JP2008119153A - dishwasher - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To accurately determine the amount of housed dishes and to optimize a washing operation according to the amount of the dishes. <P>SOLUTION: The dishwasher includes: a washing tub 12; a dish basket 13 for housing objects to be washed such as dishes inside the washing tub 12; a control means 22 for controlling the processes of washing/rinsing; and a weight detection means 30 for detecting the weight of the housed objects to be washed on the lower part of the dish basket 13 or in the washing tub 12. The weight detection means 30 successively detects a change in weight due to take-in and take-out of the objects to be washed, and the control means 22 controls the processes of washing/rinsing on the basis of the output signals of the weight detection means 30. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a dishwasher for washing dishes stored in a washing tank.

  In a conventional dishwasher, various types of detection of tableware stored in a washing tub have been proposed in order to perform a cleaning operation most suitable for a state such as the amount of tableware stored in the washing tub.

For example, in a dishwasher, a capacity detection means (for example, a weight sensor) is provided for detecting the capacity (weight) of tableware (objects to be cleaned) placed in a tableware basket housed in a washing tank that also serves as a drying room. When there is a change in the detection capacity of the capacity detection means, by changing the drying time of the drying means, the blowing capacity of the blowing means, the energization time of the heater, etc. according to the change in capacity, during operation It is known that the drying is surely performed and the drying time and the power consumption are optimized even if there is a change in the tableware capacity (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2001-87203 A

  However, in the conventional configuration, the weight sensor is installed under the tableware basket, and the weight of the stored tableware can be measured by storing the tableware and measuring the weight thereof. There is a problem that the type is unknown. In addition, when the total weight is light even if the number of dishes is large because the weight per piece is very light, or when the total weight is heavy even if the number of dishes is small and the number of dishes is small However, simply measuring the total weight of the tableware causes a problem that proper cleaning cannot be performed because the actual quantity of the tableware is different.

  In addition, it is possible to detect the amount of tableware stored using a single weight sensor, but there is a drawback that the exact weight cannot be detected depending on how the load is applied to the tableware basket. There is also a problem that it is not good.

  The present invention solves the problems of the conventional dishwasher as described above, and when the tableware is stored in the washing tub, the number is accurately detected, and the optimum conditions according to the number of the tableware are obtained. The object is to provide a dishwasher that can be washed.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, the dishwasher of the present invention includes a washing tub, a dish basket for storing an object to be washed such as tableware in the washing tub, and a control means for controlling a washing / rinsing process. And a weight detection means for detecting the weight of the object to be cleaned stored in the lower part of the tableware basket or in the washing tub, the weight detection means sequentially detects a change in weight due to the removal and insertion of the object to be cleaned, The control means controls a washing / rinsing process based on an output signal of the weight detection means.

  This makes it possible to accurately detect the number and weight of tableware stored in the washing tank, improve the detection accuracy of the amount of tableware, and control the operation of the dishwasher based on the detected amount of tableware. It is possible to set an optimum condition in.

  The dishwasher of the present invention can accurately detect the number and weight of tableware stored in a washing tank, and can be washed under optimum conditions.

  The first invention includes a cleaning tank, a tableware basket for storing an object to be cleaned such as tableware in the cleaning tank, a control means for controlling a cleaning / rinsing process, and a lower part of the tableware basket or the cleaning tank. And a weight detection means for detecting the weight of the object to be cleaned, wherein the weight detection means sequentially detects a change in weight due to the insertion and removal of the object to be cleaned, and the control means outputs the weight detection means. By controlling the washing and rinsing process based on the signal, the time, the amount of detergent, the amount of water, the motor drive, etc. during the washing and rinsing process, which is the basic operation of the dishwasher, are controlled by the tableware. It is possible to achieve an optimum state according to the amount, and to surely improve the energy saving and reliability of the dishwasher.

  In the second invention, in particular, the weight detection means of the first invention can accurately detect the weight of the tableware stored in the tableware basket by detecting the weight applied to the plurality of tableware baskets. The convenience, accuracy, and reliability of the machine can be improved with certainty.

  In the third invention, in particular, the weight detecting means of the first invention can accurately detect the weight of the tableware stored in the washing tub by detecting the weight of the washing tub. , Accuracy and reliability can be improved with certainty.

  In the fourth invention, in particular, the weight detection means of the first invention is a contact pressure sensor such as a load sensor or a strain sensor, so that the weight of the stored tableware can be detected accurately. Convenience, accuracy, and reliability can be reliably improved.

