Dishwasher

Abstract

The present invention provides, for example, a novel dishwasher having a simple configuration. The dishwasher comprises: a body that has a washing chamber; nozzles that are disposed inside the washing chamber and rotate about a central axis; and a supply mechanism that supplies water to the nozzles. The nozzles have a first portion, a second portion, a third portion, and a fourth portion. The first portion, the second portion, the third portion, and the fourth portion each have a plurality of jetting ports that jet the water supplied from the supply mechanism. The plurality of jetting ports provided to each of the first portion and the fourth portion are provided such that water can be jetted toward one side in a second direction, whereas the plurality of jetting ports provided to each of the second portion and the third portion are provided such that water can be jetted toward the other side in the second direction. The plurality of jetting ports provided to the first portion include three jetting ports configured so as to jet water in a direction such that the water jetted from each of the jetting ports converges toward the water jetted from the other jetting ports.

Description

Dishwasher

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dishwasher. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-002157 filed in Japan on January 7, 2025, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a dishwasher that supplies washing water to a plurality of water channels using solenoids.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-159771

[0004] There is a desire to simplify the structure of dishwashers.

[0005] One aspect of the object of the present disclosure is to provide, for example, a novel dishwasher having a simple structure.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a dishwasher comprises a main body having a washing chamber, a nozzle disposed within the washing chamber and rotating about a central axis, and a supply mechanism for supplying water to the nozzle. The nozzle has a first portion located on one side in a second direction with respect to a first virtual straight line passing through the central axis and extending along a first direction, and on one side in a first direction with respect to a second virtual straight line passing through the central axis and extending along another direction, when viewed from the direction in which the central axis extends, a second portion located on the other side in a second direction with respect to the first virtual straight line, when viewed from the direction in which the central axis extends, and on the other side in a first direction with respect to the second virtual straight line, when viewed from the direction in which the central axis extends, a third portion located on one side in a second direction with respect to the first virtual straight line, and on the other side in a first direction with respect to the second virtual straight line, when viewed from the direction in which the central axis extends, and a fourth portion located on the other side in a second direction with respect to the first virtual straight line, and on one side in a first direction with respect to the second virtual straight line, when viewed from the direction in which the central axis extends. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth parts has a plurality of nozzles for ejecting water supplied from a supply mechanism. The plurality of nozzles in each of the first and fourth parts are configured to eject water toward one side in a second direction, while the plurality of nozzles in each of the second and third parts are configured to eject water toward the other side in a second direction. The plurality of nozzles in the first part includes three nozzles configured to eject water toward each other as the water ejected from each nozzle approaches the other.

[0007] According to one aspect of this disclosure, for example, a novel dishwasher having a simple configuration can be provided.

[0008] This is a schematic perspective view of a dishwasher according to the first embodiment. This is a schematic perspective view of a dishwasher with the door omitted. This is a schematic front view of a dishwasher with the door omitted. This is a schematic plan view of the upper nozzle. This is a schematic plan view of the middle nozzle. This is a schematic plan view of the lower nozzle. This is a schematic circuit diagram for explaining the water flow in a dishwasher. This is a schematic plan view of the branching member in the first embodiment. This is a schematic plan view of the valve in the first embodiment. This is a schematic plan view showing the relationship between the branching member and the valve in the 0° position. This is a schematic plan view showing the relationship between the branching member and the valve in the 122° position. This is a schematic plan view showing the relationship between the branching member and the valve in the 282° position. This is a schematic plan view showing the relationship between the branching member and the valve in the 37° position. This is a schematic plan view showing the relationship between the branching member and the valve in the 92° position. This is a schematic plan view showing the relationship between the branching member and the valve in the 250° position. This is a schematic plan view showing the relationship between the branching member and the valve in the 313° position. This is a schematic plan view showing the relationship between the branching member and the valve in the 177° position. This is a schematic plan view of the branching member in the second embodiment. This is a schematic plan view of the valve in the second embodiment. This is a schematic plan view showing the relationship between the branching member and the valve in the 0° position (first water supply mode). This is a schematic plan view showing the relationship between the branching member and the valve in the 180° position (second water supply mode). This is a schematic plan view showing the relationship between the branching member and the valve in the 90° position (third water supply mode). This is a schematic plan view showing the relationship between the branching member and the valve in the 270° position (fourth water supply mode). This is a schematic plan view showing the relationship between the branching member and the valve in the 295° position (fifth water supply mode). This is a schematic plan view showing the relationship between the branching member and the valve in the 55° position (sixth water supply mode). This is a schematic plan view of the lower nozzle in the third embodiment.

[0009] Hereinafter, a dishwasher 1 (see Figure 1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having substantially common functions will be referred to by the same reference numerals and used in the explanation. The direction in which the opening of the dishwasher 1 faces is the front side, the opposite side is the rear side, the front-to-back direction is the depth direction D, the horizontal direction in the front view is the width direction W, and the up-and-down direction is the height direction H.

[0010] In this disclosure, “dishwasher” refers to any equipment used to wash tableware such as plates, bowls, knives, forks, and chopsticks. A dishwasher may be configured to wash items other than tableware, as long as it is capable of washing tableware. A dishwasher may remove dirt from tableware by directing a flow of fluid, such as water, onto the tableware being washed. The fluid directed onto the tableware may be, for example, an aqueous solution containing detergent.

[0011] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a dishwasher 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the dishwasher 1 with the door 10b omitted. Figure 3 is a schematic front view of the dishwasher 1 with the door 10b omitted.

[0012] The dishwasher 1 shown in Figures 1-3 is specifically a device for washing dishes such as plates, bowls, knives, and forks.

[0013] (Main body 10 and door 10b) The dishwasher 1 has a main body 10. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the main body 10 has a washing chamber 10a and a pump (not shown). The washing chamber 10a is a room in which dishes and other items to be washed are placed and washed. The washing chamber 10a opens toward the front. The opening of the washing chamber 10a can be opened and closed by the door 10b shown in Figure 1. The door 10b is provided so as to be displaceable in the depth direction D relative to the main body 10. By displacing the door 10b toward the front relative to the main body 10 from the state shown in Figure 1, the washing chamber 10a can be opened.

[0014] (Racks 21, 22) As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the washing chamber 10a is provided with a plurality of racks 21 and 22. Rack 21 is positioned relatively above, and rack 22 is positioned below rack 21. Racks 21 and 22 are spaced apart from each other in the height direction H. Dishes to be washed can be placed on racks 21 and 22, respectively. Racks 21 and 22 are each made of a net-like material. Racks 21 and 22 each have a plurality of through holes, allowing water flow to pass through. Racks 21 and 22 can be moved in and out of the washing chamber 10a independently in the depth direction D.

[0015] (Multiple nozzles 31, 32, 33) The dishwasher 1 is provided with multiple nozzles arranged in the washing chamber 10a. The multiple nozzles are configured to spray water. Specifically, the dishwasher 1 has an upper nozzle 31, a middle nozzle 32, a lower nozzle 33, and a sub-nozzle 34 (see Figure 3). In this embodiment, the middle nozzle 32 constitutes the first nozzle, and the lower nozzle 33 constitutes the second nozzle.

[0016] (Upper Nozzle 31) Figure 4 is a schematic plan view of the upper nozzle 31. More specifically, Figure 4 is a schematic plan view of the upper nozzle 31 as seen from below along the height direction H. Next, the upper nozzle 31 will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 4.

[0017] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the upper nozzle 31 is attached to the top wall of the main body 10. The upper nozzle 31 is rotatable about a central axis A that extends along the height direction H relative to the top wall. Because the central axis A is along the height direction H, the rotation direction of the upper nozzle 31 is parallel to the horizontal direction when viewed from the side.

[0018] In this embodiment, the central axis A is located approximately at the center of the washing chamber 10a in a plan view.

[0019] The upper nozzle 31 is located above the racks 21 and 22. Therefore, the water sprayed from the upper nozzle 31 is directed onto the dishes placed on the racks 21 and 22.

[0020] As shown in Figure 4, the upper nozzle 31 has an elongated shape. The upper nozzle 31 has a first portion 31a located on one side L11 of the central axis A along the longitudinal direction L1 of the upper nozzle 31, and a second portion 31b located on the other side L12 of the central axis A.

