JP7645442B2 - dishwasher - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a dishwasher.

Patent Document 1 discloses a dishwasher that prevents detergent from solidifying. This dishwasher includes a washing tub that has an opening at the top and contains tableware, a housing that supports the washing tub so that it can be inserted and removed in the front-to-rear direction, a detergent tank that is located on the outside front of the washing tub and stores liquid detergent, and a detergent discharge path that connects the detergent tank and the washing tub, and the detergent tank is configured to be inserted and removed in the left-to-right direction.

JP 2020-178864 A

This disclosure provides a user-friendly dishwasher that has an automatic detergent dispensing function and can reduce detergent leakage.

The dishwasher disclosed herein comprises a housing, a washing tub provided within the housing for accommodating items to be washed, and a detergent tank for storing liquid detergent to be supplied to the washing tub, the detergent tank being removable from a detergent tank storage section within the housing, the detergent tank having a tank-side check valve for preventing leakage of detergent, the detergent tank storage section having a main body-side check valve for preventing leakage of detergent, and when the detergent tank is inserted into the detergent tank storage section, a part of the outer surface of the tank-side check valve comes into contact with a part of the inner surface of the detergent tank storage section to rotate the tank-side check valve, thereby fixing the tank-side check valve to the detergent tank.

The dishwasher disclosed herein is equipped with an automatic detergent dispensing function, which can prevent detergent leakage. Therefore, the detergent tank can be easily attached and detached.

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a dishwasher in a state where a washing tub is pulled out from a housing according to a first embodiment; Schematic front view of a dishwasher showing the detergent tank installed Schematic front view of a dishwasher showing the detergent tank being stored or pulled out Schematic front view of a dishwasher with the detergent tank installed FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a detergent tank in a state where no detergent liquid is stored and the detergent inlet is in a closed state; FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a detergent tank in which detergent liquid is stored and the detergent inlet is open; FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the detergent storage section and the detergent tank when the detergent tank is stored; FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the detergent storage section and the detergent tank when the detergent tank is stored; FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the detergent storage section and the detergent tank when the detergent tank is being stored or pulled out. Schematic front view of the detergent tank and the check valve when the detergent tank is being inserted or pulled out Schematic front view of the detergent tank before the tank-side check valve is installed Schematic front view of a detergent tank with a tank-side check valve being installed FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the detergent storage section and the detergent tank immediately before the detergent tank is stored; FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the detergent storage section and the detergent tank when the detergent tank is being stored. An enlarged perspective view of the detergent tank in the process of being stored near the tank-side check valve 11 is a schematic front view of a detergent tank and a tray according to a second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a detergent tank and a tray according to a second embodiment; Cross-sectional side view of the check valve when it is installed (initial stage) Side cross-sectional view of the check valve and its vicinity when it is installed (mid-term) Side cross-sectional view of the check valve and its vicinity during installation (final stage)

(Knowledge and other information that forms the basis of this disclosure)
At the time when the inventors came up with the present disclosure, in the conventional detergent tank configuration, the check valve in the connection portion for delivering the detergent was fixed.

When the check valve is fixed, it is not possible to wash the area around the valve and keep it clean. Therefore, the inventors designed the check valve to be removable in order to clean the valve. However, the inventors discovered that making the valve removable poses a problem in that it is necessary to prevent detergent from leaking from the removed check valve, and in order to solve this problem, they came up with the subject matter of the present disclosure.

Therefore, this disclosure provides a dishwasher that has a configuration that prevents detergent leakage, allowing the detergent tank to be easily attached and detached.

Below, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of already well-known matters or duplicate explanation of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid the following explanation being unnecessarily redundant and to make it easier for those skilled in the art to understand.

The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[Overall configuration]
1 is a schematic side view of a dishwasher in a state where a washing tub 1 is pulled out from a housing 2 in embodiment 1. In detail, Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of a dishwasher in a state where a washing tub 1 is pulled out from a housing 2 of the dishwasher.

The dishwasher of the first embodiment is a built-in dishwasher that is installed in, for example, a system kitchen.

In the first embodiment, as shown in the figure, the forward direction is the direction in which the door body 3 and the washing tank 1 are pulled out, and the rear direction is the direction in which the washing tank 1 is stored and the door body 3 is closed. In addition, in the following description, the opening side of the washing tank 1 of the dishwasher is referred to as the top, the opposite side as the bottom, and further, the right side as viewed from the front of the door body 3 is referred to as the right side and the left side as the left side.

As shown in FIG. 1, the dishwasher of the first embodiment has a housing 2, a washing tub 1 arranged inside the housing 2, a side wall 12, a detergent tank 15, a control device 19, and a door body 3 that opens and closes the opening of the housing 2.

The washing tank 1 has an opening 1a at the top, and a basket 7 for storing tableware 8 is placed inside. The washing tank 1 has a first rail 5 fixed to the bottom. Meanwhile, the housing 2 has a second rail 6 fixed to the inside of the inner surface. The first rail 5 is supported movably on the second rail 6 of the housing 2. This allows the washing tank 1 to be supported so that it can be freely inserted and removed from the housing 2 in the front-to-rear direction (the left-to-right direction on the paper surface of FIG. 1).

The dishwasher has a flat section 23 that is located in front of the opening 1a, which is the upper front exterior part of the washing tub 1. An operation section 24, a display section 25, and other components are arranged on the flat section 23. The operation section 24 is operated by the user to set the dishwasher's washing course, power on/off, and other settings. The display section 25 displays the washing status, operating status, time, and other information. An operation display board (not shown) that controls their operation is arranged on the back side of the flat section 23 on which the operation section 24 and display section 25 are arranged.

The side walls 12 are disposed on both sides between the washing tank 1 and the door body 3. The side walls 12 connect the washing tank 1 and the door body 3 so that they can move together. In this case, the dishwasher has a front space 13 formed by the front side of the washing tank 1, the rear side of the door body 3, the side walls 12, and the flat portion 23.

The door body 3 has a handle 4 at the top that protrudes forward. The handle 4 is used by the user to insert and remove the cleaning tank 1 from the housing 2.

In addition, in the dishwasher of embodiment 1, washing water for washing dishes in washing tub 1 is supplied via the pathway shown below. Specifically, washing water such as tap water is first supplied from a branch water faucet in the system kitchen (not shown) to a water supply pathway such as a water supply hose. The supplied washing water passes through the water supply pathway and is supplied to the washing tub 1 at the required water level and in the required amount by a water supply pump or water supply valve (not shown). Water is supplied to washing tub 1 via the pathway configured as described above.

A circulation pump 9 is disposed below and outside the washing tank 1. The circulation pump 9 circulates the washing water supplied into the washing tank 1 through a circulation path and sprays the washing water from the washing nozzles 11. The sprayed washing water is then configured to wash the tableware 8. A heater 10 for heating the washing water is also disposed near the bottom of the washing tank 1.

The dishwasher of embodiment 1 also has a drainage path that drains the wash water from the washing tub 1. The drainage path is composed of a drain pump and a drain hose (not shown). When the washing and rinsing of the tableware 8 is completed, the drain pump is driven and the wash water is drained to the outside via the drain hose. In other words, the drainage path is configured to allow the wash water in the washing tub 1 to be drained into the sink of a system kitchen, etc.

A detergent tank storage section 14 is disposed in the front space 13, which is the outer front of the cleaning tank 1, and in which a detergent tank 15 is housed so that it can be freely inserted and removed. The detergent tank storage section 14 is formed on one side of the side wall 12 by welding, screwing, or integral molding with the side wall 12. The detergent tank storage section 14 may also be configured to be provided on the front surface of the cleaning tank 1.

The dishwasher of embodiment 1 is configured as described above.

[Configuration of detergent tank and surrounding area]
Next, the configuration around the detergent tank 15 of the dishwasher will be described with reference to FIGS.

Figure 2 is a schematic front view of the dishwasher showing the detergent tank 15 stored. Figure 3 is a schematic front view of the dishwasher showing the detergent tank 15 in the middle of being stored or pulled out. Figure 4 is a schematic front view of the dishwasher showing the detergent tank 15 stored in the dashed line.