  In particular, the fifth invention is provided with a determination means for determining the number of tableware stored in the tableware basket based on the detection signal from the weight detection means of the first invention, so that the number of stored tableware and The weight can be accurately determined, and the time, amount of detergent, amount of water, motor drive, etc., which are the conditions during the washing and rinsing process, which is the basic operation of the dishwasher, can be optimized. Energy saving and reliability can be improved reliably.

  In the sixth aspect of the invention, in particular, the determining means of the fifth aspect of the invention determines the quantity of tableware from the rise of the output obtained from the weight detecting means and the detected amount, thereby detecting the output signal sequentially detected when storing the tableware. Basically, it is possible to more accurately determine the number and weight of tableware stored from the rise and the detected amount, and the energy saving and reliability of the dishwasher can be reliably improved.

  The seventh invention is provided with a lock switch for restricting the opening / closing operation of the opening of the cleaning tank of any one of the first to fifth inventions, and the weight detection means is provided while the lock switch is released. By detecting it, it is possible to detect the number and weight of the stored tableware more accurately by sequentially detecting when storing the tableware and not detecting it after storing the tableware. The reliability and reliability can be improved with certainty.

  Moreover, the detection process of detecting the tableware accommodated of the operation method of a dishwasher, the determination process which determines the amount of dishes after the said detection process, and the said determination result are fed back and the said dishwasher is controlled. A program for causing a computer to execute at least a part of the cleaning / rinsing process is provided.

  And since it is a program, at least a part of the operation method of the dishwasher of this invention can be easily implement | achieved by cooperating hard resources, such as an electrical / information apparatus, a computer, and a server. In addition, the program can be distributed / updated and installed easily by recording on a recording medium or distributing the program using a communication line.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram when a cross section of the dishwasher according to the first embodiment of the present invention cut along a vertical plane along the front-rear direction is viewed from the right side, and FIG. The schematic structure schematic diagram when the cross section when the dishwasher used with a form is cut | disconnected by the horizontal surface along the front-back direction is seen from an upper surface side is shown. The configuration in the present embodiment will be described below.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 13 denotes a tableware basket for storing tableware 14 or the like to be cleaned, 12 denotes a cleaning tank for storing the tableware basket 13, and 15 sprays cleaning water pressurized by a cleaning pump 17 onto the tableware 14 or the like. A cleaning nozzle is shown. Further, 30 is a weight detection means capable of detecting a load, 21 is a signal processing determination means for processing signals from sensors serving as these weight detection means, and 22 is a control unit for washing, rinsing and drying of the dishwasher. The control means 23 for doing this shows the detergent input means for automatically supplying the detergent.

  A cleaning nozzle 15 that constitutes a cleaning means is disposed in the lower part of the cleaning tank 12. The cleaning nozzle 15 is configured to inject upward the cleaning water pressurized by the cleaning pump 17 disposed below the cleaning tank 12. A heater as a heating means 20 is disposed at the bottom of the cleaning tank 12 so as to be positioned below the cleaning nozzle 15. A heater that can control the amount of heat generated by an applied voltage is used. In the washing tank 12, the tableware basket 13 which comprises a tableware mounting body is accommodated so that it can put in and out, and is located above the washing nozzle 15. FIG. The tableware 14 that is the object to be cleaned is placed on the tableware basket 13.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, weight detecting means 30 capable of detecting the weight is provided on the support portion of the tableware basket 13 in the washing tank 12 and below the tableware basket. The weight detection means 30 is composed of a contact-type pressure sensor such as a load sensor, a strain sensor, or a load cell, and detects the weight of an object when a resistance changes or a voltage change occurs when a load is applied. To do. By detecting a resistance change, a capacitance change, or a voltage change generated from the sensor due to a load, it can be seen that the tableware has been stored.

  In other words, the contact-type weight detection means 30 is for detecting the quantity and weight of the tableware 14 put in the washing tub 12 to be placed on the tableware basket 13, and the tableware basket 13 in the washing tub 12. A plurality of, four in the case of FIG. Each sensor can be accurately detected in weight by being arranged at the support portions at the four corners of the tableware basket 13.

  Since the contact-type weight detection means 30 including the load sensor and the like at this time are arranged at the support portions at the four corners of the tableware basket 13, a small resistance-type load sensor of about 1 cm square may be used. With such a sensor configuration, the tableware 14 placed on the tableware basket 13 can be easily and accurately detected.

