JP4350013B2 - dishwasher - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a dishwasher that includes detection means for detecting the degree of dirt in water in a washing tub, and that performs washing or rinsing by spraying water in the washing tank onto tableware based on the degree of dirt.

The dishwasher is configured to arrange a nozzle in a washing tank and wash the tableware stored in the washing tank with water sprayed from the nozzle (for example, Patent Document 1). Some dishwashers also include a turbidity sensor that detects the degree of water contamination in the washing tub. When the turbidity sensor is provided, it is possible to determine the washing time and the rinsing time according to the detected degree of dirt, so that washing and rinsing according to the degree of dirt on the tableware can be performed. In many cases, the level of contamination detected by the turbidity sensor is compared with a preset threshold value to determine the level of contamination (eg, “Large”, “Medium”, “Small”). The cleaning time and the rinsing time are determined based on the stage.
JP-A-7-163502

  Detection of the degree of contamination by the turbidity sensor is performed after the water supply is stopped, for example. In this case, a predetermined time has elapsed since the water supply was stopped so that bubbles generated in the water supply do not adversely affect the detection accuracy of the turbidity sensor. The degree of contamination is detected after the bubbles are reduced. However, the amount of air bubbles generated in the water supply varies depending on the inflow rate of water in the washing tank, such as the amount of water supplied per unit time or the water supply time per unit amount. Change. As described above, since the predetermined time is different for each household, the degree of dirt is detected in a state where the bubbles are not sufficiently reduced, or an unnecessary waiting time is caused even if the bubbles are sufficiently reduced. There are problems such as elapse.

  In addition, the detection of the degree of contamination by the turbidity sensor is also performed, for example, after the water injection is stopped, but in this case, the suspended matter such as dirt that has dropped from the tableware does not adversely affect the detection accuracy of the turbidity sensor. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the washing or rinsing stop, the degree of contamination is detected after the suspended matter has settled. However, there is a problem that the waiting time until the suspended matter finishes settling is long, and the entire processing time of washing and rinsing becomes long.

  This invention is made | formed in view of such a situation, the waiting time according to the time required for the predetermined amount of water supply, or the measurement means which measures the amount of water supply in the predetermined time, and the measured time or the amount of water supply Determining means for determining the degree of contamination by the detecting means after the elapse of the waiting time after the water supply is stopped, so that the waiting time is optimized according to the bubbles generated during the water supply. An object of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher that can be adjusted.

  In addition, the present invention is configured so that the level of dirt is detected by the detection means before the suspended matter contained in the wash water has settled after the water injection is stopped, thereby stopping the water injection. Another object of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher capable of shortening the waiting time until the degree of contamination after being done.

The dishwasher according to the present invention includes a water supply port, a water level sensor that detects the level of water supplied from the water supply port into the washing tub in which the tableware is stored, and a level of water contamination in the washing tub. and a detecting means for, based on the degree of the dirt in a dishwasher for cleaning or rinsing water of the washing bath by injecting the dishes, when supplying water to the cleaning tank from the water supply port, Based on the water level detected by the water level sensor, a water supply time required for a predetermined amount of water supply , or a measuring means for measuring a water supply amount within a predetermined time, and a water supply time or a water supply amount measured by the measuring means and a determination means for determining a waiting time, said detecting means, the water supply to the cleaning tank is when the waiting time since the stop has passed, is arranged to detect the extent of the contamination It is characterized by.

Dishwasher according to the present invention includes a pump for injecting and supplying water in the cleaning tank into the nozzle, the sensing means, said pump is stopped after the injection of water is stopped in the cleaning tank while suspended matter contained in the water Finished precipitate, characterized in that it is arranged to detect the extent of the contamination.

Dishwasher according to the present invention includes the pump stops storage unit a predetermined amount of time has been stored for floating materials injection comprises from being stopped in the water in the cleaning tank is Finished precipitate the water, It said detecting means, when the pump has elapsed the predetermined time from the stop, characterized in that is arranged to detect the extent of the contamination.

Dishwasher according to the present invention, the sensing means determines the degree of the detecting means for outputting a detection value corresponding to the dirty water in the cleaning tank, dirt corresponding to the detection value is the detection means and output And determining means.