[0021] The first portion 31a and the second portion 31b are each provided with at least one nozzle 31c, 31d. More specifically, the first portion 31a is provided with multiple nozzles 31c, and the second portion 31b is provided with multiple nozzles 31d.

[0022] The multiple nozzles 31c provided in the first section 31a are arranged at intervals from one another along the longitudinal direction L1. Each of the multiple nozzles 31c is configured such that, when viewed from the height direction H, water is ejected toward one side S11 of the short direction S1 which is perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction L1 and the height direction H of the upper nozzle 31. More specifically, water is ejected diagonally downward toward one side S11 from each of the multiple nozzles 31c. When viewed from the height direction H (in a plan view), the directions of water ejection from the multiple nozzles 31c may be the same or different from each other. The multiple nozzles 31c may include nozzles 31c whose water ejection direction differs from that of the other nozzles 31c. For example, of the multiple nozzles 31c, at least one nozzle 31c located on the outside away from the central axis A may spray water in a direction that turns outward as it moves away from the nozzle 31c in the short direction S1, while the other nozzles 31c may spray water in the short direction S1.

[0023] The multiple nozzles 31d provided in the second section 31b are arranged at intervals from one another along the longitudinal direction L1. Each of the multiple nozzles 31d is configured to eject water toward the other side S12 in the short direction S1 when viewed from the height direction H. More specifically, water is ejected diagonally downward toward the other side S12 from each of the multiple nozzles 31d. When viewed from the height direction H (in a plan view), the directions of water ejection from the multiple nozzles 31d may be the same or different from each other. The multiple nozzles 31d may include nozzles 31d whose water ejection direction differs from that of the other nozzles 31d. For example, at least one of the multiple nozzles 31d located on the outside away from the central axis A may eject water in a direction that turns outward as it moves away from the nozzle 31d in the short direction S1, while the other nozzles 31d may eject water in the short direction S1.

[0024] When water is ejected from each of the multiple nozzles 31c and multiple nozzles 31d, a force is applied to the upper nozzle 31 in a direction that causes it to rotate around the central axis A. Therefore, when water is ejected from each of the multiple nozzles 31c and multiple nozzles 31d, the upper nozzle 31 rotates around the central axis A. In the dishwasher 1, when viewed from above, the upper nozzle 31 rotates in the first rotation direction D1, which is counterclockwise. Note that Figure 4 is a view from below, so the first rotation direction D1 is depicted as clockwise.

[0025] Multiple nozzles 31c are provided on one side S11 of the first portion 31a in the direction shorter than the central axis A, on the side where water is ejected from nozzles 31c. On the other hand, multiple nozzles 31d are provided on the other side S12 of the second portion 31b in the direction shorter than the central axis A, on the side where water is ejected from nozzles 31d. Note that nozzles 31c and 31d may be on the same straight line.

[0026] The number of nozzles 31c provided in the first section 31a is equal to the number of nozzles 31d provided in the second section 31b. The total opening area of ​​the nozzles 31c provided in the first section 31a is substantially equal to the total opening area of ​​the nozzles 31d provided in the second section 31b. The total opening area of ​​the nozzles 31c is preferably 0.8 to 1.2 times, and more preferably 0.9 to 1.1 times, the total opening area of ​​the nozzles 31d. The smaller the difference between the total opening area of ​​the nozzles 31c and the total opening area of ​​the nozzles 31d, the more suitable rotational force is applied to the upper nozzle 31 by the ejection of water from the nozzles 31c and 31d, allowing the upper nozzle 31 to rotate smoothly.

[0027] (Mid-stage nozzle 32) Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of the mid-stage nozzle 32. More specifically, Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of the mid-stage nozzle 32 as seen from above along the height direction H. Next, the mid-stage nozzle 32 will be described with reference to Figures 2, 3 and 5.

[0028] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the intermediate nozzle 32 is positioned below the upper nozzle 31. More specifically, the intermediate nozzle 32 is positioned between the upper rack 21 and the lower rack 22 in the height direction H. The intermediate nozzle 32 is rotatable about a central axis A, similar to the upper nozzle 31. Therefore, the rotation direction of the intermediate nozzle 32 is parallel to the horizontal direction in a side view, similar to the rotation direction of the upper nozzle 31. The support configuration of the intermediate nozzle 32 is not particularly limited. The intermediate nozzle 32 may be rotatably supported by a support member extending from, for example, the side wall of the main body 10.

[0029] As shown in Figure 5, the intermediate nozzle 32 has an elongated shape. The intermediate nozzle 32 has a first portion 32a located on one side L21 of the central axis A along the longitudinal direction L2 of the intermediate nozzle 32, and a second portion 32b located on the other side L22 of the central axis A.

[0030] The first portion 32a and the second portion 32b are each provided with at least one nozzle 32c, 32d. More specifically, the first portion 32a is provided with multiple nozzles 32c, and the second portion 32b is provided with multiple nozzles 32d.

[0031] The multiple nozzles 32c provided in the first section 32a are arranged at intervals from one another along the longitudinal direction L2. Each of the multiple nozzles 32c is configured such that, when viewed from the height direction H, water is ejected toward one side S21 in the short direction S2 which is perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction L2 and the height direction H of the middle nozzle 32. More specifically, water is ejected diagonally upward toward one side S21 from each of the multiple nozzles 32c. When viewed from the height direction H (in a plan view), the directions of water ejection from the multiple nozzles 32c may be the same or different from each other. The multiple nozzles 32c may include nozzles 32c whose water ejection direction differs from that of the other nozzles 32c. For example, of the multiple nozzles 32c, at least one nozzle 32c located on the outside away from the central axis A may spray water in a direction that turns outward as it moves away from the nozzle 32c in the short direction S2, while the other nozzles 32c may spray water in the short direction S2.

[0032] The multiple nozzles 32d provided in the second section 32b are arranged at intervals from one another along the longitudinal direction L2. Each of the multiple nozzles 32d is configured to spray water toward the other side S22 in the short direction S2 when viewed from the height direction H. More specifically, water is sprayed diagonally upward toward the other side S22 from each of the multiple nozzles 32d. Therefore, the water from the multiple nozzles 32c and 32d is mainly sprayed onto the dishes placed on the rack 21. When viewed from the height direction H (in a plan view), the water spray directions from the multiple nozzles 32d may be the same or different from each other. The multiple nozzles 32d may include nozzles 32d whose water spray direction is different from that of the other nozzles 32d. For example, of the multiple nozzles 32d, at least one nozzle 32d located on the outside away from the central axis A may spray water in a direction that is outward as it moves away from the nozzle 32c in the short direction S2, while the other nozzles 32d may spray water in the short direction S2.

[0033] When water is ejected from each of the multiple nozzles 32c and multiple nozzles 32d, a force is applied to the middle nozzle 32 in a direction that causes it to rotate around the central axis A. Therefore, when water is ejected from each of the multiple nozzles 32c and multiple nozzles 32d, the middle nozzle 32 rotates around the central axis A. In the dishwasher 1, when viewed from above, the middle nozzle 32 rotates in the first rotational direction D1, which is counterclockwise.

[0034] Multiple nozzles 32c are provided on one side S21 of the first portion 32a in the direction S2 shorter than the central axis A, on the side where water is ejected from nozzles 32c. On the other hand, multiple nozzles 32d are provided on the other side S22 of the second portion 32b in the direction S2 shorter than the central axis A, on the side where water is ejected from nozzles 32d. Note that nozzles 32c and 32d may be on the same straight line.

[0035] The number of nozzles 32c provided in the first section 32a is equal to the number of nozzles 32d provided in the second section 32b. The total opening area of ​​the nozzles 32c provided in the first section 32a is substantially equal to the total opening area of ​​the nozzles 32d provided in the second section 32b. The total opening area of ​​the nozzles 32c is preferably 0.8 to 1.2 times, and more preferably 0.9 to 1.1 times, the total opening area of ​​the nozzles 32d. The smaller the difference between the total opening area of ​​the nozzles 32c and the total opening area of ​​the nozzles 32d, the more suitable rotational force is applied to the intermediate nozzle 32 by the ejection of water from the nozzles 32c and 32d, allowing the intermediate nozzle 32 to rotate smoothly.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3, the length of the middle nozzle 32 along its longitudinal direction L2 is longer than the length of the upper nozzle 31 along its longitudinal direction L1. The outer end of the middle nozzle 32 extends further outside the washing chamber 10a than the outer end of the upper nozzle 31.

