JP2002000540A - Dishwasher - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To eliminate such problems that while a user can perform washing of tableware by selecting an optional washing course from among washing courses which are set in advance, depending on the contamination degree of the tableware to be washed by a dishwasher, if the user wants to simply wash the tableware for a shorter period of time than 'speedily' which is set in such a manner as to wash out slightest contamination from among the courses set in advance, the user needs to stop the dishwasher before a series of processes are completed, or if the user wants to wash the tableware for a longer period of time than 'carefully' which is set in such a manner as to wash out most insistent contamination from among the courses set in advance, washing the tableware once more by the dishwasher is required. SOLUTION: An optional setting for the frequency of rinsing, the period of time for washing, the period of time for rinsing, a wash achieving temperature, a rinse achieving temperature or the like is made possible by the user other than the washing courses which are set in advance. At the same time, starting of the washing from the middle of a series of processes of washing/ rinsing is made possible.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a dishwasher in which a series of washing steps and a series of washing steps are sequentially performed, and which is capable of performing an operation different from a preset washing step. is there.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a dishwasher sequentially performs a series of steps of washing and rinsing. For example, a "speedy course" is used to wash lightly stained dishes, and a "speedy course" is used to wash standard stained dishes. When washing dishes with stubborn dirt, it is common to have multiple washing courses, such as the "Careful course", and the washing and rinsing time for each course and the reach by washing water heating means temperature,
The number of times of rinsing is set in advance so as to be different. Therefore, the user can select an arbitrary washing course from the preset washing courses according to the degree of soiling of the dish to be washed in the dishwasher and wash the dish. However, if you want to wash more easily in less time than “Speedy”, which is set to wash the lightest dirt among the preset courses, the dishwasher is required before the series of processes are completed. If the user stops the machine or wants to wash it for a longer period of time than the `` stubborn '' that is set to wash the stubborn dirt in the preset course, wash it again in the dishwasher Needed. Also,
If the power is cut off during a series of processes due to a power failure or the like, there is a problem that the process must be restarted from the beginning even though the process has progressed halfway through the process. Further, even in the case of providing the process display indicating the process currently being executed, the one having the display of washing and rinsing is usually provided, and there is a problem that it is not possible to know the number of the rinsing performed a plurality of times. .

[0003]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a user with a cleaning course other than a preset cleaning course, the number of times of rinsing, the rinsing time, and rinsing. To provide a dishwasher characterized by being able to arbitrarily set time, attainment temperature, rinsing attainment temperature, etc., and also to enable washing to be started in the middle of a series of washing and rinsing steps. is there.

[0004]

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cleaning tank, heating means for heating the cleaning water in the cleaning tank, and cleaning water in the cleaning tank in the cleaning tank. Cleaning means for pressure-feeding the disposed cleaning nozzles to clean the dishes arranged in the cleaning tank, cleaning water supply means for supplying the cleaning water to the cleaning tank, and drainage means for draining the cleaning water in the cleaning tank And washing water heating means for heating the washing water in the washing tank, and control means for executing each step of washing, rinsing and heating rinsing of dishes, and a dishwashing apparatus for sequentially executing a series of washing and rinsing operations. At least one of the number of times of rinsing, washing time, rinsing time,
It is characterized in that one can be arbitrarily set.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage unit for storing arbitrarily set contents, and a storage course selecting means for enabling execution based on the set contents stored in the storage unit.

A third aspect of the present invention is characterized in that a nonvolatile memory is used as a storage unit for storing arbitrarily set contents.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a process display unit for displaying a process currently being executed, wherein the process display unit is provided with a display indicating that a final rinsing process is being executed among a plurality of rinsing processes. .

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing tank, a washing means for pressure-feeding washing water in the washing tank to a washing nozzle arranged in the washing tank, and washing dishes and the like disposed in the washing tank, and a washing tank. Washing water supply means for supplying washing water to the washing tank, drain means for draining washing water in the washing tank, and control means for executing each step of washing and rinsing of tableware, which are set in advance in the control means. The operation can be started from any of a series of washing and rinsing steps.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a start step selecting switch for selecting a step to be started when an operation is started from an arbitrary step of a series of washing and rinsing steps preset in the control means. Features.