In the present invention, when water is supplied into the cleaning tank from the water supply port , the water supply time required for the predetermined amount of water supply or the amount of water supply within the predetermined time is measured by the measuring means based on the water level detected by the water level sensor. And the waiting time according to the measured water supply time or water supply amount is determined by the determining means. Then, after the lapse of the determined waiting time after the water supply to the cleaning tank is stopped, the degree of contamination of water in the cleaning tank is detected by the detecting means. For example, when the water supply time required for a predetermined amount of water supply is short or the amount of water supply within a predetermined time is large, the inflow rate of water in the cleaning tank is high, and many bubbles that adversely affect the detection of the degree of contamination are generated. Therefore, the waiting time is determined to be long, and the degree of contamination is detected after the bubbles are reduced. Conversely, if the water supply time required for a predetermined amount of water supply is long or the amount of water supply within the predetermined time is small, the inflow rate of water in the cleaning tank is low and the number of bubbles generated is small, so the waiting time is determined to be short. To do.

In the present invention, the water in the cleaning tank is supplied to the nozzle by the pump and injected, and the suspended matter contained in the water in the cleaning tank is settled after the pump is stopped and the water injection is stopped. Before that, the degree of water contamination in the washing tank is detected by the detection means. The degree of contamination detected regularly changes from when the water spray is stopped until the suspended matter contained in the water in the washing tank has settled. Therefore, in consideration of the regular change, if the degree of dirt is detected before the suspended matter contained in the water in the washing tank has settled, the dirt can be removed even if the suspended matter has not yet settled. The degree can be detected without problems. The entire processing time for washing and rinsing can be shortened because the degree of contamination is detected without waiting for the suspended matter to settle. Further, the regular fluctuation until the suspended matter finishes settling increases the detection range corresponding to one unit of the degree of contamination, so that the resolution is improved.

In the present invention, the serial憶部pump is stored a predetermined time which suspended matter is Finished precipitate contained in the water in the cleaning tank from being stopped to injection water stop, pump stop Then, when the predetermined time has elapsed, the degree of contamination of water in the cleaning tank is detected by the detecting means.

  In the present invention, a detection value corresponding to the contamination of water in the cleaning tank is output from the detection means, and the degree of contamination corresponding to the output detection value is determined by the determination means. For the detection of the degree of contamination, it is possible to determine the degree of contamination by outputting a detection value when necessary, or to output the detection value at all times to determine the degree of contamination when necessary.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to optimally adjust the waiting time from when the water supply is stopped until the dirt is detected according to the bubbles generated during the water supply.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to shorten the waiting time until the degree of contamination after water injection is stopped. Further, since the detection range corresponding to one unit of the degree of contamination increases, the resolution is improved.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings illustrating embodiments thereof. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a main part configuration viewed from the front of the dishwasher according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a main part configuration viewed from the side. The dishwasher according to the present embodiment is provided with a washing tub 2 for storing tableware 20 to be washed inside the housing 1, and in the washing tub 2, a tableware holder 3 on which the tableware 20 is placed; A plurality of rotatable nozzles 4, 4 disposed below the tableware receiver 3 and spraying washing water toward the tableware 20 placed on the tableware receiver 3, and the nozzles 4, 4 via distribution valves A pump 5 for supplying pressurized water and a heater 6 for heating the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 2 are provided. An operation panel 22 having a display unit such as an LCD and an input unit such as a push button switch is provided on the lower front side of the housing 1.

  One end of a washing water circulation path 7 is connected to the nozzles 4 and 4, and the other end of the washing water circulation path 7 is connected to a drain port 8 provided at the bottom of the washing tank 2. The pump 5 is provided in the middle of the washing water circulation path 7, and the washing water injected from the water supply port 9 or sprayed from the nozzles 4, 4 passes through the drain port 8 and the washing water circulation path 7, and then the nozzles 4, 4. To supply. Water supply / water supply stop from the water supply port 9 is switched by opening / closing the water supply valve 9a. The water supply valve 9a is connected to a faucet or the like via a hose, and the opening / closing of the water supply valve 9a is controlled by a control device 30 described later. Moreover, although not shown in the figure, the water level sensor which detects the water level of the water in the cleaning tank 2 is provided in the cleaning tank 2. This water level sensor is connected to the control device 30. The nozzles 4 and 4 are rotated by a motor (not shown), and the rotation of the motor is controlled by the control device 30.