[0037] The number of nozzles 32c and 32d on the relatively long middle nozzle 32 is greater than the number of nozzles 31c and 31d on the relatively short upper nozzle 31. Preferably, the number of nozzles 32c and 32d on the relatively long middle nozzle 32 is 1.5 times or more, and more preferably 2 times or more, the number of nozzles 31c and 31d on the relatively short upper nozzle 31. Preferably, the total opening area of ​​the nozzles 32c and 32d is greater than or equal to the total opening area of ​​the nozzles 31c and 31d, more preferably 1.5 times or more, and even more preferably 2 times or more. Preferably, the rotational torque generated in the middle nozzle 32 when water is ejected is greater than the rotational torque generated in the upper nozzle 31. For example, it is preferable that the nozzles 31c and 31d and the nozzles 32c and 32d are configured such that the rotational speed of the upper nozzle 31 and the rotational speed of the middle nozzle 32 are substantially the same.

[0038] (Lower Nozzle 33) Figure 6 is a schematic plan view of the lower nozzle 33. More specifically, Figure 6 is a schematic plan view of the lower nozzle 33 as seen from above along the height direction H. Next, the lower nozzle 33 will be described with reference to Figures 2, 3 and 6.

[0039] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the lower nozzle 33 is positioned below the upper nozzle 31 and the middle nozzle 32. More specifically, the lower nozzle 33 is positioned below the racks 21 and 22 in the height direction H. Therefore, the water ejected from the lower nozzle 33 is mainly sprayed onto the dishes placed on the racks 22. The lower nozzle 33, like the upper nozzle 31 and the middle nozzle 32, is rotatable about a central axis A. Therefore, the rotation direction of the lower nozzle 33 is also parallel to the horizontal direction in a side view, similar to the rotation direction of the upper nozzle 31 and the middle nozzle 32. In the dishwasher 1, the lower nozzle 33 is rotatably supported by the bottom wall of the main body 10.

[0040] As shown in Figure 6, the lower nozzle 33 has an elongated shape. The lower nozzle 33 has a portion 33a located on one side L31 of the central axis A and a portion 33b located on the other side L32 of the central axis A along the longitudinal direction L3 of the lower nozzle 33.

[0041] Each of the sections 33a and 33b is provided with at least one nozzle 33c, 33d. More specifically, section 33a is provided with multiple nozzles 33c, and section 33b is provided with multiple nozzles 33d.

[0042] More specifically, the portion 33a has a first portion 33a1 and a third portion 33a3. Among the portions of 33a, the first portion 33a1 is located on one side S31 in the short-side direction S3 rather than on the central axis A when viewed from the height direction H, and the third portion 33a3 is located on the other side S32 in the short-side direction S3 rather than on the central axis A. The first portion 33a1 is located on one side L31 in the longitudinal direction L3 and one side S31 in the short-side direction S3 rather than on the central axis A when viewed from the height direction H. The third portion 33a3 is located on one side L31 in the longitudinal direction L3 and the other side S32 in the short-side direction S3 rather than on the central axis A when viewed from the height direction H.

[0043] Note that the short-side direction S3 is a direction perpendicular to each of the longitudinal direction L3 and the height direction H of the lower nozzle 33.

[0044] The portion 33b has a second portion 33b2 and a fourth portion 33b4. Among the portions of 33b, the second portion 33b2 is located on the other side S32 in the short-side direction S3 rather than on the central axis A when viewed from the height direction H, and the fourth portion 33b4 is located on one side S31 in the short-side direction S3 rather than on the central axis A. The second portion 33b2 is located on the other side L32 in the longitudinal direction L3 and the other side S32 in the short-side direction S3 rather than on the central axis A when viewed from the height direction H. The fourth portion 33b4 is located on the other side L32 in the longitudinal direction L3 and one side S31 in the short-side direction S3 rather than on the central axis A when viewed from the height direction H.

[0045] As described above, when viewed from the direction in which the central axis A extends, the first portion 33a1 is on one side (L31 side) in the longitudinal direction L3, which is the second direction, with respect to the first virtual straight line l1 that passes through the central axis A and extends along the short-side direction S3, which is the first direction, and is on one side (S31 side) in the short-side direction S3 with respect to the second virtual straight line l2 that passes through the central axis A and extends along the longitudinal direction L3, which is the second direction. [[ID=,11]]

[0046] When viewed from the direction in which the central axis A extends, the second portion 33b2 is on the other side (L32 side) in the longitudinal direction L3 with respect to the first virtual straight line l1 and on the other side (S32 side) in the short-side direction S3 with respect to the second virtual straight line l2.

[0047] When viewed from the direction in which the central axis A extends, the third part 33a3 is located on one side (L31 side) in the longitudinal direction L3 with respect to the first virtual straight line l1 and on the other side (S32 side) in the short transverse direction S3 with respect to the second virtual straight line l2.

[0048] When viewed from the direction in which the central axis A extends, the fourth part 33b4 is located on the other side (L32 side) in the longitudinal direction L3 with respect to the first virtual straight line l1 and on one side (S31 side) in the short transverse direction S3 with respect to the second virtual straight line l2.

[0049] The plurality of ejection ports 33c includes a plurality of ejection ports 33c1 provided in the first part 33a1 and a plurality of ejection ports 33c3 provided in the third part 33a3.

[0050] The plurality of ejection ports 33c1 are arranged at intervals along the longitudinal direction L3 in the first part 33a1. Each of the plurality of ejection ports 33c1 is provided such that water is ejected toward one side S31 in the short transverse direction S3 when viewed from the height direction H. Specifically, water is ejected obliquely upward from each of the plurality of ejection ports 33c1 toward the one side S31.

[0051] In the present embodiment, the plurality of ejection ports provided in at least one of the first part 33a1, the second part 33b2, the third part 33a3, and the fourth part 33b4 have at least three ejection ports configured such that the water ejected from the respective ejection ports ejects water in a direction in which the water approaches each other. Thus, by providing at least three ejection ports so that water is intensively ejected into a predetermined area, the cleaning ability in the predetermined area can be improved. For example, by designating the area where a heavily soiled object to be cleaned is placed and causing the water ejected from at least three ejection ports to be intensively ejected into that area, the heavily soiled object to be cleaned can be effectively cleaned.

[0052] In the dishwasher 1 according to this embodiment, the first part 33a1 has a plurality of nozzles 33c1, each of which is configured to spray water in a direction that brings the water sprayed from each nozzle 33c1 closer to each other. Specifically, of the five nozzles 33c1 provided in the first part 33a1, the three nozzles 33c1 located closer to the central axis A in the longitudinal direction L3 are configured to spray water in a direction that brings the water sprayed from each nozzle closer to each other in the longitudinal direction L3. Of the five nozzles 33c1, the nozzle 33c1 closest to the central axis A in the longitudinal direction L3 is configured to spray water toward the S31 side of the longitudinal direction S3, in a direction inclined with respect to the short direction S3. Of the five nozzles 33c1, the second nozzle 33c1 from the central axis A side in the longitudinal direction L3 is configured to eject water along the short direction S3 (parallel to the short direction S3) toward the S31 side of the short direction S3. Of the five nozzles 33c1, the third nozzle 33c1 from the central axis A side in the longitudinal direction L3 is configured to eject water toward the L32 side of the longitudinal direction S3 toward the S31 side of the short direction S3, in a direction inclined with respect to the short direction S3. Therefore, in the first section 33a1, the water ejected from the three nozzles 33c1 located on the central axis A side is concentrated and sprayed onto a specific area.

[0053] Multiple nozzles 33c3 are arranged at intervals from one another along the longitudinal direction L3 in the third portion 33a3. Each of the multiple nozzles 33c3 is configured to eject water toward the other side S32 in the short direction S3 when viewed from the height direction H. More specifically, water is ejected diagonally upward toward the other side S32 from each of the multiple nozzles 33c3.

[0054] In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, when viewed from the height direction H (in a plan view), the direction of water ejection from the multiple nozzles 33c3 is the same.

[0055] The multiple nozzles 33d include multiple nozzles 33d2 provided in the second portion 33b2 and multiple nozzles 33d4 provided in the fourth portion 33b4.