As shown in FIG. 3, the detergent tank storage section 14 has a hollow space. This allows the detergent tank 15 to be stored in and removed freely from the space of the detergent tank storage section 14. The detergent tank 15 is stored so that it can be freely inserted and removed, for example, in the left-right direction (lateral direction) when viewed from the front (the front side of the door body 3).

As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the detergent tank storage section 14 is located substantially below (including below) the flat surface section 23 (the operation section 24 or the display section 25), for example, from the center to the right side of the cleaning tub 1, and stores the detergent tank 15.

Note that, although Figs. 2 and 3 show an example of a configuration in which the detergent tank 15 is pulled out to the right from the detergent tank storage section 14, this is not limiting. For example, the detergent tank storage section 14 and the detergent tank 15 may be disposed in symmetrical opposite positions to those shown in Figs. 2 and 3. In this case, a configuration in which the detergent tank 15 is pulled out to the left from the detergent tank storage section 14 is desirable.

With the above configuration, when the washing tub 1 is completely stored in the housing 2, the detergent tank 15 is not noticeable. This allows the dishwasher to have a simple design. Furthermore, the space (front space 13) for storing the detergent tank 15 at the front outside of the washing tub 1 can be effectively utilized.

As shown in FIG. 1, the detergent tank 15 is configured so that it can be freely inserted and removed from the detergent tank storage section 14 in the left-right direction when the cleaning tub 1 is pulled out forward at least distance a (dotted arrow in FIG. 1). Note that distance a indicates the shortest distance between the mating surface between the rear surface of the door body 3 and the front surface of the housing 2, and the surface of the detergent tank storage section 14 on the cleaning tub 1 side. In other words, distance a indicates a state in which at least the entire detergent tank storage section 14 is pulled out forward from the frontmost part of the housing 2.

With the above configuration, the detergent tank 15 can be inserted or removed only when the cleaning tank 1 is pulled out forward a specified distance (distance a) or more. Therefore, the user can easily insert or remove the detergent tank 15 by utilizing the space in front of the cleaning tank 1 that stores the detergent tank 15 and the space in the lateral direction when the cleaning tank 1 is pulled out from the housing 2. Note that distance a is not particularly limited as long as it is a distance that allows the detergent tank 15 to be inserted or removed left and right.

As described above, the dishwasher of embodiment 1 has an operation unit 24 that is provided on the upper front exterior of the washing tub 1 and allows the user to set the washing course, turn the power on and off, etc. This allows the user to operate the operation unit 24 with one hand, for example, from the front and above the washing tub 1. At the same time, the user can insert and remove the detergent tank 15 in the left-right direction with the other hand. As a result, the user's operability can be improved.

Next, the components constituting the detergent tank 15 will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is a schematic front view of the detergent tank 15 when the detergent container lid 154 is in a closed state and no detergent is stored. Figure 6 is a schematic front view of the detergent tank 15 when the detergent container lid 154 is in an open state and the detergent is stored to approximately full capacity.

In the following description of the area around the detergent tank, as shown in FIG. 5, the direction in which the detergent tank 15 is inserted and removed (depth direction) will be described as the front side, with the direction in which the detergent tank 15 is pulled out, and the direction in which it is inserted, with the back side. In addition, in the following description, the opening side of the detergent tank 15 will be described as the top, and the opposite side as the bottom.

When the detergent tank 15 is inserted into the detergent tank storage section 14, the claws 158 engage with the claw receivers provided on the sides of the detergent tank storage section 14, and the detergent tank 15 is stably supported within the detergent tank storage section 14.

The detergent tank 15 is, for example, a bottle-shaped container in which liquid detergent is stored. The detergent tank 15 has an open top, and the open portion is entirely covered by a cover 31. Specifically, the detergent tank 15 is composed of a detergent discharge port 152, a detergent inlet 153 on the cover 31, a detergent container lid 154, etc.

An auxiliary inclined surface 156 may be provided so as to slope from the detergent inlet 153 toward the inside of the detergent tank 15. By allowing the liquid detergent poured in to flow along the auxiliary inclined surface, it is possible to prevent the liquid detergent from falling into random places in the detergent tank 15 and bouncing and splashing. In addition, since the liquid detergent can be poured along the surface, it can be poured steadily even if the user's pouring speed varies. In addition, because the liquid detergent is poured using the auxiliary inclined surface 156, the liquid detergent is less likely to adhere to the periphery of the detergent dispenser lid 154, and the detergent dispenser lid 154 can be kept clean for a relatively long period of time, improving user convenience.

The amount of liquid detergent may also be indicated on the assist slope 156. For example, this can be used to indicate that the detergent tank is full when detergent is poured up to the line indicated on the assist slope 156, or to warn that there is too much detergent when detergent is poured up to the indicated line.

The cover 31, detergent inlet 153, detergent container lid 154, and detergent inlet assist slope 156 are integrally formed and are detachable from the detergent tank 15.

Next, a method for refilling the detergent tank 15 with detergent will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Figure 8 is a schematic front view of the detergent storage section 14 and the detergent tank 15 when the detergent tank 15 is stored in the detergent tank storage section 14. Figure 9 is a schematic front view of the detergent storage section 14 and the detergent tank 15 when the detergent tank 15 is in the process of being stored in the detergent tank storage section 14 or is in the process of being pulled out.

When refilling the detergent tank 15 with liquid detergent, the user first removes the detergent tank 15 from the detergent tank storage section 14. The user then opens the detergent dispenser lid section 154. The user can then easily refill the detergent tank 15 with liquid detergent from the detergent inlet 153, guiding the liquid detergent along the inlet assist slope 156. The above-described configuration of the detergent tank 15 allows liquid detergent to be supplied and stored in the detergent tank 15 outside the washing tub 1. This makes it possible to prevent the detergent from solidifying in the detergent tank 15 due to moisture, dryness, etc. inside the washing tub 1 during washing.

The top surface of the detergent tank storage section 14 has a top projection 37 on the front side in the depth direction and a step 38 on the back side. The top projection 37 serves to prevent the detergent tank 15 from rattling in the vertical direction when stored. Furthermore, the step 38 is configured at a height that the detergent tank can barely pass through, so that the detergent container lid 154 can come into contact with this step and be pressed downward, completely closing the detergent container lid 154 when it is not completely closed.

In addition, if the user accidentally inserts the detergent tank 15 with the detergent container lid 154 open (see FIG. 6), the detergent container lid 154 first comes into contact with the front end of the detergent tank storage section 14 and is rotated approximately 180 degrees. However, at this time, the detergent container lid 154 is not yet completely closed, and begins to be inserted into the detergent tank storage section 14 in a half-open state as shown in FIG. 9. When the detergent container lid 154 in this half-open state passes over the top projection 37, the detergent container lid 154 is pushed from the top surface and the detergent container lid 154 is completely closed (see FIG. 9). Even if the top projection 37 is not high enough to allow the detergent container lid 154 to close, the detergent container lid 154 is configured to be completely closed when it passes over the step portion 38.

This configuration ensures that the lid is securely closed even if the user forgets to close the detergent container lid 154 or if the user thinks that the lid is closed but does not close completely. This prevents the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 15 from solidifying.

As shown in FIG. 8, the detergent discharge port 152 of the detergent tank 15 is provided with a tank-side check valve 151 at the rear end of the bottom surface of the detergent tank. Meanwhile, the detergent tank storage section 14 also has a main body-side check valve 141 at the rear end of the bottom surface. The main body-side check valve 141 of the detergent tank storage section 14 is engaged with the tank-side check valve 151. At the same time that these check valves are engaged, storage of the detergent tank 15 in the detergent tank storage section 14 is completed.