Between the exhaust Mizuguchi 8 of the washing water circulation path 7 to the pump 5, the turbidity sensor 10 for detecting the degree of contamination of the washing water is attached. The turbidity sensor 10 has a light emitting unit 11 and a light receiving unit 12 disposed so as to face each other with the cleaning water circulation path 7 interposed therebetween, and is emitted from the light emitting unit 11 and transmitted through the cleaning water in the cleaning water circulation path 7. Light is received by the light receiving unit 12. The turbidity sensor 10 is connected to a control device 30 described later, light emission of the light emitting unit 11 is controlled by the control device 30, and a light reception signal of the light receiving unit 12 is sent to the control device 30. However, the light receiving unit 12 outputs a pulse signal having a frequency corresponding to the amount of received light (the frequency is higher as the amount of received light is larger (the less dirt is)) as the received light signal. The control device 30 determines the permeability of the cleaning water, that is, the degree of contamination, based on the light reception signal.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the control device 30. The control device 30 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 32, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 33, a clock 34 for measuring time, an input / output port 35, etc., which are mutually internal. They are connected by a bus 36. Connected to the input / output port 35 are a turbidity sensor 10, a motor for driving the nozzles 4 and 4, a pump 5, a heater 6, a water supply valve 9a, a water level sensor, an operation panel 22, and the like. The CPU 31 of the control device 30 uses the RAM 33 as a working area, executes a program stored in the ROM 32, and controls the above-described components of the dishwasher.

  The turbidity sensor 10 (detection means) and the CPU 31 (determination means) of the control device 30 operate as detection means for detecting the degree of contamination of the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 2. The CPU 31 of the control device 30 determines the frequency (detection value) of the light reception signal (pulse signal) sent from the light receiving unit 12 and stores the determined frequency in the RAM 33 as the degree of contamination. Further, the CPU 31 of the control device 30 determines the stage of dirt corresponding to the degree of dirt. In the present embodiment, the CPU 31 stores the degree of dirt detected before the start of cleaning such as when water supply is completed in the RAM 33, and uses the degree of dirt stored in the RAM 33 as a reference to the degree of dirt detected after the start of cleaning. Determine the corresponding dirt stage. More specifically, the CPU 31 calculates the ratio between the degree of dirt stored in the RAM 33 and the degree of dirt detected after the start of cleaning, and determines the stage of dirt based on the calculated ratio.

  Regarding water supply, the CPU 31 of the control device 30 operates as a measuring unit that measures the time required for supplying a predetermined amount of water or the amount of water supplied within a predetermined time based on the water level detected by the water level sensor. Further, the CPU 31 operates as a determination unit that determines the waiting time according to the measured time or the amount of water supply, and controls the turbidity sensor 10 to become dirty after the determined waiting time has elapsed since the water supply was stopped. Detect the degree of. For example, the CPU 31 determines a waiting time that is approximately inversely proportional to the time required for a predetermined amount of water supply or approximately proportional to the amount of water supply within a predetermined time, based on a correspondence table or mathematical expression stored in advance in the ROM 32.

  Further, the CPU 31 controls the turbidity sensor 10 to detect the degree of dirt before the suspended matter contained in the washing water has settled after the injection of the nozzle 4 is stopped. In general, the light reception signal (frequency) of the turbidity sensor 10 changes until the suspended matter has settled. Table 1 shows an example of the frequency of the light reception signal from the time point when the nozzle 4 stops the injection. JEMA stains are the standard for tableware stains determined by the industry association. Table 1 shows JEMA stains (for 2 people), JEMA stains (for 6 people), and clean water (water only). The frequency and rate of change of the elapsed time from 10 seconds to 100 seconds from the stop of injection are shown. The rate of change is a ratio based on a frequency with an elapsed time of 10 seconds.

  FIG. 4 is a graph of the frequencies shown in Table 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the frequency is stabilized while changing regularly after the injection of the nozzle 4 is stopped. For example, in only water, JEMA stains (for 2 people), and JEMA stains (for 6 people), the frequency is detected to be low (the degree of dirt is high) before stabilization, and the degree of dirt is large. The longer it takes to stabilize, the greater the rate of change. Since the change until the frequency stabilizes after the suspended matter has settled down is taken into consideration, even if the degree of contamination is detected before stabilization by considering the regular change, This stage can be determined without any problem. In the present embodiment, the degree of contamination is detected when 20 seconds have elapsed since the stop of injection, and the 20 seconds are stored in the ROM 32 (storage unit).