  That is, the contact-type weight detection means 30 comprising a load sensor or the like is installed on the tableware basket support portion below the washing tank 12 so that all the loads on the tableware basket are applied, thereby making the tableware 14 the tableware basket. Since the load can be detected when it is stored in 13, the tableware put in can be detected easily and accurately.

  The load sensor may be installed at any position as long as the load is applied to the tableware basket 13 that houses the tableware 14, and may be a contact type weight sensor other than the load sensor and the strain sensor.

  The tableware weight detected in this way is transmitted to the control means 22 for controlling the washing, rinsing and drying processes of the dishwasher, and the process control corresponding to the tableware weight is performed. In other words, depending on the weight of the tableware, it is possible to control the driving of a motor that is driven during washing and rinsing, the amount of water used during washing and rinsing, the amount of detergent used during washing, or the time of washing, rinsing and drying It is.

  The control means 22 controls the washing / rinsing / drying operations of the dishwasher based on the result detected by the weight detection means 30. Specifically, when the result detected by the weight detection means 30 determines that the tableware weight is small, the amount of detergent used during washing is reduced, the amount of water used during washing and rinsing is also reduced, and washing is performed. Decrease the drive of the motor that operates at times, so that the cleaning, rinsing, and drying time will be shortened. If the result of detection by the weight detection means 30 determines that the tableware weight is large, the amount of detergent used during washing is increased, the amount of water used during washing and rinsing is increased, and the motor operates during washing. Strengthen the drive and set the cleaning, rinsing and drying times longer. That is, the process control of the dishwasher corresponding to the weight of the tableware stored in the washing tank 12 can be automatically performed.

  According to the above-described embodiment, the weight detecting means 30 installed at the lower part of the tableware basket 13 detects the weight of the stored tableware 14, and performs a process control of the dishwasher based on the detection result. Therefore, it is possible to perform an automatic control operation that matches the tableware weight, it is possible to save excess energy, and energy saving can be realized. Therefore, operation of each process of washing | cleaning, a rinse, and drying can be performed efficiently according to the accommodation amount of the tableware 14 of the washing tank 12. FIG.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which four weight detecting means 30 are used. However, one piece may be used as long as the tableware to be thrown in can be detected to some extent accurately, and process control may be performed based on that. Is possible.

  The configuration of the present invention is also effective when adding new tableware after the start of the cleaning operation. That is, when there is tableware 14 forgotten to be put in immediately after the operation is started and it is newly put in the washing tub 12, it can be detected by the weight detection means 30, and it is determined that the amount of the tableware has increased. To the dishwasher control means to make the cleaning, rinsing, and drying process longer than before, a little more detergent, and a larger amount of water used for washing and rinsing Can do. In other words, every time the user uses it, the set values for the washing, rinsing and drying processes can be automatically changed according to the amount of tableware loaded, so that it can be reliably washed, rinsed and dried, as well as for the user. It is possible to provide a dishwasher that is highly satisfactory and that can achieve energy saving and the optimal time according to the amount of dishes.

  The present invention is not limited to the built-in type dishwasher in which the opening 12a is formed on the upper surface of the washing tub 12, and the washing tub 12 is pulled out and the table ware is taken in and out of the washing tub 12. Well, it can also be applied to dishwashers with drying means.

  Next, the operation of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 shows a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the dishwasher according to the embodiment. The flow in the present embodiment will be described below.

  First, in the dishwasher as shown in FIG. 1, four contact-type weight detecting means 30 are provided on the lower part of the tableware basket 13 in the washing tank 12 and on the support part of the tableware basket 13. The weight of the object can be detected by detecting a change in the resistance value with respect to the load of the weight detection means 30. When the opening / closing part of the dishwasher is opened forward, a washing tub 12 for storing the dishes 14 to be washed appears (step S1). The resistance value of the load sensor of the weight detection means 30 is steadily measured, and the load applied to the dish basket is always detected.

  With this load sensor, any load sensor 30 can detect where the tableware 14 is placed in the tableware basket 13 (step S2). In this state, the tableware 14 is put from the upper side of the opening 12a of the washing tank 12 and stored in the tableware basket 13 (step S3). At this time, a change in the weight applied to the load sensor of the weight detection means 30 can detect a sensor signal as a change in the resistance value of the load sensor (step S4). The weight and type of the tableware 14 stored in the tableware basket 13 are determined from this sensor output signal (step S5). By repeating this sequence, the number of dishes finally stored in the washing tub 12 can be detected.