When the main body side check valve 141 and the tank side check valve 151 are engaged, a path is formed for transporting liquid detergent from the detergent discharge port 152 to the detergent tank storage section 14. Furthermore, engagement between the tank side check valve 151 and the main body side check valve 141 allows the detergent tank 15 to be stored more stably in the detergent tank storage section 14. When the detergent tank 15 is stored in the detergent tank storage section 14, the tank side check valve 151 of the detergent discharge port 152 is configured to be connected to the main body side check valve 141 on the detergent tank storage section 14 side.

The detergent pump 16 is connected to the other end of the main body check valve 141, which engages with the tank check valve 151. Furthermore, a cleaning tank detergent discharge path 18 is connected between the detergent pump 16 and a cleaning tank detergent discharge port 17 (see Figure 1) provided on the front surface of the cleaning tank 1.

The control device 19 is disposed below the front surface of the cleaning tank 1 as shown in FIG. 1. The control device 19 controls the operation of, for example, the circulation pump 9, the drain pump, the water supply pump (water supply valve), the detergent pump 16, etc.

Specifically, the control device 19 controls the drive rotation speed and drive time of the detergent pump 16. As a result, when washing tableware 8, etc., the required amount of liquid detergent is supplied from the detergent tank 15. At this time, the liquid detergent is supplied into the washing tank 1 via the tank side check valve 151, the main body side check valve 141, the detergent pump 16, etc. in that order. In other words, the liquid detergent stored in the detergent tank 15 is configured to be transferred and supplied to the washing tank 1.

As described above, the detergent tank 15 of the dishwasher is configured and liquid detergent is supplied into the washing tub 1.

[Configuration of detergent tank and float]
Next, a detailed configuration of the detergent tank 15 of the dishwasher will be described with reference to Fig. 2 to Fig. 9. Fig. 2 and Fig. 8 are schematic cross-sectional views of the detergent tank 15 in the first embodiment when stored in the detergent tank storage section 14. Fig. 3 and Fig. 9 are schematic cross-sectional views of the detergent tank 15 in the first embodiment when pulled out from the detergent tank storage section 14. Fig. 4 is a front view of the dishwasher in which the position of the detergent tank 15 in the first embodiment is projected onto the washing tub 1 by a dashed line.

The detergent tank 15 has a transparent portion provided on at least a portion of the side surface. The transparent portion allows the user to visually check the remaining amount of liquid detergent in the detergent tank 15 when the detergent tank 15 is stored in the detergent tank storage section 14. The transparent portion also has a scale indicating the amount of detergent in the liquid detergent. This allows the user to visually check the amount of detergent in the detergent tank 15 from the side through the transparent portion, even when the detergent tank 15 is stored in the detergent tank storage section 14. This allows the user to visually estimate how much liquid detergent is running low, when it is time to refill, and so on. As a result, the user can pull out the detergent tank 15 and easily refill the liquid detergent at the appropriate time.

The detergent tank 15 also has a tank handle 155 that the user grasps when pulling out the detergent tank 15. The tank handle 155 is provided on at least a portion of the side surface. In particular, if the tank handle 155 is provided on the upper part of the side surface on the front side, it is easy for the user to grasp, and is less likely to be dropped when pulled out than a detergent tank 15 without a handle. (See Figures 5 to 9.) Here, in this embodiment, a transparent portion is provided below the tank handle 155.

A float 30, which is an example of a floating body that floats in the liquid detergent, is provided in the detergent tank 15 to suppress waves that occur in the liquid detergent stored in the detergent tank 15 when the detergent tank 15 is inserted into or removed from the cleaning tub 1 or the housing 2. The float 30 is supported by an arm 33 on a pivot shaft 32 provided on the lid of the detergent tank 15. A magnetic body is provided on the float 30.

A magnetic sensor for detecting the magnetism of a magnetic body is provided on the side of the detergent tank storage section 14. When the magnetic sensor detects the magnetism of the magnetic body, it is detected that the detergent tank 15 is stored in the detergent tank storage section 14.

Figure 5 is a schematic front view of the dishwasher when no liquid detergent is stored in the detergent tank 15. Figure 6 is a schematic front view of the dishwasher when the detergent container lid 154 is open and liquid detergent is stored in the detergent tank 15. In Figure 6, the liquid level is indicated by a dashed line.

The float 30 is supported by an arm 33 on a pivot shaft 32 provided on a cover 31 that covers the opening of the detergent tank 15. As shown in FIG. 5, when no liquid detergent is stored in the detergent tank 15, the float 30 and the arm 33 hang down vertically due to their own weight. When liquid detergent is stored in the detergent tank 15, as shown in FIG. 6, the float 30 rises according to the liquid level of the liquid detergent, and the arm 33 rotates upward around the pivot shaft 32. The liquid level of the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 30 can be detected by detecting the position of the magnetic body with a magnetic sensor. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, when the detergent tank 15 is not stored in the detergent tank storage section 14, the magnetic sensor does not detect the magnetism of the magnetic body, so it can be detected that the detergent tank 15 is not stored in the detergent tank storage section 14.

The magnetic sensor may be, for example, a number of Hall elements provided near the positions of the magnetic body corresponding to the multiple liquid levels of the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 15. This allows the liquid level of the liquid detergent to be detected more accurately. The magnetic sensor may be a sensor capable of detecting the magnetism of the magnetic body using any method, such as a magnetoresistance effect element or a magnetic impedance element.

The magnetic sensor may be provided on the side of the detergent tank storage section 14 that is farther from the control device 19. This reduces the effect of the magnetic field generated in the electrical circuit of the control device 19, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the magnetic sensor.

A detergent discharge port 152 is provided at the bottom end of the side surface of the detergent tank 15 at the rear in the insertion/removal direction. A main body check valve 141 is provided at a position where the detergent discharge port 152 of the detergent tank 15 abuts when the detergent tank 15 is stored in the detergent tank storage section 14. When the detergent pump 16 operates, liquid detergent in the detergent tank 15 is supplied into the washing tub 1 via the detergent discharge port 152, the main body check valve 141, and the detergent pump 16. The inner bottom surface of the detergent tank 15 is inclined so that it is lower toward the detergent discharge port 152.

Figure 8 is a schematic front view showing the detergent tank 15 stored in the detergent tank storage section 14. Figure 9 is a schematic front view showing the detergent tank 15 being stored in the detergent tank storage section 14 or being pulled out.

The schematic front view of FIG. 8 shows a schematic cross section of the detergent tank 15. When liquid detergent is stored in the detergent tank 15, if the washing tub 1 is pulled out of the housing 2 or the detergent tank 15 is pulled out of the detergent tank storage section 14, waves are generated in the liquid detergent. In the dishwasher of this embodiment, a float 30 made of a material that floats on the liquid detergent is provided to cancel these waves. Experiments by the inventors have revealed that the float 30 floats on the surface of the liquid detergent to cancel the waves, and thus the waves generated in the liquid detergent can be suppressed compared to when the float 30 is not provided. This makes it possible to prevent the liquid detergent from spilling from the detergent tank 15 or from adhering to surrounding components and solidifying when the dishwasher is in use or when the detergent tank 15 is refilled with liquid detergent.

The float 30 may be made of thermoplastic resin, metal, or the like. When the float 30 is made of metal, a cavity may be provided inside so that the float 30 floats in the liquid detergent. The float 30 and the arm 33 may be formed integrally, or may be formed separately and joined together. The arm 33 may be detachably supported on a rotating shaft 32 provided on the cover 31 of the detergent tank 15. In this case, the user can remove the arm 33 and the float 30 from the cover 31 and wash them. The arm 33 may be formed integrally with the cover 31 of the detergent tank 30.

The arm 33 is configured so that the float 30 rotates in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the washing tank 1 is inserted and removed from the housing 2. The detergent inlet 153 is provided at a position that is not directly above the range in which the arm 33 rotates. By arranging the detergent inlet 153 in this manner, the user can easily add detergent from the detergent inlet 153 without being hindered by the float 30, regardless of the position of the float 30. In particular, according to Figures 5 and 6, when no liquid detergent is stored in the detergent tank 15, the float 30 and the arm 33 hang vertically downward due to their own weight and are located at the lowest point. When liquid detergent is stored in the detergent tank 15, the float 30 rises according to the liquid level of the liquid detergent, and the arm 33 rotates upward around the rotation shaft 32. At this time, for example, the float 30 rotates toward the front side by about 50° as shown in Figure 6.