In the case of water alone, the frequency stabilizes after an elapsed time of approximately 20 seconds. When the elapsed time is 20 seconds, the frequency of the JEMA stain (for two people) is 37.3 kHz, and the difference from the case of water alone is 27.7 (= 65.00-37.3) kHz. In the case of JEMA stains (for two people), the frequency stabilizes after an elapsed time of approximately 40 seconds. When the elapsed time is 40 seconds, the difference in frequency (in the case of 20 seconds) between the JEMA stain (for two people) and water alone is 25.8 (= 65.00-39.2) kHz. When the degree of dirt of JEMA dirt (for two people) is turbidity = 600 FTU, the ratio of frequency to turbidity in a stable state with an elapsed time of 40 seconds is 25.8 [kHz] ÷ 600 [FTU] = 43 [Hz / FTU]
The ratio of frequency to turbidity in an unstable state with an elapsed time of 20 seconds is 27.7 [kHz] ÷ 600 [FTU] = 46 [Hz / FTU]
It is. In an unstable state, the frequency range corresponding to the unit turbidity is wide and the resolution is improved. Similarly, in the case of JEMA stains (for 6 people), the resolution is improved.

  Hereinafter, an example of cleaning and rinsing will be described by taking the case of three stages of contamination, “small”, “medium”, and “large” as an example. Further, the CPU 31 calculates a ratio Δf (= f0 ÷ f1) between the degree of contamination f0 detected before the start of cleaning and the level of contamination f1 detected after the start of cleaning, and stores the calculated ratio Δf in the ROM 32 in advance. The threshold values c1 and c2 (where c1 <c2) are compared, and if Δf ≦ c1, the contamination level is “small”, and if c1 <Δf ≦ c2, the contamination level is “medium”, c2 If <Δf, it is determined that the contamination level is “large”. The threshold values c1 and c2 described above are stored in the ROM 32. Further, the CPU 31 determines a sequence such as a cleaning time and a rinsing time (or the number of times of rinsing) based on the stage of contamination, and controls the motor, the pump 5 and the like that drive the nozzles 4 and 4 based on the determined sequence. To do. In the present embodiment, setting values for the cleaning time and the number of times of rinsing at each stage of dirt are stored in the ROM 32.

  5 and 6 are flowcharts showing examples of cleaning and rinsing procedures. The control device 30 (CPU 31) controls the water supply valve 9a to start water supply and start measuring the water supply time (S10). Timing is performed using the clock 34. When the control device 30 (CPU 31) determines that the detection value of a water level sensor (not shown) connected to the control device 30 has reached a specified water level stored in the ROM 32 (S12: YES), the CPU 31 controls the water supply valve 9a. Then, the water supply is stopped and the time measurement of the water supply time is stopped (S14), the time measured for water supply is stored in the RAM 33, and the detection waiting time is determined (S16). The detection waiting time is determined by the CPU 31 based on the correspondence table or mathematical expression stored in the ROM 32 and stored in the RAM 33.

  When the control device 30 (CPU 31) determines that the waiting time has elapsed since the water supply was stopped (S18: YES), the CPU 31 controls the turbidity sensor 10 (light emitting unit 11) to set the degree of contamination f0. The detection result is stored in the RAM 33 (S20). The waiting time is almost inversely proportional to the water supply time. When water is supplied in a shorter time than usual and many bubbles are generated, the waiting time is set longer than usual and the turbidity sensor 10 detects the bubbles. Prevents loss of accuracy. For example, the detection of the degree of contamination f0 causes the light emitting unit 11 to emit light, and the CPU 31 counts the frequency of the light receiving signal (pulse signal) sent from the light receiving unit 12.

  Next, the control apparatus 30 controls the pump 5 etc., and starts the injection of washing water from the nozzle 4 (S22). After the elapse of a predetermined time stored in the ROM 32 from the start (S24: YES), the control device 30 (CPU 31) controls the pump 5 and the like to stop the washing water injection (S26), and the turbidity sensor 10 (light emission). The control unit 11) is controlled to detect the degree of contamination f1, and the detection result is stored in the RAM 33 (S28). The degree of contamination f1 is detected after the pump 5 is stopped and before the suspended matter of the washing water has settled. For example, when it is determined that 20 seconds have elapsed since the pump stopped, the CPU 31 controls the turbidity sensor 10 to detect the degree of contamination. Since the degree of contamination is detected before the suspended matter has settled, the waiting time until the start of detection is shortened, and the entire processing time for washing and rinsing can be shortened. As shown in FIG. 4, even if the degree of contamination is detected before the suspended matter has settled, the change in the degree of contamination is regular. Can be judged without problems. Further, when the degree of dirt is detected before the suspended matter has settled, the frequency range corresponding to one unit of the degree of dirt is widened, and the resolution is improved.