[0056] Multiple nozzles 33d2 are arranged at intervals from one another along the longitudinal direction L3 in the second portion 33b2. Each of the multiple nozzles 33d2 is configured to eject water toward the other side S32 in the short direction S3 when viewed from the height direction H. More specifically, water is ejected diagonally upward toward the other side S32 from each of the multiple nozzles 33d2.

[0057] In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, when viewed from the height direction H (in a plan view), the direction of water ejection from the multiple nozzles 33d2 is the same.

[0058] Multiple nozzles 33d4 are arranged at intervals from one another along the longitudinal direction L3 in the fourth section 33b4. Each of the multiple nozzles 33d4 is configured to eject water toward one side S31 in the short direction S3 when viewed from the height direction H. More specifically, water is ejected diagonally upward toward one side S31 from each of the multiple nozzles 33d4.

[0059] Thus, each of the multiple nozzles 33c1 and 33d2 constituting the first nozzle is configured such that the water being ejected applies a force to the lower nozzle 33 in the first rotational direction D1 (counterclockwise direction). On the other hand, each of the multiple nozzles 33c3 and 33d4 constituting the second nozzle is configured such that the water being ejected applies a force to the lower nozzle 33 in the second rotational direction D2 (clockwise direction), which is opposite to the first rotational direction D1. In this way, the multiple nozzles 33c1 and 33d2 constituting the first nozzle and the multiple nozzles 33c3 and 33d4 constituting the second nozzle are arranged such that the direction of the water ejected from the first nozzle and the direction of the water ejected from the second nozzle are opposite in the rotational direction around the central axis A.

[0060] In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, when viewed from the height direction H (in a plan view), the direction of water ejection from the multiple nozzles 33d4 is the same.

[0061] In this embodiment, an example is described in which some of the nozzles in at least one of the first part 33a1, second part 33b2, third part 33a3, and fourth part 33b4 are configured to spray water in a direction that brings the water sprayed from each nozzle closer together. However, this disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, from the viewpoint of further enhancing the cleaning power in a particular area, all of the nozzles in at least one of the first part 33a1, second part 33b2, third part 33a3, and fourth part 33b4 may be configured to spray water in a direction that brings the water sprayed from each nozzle closer together. Furthermore, if some of the nozzles in at least one of the first portion 33a1, the second portion 33b2, the third portion 33a3, and the fourth portion 33b4 are configured to spray water in a direction that brings the water sprayed from each nozzle closer together, it is preferable that more than half of the nozzles in the plurality of nozzles 33c1 are configured to spray water in a direction that brings the water sprayed from each nozzle closer together.

[0062] However, if multiple nozzles provided in a particular part are configured to spray water in a direction that brings the water sprayed from each nozzle closer together, the area from which water can be sprayed from that particular part may be narrowed. Therefore, from the viewpoint of enabling water to be sprayed over a wide area, it is preferable, as in this embodiment, that some of the multiple nozzles provided in at least one of the first part 33a1, the second part 33b2, the third part 33a3, and the fourth part 33b4 are configured to spray water in a direction that brings the water sprayed from each nozzle closer together, and that the multiple nozzles include a nozzle that sprays water in a direction that causes the water sprayed from two adjacent nozzles in the longitudinal direction L3 to move away from each other. In that case, it is more preferable that, in the particular part, the two outermost adjacent nozzles in one direction (for example, the longitudinal direction L3) are configured to spray water in a direction that causes the water sprayed from each to move away from each other. It is even more preferable that the one nozzle located on the outermost side in one direction (for example, the longitudinal direction L3) is configured to spray water outwards.

[0063] Specifically, in this embodiment, it is more preferable that, of the multiple nozzles 33c1 provided in the first portion 33a1, the two nozzles 33c1 located on the outermost side (L31 side) in the longitudinal direction L3 are configured to spray water in a direction away from the water being sprayed from each nozzle 33c1. It is even more preferable that the nozzles 33c1 provided on the outermost side in the longitudinal direction L3 in the first portion 33a1 are configured to spray water toward the S31 side in the short direction S3, toward the L31 side (outside) in the longitudinal direction L3. Therefore, water can be sprayed over a wide area from the first portion 33a1.

[0064] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which a plurality of nozzles 33c1 provided in the first portion 33a1 of the lower nozzle 33 have at least three nozzles (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "at least three nozzles that spray water in a concentrated manner") configured to spray water in a direction toward the water being sprayed from each nozzle 33c1. However, this disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, one of the second portion 33b2, the third portion 33a3, and the fourth portion 33b4 may have at least three nozzles that spray water in a concentrated manner. For example, at least two of the first portion 33a1, the second portion 33b2, the third portion 33a3, and the fourth portion 33b4 may have at least three nozzles that spray water in a concentrated manner. In that case, the first portion 33a1 and the second portion 33b2, which spray water simultaneously, may each have at least three nozzles that spray water in a concentrated manner. Furthermore, each of the third portion 33a3 and the fourth portion 33b4 that simultaneously eject water may have at least three nozzles that eject water in a concentrated manner. At least one of the first portion 33a1 and the second portion 33b2 that eject water during one period, and at least one of the third portion 33a3 and the fourth portion 33b4 that eject water during other periods, may have at least three nozzles that eject water in a concentrated manner.

[0065] As schematically shown in Figure 3, in addition to the rotatable nozzles 31, 32, and 33, the dishwasher 1 has a sub-nozzle 34. The sub-nozzle 34 is positioned at the corner of the rectangular washing chamber 10a when viewed from the height direction H (in a plan view). The sub-nozzle 34 can be used to concentrate on washing, for example, heavily soiled pots and pans.

[0066] It is preferable that the sub-nozzles 34 are provided at at least one of the four corners of the cleaning chamber 10a, which is substantially rectangular in plan view, but they may also be provided at two or more corners.

[0067] (Flow path components and flow path) Figure 7 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating the flow of water in the dishwasher 1. The dishwasher 1 has the water circuit shown in Figure 7.

[0068] As shown in Figure 7, the dishwasher 1 includes a pump 40, a valve 50, a branching member 60, and a flow path component 70.

[0069] Pump 40 constitutes the supply mechanism. Pump 40 is connected to a water supply source (not shown), such as a tap water supply connected to the dishwasher 1. Pump 40 pressurizes and sends out water supplied from the water supply source. Pump 40 also collects the water discharged into the washing chamber 10a, pressurizes it again, and sends it out.

[0070] The pump 40 is connected to each of the multiple nozzles, including the upper nozzle 31, middle nozzle 32, lower nozzle 33, and sub-nozzle 34, by a flow path 71 formed in the flow path component 70.

[0071] The valve 50 and the branching member 60 are each installed in the middle of the flow path 71. The valve 50 is installed between the upstream portion 71a located on the pump 40 side and the downstream portion 71b located on the nozzles 31, 32, and 33 side of the flow path 71.

[0072] A branching member 60 is provided downstream of the valve 50. The branching member 60 connects the valve 50 to the downstream portion 71b. The upstream portion 71a and the downstream portion 71b are connected by this branching member 60 and the valve 50. The branching member 60 branches the upstream portion 71a into multiple parts.

[0073] The upstream portion 71a is provided on the upstream channel component 70a of the channel component 70. On the other hand, the downstream portion 71b is provided on the downstream channel component 70b of the channel component 70.

[0074] The downstream portion 71b has a channel 71b1, a channel 71b2, a channel 71b31, a channel 71b32, and a channel 71b4.

[0075] The flow path 71b1 connects the branching member 60 to the upper nozzle 31 and supplies water to the outlets 31c and 31d of the upper nozzle 31.

[0076] The flow path 71b2 connects the branching member 60 to the intermediate nozzle 32 and supplies water to the outlets 32c and 32d of the intermediate nozzle 32. Note that the flow paths 71b1 and 71b2 are partially shared. Specifically, the portion of the flow path 71b1 on the branching member 60 side and the portion of the flow path 71b2 on the branching member 60 side are formed by a common flow path, which then branches off to separately provided portions on the nozzle 31 and 32 sides.