When using a liquid detergent with high viscosity, the sliding resistance between the arm 33 and the float 30 becomes large, so if the detergent is poured in so that it flows in from the direction opposite to the direction in which the float 30 rotates, the float may have difficulty following the fluctuation in the liquid level. In addition, the float 30 and the arm 33 are likely to be loaded, and the float 30 may not move. Therefore, in this embodiment, the detergent inlet 153 is provided on the back side of the detergent tank 15, opposite to the front side in which the float 30 rotates. With this configuration, the flow-in direction of the poured liquid detergent and the rotation direction of the float 30 are not opposed to each other, and the sliding resistance applied to the float 30 is unlikely to become large even if the liquid detergent is poured in from the detergent inlet 153. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the float 30 from erroneously detecting the fluctuation in the liquid level.

The arm 33 is also connected to the end of the float 30 that is opposite the direction in which the float 30 rotates in the depth direction of the detergent tank 15. When configured in this way, the length of the arm 33 is at its longest. In this way, by making the arm length as long as possible, the distance traveled by the float 30 when it rotates in an arc is the longest, i.e., the sliding range of the float 30 is the largest. Therefore, the range of liquid levels that the float 30 can detect can be made larger than when the arm 33 is connected to the center of the float 30 or the end on the rotating side.

The pivot shaft 32 supporting the arm 33 is located near the center in the depth direction of the detergent tank 15. The arm 33 is connected to the rear end of the float 30, in other words, the side opposite the front direction in which the float 30 rotates in the depth direction of the detergent tank 15. Therefore, when the float 30 and arm 33 are hanging vertically downward due to their own weight, the float 30 is located forward of the center.

Figure 7 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the detergent tank 15 stored in the detergent tank storage section 14. As shown in Figure 7, the cover 31 on the top surface of the detergent tank 15 may be provided with a message section 35 directed to the user. The message section 35 may be located in a position on the cover 31 that is visible to the user, but it is particularly effective if it is displayed on the front side of the detergent tank 15, as it will be visible to the user whenever the user pulls out the detergent tank 15.

The content written in the message section 35 may be a message specifically calling attention to the detergent tank 15, or may be another message directed to the user. The message may be displayed by a sticker, or by printing or engraving on the cover 31 itself.

In this embodiment, the message section 35 is provided on the front side of the cover 31 on the top surface of the detergent tank 15, and the detergent inlet 153 is provided on the rear side. Therefore, the user can always see the message section 35 when pulling out the detergent tank 15.

When the cover 31 is provided with the message section 35 directed to the user, the detergent inlet 153 is provided at the rear. Therefore, due to the above relationship, the float 30 is configured to rotate toward the front first. The arm 33 is connected to the end of the float 30 at the rear, opposite the direction of rotation of the float 30. The float 30 itself is located closer to the front than the center in the depth direction when suspended vertically downward.

Therefore, when a user wants to add detergent through the detergent inlet 153 at the back of the detergent tank 15, they first pull the detergent tank 15 out towards the front, check the message section 35, and then open the detergent lid section 154. They then start adding detergent. At this time, there is nothing directly below the detergent inlet 153 to obstruct the detergent, so the user can easily add detergent. After the detergent is added, the float 30 rotates towards the front and upwards.

When detergent is poured in, the float 30 and arm 33 are not splashed with detergent, so they do not get in the way of pouring in, and it is possible to prevent the sliding resistance of the float 30 and arm 33 from increasing, and to prevent the float 30 from being unable to follow fluctuations in the liquid level. This makes it less likely for the float 30 to erroneously detect the detergent, and less likely to cause a breakdown.

The float 30 and arm 33 are hanging down vertically due to their own weight, and then the float 30 rotates toward the front by approximately 0-50°. At this time, a stopper rib 36 is provided on the back surface of the cover 31 of the detergent tank 15. When liquid detergent is stored in the detergent tank 15 as shown in Figure 6, the float 30 is in a position where it has been rotated upward, and does not abut against the stopper rib 36. When liquid detergent is not stored in the detergent tank 15 as shown in Figure 5, the float 30 hangs down vertically due to its own weight and remains stationary by abutting against the stopper rib 36.

When the cleaning tank 1 is inserted or removed from the housing 2, or when the detergent tank 15 is inserted or removed from the detergent tank storage section 14, waves and vibrations are generated in the direction of insertion or removal. If the float 30 abuts against the stopper rib 36, the float 30 is stopped by the stopper rib 36 and does not rotate beyond the stopper rib 36. This makes it possible to suppress the effects of waves and vibrations when detecting the liquid level.

The stopper rib 36 is disposed between the arm 33 and the detergent inlet 153, and in particular on the opposite side of the arm 33 to the float 30 and the opposite side to the rotation direction of the float 30. In this embodiment, the detergent inlet 153 is at the back and the rotation direction of the float 30 is at the front, so the stopper rib 36 is provided near the center of the detergent tank and on the rear side of the arm 33.

In particular, when the float 30 is stationary due to the stopper rib 36, it is desirable that the arm 33 hangs vertically downward and the float 30 is positioned at its lowest point. This configuration makes it possible to maximize the sliding range of the float 30 within a range that is meaningful for liquid level detection.

The cover 31 of the detergent tank 15 may be provided with an air vent that communicates with the outside. The cover 31 is provided to cover the opening of the detergent tank 15 airtight and liquidtight, so when liquid detergent is discharged from the detergent tank 15, the inside of the detergent tank 15 may become negative pressure, which may prevent the liquid detergent from being discharged smoothly. By providing an air vent, outside air can be allowed to flow into the detergent tank 15 from the air vent when liquid detergent is discharged from the detergent tank 15, preventing negative pressure from occurring inside the detergent tank 15. This improves the reliability of the amount of liquid detergent supplied from the detergent tank 15 to the cleaning tub 1.

If liquid detergent adheres to the air opening and solidifies, the air opening will be blocked, reducing the function of allowing outside air to flow into the detergent tank 15, and there is a possibility that the detergent tank 15 will not be able to supply an appropriate amount of liquid detergent to the washing tub 1. To solve this problem, in the dishwasher of this embodiment, the air opening is provided on the cover 31 above the range of movement of the float 30. As a result, even when the level of liquid detergent in the detergent tank 15 is high and the liquid detergent is likely to splash from the liquid surface and get onto the air opening, the float 30 rises to the liquid surface directly below the air opening and counteracts the waves of the liquid detergent, preventing the liquid detergent from getting onto the air opening.

The protrusion 34 shown in Fig. 5 etc. is provided so that at least a part of the float 30 or the arm 33 comes close to or abuts against the protrusion 34 when the float 30 moves upward. When the liquid level of the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 15 is high, the float 30 rotates to a height where the upper end of the float 30 abuts against the protrusion 34 as shown in Fig. 6. As a result, even in a situation where waves are generated in the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 15 making it difficult to measure the liquid level, the arrangement of the protrusion 34 can suppress the wobble of the float 30. The protrusion 34 may be provided so as to come close to or abut against at least a part of another member that moves together with the float 30 when the float 30 moves upward.

The liquid detergent level can also be detected by moving a float along a vertical guide, which may provide a wave-damping effect; however, when using a highly viscous liquid detergent, the sliding resistance between the guide and the float increases, making it difficult for the float to follow fluctuations in the liquid level. Also, when the liquid detergent level drops, any liquid detergent adhering between the guide and the float may solidify, preventing the float from moving. Furthermore, if the detergent tank is shallow, the float's range of movement is narrow, making it impossible to detect the liquid level in detail.

According to the configuration of this embodiment, the arm 33 is supported by a pivot shaft 32 that is provided above the liquid level of the liquid detergent, and the float 30 is rotated according to the liquid level, so that it is possible to reduce the possibility that the float 30 will become stuck due to the liquid detergent solidifying between the pivot shaft 32 and the arm 33. In addition, since the float 30 displaces both horizontally and vertically according to the liquid level, the liquid level can be detected more accurately.