  Then, the opening / closing part of this dishwasher is put in the back, and the washing tank 12 is closed (step S6). Information on the quantity of the stored tableware is transmitted to the control means 22 for controlling the washing, rinsing and drying processes of the dishwasher (step S7). Based on the transmitted tableware amount information, the amount of detergent at the time of washing, the amount of water at the time of washing and rinsing, the driving force of the motor, and the time for washing, rinsing and drying are determined (step S8). Thereafter, the operation of the dishwasher can be started (step S9).

  For example, using a sensor that can detect the weight from a change in resistance value, two weight sensors are installed on the support portions at the four corners of the tableware basket 13, and the sensor output is always detected when storing the tableware. Keep it. Each time the tableware is stored in the tableware basket, the load applied to the sensor changes, the resistance of the sensor changes and the sensor output changes. Can be detected accurately.

  With the configuration as described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of weight detection means including contact-type load sensors capable of detecting weight are provided on the support portion of the tableware basket and below the tableware basket. This is the basic operation of a dishwasher because it can detect the tableware weight and determine the quantity and type of tableware by detecting the change in sensor output accompanying the change in load when the tableware is stored. Washing and rinsing conditions, such as time, detergent amount, water amount, motor drive, etc., can be optimized to match the amount of dishes, ensuring the energy saving, convenience and reliability of the dishwasher. Can be improved.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, the dishwasher of 2nd Embodiment is demonstrated, referring drawings. FIG. 4 shows a schematic configuration schematic diagram when a cross section of the dishwasher in the present embodiment is cut from a vertical plane along the front-rear direction when viewed from the right side. The configuration in this embodiment will be described below in the same manner as in FIG. The description of the same components as those in Embodiment 1 is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the weight is detected on the support part of the lower tableware basket 13 in the washing tank 12, on the lower part of the tableware basket, on the support part of the upper tableware basket 13, and on the lower part of the tableware basket. A weight detecting means 30 is provided. The weight detection means 30 is composed of a contact-type pressure sensor such as a load sensor, a strain sensor, or a load cell, and the resistance of the object changes when a load is applied, or the weight of the object changes due to a change in capacitance. Is detected. By detecting a resistance change, a capacitance change, or a voltage change generated from the sensor due to a load, it can be seen that the tableware has been stored.

  That is, the contact-type weight detection means 30 is for detecting the quantity and weight of the tableware 14 put into the cleaning tank 12 for being placed on the tableware basket 13 in two stages. A plurality, four in the case of FIG. 4, are arranged below the upper and lower two-stage tableware baskets 13 of the tank 12. Each sensor can be accurately detected in weight by being arranged at the support portions at the four corners of the upper and lower tableware baskets 13.

  The tableware stored by the weight detection means 30 can be detected, and the output from this sensor is transmitted to the control means of the dishwasher, so that the operation of each process suitable for the amount of tableware stored in the washing tub 12 is performed. Embodiment 2 can be performed, and it is possible to prevent wasteful washing, rinsing, drying, and the like, so that it is possible to prevent damage to the tableware due to overdrying and to realize energy saving. In this case, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

  In addition, as a position of the load sensor installed in the tableware basket 13 above, any position may be used as long as the load is applied to the tableware basket 13 for storing the tableware 14, and other than the load sensor and the strain sensor. A contact-type weight sensor may be used.

  Next, the operation of the present invention in the dishwasher shown in FIG. 4 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the dishwasher according to the embodiment. The flow in the present embodiment will be described below. The description of the procedure in this embodiment is the same as that in Embodiment 1, and the description thereof is omitted.

  First, in the dishwasher as shown in FIG. 4, two contact-type weight detection means 30 are provided on the lower part of the upper and lower tableware baskets 13 in the washing tank 12 and on the support part of the tableware basket 13. The weight of the object can be detected by detecting the voltage change with respect to the load of the weight detection means 30.

  In this state, the tableware 14 is put from the upper side of the opening 12a of the washing tank 12 and stored in the upper or lower tableware basket 13 (step S11). At this time, a change in the weight applied to the load sensor of the weight detection means 30 can detect a sensor signal as a change in voltage of the load sensor (step S12). The weight and type of the tableware 14 stored in the tableware basket 13 are determined from the sensor output signal (step S13). By repeating this sequence, the number of dishes finally stored in the washing tub 12 can be detected.

