JP2003174994A - dishwasher - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] In a dishwasher for washing dishes by injecting washing water discharged from a washing pump toward the dishes, a standard amount of detergent to be put into a washing tank before a user operates. The detergent concentration in the washing water is increased even if the amount is the rated amount in the course, and a high washing effect is obtained even when washing strongly dirty items such as cooking utensils, thereby improving usability. SOLUTION: Input means 25 for setting a driving course and the like.
Cleaning, rinsing,
Steps such as drying are controlled sequentially. The control means 26 includes a standard course having at least a washing step and a rinsing step, and a high-concentration course having a water level lower than the water level in the standard course cleaning step and having a detergent concentration higher than the detergent concentration in the standard course cleaning step. Is controlled.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a dishwasher for washing dishes by spraying wash water discharged from a washing pump onto the dishes.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, this type of dishwasher is constructed as shown in FIGS. The configuration will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 6, the cleaning tank 1 has an opening 2 at the front, and the opening 2 is opened and closed by a door 3 and a cleaning nozzle 4 for injecting cleaning water is rotatably provided inside. In addition, a tableware basket 6 for storing the tableware 5 is arranged in the cleaning tank 1. The cleaning tank 1 is supported by an underframe 7.

The washing water in the washing tank 1 is warmed by the heater 8, sucked by the washing pump 9 from the residue filter 11 provided in the drain port 10, pumped to the washing nozzle 4 and ejected toward the tableware 5. Then, the cleaning is performed by circulating. The water supply valve 12 controls the supply of cleaning water to the cleaning tank 1. The drainage pump 13 is the cleaning tank 1
Is provided in the lower part of the cleaning tank 1 and the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 1 is discharged to the outside of the machine.

The water level detecting means 14 detects the water level in the cleaning tank 1. By detecting the water level in the auxiliary tank 15 communicating with the cleaning tank 1, the water level in the cleaning tank 1 reaches a predetermined water level. Detect if there is.

The control device 16 is constructed as shown in FIG. 7, and the control means 17 is constituted by a microcomputer or the like, and the input means 18 for setting a driving course or the like is used according to the course set by the user. The operation of the heater 8, the cleaning pump 9, the water supply valve 12, the drainage pump 13, the blower fan 20 and the like is controlled via the load control means 19 to sequentially control a series of steps of cleaning, rinsing and drying. There is.

Here, the control means 17 detects the temperature of the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 1 by the thermistor 21 which is in close contact with the lower surface of the cleaning tank 1, and when the cleaning water temperature reaches a predetermined temperature, the cleaning process is terminated. Reference numeral 22 is a power supply circuit for supplying a DC voltage to the control means 17, and 23 is a display means for performing a display operation.

The operation of the above configuration will be described. The operation is performed in the order of the washing process, the rinsing process, and the heating rinsing process. FIG. 8 shows the operation of the cleaning step and the heat rinsing step, and FIG. 9 shows the operation of the rinsing step.

In the cleaning process, when the operation is started in step 30 of FIG. 8, the water supply valve 12 is opened to supply water up to a predetermined water level in step 31, and further water is supplied for a predetermined time in step 32, and then in step 33. The washing pump 9 is continuously operated to jet the washing water from the washing nozzle 4 toward the tableware 5, and the heater 8 is continuously energized to heat the washing water. When the temperature of the wash water reaches or exceeds the predetermined temperature in step 34, the heater 8 is turned off in step 35.

When the operation time exceeds a predetermined time in step 36, the process proceeds to step 37, the drain pump 13 is turned on to drain the water, and the process proceeds to the next step in step 38.

In the rinsing process after the cleaning process, when the operation is started in step 40 of FIG. 9, the water supply valve 12 is opened to supply water up to a predetermined water level in step 41, and the cleaning pump 9 is operated for 1 minute in step 42. Drive, then step 43
The drain pump 13 is turned on to drain the water. Step 44
When the number of times of rinsing is repeated a predetermined number of times, the process proceeds to the next step in step 45.

After that, a heating and rinsing step that operates in the same manner as the cleaning step shown in FIG. 8 is performed, and the operation ends after the drying step.

[0013]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In such a conventional dishwasher, in order to wash highly dirty dishes such as cooking utensils, the washing time can be extended, the washing process or the heating rinsing process can be performed. A careful course for raising the end temperature was provided separately from the standard course, and the user responded by selecting the careful course.