In the dishwasher of this embodiment, the rotation shaft 32 is provided parallel to the direction in which the cleaning tank 1 is inserted and removed from the housing 2, and the detergent tank 15 is inserted in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the cleaning tank 1 is inserted and removed from the housing 2. The float 30 is further configured to rotate in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the cleaning tank 1 is inserted and removed from the housing 2. As a result, when the cleaning tank 1 is inserted and removed from the housing 2, the float 30 can effectively cancel the waves generated in the direction of insertion and removal, so that the liquid detergent can be prevented from adhering to the air opening, the rotation shaft 32, the fitting part of the arm 33, etc. When the detergent tank 15 is inserted and removed from the detergent tank storage section 14, the float 30 can also cancel the waves generated in the direction of insertion and removal, so that the liquid detergent can be prevented from adhering to the air opening, the rotation shaft 32, the fitting part of the arm 33, etc.

In another example, the rotation axis 32 may be provided parallel to the direction in which the detergent tank 15 is inserted and removed from the detergent tank storage section 14, and the float 30 may be configured to rotate in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the detergent tank 15 is inserted and removed from the detergent tank storage section 14. This allows the float 30 to effectively cancel waves that occur in the direction of insertion and removal when the detergent tank 30 is inserted and removed from the detergent tank storage section 14, so that it is possible to prevent liquid detergent from adhering to the air opening, the rotation axis 32, the fitting part of the arm 33, etc., and to prevent liquid detergent from spilling from the detergent tank 15 when the user refills the detergent tank 15 with liquid detergent. When the cleaning tank 1 is inserted and removed from the housing 2, the float 30 can also cancel waves that occur in the direction of insertion and removal, so that it is possible to prevent liquid detergent from adhering to the air opening, the rotation axis 32, the fitting part of the arm 33, etc.

[Check valve configuration and detergent supply path]
As shown in Fig. 9, the detergent discharge port 152 of the detergent tank 15 has a tank-side check valve 151 at the left end of the bottom of the detergent tank. That is, the detergent discharge port 152 is provided at the tip of the tank-side check valve 151, and the detergent in the detergent tank 15 is discharged from the detergent discharge port 152. Fig. 9 is a schematic side view of the detergent tank 15 in the middle of being stored in or pulled out of the detergent tank storage section 14, and Fig. 10 shows a schematic view of the detergent tank 15 and the main body-side check valve 141 in Fig. 9.

On the other hand, the detergent tank storage section 14 has a main body side check valve 141 with which the tank side check valve 151 of the detergent discharge port 152 engages. Here, the main body side check valve 141 and the detergent pump 16 are connected at the end opposite to the end engaging with the tank side check valve 151. When the main body side check valve 141 of the detergent tank storage section 14 is engaged with the tank side check valve 151 and the claw 158 fits into the claw receiving portion on the inner surface of the detergent tank storage section 14, the detergent tank 15 is opened.
Storage in the storage compartment is completed.

As shown in Figure 10, when the detergent tank 15 is not stored in the detergent tank storage section 14, the main body side check valve 141 and the tank side check valve 151 are independent. At this time, the main body side check valve 141 and the tank side check valve 151 are configured so that detergent is blocked at the tip of the check valve by ring-shaped packings attached to the tip of each check valve inner cylinder, and detergent does not leak out when they are independent. This will be explained in detail below using Figures 18 to 20.

Figure 18 is a cross-sectional side view when only the tips of the outer cylinders of the tank side check valve 151 and the main body side check valve 141 are biased. Figure 19 is a cross-sectional side view when the inner cylinders of the tank side check valve 151 and the main body side check valve 141 are biased and sealed. Figure 20 is a cross-sectional side view when the detergent flow path is opened between the tank side check valve 151 and the main body side check valve 141 and engagement is completed.

The tank-side check valve 151 and the main body-side check valve 141 are cylindrical, each having an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder covered by the outer cylinder.

First, the inner cylinder 502 and outer cylinder 501 of the tank side check valve 151 will be described. The inner cylinder 502 of the tank side check valve 151 has a ring-shaped packing 504 attached to its tip, and is sealed by the inner surface of the outer cylinder 501 of the tank side check valve 151 and the ring-shaped packing 504 of the inner cylinder 502 of the tank side check valve 151 coming into close contact with each other. The diameter of the inner surface of the outer cylinder 501 of the tank side check valve 151 is basically wider than the diameter of the outer surface of the inner cylinder 502 of the tank side check valve 151, so a hollow passage 505 is formed between the outer cylinder 501 and the inner cylinder 502. However, when the tank side check valve 151 is in an independent state, the ring-shaped packing 504 provided at the tip of the inner tube 502 of the tank side check valve 151 has a recess 503 that narrows toward the radial center only on the inner surface of the outer tube 501 of the tank side check valve 151 that it abuts, so the packing only fits tightly when the check valve is independent.

The passage 505 between the outer cylinder 501 and inner cylinder 502 of the tank-side check valve 151 is filled with liquid detergent. When the check valve is independent, the detergent filling this passage 505 is stopped just before the recess 503 and the ring-shaped packing 504. The inner cylinder 502 of the tank-side check valve 151 is equipped with an elastic body such as a spring, and when the detergent tank 15 is inserted into the detergent tank storage section 14, it is pushed by the inner cylinder 402 of the main body-side check valve 141, causing the inner cylinder of the tank-side check valve 151 to expand and contract.

On the other hand, the inner tube 402 of the main body side check valve 141 in FIG. 10 is hollow, and liquid detergent is stored in the hollow part of the inner tube. When the main body side check valve 141 is in an independent state, only the tip 142 of the inner tube 402 is visible. The inner tube 402 of the main body side check valve 141 has a detergent inlet hole 403 on a part of the side. The detergent inlet hole 403 and the hollow part of the inner tube 402 of the main body side check valve 141 are connected. The inner tube 402 of the main body side check valve 141 has a ring-shaped packing 404 attached to the tip of the detergent inlet hole 403, and is sealed by the inner surface of the outer tube 401 of the main body side check valve 141 and the ring-shaped packing 404 of the inner tube 402 of the main body side check valve 141 coming into close contact with each other. Two ring-shaped gaskets 404 are provided, one on each side of the detergent inlet hole 403. Therefore, when the check valve is independent, the detergent filling the area around the detergent inlet hole 403 is blocked just before it reaches the gasket. The outer cylinder 401 of the main body side check valve 141 is equipped with an elastic body such as a spring, and when the detergent tank 15 is inserted into the detergent tank storage section 14, it is pushed by the outer cylinder of the tank side check valve 151, causing the outer cylinder of the main body side check valve 141 to expand and contract.

Next, the movement of the check valve when the tank-side check valve 151 and the main body-side check valve 141 engage will be described. When the detergent tank 15 is inserted into the detergent tank storage section 14, first, as shown in FIG. 18, the outer cylinder 501 of the tank-side check valve 151 and the outer cylinder 401 of the main body-side check valve 141 engage with each other. The outer cylinder 501 of the tank-side check valve 151 pushes in the outer cylinder 401 of the main body-side check valve 141, causing it to shrink.

When the detergent tank 15 is further inserted, the outer cylinder 401 of the main body check valve 141 shrinks further, and the outer cylinder 401 is pushed further back than the ring-shaped packing 404 at the tip of the inner cylinder 402, revealing the detergent inlet hole 403 of the main body check valve 141 (see FIG. 19). At the same time, the inner cylinder 402 of the main body check valve 141 pushes the inner cylinder 502 of the tank side check valve 151 and shrinks it, pushing the ring-shaped packing 504 at the tip of the inner cylinder 502 of the tank side check valve 151 back forward from the recess 503 of the outer cylinder 501 of the tank side check valve 151, revealing the passage 505 filled with liquid detergent between the outer cylinder of the tank side check valve 151 and the inner cylinder of the tank side check valve 151.