[0010] In the present invention, there is provided a process display unit for displaying a process currently being executed, and it is possible to select which process to start from before the execution of a series of processes by displaying the process display unit. It is characterized by the following.

According to the present invention, when the operation is started from an arbitrary one of a series of washing and rinsing steps set in advance in the control means, the washing course selection switch is operated a plurality of times to execute any one of the washing and rinsing steps. It is characterized in that it is possible to select from starting from.

In the ninth aspect, when the operation is started from an arbitrary step of a series of washing and rinsing steps preset in the control means, the washing water in the washing tank at the start of the operation is not drained. A series of steps are performed.

According to a tenth aspect, when the operation is started from an arbitrary step of a series of washing and rinsing steps preset in the control means, the temperature of the washing water in the washing tank at the start of the operation is set to a predetermined value. When the temperature is equal to or higher than the temperature, a series of steps is performed without draining.

According to the present invention, in the dishwasher which performs a draining operation until the temperature of the supplied washing water becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the washing / washing operation which is preset in the control means is performed.
When the operation is started from an arbitrary step of a series of rinsing steps, the washing water in the washing tank at the start of the operation is not drained, and the temperature of the supplied washing water at the time of the next supply of the washing water is predetermined. The drainage operation is performed until the temperature becomes equal to or higher than the temperature.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the cleaning water in the tank is heated to a predetermined temperature, and the cleaning water is rinsed.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, a dedicated switch for selecting a cleaning course for performing only heating and rinsing for rinsing by heating the cleaning water in the tank to a predetermined temperature is provided.

[0017]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a dishwasher according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 shows an internal structure diagram of the dishwasher of the present invention. Reference numeral 1 denotes a washing tank, which is provided with a heater 2 for heating the washing water stored in the washing tank 1 and a dish basket 3 for accommodating tableware inside the washing tank 1. A pump 5 having a function of injecting washing water from the washing nozzle 4 and a function of discharging washing water to the outside of the dishwasher; Is provided with a water level detecting means 7 for detecting the water level of the washing water. A control device 8 is provided inside the dishwasher, and an operation panel 9 for selecting a washing course is provided on the front of the dishwasher.

FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the operation panel 9 according to the first embodiment. 20 is a power switch for turning on / off the power, 21 is a start / pause switch for starting and temporarily stopping the cleaning, 22 is a cleaning course switch for selecting a cleaning course, and a cleaning course switch 22 is for lightly soiled dishes. When washing, "speedy course", when washing dishes with standard stains, "standard course", when washing dishes with stubborn stains, "elaborate course", etc.
As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, a plurality of washing courses are provided in which the washing / rinsing time, the temperature reached by the washing water heating means, and the number of times of rinsing are set in advance for each course. Usually, at the time of washing and final rinsing, the washing water stored in the washing tank 1 is heated to a predetermined temperature by the heater 2, and during the rinsing performed between the washing and the final rinsing, the washing water by the heater 2 is used. Is not performed, but only the injection of the cleaning water pumped from the pump 5 to the cleaning nozzle 4 is performed. In addition to the previously set cleaning course, the user can set the attainment temperature of the washing water by the heater 2 at the time of washing, the number of times of rinsing, and the attainment temperature of the washing water by the heater 2 at the final rinsing. Memory course ”, and a memory content setting switch 23 and a memory content display 24 for making these settings.
It has.

When a user uses a dishwasher to wash dishes, after setting the dishes to be washed in the dish basket 3, the user turns on the power by pressing the power switch 20 and selects a desired washing course from the washing course 22. Is selected and the start / pause switch 21 is pressed to start the washing, so that the dishwasher sequentially performs the washing by the control device 8, and performs the rinsing and the washing of the dishes.

Here, a method of using a “memory course” in which the user can set the attainment temperature of washing, the number of times of rinsing, and the attainment temperature of final rinsing will be described. After the tableware to be washed is set in the tableware basket 3, the power switch 2
Press "0" to turn on the power, and select "Memory Course" when selecting a desired cleaning course from the cleaning courses 22. The contents of the memory can be set by the switch 23. The memory content setting switch 23 includes a washing setting switch 23A, a rinsing setting switch 23B, and a final rinsing setting switch 24C, and a washing setting display 24A for displaying each setting.
A rinse setting display 24B and a final rinse setting display 24C are provided.