  For example, when a sensor capable of detecting a weight from a voltage change is used and two weight sensors are installed on each of the four corner support portions of the upper and lower tableware baskets 13 to store the tableware. Always detect the sensor output. Each time the tableware is stored in the tableware basket, the load applied to the sensor changes, the sensor voltage changes and the sensor output changes. Can be detected accurately. The configuration of the present invention is also effective when the tableware capacity decreases after the start of the cleaning operation.

  That is, when the tableware 14 that has been put in immediately after the operation is started is taken out from the washing tub, it can be detected by the weight detection means 30, and it is determined that the amount of the tableware has decreased, and the result is the control means of the dishwasher. By sending to, it is possible to shorten the time of the washing, rinsing and drying processes, to make the detergent a little less, and to reset the amount of water used at the time of washing and rinsing. In other words, every time the user uses it, the set values for the washing, rinsing and drying processes can be automatically changed according to the amount of tableware loaded, so that it can be reliably washed, rinsed and dried, as well as for the user. It is possible to provide a dishwasher that is highly satisfactory and that can achieve energy saving and the optimal time according to the amount of dishes.

  With the configuration as described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the weight detection means including the contact-type load sensor capable of detecting the weight is provided on the support parts of the upper and lower tableware baskets. It is possible to detect the tableware weight and detect the quantity and type of tableware by detecting the change in sensor output accompanying the change in load when the tableware is stored. The basic conditions of washing and rinsing are the conditions at the time of each process, the amount of detergent, the amount of water, the drive of the motor, etc., which can be optimized according to the amount of dishes, energy saving and convenience of the dishwasher, Reliability can be improved reliably.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, a dishwasher according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of a cross section when the dishwasher used in the present embodiment is cut along a vertical plane along the front-rear direction, as viewed from the left side. The configuration in the present embodiment will be described below. The description of the same components as those in Embodiment 1 is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 6, weight detecting means 30 capable of detecting the weight is provided at the lower part of the cleaning tank so that the load of the entire cleaning tank 12 is removed. The weight detection means 30 is composed of a contact-type pressure sensor such as a load sensor, a strain sensor, or a load cell, and the resistance of the object changes when a load is applied, or the weight of the object changes due to a change in capacitance. Is detected. By detecting a resistance change, a capacitance change, or a voltage change generated from the sensor due to a load, it can be seen that the tableware has been stored.

  That is, the contact-type weight detection means 30 is for detecting the quantity and weight of the tableware 14 put into the cleaning tank 12 for placing on the tableware basket 13 in the cleaning tank 12. A plurality of 12 are arranged below the cleaning tank so that the entire load is removed. As described above, the load sensor is disposed under the legs of the cleaning tank, so that the weight of the tableware stored in the cleaning tank can be accurately detected, and the reliability is improved.

  In addition, as an installation position of the load sensor installed under the leg of the washing tub 12, as long as the weight of the entire washing tub 12 can be measured and all loads of the tableware 14 stored in the tableware basket 13 can be detected, Either is acceptable.

  With the configuration as described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of weight detection means including contact-type load sensors capable of detecting the weight are installed in the lower part of the legs of the washing tub. The weight of the dish can be detected by detecting the change in the sensor output accompanying the change in the load when the container is stored, and the quantity and type of the dish can be determined, thus improving the convenience and reliability of the dishwasher. It is something that can be done.

(Embodiment 4)
Next, the dishwasher of 4th Embodiment is demonstrated. The basic configuration of the embodiment of the present invention is the same as that of the first embodiment and will not be described. In particular, in the configuration of the present invention, four strain sensors are used as the weight detection means 30.

  An operation panel (not shown) is provided at the upper front of the dishwasher body, and an operation switch and a display unit are provided on the operation panel. And in the lower part of the back side of the operation panel, a signal processing determination means 21 for inputting a sensor signal, processing based on the signal and making a determination, and a control means for controlling each of the washing, rinsing and drying steps of dishwashing 22 is provided. This control device is composed of, for example, a microcomputer, and has a control program for controlling the overall operations of the washing / rinsing operation and the drying operation in the dishwasher.

  The operation of the present invention in the dishwasher shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the dishwasher according to the embodiment. The flow in the present embodiment will be described below. The description of the same components as those in Embodiment 1 is omitted.