[0077] The flow path 71b31 and the flow path 71b32 are connected to the branching member 60 and the lower nozzle 33, respectively. The flow path 71b31 and the flow path 71b32 are provided separately and do not share any common parts. The flow path 71b31 is connected to the nozzles 33c1 and 33d2 of the lower nozzle 33 and supplies water to these nozzles 33c1 and 33d2. On the other hand, the flow path 71b32 is connected to the nozzles 33c3 and 33d4 of the lower nozzle 33 and supplies water to these nozzles 33c3 and 33d4.

[0078] The flow path 71b4 connects the branching member 60 to the sub-nozzle 34. The flow path 71b4 is connected to the nozzle 34a of the sub-nozzle 34 and supplies water to the nozzle 34a.

[0079] The flow paths 71b1 and 71b2 are composed of pipes 72a, 72b, and 72c. Pipe 72a is connected to the branching member 60. Pipe 72a has a flow path that is common to both flow paths 71b1 and 71b2. Pipes 72b and 72c are connected to the end of pipe 72a opposite to the branching member 60. Pipe 72b connects pipe 72a to the upper nozzle 31. This pipe 72b and pipe 72a constitute flow path 71b1. Pipe 72c connects pipe 72a to the middle nozzle 32. This pipe 72c and pipe 72a constitute flow path 71b2.

[0080] The flow path 71b31 is made up of pipe 73a. Pipe 73a connects the branching member 60 and the lower nozzle 33. The flow path 71b32 is made up of pipe 73b. Pipe 73b connects the branching member 60 and the lower nozzle 33. In this embodiment, at least a portion of pipe 73a is located inside pipe 73b. At least a portion of pipe 73a on the branching member 60 side and at least a portion of pipe 73b on the branching member 60 side constitute a multi-tube 73 (specifically, a double-walled pipe). More specifically, in this embodiment, the entirety of pipe 73a and the entirety of pipe 73b constitute a multi-tube 73. In the multi-tube 73, the flow path 71b32, which constitutes the third connecting flow path, is located outside the flow path 71b31, which constitutes the second connecting flow path. The multi-tube 73 is provided with both a channel 71b31 as a second connecting channel and a channel 71b32 as a third connecting channel. On the other hand, the first piping, which is composed of interconnected pipes 72a and 72c, has a channel 71b2 formed therein as a first connecting channel.

[0081] In this embodiment, the flow path 71b31, which serves as the second connecting flow path, and the flow path 71b32, which serves as the third connecting flow path, have substantially equal flow path areas.

[0082] The lower nozzle 33 is provided with an internal nozzle channel (A) 33e1 and an internal nozzle channel (B) 33e2. Internal nozzle channel (A) 33e1 connects channel 71b 31 to the first nozzles, nozzle 33c1 and nozzle 33d2. Internal nozzle channel (B) 33e2 connects channel 71b 32 to the second nozzles, nozzles 33c3 and 33d4.

[0083] The flow path 71b4 is composed of a pipe 74. The pipe 74 connects the branching member 60 to the sub-nozzle 34.

[0084] (Configuration of the branching member 60) Figure 8 is a schematic plan view of the branching member 60. As shown in Figure 8, the branching member 60 has a plurality of flow paths. Specifically, the branching member 60 is cylindrical and has a plurality of flow paths formed by through holes that penetrate in the thickness direction. More specifically, the branching member 60 has a first flow path 61, a second flow path 62, a third flow path 63, and a fourth flow path 64.

[0085] The first flow path 61 is a flow path for connecting the upstream portion 71a shown in Figure 7, the upper nozzle 31, and the middle nozzle 32, which is the first nozzle. The first flow path 61 is connected to flow paths 71b1 and 71b2. Water from the pump 40 is supplied to the nozzles 31c and 31d of the upper nozzle 31 via the upstream portion 71a, the first flow path 61, and flow path 71b1. Water from the pump 40 is supplied to the nozzles 32c and 32d of the middle nozzle 32 via the upstream portion 71a, the first flow path 61, and flow path 71b2.

[0086] The second flow path 62 shown in Figure 8 is a flow path for connecting the upstream portion 71a shown in Figure 7 with the nozzle internal flow path (A) 33e1, which is provided in the lower nozzle 33 as the second nozzle and is connected to the outlets 33c1 and 33d2. The second flow path 62 is connected to the flow path 71b31. Water from the pump 40 is supplied to the outlets 33c1 and 33d2 provided in the lower nozzle 33 via the upstream portion 71a, the second flow path 62, the flow path 71b31, and the nozzle internal flow path (A) 33e1.

[0087] The third flow path 63 shown in Figure 8 is a flow path for connecting the upstream portion 71a shown in Figure 7 with the nozzle internal flow path (B) 33e2 provided in the lower nozzle 33, which is the second nozzle, and is connected to the outlets 33c3 and 33d4. The third flow path 63 is connected to the flow path 71b32. Water from the pump 40 is supplied to the outlets 33c3 and 33d4 provided in the lower nozzle 33 via the upstream portion 71a, the third flow path 63, the flow path 71b32, and the nozzle internal flow path (B) 33e2.

[0088] In this embodiment, the third flow path 63 has a flow path 63a and a flow path 63b. The flow paths 63a and 63b are arranged around the flow path 62. The flow paths 63a and 63b are provided on concentric circles centered on the center of the flow path 62 in a plan view.

[0089] In this embodiment, the flow area of ​​flow path 63 (the sum of the flow area of ​​flow path 63a and the flow area of ​​flow path 63b) and the flow area of ​​flow path 62 are equal to each other. Here, the equality of flow area areas includes not only the case where the flow area areas are exactly the same, but also the case where the larger flow area is 1.2 times or less, preferably 1.1 times or less, the smaller flow area.

[0090] The fourth channel 64 shown in Figure 8 is a channel for connecting the upstream portion 71a shown in Figure 7 with the sub-nozzle 34. The fourth channel 64 is connected to a channel 71b4 provided in the piping 74. Water from the pump 40 is supplied to the outlet 34a of the sub-nozzle 34 via the upstream portion 71a, the fourth channel 64, and the channel 71b4.

[0091] (Valve 50) Figure 9 is a schematic plan view of valve 50. Valve 50 is a component for opening and closing the upstream portion 71a and the first passage 61, second passage 62, third passage 63, and fourth passage 64 provided in the branching member 60. By rotating valve 50 about the central axis A1, the upstream portion 71a is selectively connected to at least one of the first passage 61, second passage 62, third passage 63, and fourth passage 64.

[0092] Valve 50 is disc-shaped and has the same central axis A1 as branch member 60. Valve 50 is rotatable relative to branch member 60 about the central axis A1. Valve 50 is provided with through holes 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a, 55a, 56b, 56c, 57b, and 57c. The through holes 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a, and 55a are arranged concentrically around the central axis A1. The through holes 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a, and 55a are substantially the same diameter and circular in plan view. The through holes 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a, and 55a are through holes for opening and closing the first flow path 61, the second flow path 62, and the fourth flow path 64, respectively. The through holes 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a, and 55a are provided so that they do not overlap with the third flow paths 63a and 63b even if the valve 50 rotates relative to the branching member 60.

[0093] The through holes 56b and 57b are arranged concentrically around the central axis A1. The through holes 56b and 57b are for opening and closing the third flow path 63a.

[0094] The through holes 56c and 57c are arranged concentrically around the central axis A1. The through holes 56c and 57c are for opening and closing the third flow path 63b.

[0095] The valve 50, which is provided with such through holes 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a, 55a, 56b, 56c, 57b, and 57c, can take on various rotational positions relative to the branching member 60, thereby appropriately switching the connection configuration between the upstream portion 71a and the downstream portion 71b.

[0096] (Actuator 80 and control unit 90) As schematically shown in Figure 7, the dishwasher 1 has an actuator 80 and a control unit 90. The actuator 80 rotates the valve 50 relative to the branching member 60 about the central axis A1. The control unit 90 controls the actuator 80 to rotate the valve 50, thereby switching the water supply mode to the nozzles 31c, 31d, 32c, 32d, 33c1, 33d2, 33c3, and 33d4 provided in nozzles 31, 32, and 33.