However, in the case of washing dishes which are heavily soiled such as cooking utensils, it is more effective to increase the detergent concentration in the washing water. Here, in order to increase the concentration of detergent in the washing water, the only option was to increase the amount of detergent to be put into the washing tank before operation, at the discretion of the user.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems by increasing the detergent concentration in the wash water and cooking even if the amount of detergent to be put into the washing tank before the user operates is the rated amount in the standard course. The purpose is to improve usability by obtaining a high cleaning effect even when cleaning highly dirty equipment such as equipment.

[0016]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention sequentially controls the steps such as cleaning, rinsing and drying by the control means based on the setting of the input means for setting the driving course and the like. The control means comprises at least a standard course having at least a cleaning step and a rinsing step, and a high level having a cleaning level lower than the water level in the cleaning step of the standard course and a cleaning step having a detergent concentration higher than the detergent concentration in the cleaning step of the standard course. The density course is configured to be controlled.

Thus, when the high-concentration course is selected and set, even if the amount of detergent to be put into the washing tank before the user operates is the rated amount in the standard course, the washing water in the washing tank is Since the amount of detergent is small, it is possible to easily increase the concentration of detergent in the washing water, and it is possible to obtain a high washing effect even when washing things such as cooking utensils that are highly dirty, and to improve usability.

[0018]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention is an input means for setting a driving course and the like, and a control for sequentially controlling strokes such as cleaning, rinsing and drying based on the setting of the input means. The control means comprises a standard course having at least a washing step and a rinsing step, and a detergent level higher than the detergent concentration in the washing step of the standard course, the water level being lower than the water level in the washing step of the standard course. It is configured to control the high-concentration course that has a cleaning step.When the high-concentration course is selected and set, the amount of detergent to be put into the cleaning tank before the user operates is the standard course rating. Even if the amount is small, the amount of cleaning water in the cleaning tank is small, so it is possible to easily increase the concentration of detergent in the cleaning water. Effect can be obtained, it is possible to improve the usability.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the above-mentioned first aspect of the invention, the washing pump is intermittently operated in the washing process of the high-concentration course. Even when the water level is low, it is possible to avoid a decrease in the discharge pressure of the cleaning pump due to the cleaning pump sucking bubbles contained in the cleaning water and contaminants. Since it can be intermittently sprayed with a predetermined discharge pressure, washing water with a detergent concentration higher than that of the washing water in the standard course can be applied to strong stains attached to tableware and cooking utensils. By increasing the concentration of the detergent covering the dish, it is possible to enhance the effect of floating dirt from dishes and cooking utensils, which in turn can greatly improve the washing effect. That.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the above-mentioned first or second aspect of the present invention, a washing step is provided after the washing step of the high-concentration course with the same water level as the water level of the washing step of the standard course. In the first high-concentration course cleaning step (cleaning step 1), after cleaning the strong dirt effectively with a high detergent concentration, the cleaning step with the same water level as the standard-course cleaning step (cleaning step) In 2), by increasing the amount of wash water, it is possible to dilute the concentration of dirt components in the wash water generated in the washing process 1, and it is effective to reattach the dirt components present in the wash water to the dishes. It can be effectively prevented, and the cleaning finish of tableware can be further improved.

[0021]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The same components as those in the conventional example are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the controller 2
4 is provided with an input means 25 for setting a driving course and the like, and a control means 26 constituted by a microcomputer or the like for sequentially controlling the steps such as cleaning, rinsing and drying based on the setting of the input means 25.

As shown in FIG. 3, the input means 25 includes a power switch 27, a start switch 28, a course setting switch 29 for selecting an operation course suitable for stains on the tableware 5, and a heating and rinsing step after the completion of the heating and rinsing step. It has a drying time setting switch 30 for selecting a drying time as required.

According to the user's judgment, the operation course is set by selecting the standard course, the elaborate course, and the speedy course according to the degree of contamination of the tableware 5 to be washed, and the tableware 5 to be washed is strongly soiled. If you think that, I will be able to choose the elaborate course. The driving course selected by the user is displayed by lighting the course display unit 31.

Here, as shown in (Table 1), the control means 26 controls the process in the order of the cleaning process, the rinsing process, and the heating rinsing process. Careful course cleaning process is cleaning process 1
In the cleaning process 1, the water level is lower than that in the cleaning process of the standard course, and the cleaning pump 9 is operated continuously. In the cleaning step 2, the cleaning water of the cleaning step 1 is not drained by the drainage pump 13, additional water is supplied, the cleaning pump 9 is continuously operated, and then the dishes 5 are washed with the cleaning water in which the detergent is dissolved.