  First, in the dishwasher as shown in FIG. 1, four contact-type weight detecting means 30 are provided on the lower part of the tableware basket 13 in the washing tank 12 and on the support part of the tableware basket 13. The weight of the object can be detected by detecting a resistance change with respect to the load of the weight detection means 30.

  When tableware is stored in the washing tub 12 in this state, first, the change in the resistance value of the sensor signal is converted into a voltage, and the rise of the voltage is detected (step S21). Since this rising occurs every time the tableware is placed, by detecting and counting the rising, it is possible to detect the number of stored dishes and the types such as large, medium and small sizes of individual dishes (step S22). Moreover, the absolute output of the voltage value of this sensor output is detected (step S23). Since this voltage value corresponds to the total load applied to the tableware basket, the total amount of tableware can be determined from the absolute detection amount of the output obtained from the weight detection means (step S24).

  An example of the sensor output signal from one load sensor of the weight detection means 30 at this time is shown in FIG. An output change occurs at the stage (1) in FIG. 8. From this output change, it can be said that a small tableware is placed at the stage (1). Further, a change slightly larger than the output change of (1) occurs in the next stage (2), and it can be said that the tableware in the stage of (2) is placed from this output change. Further, a change larger than the output change of (2) occurs in the next stage (3), and it can be said that a large tableware was placed in the stage of (3) from this output change.

  By placing the tableware one by one in this way, the output change as shown in FIG. 8 occurs. Therefore, the number of dishes and the magnitude of each output change are detected by counting the number of output changes. The type of large, medium and small dishes can be detected. Similarly, it can be seen that the small tableware is stored in the stage (4), the middle tableware is stored in the stage (5), and the large tableware is stored in the stage (6). By repeating such a sequence, the quantity of tableware finally stored in the washing tub 12 can be detected. Since step S6 and subsequent steps are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  The output signal from the load sensor can be transmitted to the control means of the dishwasher, and the operation of each process suitable for the amount of dishware stored in the washing tub 12 can be performed. Since there is no such thing, energy saving can be realized, and also in the fourth embodiment, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

  With the configuration and procedure as described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, a sensor composed of a contact-type pressure sensor such as a load sensor or a strain sensor capable of detecting a weight is provided at the bottom of the cleaning tank. Installed in the lower part of the tableware basket, the number and weight of the stored tableware can be more accurately determined from the rise and the detected amount based on the output signal sequentially detected when storing the tableware. The amount of tableware can be accurately counted and detected, and the energy saving, convenience, and reliability of the dishwasher can be reliably improved.

(Embodiment 5)
Next, a dishwasher according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 9 shows a schematic view of the dishwasher used in the fifth embodiment of the present invention as seen obliquely from the upper front. The basic configuration of the embodiment of the present invention is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the description of the same portion is omitted. In particular, in the configuration of the present invention, the weight detection means 30 is a piezoelectric that is a contact-type voltage change sensor. Four sensors are used (two are not shown).

  This contact-type weight detection means 30 is for detecting the quantity and weight of the tableware 14 put into the washing tub 12 to be placed on the tableware basket 13. Four are arranged at the bottom. In addition, a lock switch is provided on the front panel to regulate the opening / closing operation of the opening 12a of the cleaning tank. The weight detecting means 30 does not operate when the dishwasher is closed, that is, when the lock switch 40 is working, and when the dishwasher is open, that is, when the lock switch 40 is not working. It functions.

  That is, when the lock switch 40 is activated and the dishwasher is closed, the weight detection means 30 does not operate with the power off, and the power is turned on only when the lock switch 40 is removed and the dishwasher is opened. It becomes a state, and it is possible to detect a change in the load of the tableware basket when storing the tableware.

  The operation of the present invention in the dishwasher shown in FIG. 9 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 10 shows a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the dishwasher according to the embodiment. The flow in the present embodiment will be described below. The description of the procedure in this embodiment is the same as that in Embodiment 1, and the description thereof is omitted.

  First, in the dishwasher as shown in FIG. 9, four contact-type weight detecting means 30 are provided on the lower part of the tableware basket 13 in the washing tank 12 and on the support part of the tableware basket 13. The weight of the object can be detected by detecting the voltage change with respect to the load of the weight detection means 30. The front panel of the opening / closing part 11 of the dishwasher is provided with a lock switch 40 for restricting the opening / closing operation of the opening 12a of the washing tub. When the lock switch 40 is released (step S31), the weight detector 30 is turned on, and the load sensor starts operating (step S32). When the opening / closing part of the dishwasher is opened forward, the washing tank 12 for storing the dishes 14 to be washed appears (step S33).