[0097] (Water supply modes 1 to 6) Figure 10 is a schematic plan view showing the relationship between the branching member 60 and the valve 50 in the 0° position. Figure 11 is a schematic plan view showing the relationship between the branching member 60 and the valve 50 in the 122° position. Figure 12 is a schematic plan view showing the relationship between the branching member 60 and the valve 50 in the 282° position. Figure 13 is a schematic plan view showing the relationship between the branching member 60 and the valve 50 in the 37° position. Figure 14 is a schematic plan view showing the relationship between the branching member 60 and the valve 50 in the 92° position. Figure 15 is a schematic plan view showing the relationship between the branching member 60 and the valve 50 in the 250° position.

[0098] Next, the first to sixth water supply modes, which are implemented by the control unit 90 controlling the actuator 80, will be described, mainly with reference to Figures 7 and 10 to 15.

[0099] (First water supply mode) The first water supply mode is a mode in which water is supplied to the upper nozzle 31 and the middle nozzle 32, but not to the lower nozzle 33 and the sub-nozzle 34. In the first water supply mode, water is sprayed from the upper nozzle 31 and the middle nozzle 32, and the upper nozzle 31 and the middle nozzle 32 rotate.

[0100] In the first water supply mode, the control unit 90 drives the actuator 80 to rotate the valve 50 relative to the branching member 60 to the position shown in Figure 10. The rotational position of the valve 50 shown in Figure 10 will be designated as the reference position and referred to as the "0° position".

[0101] In the 0° position, of the flow paths 61, 62, 63a, 63b, and 64 (see Figure 8) provided in the branching member 60, only the first flow path 61 is connected to the through hole 51a. As a result, the first flow path 61 is connected to the upstream portion 71a, and water is supplied to the upper nozzle 31 and the middle nozzle 32 via flow paths 71b1 and 71b2.

[0102] (Second Water Supply Mode) The second water supply mode is a mode in which water is supplied to the upper nozzle 31, the middle nozzle 32, and the sub-nozzle 34, but not to the other nozzles. In the second water supply mode, water is sprayed from the upper nozzle 31, the middle nozzle 32, and the sub-nozzle 34, and the upper nozzle 31 and the middle nozzle 32 rotate.

[0103] In the second water supply mode, the control unit 90 drives the actuator 80 to rotate the valve 50 122° clockwise from the 0° position to the rotational position (122° position) shown in Figure 11 relative to the branching member 60.

[0104] In the 122° position, of the flow paths 61, 62, 63a, 63b, and 64 (see Figure 8) provided in the branching member 60, the first flow path 61 is connected to the through holes 54a, 56b, and 56c, and the fourth flow path 64 is connected to the through hole 51a. As a result, the first flow path 61 and the fourth flow path 64 are connected to the upstream portion 71a, and water is supplied to the upper nozzle 31, the middle nozzle 32, and the sub-nozzle 34 via flow paths 71b1, 71b2, and 71b4.

[0105] (Third Water Supply Mode) The third water supply mode is a mode in which water is supplied to the upper nozzle 31, the middle nozzle 32, the nozzles 33c1 and 33d2 on the lower nozzle 33, and the sub-nozzle 34, but not to the nozzles 33c3 and 33d4 on the lower nozzle 33. In the third water supply mode, water is ejected from the upper nozzle 31, the middle nozzle 32, the nozzles 33c1 and 33d2 on the lower nozzle 33, and the sub-nozzle 34, causing the upper nozzle 31, the middle nozzle 32, and the lower nozzle 33 to rotate. In the third water supply mode, water is ejected from the nozzles 33c1 and 33d2, so as shown in Figure 6, the lower nozzle 33 rotates in the first rotation direction D1.

[0106] In the third water supply mode, the control unit 90 drives the actuator 80 to rotate the valve 50 282° clockwise from the 0° position to the rotational position (282° position) shown in Figure 12 relative to the branching member 60.

[0107] In the 282° position, of the flow paths 61, 62, 63a, 63b, and 64 (see Figure 8) provided in the branching member 60, the first flow path 61 is connected to the through hole 55a, the second flow path 62 is connected to the through hole 53a, and the fourth flow path 64 is connected to the through hole 54a. As a result, the first flow path 61, the second flow path 62, and the fourth flow path 64 are connected to the upstream portion 71a, and as a result, water is supplied to the upper nozzle 31, the middle nozzle 32, the outlets 33c1 and 33d2 provided in the lower nozzle 33, and the sub-nozzle 34 via the flow paths 71b1, 71b2, 71b31, and 71b4.

[0108] (Fourth Water Supply Mode) The fourth water supply mode is a mode in which water is supplied to the upper nozzle 31, the middle nozzle 32, the nozzles 33c3 and 33d4 on the lower nozzle 33, and the sub-nozzle 34, but not to the nozzles 33c1 and 33d2 on the lower nozzle 33. In the fourth water supply mode, water is ejected from the upper nozzle 31, the middle nozzle 32, the nozzles 33c3 and 33d4 on the lower nozzle 33, and the sub-nozzle 34, causing the upper nozzle 31, the middle nozzle 32, and the lower nozzle 33 to rotate. In the fourth water supply mode, water is ejected from the nozzles 33c3 and 33d4, so as shown in Figure 6, the lower nozzle 33 rotates in the second rotation direction D2.

[0109] In the fourth water supply mode, the control unit 90 drives the actuator 80 to rotate the valve 50 37° clockwise from the 0° position to the rotational position (37° position) shown in Figure 13 relative to the branching member 60.

[0110] In the 37° position, of the flow paths 61, 62, 63a, 63b, and 64 provided in the branching member 60 (see Figure 8), the first flow path 61 is connected to the through hole 52a, the third flow path 63a is connected to the through hole 57b, the third flow path 63b is connected to the through hole 57c, and the fourth flow path 64 is connected to the through hole 55a. As a result, the first flow path 61, the third flow paths 63a, 63b, and the fourth flow path 64 are connected to the upstream portion 71a, and as a result, water is supplied to the upper nozzle 31, the middle nozzle 32, the outlets 33c3 and 33d4 provided in the lower nozzle 33, and the sub-nozzle 34 via the flow paths 71b1, 71b2, 71b32, and 71b4.

[0111] (Fifth Water Supply Mode) The fifth water supply mode is a mode in which water is supplied to the upper nozzle 31, the middle nozzle 32, and the nozzles 33c1 and 33d2 provided on the lower nozzle 33, but not to the nozzles 33c3 and 33d4 provided on the lower nozzle 33 and the sub-nozzle 34. In the fifth water supply mode, water is ejected from the upper nozzle 31, the middle nozzle 32, and the nozzles 33c1 and 33d2 provided on the lower nozzle 33, and the upper nozzle 31, the middle nozzle 32, and the lower nozzle 33 each rotate. In the third water supply mode, water is ejected from the nozzles 33c1 and 33d2, so as shown in Figure 6, the lower nozzle 33 rotates in the first rotation direction D1.

[0112] In the fifth water supply mode, the control unit 90 drives the actuator 80 to rotate the valve 50 92° clockwise from the 0° position to the rotational position (92° position) shown in Figure 14 relative to the branching member 60.

[0113] In the 92° position, of the flow paths 61, 62, 63a, 63b, and 64 (see Figure 8) provided in the branching member 60, the first flow path 61 is connected to the through holes 53a, 56b, and 56c, and the second flow path 62 is connected to the through hole 55a. As a result, the first flow path 61 and the second flow path 62 are connected to the upstream portion 71a, and as a result, water is supplied to the upper nozzle 31, the middle nozzle 32, and the outlets 33c1 and 33d2 provided in the lower nozzle 33 via the flow paths 71b1, 71b2, and 71b31.

[0114] (Sixth Water Supply Mode) The sixth water supply mode is a mode in which water is supplied to the upper nozzle 31, the middle nozzle 32, and the nozzles 33c3 and 33d4 provided on the lower nozzle 33, but not to the nozzles 33c1 and 33d2 provided on the lower nozzle 33 and the sub-nozzle 34. In the sixth water supply mode, water is ejected from the upper nozzle 31, the middle nozzle 32, and the nozzles 33c3 and 33d4 provided on the lower nozzle 33, and the upper nozzle 31, the middle nozzle 32, and the lower nozzle 33 each rotate. In the fourth water supply mode, water is ejected from the nozzles 33c3 and 33d4, so as shown in Figure 6, the lower nozzle 33 rotates in the second rotation direction D2.