When the detergent tank 15 is fully inserted, the detergent inlet hole 403 exposed from the main body check valve 141 communicates with the path 505 filled with detergent that has been pushed back and exposed, and the liquid detergent that filled the tank check valve 151 flows into the detergent inlet hole 403 of the main body check valve 141, and the liquid detergent is supplied to the main body (see Figure 20). In this way, when the inserted detergent tank 15 is stored in the detergent tank storage section 14, the engagement between the main body check valve 141 and the tank check valve 151 forms a path for transporting liquid detergent from the detergent discharge port 152 to the detergent tank storage section 14.

Next, a method of sealing the check valves will be described. When the tank-side check valve 151 is pushed in, the outer cylinder 401 of the main body-side check valve is pushed in and contracts, causing the ring-shaped packing 404 at the tip of the main body-side check valve 141 to protrude. This protruding ring-shaped packing 404 is then pressed against the inner surface of the outer cylinder 501 of the tank-side check valve 151, which has been pushed in and expanded, thereby sealing the check valves together (see Figures 19 and 20). There are two ring-shaped packings 404 at the tip of the main body-side check valve 141, and as the ring-shaped packing at the back side of the detergent tank 15 advances further into the cylindrical hole of the outer cylinder 501 of the tank-side check valve 151, the inner diameter of the cylindrical hole becomes smaller than the inlet, forming a narrowed shape.

When the inner diameter of the cylindrical hole decreases to a certain inner diameter, the inner diameter becomes constant. Then, when the ring-shaped packing 404 on the back side reaches a position where the inner diameter of the cylindrical hole becomes constant, the inner diameter of the cylindrical hole of the outer tube 501 becomes smaller than the diameter of the packing 404, and the packing is forced into a hole with a smaller diameter than its own diameter. In this way, the outer tube 501 of the tank side check valve 151 and the inner tube 401 of the main body side check valve 141 are pressed and sealed between them. A vacuum is maintained between the sealed check valves.

Here, if the range over which the inner diameter of the cylindrical hole of the outer tube 501 of the tank-side check valve 151 is constant is wide, or if the tip of the inner surface of the outer tube 501 is configured at a small angle or without a flared angle toward the back, the tank-side check valve 151 is pressed into the main body-side check valve 141 and immediately biased, creating a vacuum state, so that the valves are less likely to come apart as soon as the tank-side check valve 151 is pressed in. With this configuration, even if the pressure applied when inserting the detergent tank 15 is weak, the valves are biased against each other, preventing detergent leakage.

In this way, the tank side check valve is pressed and sealed by the main body side check valve, so that even when the detergent tank 15 is inserted into the detergent tank storage section 14 and detergent passes between the main body side check valve 141 and the tank side check valve 151, detergent can be prevented from leaking out from between the two check valves.

The configuration of this sealing portion is not limited to the above example, and may be such that the range where the inner diameter of the cylindrical hole is constant is narrow. Alternatively, the tip of the inner surface of the outer tube 501 may be configured to be angled so that it diverges toward the back. Alternatively, a hole for releasing the vacuum may be provided at the tip of the inner surface of the outer tube 501 of the tank side check valve 151. In these cases, the tank side check valve 151 does not reach the range where the inner diameter of the cylindrical hole is constant immediately after being pushed into the main body side check valve 141, so the valves are not biased against each other by merely pushing the tank side check valve 151 slightly. With this configuration, it is easy to handle because it can be quickly removed when removing the detergent tank 15 or when you want to temporarily place the detergent tank 15 without completing its insertion.

[Tank side check valve lock configuration]
According to this embodiment, the tank side check valve 151 is detachable, and the tank side check valve 151 is fitted into an in-tank receiving port 159 in the detergent tank 15 .

As described above, the tank-side check valve 151 is removable, so the user can clean it at will. In particular, the tank-side check valve 151 has a mesh-like foreign object capture section inside, and this mesh is used to remove foreign objects and debris before supplying detergent to the main body-side check valve 141. Therefore, the user can not only keep the check valve itself clean, but also remove foreign objects from the foreign object capture section by removing the tank-side check valve 151 from the detergent tank 15.

When the tank-side check valve 151 is returned to the detergent tank 15 after being removed from the detergent tank 15, the tank-side check valve 151 is rotated like a cap to close and fix the check valve to the detergent tank 15, thereby preventing detergent from leaking out from between the tank-side check valve 151 and the tank receiving port 159. Hereinafter, the state in which the tank-side check valve 151 is fixed and closed to the tank receiving port 159 in this way will be referred to as the check valve being locked.

If a user accidentally removes the tank-side check valve 151 and forgets to lock it, inserts the detergent tank 15 into the detergent tank storage section 14, and then pulls out the detergent tank storage section 14, the tank-side check valve 151 will come off, causing detergent to leak out.

This locking mechanism is achieved by fitting the inclined protrusion 160 provided on the tank-side check valve 151 with the protrusion fitting hole provided at the tip of the tank-interior receiving port 159. The inclined protrusion 160 is a protrusion with a radial gradient, and this inclined protrusion 160 rotates from the lower gradient to the higher gradient. Meanwhile, the protrusion fitting hole has a gradient from higher to lower at the end of the hole in the direction of rotation of the inclined protrusion 160, which is the opposite of the gradient of the inclined protrusion 160. Then, when the height of the increasing radial gradient of the inclined protrusion 160 rotates to a position that exceeds the decreasing radial height of the protrusion fitting hole, the inclined protrusion 160 can no longer rotate, and the tank-side check valve 151 cannot move in the rotational, depth, or up-down directions, so that the tank-side check valve 151 is fixed to the tank-interior receiving port 159.

The tank-side check valve 151 may be closed by the user, or may be configured to lock automatically when the detergent tank is inserted and set, as described below. If an automatic locking mechanism is used, even if the user inserts the check valve and forgets to close it before inserting the detergent tank, the check valve will automatically lock upon insertion, preventing detergent from leaking out from between the tank-side check valve 151 and the tank receiving port 159.

Specifically, in order to rotate the inclined protrusion 160, a portion of the outer surface of the tank side check valve 151 may come into contact with a portion inside the detergent tank storage section 14.

In this embodiment, a valve tip protrusion 157 is provided on the detergent discharge port 152 at the tip of the tank side check valve 151, and by rotating the valve tip protrusion 157, the entire tank side check valve 151 rotates together with the inclined protrusion 160.

There may be one or more valve tip protrusions 157, but in this embodiment, multiple valve tip protrusions 157 are provided. Specifically, two are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the detergent discharge port 152, at positions approximately 180° apart. By providing two valve tip protrusions 157, when the user inserts the tank side check valve 151, the protrusions engage at two points, doubling the probability of engagement compared to when there is only one protrusion, and reducing the effort required during insertion. Of course, there may be more than two valve tip protrusions 157.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the valve tip projection 157 is perpendicular to the outer surface of the cylindrical tank side check valve 151 and is formed in a flat plate shape with a plane extending in the radial direction. The flat plate of the valve tip projection 157 is rectangular, and of the two radially outer corners of the rectangle, the innermost corner is rounded off to abut against a part inside the detergent tank storage section 14.

In this embodiment, the valve tip projection 157 rotates by abutting against a part of the inner surface of the detergent tank storage section 14. Specifically, a protruding rib is provided on the inner surface of the detergent tank storage section 14. This rib causes the valve tip projection 157 to rotate.

Here, FIG. 11 is a schematic front view of the detergent tank 15 before the tank-side check valve 151 is attached, and FIG. 12 is a schematic front view of the detergent tank 15 after the tank-side check valve 151 is attached. In this manner, the tank-side check valve 151 is attached and detached.

When the valve tip protrusion 157 rotates due to the rib, if the rib is formed in a shape that matches the tip shape of the tank side check valve, the tank side check valve 151 and the valve tip protrusion 157 can be inserted smoothly even while rotating.

