of the tank housing 70, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the first and second magnets may be arranged on the outer surface 83 of the storage tank 80. Alternatively, the first magnet may be arranged on the inner surface 71 of the housing and the second magnet on the outer surface 83 of the tank. Furthermore, the configuration may consist of only the first magnet on the inner surface 71 of the housing or the outer surface 83 of the tank, without the second magnet. In addition, three or more magnets may be provided on the inner surface 71 of the housing or the outer surface 83 of the tank.

[0106] In this embodiment, the storage tank 80 is inserted into the tank housing 70 from above, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the side facing the sensor installation wall may be opened, and the tank may be inserted from the side.

[0107] In this embodiment, a detergent tank device is used as the treatment agent tank device, but in a dishwasher, it may also be applied to a rinse tank device that stores rinse as a treatment agent. Furthermore, the treatment agent tank device may also be applied to devices other than dishwashers, such as washing machines and bathtub cleaning machines.

[0108] Dishwashers and other devices to which the present invention is applied may be equipped with a function to notify by display or sound based on the detection by the capacitance sensor 90 that the amount of detergent 61 has reached the upper limit of the tank or fallen below the lower limit of the tank, or it may be associated with product operation such as not starting the operation. [Industrial applicability]

[0109] The present invention can be used, for example, in dishwashers, dishwasher-dryers, kitchen equipment, etc., for washing tableware, as well as in washing devices, factory equipment, etc., for washing goods. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0110] 1…Dishwasher 60…Detergent tank system (treatment agent tank system) 61…Detergent (treatment agent) 70... Tank housing 71...Interior surface of the containment compartment (containment compartment wall) 71d... Right inner surface (sensor installation wall) 72a...First permanent magnet (first magnet) 72b...Second permanent magnet (second magnet) 72c...Third permanent magnet (second magnet) 73…Electromagnet (First Magnet) 74…Limit switch (attachment / detachment detection unit) 80...Storage tanks 83... Tank exterior (tank perimeter wall) 83d... Right outer surface (wall opposite the tank) 84...Metal plate (first ferromagnetic material, second ferromagnetic material, soft magnetic material) 85a...Fourth permanent magnet (first ferromagnetic material) 85b...Fifth permanent magnet (second ferromagnetic material) 86…6th permanent magnet (attachment / detachment detection unit) 90... Capacitive sensor

Claims

1. Tank housing section, A storage tank for storing the treatment agent is detachably attached to the aforementioned tank housing section, A capacitive sensor is provided at the sensor position on the sensor mounting wall of the storage section wall of the tank storage section, and detects the amount of the processing agent in the storage tank installed in the tank storage section. The system comprises a first housing position set at a position different from the sensor position on the sensor mounting wall, a first magnet positioned on one of the sensor-facing wall of the storage tank's tank perimeter wall that faces the sensor mounting wall when the storage tank is mounted in the tank housing, and a first ferromagnetic material positioned on the other side of the first housing position and the first tank position, and magnetically attached to the first magnet, The processing agent tank device is characterized in that the first ferromagnetic material is provided as a separate component from the sensor mounting wall or the sensor-facing wall on which the first ferromagnetic material is arranged.

2. The first magnet is a permanent magnet, The processing agent tank apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first ferromagnetic material is a soft magnetic material or a hard magnetic material before magnetization.

3. The processing agent tank apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a second storage position set at a position different from the sensor position and the first storage position in the storage wall of the storage section, excluding the storage section wall facing the sensor installation wall; a second magnet disposed on one of the tank peripheral wall opposite the storage section wall where the second storage position is set when the storage tank is installed in the tank storage section; and a second ferromagnetic material disposed on the other of the second storage position and the second tank position and magnetically attached to the second magnet.

4. The storage tank is configured to be inserted into the tank housing from above, The second housing section is set at a position in the sensor installation wall of the housing section wall that is different from the sensor position and the first housing section position, and is located at a position that is separated from the first housing section position in the depth direction of the tank housing section. The first magnet and the first ferromagnetic material are permanent magnets that are magnetically attracted to each other. Permanent magnets that magnetically adhere to each other are arranged at the second storage section position and the second tank position. The treatment agent tank apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the two permanent magnets arranged in the wall of the housing section have different polarities.

5. The processing agent tank apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first magnet is an electromagnet positioned at the first housing location.

6. A detachment detection unit is provided in the tank housing section and detects when the storage tank has been attached to or detached from the tank housing section, The processing agent tank apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a control unit that controls the supply of power to the electromagnet based on the detection result of the attachment / detachment detection unit.

7. A tank housing section, A storage tank for storing the treatment agent is detachably attached to the aforementioned tank housing section, A capacitive sensor is provided at the sensor position on the sensor mounting wall of the storage section wall of the tank storage section, and detects the amount of the processing agent in the storage tank installed in the tank storage section. The system comprises a first housing position set at a position different from the sensor position on the sensor mounting wall, a first magnet positioned on one of the sensor-facing wall of the storage tank's tank perimeter wall that faces the sensor mounting wall when the storage tank is mounted in the tank housing, and a first ferromagnetic material positioned on the other side of the first housing position and the first tank position, and magnetically attached to the first magnet, A processing agent tank apparatus further comprising: a second storage position set at a position different from the sensor position and the first storage position in the storage wall of the storage section, excluding the storage section wall facing the sensor installation wall; a second magnet disposed on one of the tank peripheral wall opposite the storage section wall where the second storage position is set when the storage tank is installed in the tank storage section; and a second ferromagnetic material disposed on the other of the second storage position and the second tank position, and magnetically attached to the second magnet.

8. The storage tank is configured to be inserted into the tank housing from above, The second housing section is set at a position in the sensor installation wall of the housing section wall that is different from the sensor position and the first housing section position, and is located at a position that is separated from the first housing section position in the depth direction of the tank housing section. The first magnet and the first ferromagnetic material are permanent magnets that are magnetically attracted to each other. Permanent magnets that magnetically adhere to each other are arranged at the second storage section position and the second tank position. The treatment agent tank apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the two permanent magnets arranged in the wall of the housing section have different polarities.

9. A tank housing section, A storage tank for storing the treatment agent is detachably attached to the aforementioned tank housing section, A capacitive sensor is provided at the sensor position on the sensor mounting wall of the storage section wall of the tank storage section, and detects the amount of the processing agent in the storage tank installed in the tank storage section. The system comprises a first housing position set at a position different from the sensor position on the sensor mounting wall, a first magnet positioned on one of the sensor-facing wall of the storage tank's tank perimeter wall that faces the sensor mounting wall when the storage tank is mounted in the tank housing, and a first ferromagnetic material positioned on the other side of the first housing position and the first tank position, and magnetically attached to the first magnet, The first magnet is an electromagnet positioned at the first housing location, A detachment detection unit is provided in the tank housing section and detects when the storage tank has been attached to or detached from the tank housing section, A processing agent tank device further comprising a control unit that controls the supply of power to the electromagnet based on the detection result of the attachment / detachment detection unit.

10. A dishwasher characterized by comprising a processing agent tank device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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