  The CPU 31 of the control device 30 calculates the ratio Δf (= f0 ÷ f1) between the degree of contamination f0 and f1 stored in the RAM 33 (S30) and stores it in the RAM 33. The CPU 31 compares the ratio Δf stored in the RAM 33 with the threshold value c1 stored in the ROM 32, and if Δf is smaller than c1 (S32: NO), the CPU 31 sets the contamination level to “small”. It is determined, the fact that the stage of dirt is “small” is displayed on the operation unit 22, and the ROM 32 is inquired, the cleaning time is “minimum cleaning time (for example, 5 minutes)”, 3 times) ”(S34), the contents of the determination are stored in the RAM 33, and the pump 5 and the like are controlled to perform cleaning and rinsing.

  When Δf is equal to or greater than c1 (S32: YES), the CPU 31 compares Δf stored in the RAM 33 with c2 stored in the ROM 32. When Δf is smaller than c2 (S36: NO), the CPU 31 determines that the level of dirt is “medium”, displays that the level of dirt is “medium” on the operation unit 22, and queries the ROM 32. The cleaning time is determined as “normal cleaning time (for example, 10 minutes)” and the number of rinses is determined as “normal number of times (for example, 4 times)” (S38). And rinse.

  If Δf is greater than or equal to c2 (S36: YES), the CPU 31 determines that the level of dirt is “high”, displays that the level of dirt is “high” on the operation unit 22, and queries the ROM 32. The cleaning time is determined as “the longest cleaning time (for example, 15 minutes)”, and the number of times of rinsing is determined as “the maximum number of times (for example, 5 times) (S40). Rinse.

  In the above-described embodiment, the degree of contamination is detected by the CPU 31 based on the detection value (frequency) of the turbidity sensor 10, but as shown in Table 1 and FIG. Therefore, the CPU 31 can detect the degree of contamination based on the time from when the injection is stopped until the detected value is stabilized. Further, the detection value is not limited to the frequency, and for example, a voltage corresponding to dirt can be output from the turbidity sensor 10 as a light reception signal.

  In addition, although embodiment mentioned above demonstrated the dishwasher as an example, this invention is applicable to arbitrary apparatuses which have the function of injecting water into dishes, such as a dishwasher, and washing or rinsing. It is.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the principal part structure seen from the front of the dishwasher which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the principal part structure seen from the side surface. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a control apparatus. It is a graph of the frequency shown in Table 1. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the process sequence of washing | cleaning and a rinse. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the process sequence of washing | cleaning and a rinse.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Case 2 Cleaning tank 4 Nozzle 5 Pump 6 Heater 7 Washing water circulation path 9 Water supply port 9a Water supply valve 10 Turbidity sensor 11 Light emission part 12 Light reception part 22 Operation panel 30 Control apparatus 31 CPU
32 ROM
33 RAM
34 clocks

Claims (4)

Comprising a water inlet, a water level sensor for detecting a water level of water supplied into the cleaning tank tableware from fed-Mizuguchi is accommodated, and detecting means for detecting the degree of contamination of water in the wash tank, the based on the degree of contamination, the water of the washing bath in a dishwasher for cleaning or rinsing by spraying the dishes,
Measuring means for measuring a water supply time required for a predetermined amount of water supply or a water supply amount within a predetermined time based on a water level detected by the water level sensor when water is supplied into the cleaning tank from the water supply port ;
Determining means for determining a waiting time according to the water supply time or the amount of water measured by the measuring means, and when the waiting time has elapsed since the water supply to the cleaning tank was stopped, dishwasher, characterized in that is arranged to detect the extent of the contamination. A pump for injecting and supplying water in the cleaning tank into the nozzle, the sensing means, the floating structure where the pump is stopped the water injection is contained in the water in the cleaning tank from being stopped precipitation while Finished, and dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the is arranged to detect the extent of the contamination. Said pump is stopped a storage unit in which a predetermined time is stored airborne matter injection comprises from being stopped in the water in the cleaning tank is Finished precipitate of water, said detection means, said pump 3. The dishwasher according to claim 2, wherein when the predetermined time has elapsed since the stop, the degree of the dirt is detected. Said sensing means comprising: a detecting means for outputting a detection value corresponding to the dirty water in the cleaning tank, and a judging means for judging the degree of stain corresponding to the detection value is the detection means and output A dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

Images