[0115] In the sixth water supply mode, the control unit 90 drives the actuator 80 to rotate the valve 50 250° clockwise from the 0° position to the rotational position (250° position) shown in Figure 15 relative to the branching member 60.

[0116] In the 250° position, of the flow paths 61, 62, 63a, 63b, and 64 provided in the branching member 60 (see Figure 8), the first flow path 61 is connected to the through hole 55a, the third flow path 63a is connected to the through hole 56b, and the third flow path 63b is connected to the through hole 56c. As a result, the first flow path 61 and the third flow paths 63a and 63b are connected to the upstream portion 71a, and as a result, water is supplied to the upper nozzle 31, the middle nozzle 32, and the outlets 33c3 and 33d4 provided in the lower nozzle 33 via flow paths 71b1, 71b2, and 71b32.

[0117] (Seventh Water Supply Mode) The seventh water supply mode is a mode in which water is supplied to the nozzles 33c1 and 33d2 provided on the lower nozzle 33, but not to the upper nozzle 31, the middle nozzle 32, the nozzles 33c3 and 33d4 provided on the lower nozzle, and the sub-nozzle 34. In the seventh water supply mode, water is ejected from the nozzles 33c1 and 33d2 provided on the lower nozzle, and the lower nozzle 33 rotates. In the seventh water supply mode, water is ejected from the nozzles 33c1 and 33d2, so as shown in Figure 6, the lower nozzle 33 rotates in the first rotation direction D1.

[0118] In the seventh water supply mode, the control unit 90 drives the actuator 80 to rotate the valve 50 313° clockwise from the 0° position to the rotational position (313° position) shown in Figure 16 relative to the branching member 60.

[0119] In the 313° position, of the flow paths 61, 62, 63a, 63b, and 64 (see Figure 8) provided in the branching member 60, the second flow path 62 is connected to the through hole 54a. As a result, the second flow path 62 is connected to the upstream portion 71a, and water is supplied to the outlets 33c1 and 33d2 provided in the lower nozzle 33 via the flow path 71b 31.

[0120] Here, if the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the flow paths 61, 62, 63a, 63b, and 64 provided in the branching member 60 that are connected by the through-hole of the valve 50 is small, the pressure loss will be large relative to the output of the pump 40, and the motor driving the pump 40 may slip and generate abnormal noise. For this reason, it is preferable that the output of the pump 40, i.e., the amount of water supplied from the pump 40, be adjustable. For example, the amount of water supplied from the pump 40 may be adjusted by changing the rotation speed of the motor driving the pump 40.

[0121] In the seventh water supply mode, only the flow path 62 is connected by the through-hole 54a, so the total cross-sectional area of ​​the flow paths connected by the through-hole of the valve 50 is small, resulting in a large pressure loss. Therefore, in the seventh water supply mode, by making the rotation speed of the motor driving the pump 40 relatively small, it is possible to suppress the generation of abnormal noise from the pump 40.

[0122] Furthermore, reducing the rotational speed of the motor driving the pump 40 lowers the water pressure supplied from the pump 40, and consequently lowers the water pressure ejected from the nozzles 33c1 and 33d2, which changes the angle of the water ejected from the nozzles 33c1 and 33d2. Therefore, changing the rotational speed of the motor driving the pump 40 also changes the area in which the object to be cleaned is cleaned, thus expanding the cleaning area.

[0123] Alternatively, the control unit 90 may be controlled to make the rotation times of the first and second rotation directions variable by setting the total cross-sectional area of ​​the flow paths connected by the through-hole of the valve 50 to a small value in either the first or second rotation direction. For example, the control unit 90 may be controlled to rotate in the first rotation direction in the seventh water supply mode, and then to rotate in the second rotation direction in the fourth or sixth water supply mode, and this process may be repeated. The control unit 90 may then be controlled so that the rotation time in the first rotation direction and the rotation time in the second rotation direction are different. In the seventh water supply mode, if the rotation speed of the motor driving the pump 40 is reduced, the water pressure of the water ejected from the nozzles 33c1 and 33d2 will be lower, and the cleaning power will be relatively weaker, so it is preferable to make the rotation time in the first rotation direction longer than in the second rotation direction.

[0124] Furthermore, the control unit 90 may be controlled to switch between a state in which the total cross-sectional area of ​​the flow paths connected by the through-holes of the valve 50 is large and a state in which it is small, within the same rotational direction. For example, in the first rotational direction, the third water supply mode or the fifth water supply mode may be switched with the seventh water supply mode. By doing so, the area in which the object to be cleaned is cleaned changes even within the same rotational direction, thereby expanding the cleaning area and effectively improving the cleaning power.

[0125] Alternatively, the control unit 90 may be controlled to rotate in the first rotational direction in the seventh water supply mode, then in the second rotational direction in the fourth or sixth water supply mode, then in the first rotational direction in the third or fifth water supply mode, and then in the second rotational direction in the fourth or sixth water supply mode, and so on, repeating this process. By doing so, the area in which the object to be cleaned is cleaned changes even in the same rotational direction while switching the rotational direction, thereby expanding the cleaning area and more effectively improving the cleaning power.

[0126] (Eighth water supply mode) The eighth water supply mode is a mode in which water is supplied to the nozzles 33c1 and 33d2 and the sub-nozzle 34 provided on the lower nozzle 33, but not to the nozzles 33c3 and 33d4 provided on the lower nozzle 33. In the eighth water supply mode, water is ejected from the nozzles 33c1 and 33d2 and the sub-nozzle 34 provided on the lower nozzle 33, and the lower nozzle 33 rotates. In the eighth water supply mode, water is ejected from the nozzles 33c1 and 33d2, so as shown in Figure 6, the lower nozzle 33 rotates in the first rotation direction D1.

[0127] In the eighth water supply mode, the control unit 90 drives the actuator 80 to rotate the valve 50 177° clockwise from the 0° position to the rotational position (177° position) shown in Figure 17 relative to the branching member 60.

[0128] In the 177° position, of the flow paths 61, 62, 63a, 63b, and 64 (see Figure 8) provided in the branching member 60, the second flow path 62 is connected to the through hole 51a, and the fourth flow path 64 is connected to the through hole 52a. As a result, the second flow path 62 and the fourth flow path 64 are connected to the upstream portion 71a, and water is supplied to the outlets 33c1 and 33d2 provided in the lower nozzle 33 and the sub-nozzle 34 via flow paths 71b31 and 71b4.

[0129] As described above, in this embodiment, the flow path 71b2 constituting the first connecting flow path is formed in the pipes 72a and 72b, while both the flow path 71b31 constituting the second connecting flow path and the flow path 71b32 constituting the third connecting flow path are provided in a common second pipe, the multi-tube 73. By providing multiple flow paths 71b31 and 71b32 in a single pipe 73 in this way, the branching member 60 can be miniaturized. As a result, the dishwasher 1 can be made simpler and more compact.

[0130] By using a multi-layered pipe 73 for the piping that provides multiple flow paths 71b31 and 71b32, the piping can be made smaller. Therefore, the dishwasher 1 can be made even smaller. Moreover, by using a multi-layered pipe 73, the design flexibility of the through-hole provided in the valve 50 is improved.

[0131] In this embodiment, the flow area of ​​the second flow path 62 and the flow area of ​​the third flow path 63 shown in Figure 8 are substantially equal. Therefore, the water pressure applied to the lower nozzle 33 can be substantially the same when water is supplied to the second flow path 62 and when water is supplied to the third flow path 63. Thus, the rotational speed of the lower nozzle 33 in the first rotational direction D1 and the rotational speed in the second rotational direction D2 can be substantially the same. Furthermore, the same amount of water can be supplied from the lower nozzle 33 regardless of whether the lower nozzle 33 rotates in the first rotational direction D1 or the second rotational direction D2.

[0132] In this embodiment, the first flow path 61 and the second flow path 62 are connected to the upstream portion 71a by common through holes 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a, and 55a. By configuring multiple flow paths 61 and 62 to be connected to the upstream portion 71a by common through holes 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a, and 55a, the number of through holes provided in the valve 50 can be reduced. Therefore, the valve 50 can be made smaller. Alternatively, the through holes provided in the valve 50 can be made larger in area, thus suppressing the increase in water flow resistance caused by the valve 50. Furthermore, multiple rotational positions can be realized within a limited space.