Every time the washing setting switch 23A is pressed, the washing setting display 24A changes from 45 → 46 →... → 55 → lights off → 45 → 46 →
... and the washing setting display 24A is circulated,
The value displayed on the washing setting display 24A indicates the attainable temperature at which the washing water is heated by the heater 2 at the time of washing, and can be set between 45 ° C and 55 ° C. That is. Each time the rinse setting switch 23B is pressed, the rinse setting display 24B changes from 1 → 2 → 3 →
The rinsing setting display 24B circulates in the order of 4 → off → 1 → 2 →... The value displayed on the rinsing setting display 24B indicates how many times the rinsing is to be performed. It is not. Each time the final rinse setting switch 23C is pressed, the final rinse setting display 24C changes from 60 → 61.
The final rinse setting display 24C circulates in the order of → → → 80 → off → 60 → 61 → ..., and the value displayed on the final rinse setting display 24C is determined by the heater 2 using the cleaning water during the final rinse. Indicates the ultimate temperature of heating from 60 ° C to 80
The temperature can be set up to ° C, and the final rinsing is not performed when the light is turned off.

With the above configuration, the user can freely set the ultimate temperature at which the washing water is heated by the heater 2 during washing, the number of times of rinsing, and the ultimate temperature at which the washing water is heated by the heater 2 during the final rinsing. It is possible to set, for example, to perform only the rinsing and the final rinsing, or to perform only the final rinsing without performing all the washing, rinsing, and final rinsing steps. Further, in the present embodiment, the user reaches the temperature at which the washing water is heated by the heater 2 at the time of washing by 45 to 55 ° C., the number of times of rinsing is 0 to 4 times, and the washing water is heated by the heater 2 at the final rinsing.
The heating temperature can be freely set at 60 to 80 ° C., but is not limited to this range. In addition, a washing time, a rinsing time, and a final rinsing time may be settable, and at least one of these items may be settable. In addition, by displaying the current temperature of the cleaning water on the setting display 24 after the start of cleaning, it is possible to make it easier for the user to know how long each process will be completed.

In this embodiment, a dedicated course switch for selecting a freely settable course called "memory course" is provided. However, a preset course switch ("speedy", "standard", "Be careful")
It is not necessary to provide a dedicated course switch for selecting a course that can be freely set by setting setting items such as temperature, time, and the like.

FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of the control device 8. A non-volatile memory 50 is provided in the control device, and the power of the control device 8 is shut off by storing data of freely settable items such as temperature and time in the non-volatile memory 50. Even if this is done, the data in the non-volatile memory 50, that is, the setting data such as the temperature and the time are retained, and the items set by the user can be retained.

FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the operation panel 9 according to the second embodiment. In the first embodiment, the temperature, time, and the like can be set finely, and a mode that can be started from the rinsing and final rinsing steps has been described. In the second embodiment, the rinsing and the final rinsing step are started. A case where only the operation is performed will be described.

In FIG. 6, 60 is a power switch for turning on / off the power, 61 is a start / pause switch for starting and temporarily stopping the cleaning, 62 is a cleaning course switch for selecting a cleaning course, and 63 is a step for starting. A start process selection switch 64 for selecting a process is a process display indicating a process currently in progress, and includes washing, rinsing, and final rinsing displays.
When the user uses the dishwasher to wash the dishes, after setting the dishes to be washed in the dish basket 3 as in the first embodiment, the user turns on the power switch 60 and turns on the power. By selecting a desired washing course from among them and pressing the start / pause switch 61 to start washing, the dishwasher is sequentially washed by the control device 8,
Rinsing and washing of the dishes are performed. During the execution of the washing, the currently-executing process display 64 flashes, so that the currently-executing process can be identified. By providing the final rinse as a process display, it becomes possible for the user to recognize that the last rinse of multiple rinses is being performed, and when operating the dishwasher, for example, in the case of a dishwasher with a hot water supply connection type. In the case where the hot water supply temperature is set to a high temperature (for example, 60 ° C.), if it can be recognized that the final rinsing is being performed, the hot water is not further supplied to the dishwasher, so the setting of the hot water supply temperature may be changed. You will understand that.