  Steps S2 to S6 are the same as those in the first embodiment and will not be described. By repeating such a tableware detection sequence, the total amount of the tableware 14 finally stored in the washing tank 12 can be counted. Then, the opening / closing part of this dishwasher is put in the back, and the washing tank 12 is closed. If the lock switch 40 is set so that the opening / closing part 11 is not opened (step S34), the weight detection means 30 is turned off, and the operation of the load sensor is stopped (step S35). Thereafter, the operation of the dishwasher can be started (step S36).

  With the configuration and procedure as described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, a sensor composed of a contact-type pressure sensor such as a load sensor or a strain sensor capable of detecting a weight is provided at the bottom of the cleaning tank. By installing it in the lower part of the tableware basket and detecting it sequentially when storing it and not detecting it after storing it, the number and weight of the stored tableware can be determined more accurately. Energy saving, convenience, and reliability can be improved reliably.

  Further, in order to perform the above operation method by the control means of these dishwashers, a unique computer-readable program characterized by recording a program to be executed by the CPU computer is required. The means described in this embodiment is a program for cooperating hardware resources such as a CPU (or microcomputer), a RAM, a ROM, a storage / recording device, an electric / information device including an I / O, a computer, a server, You may implement with a form. In the form of a program, new functions can be easily distributed / updated and installed by recording them on a recording medium such as magnetic media or optical media or distributing them via a communication line such as the Internet.

  As described above, the present invention detects when a tableware is stored by installing a contact-type pressure-sensitive sensor composed of a load sensor, a strain sensor, or the like that can detect the weight in the lower part of the washing tank or the lower part of the dish basket. By doing this, it is possible to accurately count and detect the number and weight of the tableware stored, and to match the amount of tableware, the time and the amount of detergent that are the conditions of the washing and rinsing process, which is the basic operation of the dishwasher The amount of water, the drive of the motor, etc. can be optimized, the energy saving and reliability of the dishwasher can be improved reliably, and it is also useful for household dishwashers. Moreover, it can be used not only for home use but also for business use such as offices and factories.

The schematic diagram which looked at the cross section when the dishwasher of the 1st Embodiment of this invention was cut | disconnected by the vertical surface along the front-back direction from the right side. Schematic view of the dishwasher from the top side Flow chart showing processing procedure of the dishwasher The schematic diagram which looked at the cross section when the dishwasher of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention was cut | disconnected by the vertical surface along the front-back direction from the right side. Flow chart showing processing procedure of the dishwasher The schematic diagram which looked at the cross section when the dishwasher of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention was cut | disconnected by the vertical surface along the front-back direction from the left side. The flowchart which shows the process sequence of the dishwasher of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the sensor output signal obtained from the weight detection means of the dishwasher The schematic diagram which looked at the dishwasher of the 5th Embodiment of this invention from front diagonally upward Flow chart showing processing procedure of the dishwasher

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 Washing tank 13 Tableware basket 14 Tableware 15 Washing nozzle 21 Judgment means 22 Control means 23 Detergent input means 30 Weight detection means 40 Lock switch

Claims (7)

A cleaning tank, a dish basket for storing objects to be cleaned such as tableware in the cleaning tank, a control means for controlling a washing / rinsing process, and a target to be cleaned stored in the lower part of the tableware basket or in the cleaning tank A weight detecting means for detecting the weight of the object, wherein the weight detecting means sequentially detects a change in weight due to loading and unloading of the object to be cleaned, and the control means performs cleaning based on an output signal of the weight detecting means. -A dishwasher designed to control the rinsing process. 2. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the weight detecting means detects the weight applied to the plurality of tableware baskets. 2. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the weight detection means detects the weight of the washing tank. 2. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the weight detection means is a contact pressure sensor such as a load sensor or a strain sensor. 2. The dishwasher according to claim 1, further comprising a determination unit that determines the number of dishes stored in the tableware basket based on a detection signal from the weight detection unit. 6. The dishwasher according to claim 5, wherein the determining means is a determining means for determining the quantity of tableware from the rise of the output obtained from the weight detecting means and the detected amount. The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a lock switch for restricting an opening / closing operation of the opening of the washing tank, wherein the weight detection means detects the lock switch while the lock switch is released.

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