[0026]

[Table 1]

In the present embodiment, the elaborate course having the washing step 1 and the washing step 2 is explained as the washing step, but the washing step 2 may be omitted, and this case is called a high-concentration course. .

The tableware basket 6 has such a size that cooking utensils such as frying pans, balls, and sesame can be set. Generally, these cooking utensils have a larger amount of stains such as oil stains and starch stains attached than general tableware such as plates, and often stick to them, and it can be said that the stains are strong.

Generally, the cleaning ability depends on the concentration of the detergent, the heat of the cleaning water, the mechanical force of the cleaning water jet, and the like.
In the elaborate course of the dishwasher according to the present invention, particularly, by washing the detergent with a high concentration in the washing step 1, strong dirt can be removed more quickly and effectively than the standard course. The cleaning performance can be greatly improved.

The operation of the above configuration will be described. The user sets the tableware 5 in the tableware basket 6, puts a predetermined amount of detergent, closes the door 3, turns on the power switch 27, and goes through a driving course suitable for the amount of tableware or dirt of the tableware 5. It is selected and set by the setting switch 29, and if necessary, the drying time after the heating and rinsing process is set by the drying time setting switch 30, and the start button 28 is pressed to start the operation. Figure 4 shows the cleaning process 1 in the elaborate course
5 and shows the operation of the cleaning step 2.

When the elaborate course is set by the input means 25, in the cleaning step 1, when the operation is started in step 50 of FIG. 4, the water supply valve 12 is opened in step 51 to supply water to a predetermined water level, and then in step 52. The washing pump 9 is intermittently operated to jet the washing water from the washing nozzle 4 toward the dishes 5, and the heater 8 is intermittently energized to heat the washing water. When the elapsed time becomes equal to or longer than the predetermined time in step 53, the cleaning step 1 is ended, the process proceeds to step 54, and the cleaning process 2 proceeds.

In the cleaning step 2, when the operation is started in step 60 of FIG. 5, the water supply valve 12 is opened in step 61 to supply additional water for a predetermined time to make the water level the same as the water level in the cleaning step of the standard course. The washing pump 9 is continuously operated to jet the washing water from the washing nozzle 4 toward the tableware 5, and the heater 8 is continuously energized to heat the washing water.

When the temperature of the washing water exceeds the predetermined temperature in step 63, the heater 8 is turned off in step 64.
When the elapsed time exceeds the predetermined time in step 65, the process proceeds to step 66, the drainage pump 13 is turned on to drain the water, and the process proceeds to the next step in step 67.

Thereafter, the rinsing step and the heating rinsing step shown in (Table 1) are performed, and the operation is completed after the drying step.

Here, as shown in (Table 1), when the careful course is set by the input means 25, when the water level detection means 14 detects the water level, the water supply valve 12 is closed and the water supply into the cleaning tank 1 is stopped. Then, the intermittent operation of the cleaning pump 9 is started. In the cleaning process in the standard course, the water level detection means 1
Since 4 will supply additional water after detecting the water level,
The amount of washing water in the washing step 1 of the elaborate course is small because there is no additional water supply, and it is possible to easily increase the detergent concentration of the washing water. Can be increased, dirt can be removed quickly and effectively, and cleaning ability can be greatly improved.

If the water level detecting means 14 is constructed by using the pressure detecting means and the water level is detected in multiple stages, the detergent concentration in the wash water can be accurately adjusted to the optimum one regardless of the additional water supply in the above embodiment. It can be easily realized.

Further, even before the water level detecting means 14 detects the water level, the water level lower than that of the cleaning process of the standard course can be easily realized by turning off the power supply valve 12 for a predetermined time.

Further, if the water level in the cleaning step 1 of the present invention is made lower than the water level in the standard step, the cleaning can be carried out with a higher detergent concentration and an extremely high cleaning effect can be obtained.