Also, the user can rinse not from washing,
The case of starting from the final rinse will be described. After the tableware to be washed is set in the tableware basket 3, the power switch 6
After pressing 0 to turn on the power and select the desired cleaning course from the cleaning course switch 62, every time the start process selection switch 63 is pressed, the process display 64 lights up only for washing → only rinse is turned on → only last rinse is turned on → The light is circulated and lighted only when washing is performed. When the user displays the process of the process display 64 to be started and presses the start / pause switch 61, the dishwasher operates from the desired process. It is possible to start.

In this embodiment, the start step selecting switch 63 is provided to select the step to be started, and the user selects the step to be started. For example, the switch of the selected cleaning course is pressed. Each time, it is possible to circulate and turn on only washing → lighting only rinsing → lighting only final rinsing → lighting only washing, and also flashing of the washing course display 64 in a dishwasher without a process display 64 Do you start with washing by changing the cycle,
It is also possible to indicate whether to start from the rinsing or only the final rinsing.

In the first and second embodiments, when starting in the middle of the process (rinsing, final rinsing), when the power of the dishwasher is stopped in the middle of washing due to a power failure or the like, the user can use the dishwasher. It is also possible to use it when checking the cleaning condition and restarting it.If such a usage situation is assumed, even if there is cleaning water remaining in the cleaning tank 1, do not drain it outside the machine. By starting the process by driving the pump 5 so as to inject the washing water from the nozzle, it is possible to reduce waste of water. At this time, it may be determined whether or not to discharge the water to the outside of the machine based on the temperature of the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 1. In the case of a dishwasher of a hot water supply connection type in which low-temperature staying water in piping is drained and washing is started when washing water having a predetermined temperature or more is supplied, the washing is started in the middle of the process. In such a case, the drainage may not be performed at the time of the first water supply, and may be performed at the next water supply until the cleaning water having the predetermined temperature or more is supplied.

When only the rinsing of a cutting board or the like is desired to be performed with high-temperature washing water, it is possible to operate the switch so as to perform only the final rinsing in the first and second embodiments. However, by providing an operation panel as shown in FIG. 7 in which a dedicated course for performing only final rinsing with high-temperature washing water is provided in advance, it is more convenient to perform only final rinsing with high-temperature washing water. It is also possible to provide a good dishwasher.

[0031]

As is clear from the above description, the present invention is characterized in claims 1 and 2, in addition to the preset cleaning course, the user can perform the number of rinsings, the rinsing time, the rinsing time, the rinsing temperature, It is possible to set the rinsing attainment temperature etc. arbitrarily, and it is possible to start washing in the middle of a series of washing and rinsing steps. For example, when a user wants to wash more carefully and more carefully, it is possible to provide a dishwasher with a high degree of freedom in which a washing course can be freely set and washing can be performed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a nonvolatile memory is used for a storage unit for storing arbitrarily set contents, so that data such as temperature and time set according to the user's preference are stored in the storage unit. For this reason, even if the power is cut off, the data is retained in the non-volatile memory, so that it is not necessary to set again each time the power is cut off, and the dishwasher is easy to use.

In a fourth aspect of the present invention, a display during the execution of the final rinsing step in the rinsing step performed a plurality of times is provided separately from the rinsing step display, so that the final rinsing is performed. Therefore, if the final rinsing step display is turned on or blinks to indicate that the washing water is being sprayed, it can be recognized that there is no more water being supplied to the dishwasher.

According to the fifth to eighth aspects, it is possible to start washing in the middle of a series of steps of washing and rinsing by using a minimum number of switches and indications. It becomes possible to provide a dishwasher with a high degree.

According to the ninth and tenth aspects, when the cleaning is interrupted due to a power failure or the like, and the cleaning is restarted in the middle of a series of steps, the cleaning is restarted without wasting the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 1. It is possible to do.