In this embodiment, since the detergent discharge port 152 is cylindrical, the inner surface of the rib is formed in a curved shape to follow the cylindrical shape. Furthermore, the action of pushing in the tank side check valve 151 and the action of the valve tip projection 157 abutting against the rib occur simultaneously. In other words, since the valve tip projection 157 needs to rotate while moving toward the back, the rib is formed in a three-dimensional spiral shape that curves more sharply as it moves toward the back. This spiral rib 143 has a spiral-shaped step portion 144 and a curved inner surface 145.

When the detergent tank 15 is inserted into the detergent tank storage section 14, it slides toward the back and at the same time the valve tip projection 157 rotates while abutting against the spiral rib 143. In particular, the spiral rib 143 has a step portion 144 in a spiral shape that curves downward as it advances toward the back in the depth direction. Therefore, when the tank side check valve 151 is pushed in, the valve tip projection 157, which was located at the top, is guided to rotate downward while abutting against the spiral step 144 that diverges toward the bottom. When the valve tip projection 157 reaches the rear end of the spiral rib 143, the inclined projection 160 has rotated to a position where it fits into the projection fitting hole, and the tank side check valve 151 is locked to the tank receiving port 159.

In other words, the spiral rib 143 is disposed so that the rear end portion of the spiral rib 143 is located when the tank-side check valve 151 is in a position where it is biased against the main body-side check valve 141. In this embodiment, the spiral rib 143 is formed on the inner surface of the detergent tank storage portion 14, on the front side of the dishwasher, and on the rear side in the detergent tank depth direction.

The detergent tank 15 is inserted and the spiral rib 143 rotates as shown in Figures 13, 14, and 7, for example.

Figure 13 is a perspective view of the valve tip projection 157 just before it comes into contact with the front end of the spiral rib 143 and is guided by the step 144 to rotate downward. Figure 14 is a perspective view of the valve tip projection 157 in the middle of coming into contact with the step 144 and being guided to rotate downward. Figure 15 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the tank side check valve 151 and the vicinity of the spiral rib 143.

In this way, if the tank-side check valve 151 is automatically closed for the detergent tank 15 as soon as the detergent tank 15 is inserted into the detergent tank storage section 14, it is possible to prevent detergent from leaking out between the tank-side check valve 151 and the tank receiving port 159 even if the user does not insert the check valve properly or forgets to close it before inserting it.

In this embodiment, the tank side check valve 151 is configured to automatically lock by rotating with the valve tip protrusion 157, but this is not limited to the above, as long as the locking is configured to prevent detergent from leaking out. For example, the tank side check valve 151 may be configured to be pushed in and simultaneously engage with a fitting portion provided in the tank receiving port 159 with a single touch, and locked, or it may be rotated by a different means, such as by providing a screw-type valve on the edge of the cap, instead of a valve tip protrusion.

In this embodiment, the tank-side check valve 151 and the main body-side check valve 141 are engaged and actuated after the tank-side check valve 151 is locked and liquid detergent is prevented from leaking from the detergent tank 15. However, this order may be different.

[Control method of cleaning device]
The control device 19 is realized by hardware such as a microcomputer, a microcontroller, or an integrated circuit.

The control device 19 includes a process control unit, a detection result acquisition unit, a liquid level determination unit, a detergent tank storage determination unit, a liquid delivery control unit, an alarm unit, a standing time acquisition unit, a liquid delivery target amount determination unit, a memory, etc. In terms of hardware, these configurations are realized by the CPU, memory, and other LSIs of any computer, and in terms of software, by programs loaded into memory, etc., but here we depict functional blocks realized by the cooperation of these. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that these functional blocks can be realized in various ways, such as hardware alone or a combination of hardware and software.

The process control unit controls the washing operation of the dishwasher. The process control unit receives instructions from the user via the operation unit of the dishwasher and controls the washing operation according to the instructions. The process control unit may perform the washing process, rinsing process, and drying process consecutively, may perform only one of the processes, or may perform a combination of two or more of the processes in any order.

The detection result acquisition unit acquires the detection result by the magnetic sensor from the magnetic sensor. As described above, the magnetic sensor detects the magnetism of the magnetic body provided on the float 30.

The liquid level determination unit determines the liquid level of the liquid detergent stored in the detergent tank 15 based on the detection results acquired by the detection result acquisition unit. The liquid level determination unit may, for example, determine the position of a magnetic body based on magnetism detected by multiple Hall elements installed at different positions, and determine the liquid level of the liquid detergent based on the determined position of the magnetic body.

The detergent tank storage determination unit determines whether or not the detergent tank 15 is stored in the detergent tank storage unit 14 based on the detection result acquired by the detection result acquisition unit. The detergent tank storage determination unit determines that the detergent tank 15 is stored in the detergent tank storage unit 14 when the detection result acquisition unit acquires a detection result indicating that the magnetic sensor has detected the magnetism of a magnetic body. The detergent tank storage determination unit determines that the detergent tank 15 is not stored in the detergent tank storage unit 14 when the detection result acquisition unit acquires a detection result indicating that the magnetic sensor has not detected the magnetism of a magnetic body.

The liquid delivery control unit controls the detergent pump 16 to deliver the liquid detergent stored in the detergent tank 15 to the cleaning tank 1. As described below, the liquid delivery control unit controls the detergent pump 16 so that the amount of liquid detergent determined by the liquid delivery target amount determination unit is supplied to the cleaning tank 1. When the delivery of the amount of liquid detergent determined by the liquid delivery target amount determination unit is completed, the liquid delivery control unit records the liquid delivery end time in memory.

When the detergent tank storage determination unit determines that the detergent tank 15 is not stored in the detergent tank storage unit 14, the liquid delivery control unit controls the detergent pump 16 not to deliver liquid detergent from the detergent tank 15 to the cleaning tank 1. This makes it possible to prevent the cleaning process from being performed without detergent being supplied to the cleaning tank 1. It also makes it possible to prevent air from being sent into the liquid detergent flow path from the detergent tank 15 to the cleaning tank 1, which would result in the target amount of detergent not being properly delivered to the cleaning tank 1 the next time cleaning is performed.

[Effects of the First Embodiment]
The cleaning device according to the first embodiment can provide the following advantages.

The dishwasher according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a housing 2, a washing tub 1 provided within the housing 2 for accommodating items to be washed, and a detergent tank 15 for storing liquid detergent to be supplied to the washing tub 1. The detergent tank 15 can be inserted into and removed from a detergent tank storage section 14 within the housing 2. The detergent tank 15 has a tank-side check valve 151 for preventing leakage of detergent liquid, and the detergent tank storage section 14 has a main body-side check valve 141 for preventing leakage of detergent liquid. When the detergent tank 15 is inserted into the detergent tank storage section 14, a part of the outer surface of the tank-side check valve 151 comes into contact with a part of the inner surface of the detergent tank storage section 14, rotating the tank-side check valve 151, thereby fixing the tank-side check valve 151 to the detergent tank 15.

With this configuration, even if the detergent tank 15 is removable, it is possible to prevent detergent from leaking out between the detergent tank side and the main body side. Therefore, when the user inserts or removes the detergent tank 15, it can be used without causing any trouble to the user, such as soiling the surroundings. In addition, since the check valve is automatically locked when the detergent tank 15 is stored, even if the user inserts the detergent tank 15 without closing the check valve, or if the check valve is not closed due to some contact, the check valve is automatically closed and fixed when inserted, thereby preventing detergent from leaking out between the tank side check valve 151 and the tank receiving port 159.

In the dishwasher according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, when the detergent tank 15 is inserted into the detergent tank storage section 14, the tank-side check valve 151 is fixed to the detergent tank 15, and a passage for supplying the detergent from the detergent tank 15 to the washing tub 1 main body is opened, and the main body-side check valve 14
At 1, the tank side check valve 151 is pressed and sealed.

This configuration prevents detergent from leaking out between the check valves 141 on the main body side and the check valve 151 on the tank side even when the detergent tank 15 is inserted into the detergent tank storage section 14 and detergent is passing between the check valves 141 on the main body side and the check valve 151 on the tank side.