[0133] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of reducing the number of through holes provided in the valve 50, it is also possible to configure the third flow path 63 as a single flow path. In the case where multiple third flow paths 63a and 63b are provided as the third flow path 63, as in this embodiment, it is preferable to arrange the third flow path 63a and the third flow path 63b in the radial direction passing through the central axis A1. It is preferable that the second flow path 62 and the third flow paths 63a and 63b are arranged along the radial direction centered on the central axis A1. In that case, it is preferable that each of the second flow path 62 and the third flow path 63 has a portion that is located concentrically with the first flow path 61 around the central axis A1, and that the through holes 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a, and 55a are configured such that they do not take on a rotational position that overlaps with the third flow path 63. Preferably, the flow area of ​​the first flow channel 61 is larger than the flow area of ​​the through hole 51a, and the flow area of ​​the through hole 51a and the flow area of ​​the second flow channel 62 are substantially equal. Preferably, the through hole 51a is provided with a diameter smaller than the distance between the third flow channel 63a and the third flow channel 63b.

[0134] As shown in Figure 6, in the dishwasher 1, the total opening area of ​​the multiple nozzles 33d2 provided in the second portion 33b2 of the lower nozzle 33 is different from the total opening area of ​​the multiple nozzles 33d4 provided in the fourth portion 33b4. Therefore, the water pressure of the water ejected from the second portion 33b2 and the water pressure of the water ejected from the fourth portion 33b4 are different from each other, and the water pressure of one can be made relatively higher when ejected. In this way, by providing a portion of the nozzle 33 that can be ejected with a relatively higher water pressure, the cleaning power of the dishwasher 1 can be increased.

[0135] From the viewpoint of relatively increasing the water pressure of the nozzle 33 and extending the period during which water is ejected from the ejectable portion, it is preferable that the control unit 90 causes the actuator 80 to control the posture of the valve 50 such that the water supply mode in which water is ejected from the first portion 33a1 and the second portion 33b2 and rotates in the first rotational direction D1 is longer than the water supply mode in which it rotates in the second rotational direction D2.

[0136] In dishwasher 1, the total opening area of ​​the multiple nozzles 33c1 provided in the first section 33a1 is different from the total opening area of ​​the multiple nozzles 33d2 provided in the second section 33b2. Therefore, the water pressure ejected differs between rotation in the first rotation direction D1 and rotation in the second rotation direction D2, and even while rotating in the first rotation direction D1, there are parts where the water pressure ejected differs. In particular, in dishwasher 1, the total opening area of ​​the first section 33a1, the total opening area of ​​the second section 33b2, and the total opening areas of the third section 33a3 and the fourth section 33b4 are all different from each other. Therefore, water can be sprayed onto the items to be washed at various water pressures. Thus, the cleaning power can be improved more effectively.

[0137] In the dishwasher 1, the total opening area of ​​the multiple nozzles 33c1 and 33d2 that spray water when rotating in the first rotation direction D1 is substantially equal to the total opening area of ​​the multiple nozzles 33c3 and 33d4 that spray water when rotating in the second part 33b2. Therefore, the rotational speed of the lower nozzle 33 in the first rotation direction D1 and the rotational speed in the second rotation direction D2 can be substantially the same.

[0138] In the dishwasher 1, the total opening area of ​​the multiple nozzles 33c3 provided in the third section 33a3 is substantially equal to the total opening area of ​​the multiple nozzles 33d4 provided in the fourth section 33b4. Therefore, when rotating in the second rotation direction D2, the water pressure ejected can be made different compared to when rotating in the first rotation direction D1.

[0139] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, an example has been described in which the first part 33a1, the second part 33b2, the third part 33a3, and the fourth part 33b4 include multiple parts with different numbers of nozzles. However, this disclosure is not limited to this configuration. The first part 33a1, the second part 33b2, the third part 33a3, and the fourth part 33b4 may, for example, have the same number of nozzles.

[0140] Other preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are described below. In the following description, components having substantially the same function as those in the first embodiment are referred to by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0141] (Second Embodiment) Figure 18 is a schematic plan view of the branching member 60 in the second embodiment. Figure 19 is a schematic plan view of the valve 50 in the second embodiment.

[0142] The dishwasher 1 according to the second embodiment differs from the dishwasher 1 according to the first embodiment in the configuration of the branching member 60 and the valve 50. As shown in Figure 18, the second flow path 62 and the third flow path 63 may be arranged concentrically around a single central axis A2. In that case, for example, by forming a plurality of through holes 59 in the valve 50 as shown in Figure 19, the first to sixth rotational positions can be realized in the same way as in the first embodiment. The first water supply mode can be achieved by setting the position to 0° as shown in Figure 20. The second water supply mode can be achieved by setting the position to 180° as shown in Figure 21. The third water supply mode can be achieved by setting the position to 90° as shown in Figure 22. The fourth water supply mode can be achieved by setting the position to 270° as shown in Figure 23. The fifth water supply mode can be achieved by setting the position to 295° as shown in Figure 24. The sixth water supply mode can be achieved by setting the position to 55° as shown in Figure 25.

[0143] (Third Embodiment) Figure 26 is a schematic plan view of the lower nozzle 33 in the third embodiment.

[0144] The dishwasher 1 according to the third embodiment differs from the dishwasher 1 according to the first embodiment in the configuration of the nozzles 33c1, 33d2, 33c3, and 33d4 provided on the lower nozzle 33.

[0145] For example, in the first embodiment shown in Figure 6, an example was described in which the first portion 33a1, which has the most nozzles, has at least three nozzles that concentrate the ejection of water. On the other hand, as in the third embodiment shown in Figure 26, the second portion 33b2, which has the fewest nozzles, may have at least three nozzles 33d2 that concentrate the ejection of water. In the third embodiment, all of the multiple nozzles 33d2 provided in the second portion 33b2 are configured to eject water in the direction that the water ejected from each nozzle 33d2 approaches. Furthermore, all of the multiple nozzles 33d2 are configured to eject water toward the S32 side in the short direction S3 toward the L31 side in the long direction L3.

[0146] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims are intended to be included. Configurations obtained by combining the configurations of the different embodiments described herein are also included in the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. The device comprises a main body having a washing chamber, a nozzle disposed within the washing chamber and rotating about a central axis, and a supply mechanism for supplying water to the nozzle, wherein the nozzle has: a first portion located on one side in the second direction with respect to a first virtual straight line passing through the central axis and extending along the first direction, and on one side in the first direction with respect to a second virtual straight line passing through the central axis and extending along the other direction, when viewed from the direction in which the central axis extends; a second portion located on the other side in the second direction with respect to the first virtual straight line, when viewed from the direction in which the central axis extends; a third portion located on one side in the second direction with respect to the first virtual straight line, and on the other side in the first direction with respect to the second virtual straight line, when viewed from the direction in which the central axis extends; and a fourth portion located on the other side in the second direction with respect to the first virtual straight line, when viewed from the direction in which the central axis extends. A dishwasher comprising a first, second, third, and fourth section, each having a plurality of nozzles for ejecting water supplied from the supply mechanism, wherein the plurality of nozzles provided in the first and fourth sections are configured to eject water toward one side in the second direction, while the plurality of nozzles provided in the second and third sections are configured to eject water toward the other side in the second direction, and the plurality of nozzles provided in the first section includes three nozzles configured to eject water toward each other.

2. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein more than half of the plurality of nozzles provided in the first part are configured to spray water in a direction that brings the water sprayed from each nozzle closer to each other.

3. The dishwasher according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of nozzles provided in the first part include nozzles that spray water in a direction away from the water sprayed from adjacent nozzles.

4. The dishwasher according to claim 3, wherein one of the plurality of nozzles provided in the first part, the outermost nozzle, is configured to spray water outwards.

5. The dishwasher according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that causes the supply mechanism to perform a first mode in which water is supplied to the plurality of through holes provided in the first and second parts, but water is not supplied to the plurality of through holes provided in the third and fourth parts, and a second mode in which water is supplied to the plurality of through holes provided in the third and fourth parts, but water is not supplied to the plurality of through holes provided in the first and second parts.

6. The dishwasher according to claim 5, wherein the control unit controls the supply mechanism such that the execution time of the first mode is longer than the execution time of the second mode.

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