In the eleventh aspect, when the cleaning is interrupted due to a power failure or the like, the cleaning is restarted without wasting the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 1 when the cleaning is restarted in the middle of a series of steps. In addition to the above, washing can be performed with washing water at a predetermined temperature or higher after the next hot water supply.

According to the twelfth and thirteenth aspects, it is possible to provide an easy-to-use dishwasher when only rinsing with high-temperature washing water is desired.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an internal structural diagram of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an operation panel of the dishwasher according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows the time of each cleaning course in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a target temperature of each cleaning course in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a control block diagram according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an operation panel of a dishwasher according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an operation panel of a dishwasher according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Cleaning tank 2 ... Heater 3 ... Tableware basket 4 ... Cleaning nozzle 5 ... Pump 6 ... Solenoid valve 7 ... Water level detection means 8 ... Control device 9 ... Operation panel 20 ... Power on / off switch 21 ... Start / pause switch 22 … Cleaning course switch 23… Memory content setting switch 24… Memory content display 63… Start process selection switch

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A cleaning tank, heating means for heating the cleaning water in the cleaning tank, and the cleaning water in the cleaning tank being pressure-fed to a cleaning nozzle arranged in the cleaning tank and disposed in the cleaning tank. Washing means for washing dishes, washing water supply means for supplying washing water to the washing tank, drainage means for draining washing water in the washing tank,
A dishwasher that includes a washing water heating unit that heats washing water in a washing tank and a control unit that executes each step of washing, rinsing, and heating rinsing of dishes, and sequentially executes a series of operations of washing and rinsing. A dishwasher characterized in that at least one of a number of times of rinsing, a rinsing time, a rinsing time, a rinsing temperature, and a rinsing temperature can be arbitrarily set. 2. A storage unit for storing arbitrarily set contents, and storage course selecting means for enabling execution based on the set contents stored in the storage unit. Dishwasher as described. 3. The dishwasher according to claim 2, wherein a non-volatile memory is used as a storage unit for storing arbitrarily set contents. 4. A process display unit for displaying a currently executed process, wherein the process display unit is provided with a display indicating that a final rinsing process is being executed in a plurality of rinsing processes, separately from the rinsing process display. And dishwasher. 5. A cleaning tank, cleaning means for pressure-feeding cleaning water in the cleaning tank to a cleaning nozzle disposed in the cleaning tank, and cleaning tableware disposed in the cleaning tank, and cleaning water in the cleaning tank. Washing water supply means for supplying washing water, drainage means for draining washing water in the washing tank, and control means for executing each step of washing and rinsing of tableware. A dishwasher characterized in that the operation can be started from any of a series of rinsing steps. 6. A start step selecting switch for selecting a step to be started when an operation is started from an arbitrary step in a series of washing and rinsing steps preset in the control means. The dishwasher according to claim 4. 7. A process display unit for displaying a process currently being executed, wherein a process to be started can be selected by a display on the process display unit before starting a series of processes. The dishwasher according to claim 4, wherein: 8. When the operation is started from an arbitrary step of a series of washing and rinsing steps preset in the control means, the operation is started from any step by operating the washing course selection switch a plurality of times. The dishwasher according to claim 4, wherein the dishwasher is selectable. 9. When the operation is started from an arbitrary step of a series of washing and rinsing steps preset in the control means, a series of washing water in the washing tank at the start of the operation is not drained. 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step is performed.
Dishwasher as described. 10. When the operation is started from any of a series of washing and rinsing steps preset in the control means, the temperature of the washing water in the washing tank at the start of the operation is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature. 9. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein a series of steps are performed without draining in such a case. 11. A dishwasher that performs a draining operation until the temperature of supplied washing water becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, starts operation from an arbitrary step of a series of washing and rinsing steps preset in the control means. In this case, the washing water in the washing tank at the start of the operation is not drained, and the draining operation is performed until the temperature of the supplied washing water becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature at the next supply of the washing water. Claim 1 to
8. The dishwasher according to 8. 12. A dishwasher provided with a dedicated washing course for heating washing water in a tank to a predetermined temperature and performing only rinsing. 13. A dishwasher comprising a dedicated switch for selecting a washing course in which washing water in a tank is heated to a predetermined temperature and only rinsing is performed.