In such a case, in the cleaning process 1, the cleaning pump 9 performs an intermittent operation such as a 2-second operation and a 5-second stop. If it is about 2 seconds, the cleaning pump 9 sucks in the foam generated from the detergent contained in the cleaning water and the contamination,
It is possible to avoid a decrease in the discharge pressure of the cleaning pump 9, to spray the cleaning water on the tableware 5 at a predetermined discharge pressure, and to perform the cleaning that maximizes the effect of the high detergent concentration. it can. Further, it is possible to suppress the generation of abnormal noise caused by the cleaning pump 9 sucking bubbles.

In this embodiment, the heater 8 is energized intermittently in conjunction with the intermittent operation of the cleaning pump 9. This is because if the washing pump 9 is intermittently operated while the heater 8 is continuously energized, the amount of current flowing through the washing pump 9 temporarily increases due to the inrush current to the washing pump 9, and the breaker of the household in use may fall. . When the cleaning pump 9 uses a motor with a small inrush current and the breaker is not likely to fall, it is preferable to continuously energize the heater 8 because the temperature of the cleaning water rises faster and the cleaning power improves.

In addition, in the present embodiment, in order to further improve the cleaning performance, a cleaning step 2 is provided after the cleaning step 1 is completed, in which additional water is supplied up to the water level of the cleaning step of the standard course for cleaning.

As described above, by providing the washing step 2 for effectively washing strong dirt with a high detergent concentration and the washing step 2 for washing with an increased amount of washing water, a large amount of the washing step 1 is performed. It is possible to dilute the concentration of stain components in the generated wash water, effectively prevent redeposition of stain components present in the wash water on dishes, and further improve the cleaning finish of dishes. .

In this embodiment, the cleaning pump 9 is intermittently operated in the cleaning process 1 of the careful course, but the cleaning pump 9 does not suck in the foam contained in the cleaning water and the foam is not generated. Needless to say, continuous operation may be performed as long as the discharge pressure of the cleaning pump 9 does not decrease due to suction.

Further, in this embodiment, the heater 8 is intermittently energized in the cleaning process 1 of the elaborate course, but it may be deenergized.

[0045]

As described above, according to the invention described in claim 1 of the present invention, the input means for setting the driving course and the like,
Cleaning, rinsing, based on the setting of the input means, comprising a control means for sequentially controlling the process such as drying, the control means, a standard course having at least a cleaning step and a rinsing step, in the cleaning process of the standard course Since it is configured to control the water level lower than the water level and the high-concentration course having the washing step of the detergent concentration higher than the detergent concentration in the washing step of the standard course, it is possible to wash the cookware or the like that is heavily soiled. Also, a high cleaning effect can be obtained and usability can be improved.

According to the second aspect of the invention, the washing pump is intermittently operated during the washing process of the high-concentration course, so that the washing water with a high detergent concentration is intermittently applied to the dishes and cooking utensils. It can be sprayed at a predetermined discharge pressure while being targeted, and the effect of floating dirt from tableware and cooking utensils can be enhanced, and the cleaning effect can be greatly improved.

Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention, after the washing process of the high-concentration course, the washing process having the same water level as that of the washing process of the standard course is provided. It can be further improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block circuit diagram of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[Figure 2] Vertical sectional view of the dishwasher

FIG. 3 is an enlarged front view of the operation unit of the dishwasher.

FIG. 4 is an operation flowchart of washing step 1 of the dishwasher's elaborate course.

[Fig. 5] Operation flowchart of washing step 2 of the same course of the dishwasher

FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view of a conventional dishwasher

FIG. 7: Block circuit diagram of a conventional dishwasher

FIG. 8 is an operation flowchart of a washing process and a heating rinsing process of a conventional dishwasher.

FIG. 9: Operation flow chart of rinsing process of conventional dishwasher

[Explanation of symbols]

25 Input means 26 Control means

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Yu Taniguchi             1006 Kadoma, Kadoma-shi, Osaka Matsushita Electric             Sangyo Co., Ltd. F term (reference) 3B082 BD05 DA02 DC01 DC02 DC04                       DC05

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. Input means for setting a driving course and the like,
Cleaning, rinsing based on the setting of the input means, and a control means for sequentially controlling the steps such as drying, the control means, the standard course having at least a cleaning step and a rinsing step, in the cleaning step of the standard course A dishwasher configured to control a water level lower than the water level and a high-concentration course having a washing step with a detergent concentration higher than the detergent concentration in the washing step of the standard course. 2. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the washing pump is operated intermittently during the washing process of the high-concentration course. 3. The dishwasher according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a washing step having the same water level as the washing step of the standard course after the washing step of the high-concentration course.