In the dishwasher according to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, the tank-side check valve 151 is removable from the detergent tank 15, and when the detergent tank 15 is inserted to a predetermined position in the detergent tank storage section 14, the tank-side check valve 151 is fixed to the detergent tank 15.

This configuration allows the user to remove and clean the tank-side check valve 151 at will. Furthermore, if an automatic locking mechanism is used, even if the user inserts the check valve and forgets to close it before inserting the detergent tank, the check valve will automatically lock upon insertion, preventing detergent from leaking out from between the tank-side check valve 151 and the tank receiving port 159.

In the dishwasher according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the tank-side check valve 151 has a detergent outlet 152 at its tip, and a protrusion 157 is provided on the outer periphery of the detergent outlet 152.

With this configuration, the protrusion 157 comes into contact with a part of the inner surface of the detergent tank storage section 14, rotating the tank side check valve 151, thereby closing the tank side check valve 151 against the detergent tank 15. By using a configuration with a protrusion, even a small tank side check valve 151 can be easily installed, and an automatic locking configuration can be used without the need to add new space or a large configuration.

In the dishwasher according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, multiple protrusions 157 are provided on the outer periphery of the detergent discharge port 152.

With this configuration, when the user inserts the tank-side check valve 151, the protrusions come into contact with parts of the inner surface of the detergent tank storage section 14 at multiple points. Even if the user inserts the check valve into the tank receiving port 159 without checking the orientation, the probability of contact increases compared to when there is only one protrusion, reducing the effort required for insertion and the time required for locking.

In the dishwasher according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, a protruding rib 143 is provided on the inner surface of the detergent tank storage section 14, and when the detergent tank 15 is inserted into the detergent tank storage section 14, the protrusion 157 is inserted while abutting against the rib 143, thereby rotating the protrusion 157 to a predetermined position.

With this configuration, the check valve is automatically locked as soon as the user inserts the detergent tank 15 into the detergent tank storage section 14. And because the rib 143 protrudes from the inner surface of the detergent tank storage section 14, it can be used without interfering with the exterior design and does not require the addition of new space or structure.

In the dishwasher according to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, when the protrusion 157 rotates to a predetermined position, the tank-side check valve 151 is fixed to the detergent tank 15.

With this configuration, when the user inserts the detergent tank 15 into the detergent tank storage section 14, the tank-side check valve 151 is closed all the way. This prevents detergent from leaking out from between the tank-side check valve 151 and the tank receiving port 159.

In the dishwasher according to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, the rib 143 is formed in a shape that matches the tip shape of the tank-side check valve 151, and the protrusion 157 is rotated by the rib 143.

This configuration allows the user to insert the detergent tank 15 smoothly without having to worry about the rib and the tip shape of the tank-side check valve 151 getting caught or stuck.

In the dishwasher according to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, the tip of the tank-side check valve 151 is cylindrical, and the inner surface 145 of the rib 143 is formed in a curved shape that fits the tip of the tank-side check valve 151. When the detergent tank 15 is inserted into the detergent tank storage section 14, the tank-side check valve 151 slides along the inner surface 145 of the rib 143 while the rib 143 and the protrusion 157 come into contact, and the protrusion 157 reaches the end of the rib 143 at the same time as rotation ends.

This configuration allows the user to insert the detergent tank 15 smoothly without having to worry about the rib and the tip shape of the tank-side check valve 151 getting caught or stuck.

(Embodiment 2)
Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 16 and 17. Note that the configuration is roughly the same as that of the first embodiment, so the description will be omitted.

[Configuration of detergent tank and surrounding area]
Fig. 16 is a front cross-sectional view of the detergent tank 15 and its vicinity when a removable tray 200 is disposed under the bottom surface of the detergent tank 15. Fig. 17 is a schematic perspective view of the detergent tank 15 and its vicinity when the tray 200 is disposed.

In the second embodiment, the dishwasher is provided with a plate-shaped tray 200 on the bottom surface of the detergent tank 15 in the detergent tank storage section 14. By providing the tray 200, even if detergent should leak from the detergent tank 15, the check valve, or the tank receiving port 159, the tray can catch the detergent without dripping into the dishwasher. In addition, while it is difficult for a user to wipe off detergent that has leaked into the dishwasher 1, the tray 200 makes it easy for the user to wipe it off.

Of course, when providing the tray 200, the dishwasher does not need to be equipped with a removable check valve as in embodiment 1, and it is also useful for catching detergent that drips from the detergent tank 15 when detergent is added, or for cleaning and keeping the area below the detergent tank 15 clean.

The edge of the tray 200 has multiple steps. In particular, in this embodiment, the edge of the tray 200 is divided into three height levels, a first height 201, a second height 202, and a third height 203. The third height 203 located at the back side in the depth direction is the highest, followed by the second height 202 located in the middle, and the first height 201 located at the frontmost side is the lowest. These edges are provided on both sides of the tray.

It was found through experiments that if the edge of the tray 200 is configured to a uniform height so that it engages with the detergent tank 15, when the detergent tank 15 is pulled out, the tray 200 will stick to it and be pulled out together with it. Therefore, by configuring the edge of the tray at multiple heights as in this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the tray 200 from being unintentionally pulled out together with the detergent tank 15 when the detergent tank 15 is pulled out towards the front.

In addition, the edge of the back side of the tray 200, which is sandwiched between the two third heights 203 provided on both sides of the tray 200, is
It is configured in a shape that allows the tip of the tank side check valve 151 to fit into it. In this embodiment, since the tip of the tank side check valve 151 is cylindrical, the side surface on the far side is formed with a curved edge 204, and configured so that the tip of the tank side check valve 151 can easily fit into it.

Furthermore, a spiral rib 143 for rotating the valve tip protrusion 157 may be formed on the tray 200. In particular, it may be provided on one side of the second height 202 or the third height 203, and configured to rotate the valve tip protrusion 157 when the detergent tank 15 is stored. Also, when the spiral rib 143 is provided on the edge of the tray 200, the rib 143 does not have to be spiral, and may be any protrusion shaped to rotate the valve tip protrusion 157.

However, the invention is not limited to these examples, and the spiral rib 143 may be configured to rotate the valve tip protrusion 157. If there are multiple valve tip protrusions, the spiral rib 143 may be configured to rotate one or more of the multiple protrusions.

[Effects of the second embodiment]
The cleaning device according to the second embodiment has the following advantages.

The dishwasher according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a housing 2, a washing tub 1 provided within the housing 2 for accommodating items to be washed, and a detergent tank 15 for storing liquid detergent to be supplied to the washing tub 1, the detergent tank 15 being removable from a detergent tank storage section 14 within the housing 2, the detergent tank storage section 14 having a plate-shaped tray 200 on its bottom surface, and the detergent tank 15 being placed on the tray 200.

With this configuration, even if detergent should leak from the detergent tank 15 or the check valve, the detergent can be caught in the tray without dripping into the dishwasher. Also, while it is difficult for a user to wipe up detergent that has leaked into the dishwasher 1, the tray 200 makes it easy for the user to wipe it off or clean it regularly.

In the dishwasher according to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, the tray 200 is removable and the edge height is formed in multiple stages.

With this configuration, even if detergent should leak from the detergent tank 15 or the check valve, the detergent can be caught by the tray 200 without dripping into the dishwasher. Also, if the tray 200 becomes dirty, the user can pull out the tray 200 and easily wipe or clean it. And even if detergent leaks into the tray 200, the height of the edge prevents the detergent from leaking out of the tray.

In the dishwasher according to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, the edge of the tray 200 becomes higher toward the back in the depth direction of the detergent tank 15.

With this configuration, even if detergent leaks into the tray 200, the edges are high enough to prevent the detergent from leaking out of the tray. Also, because the edges on the rear side of the tray 200 are high, it is possible to prevent the tray 200 from being unintentionally pulled out together with the detergent tank 15 when the detergent tank 15 is pulled out toward the front.

In the dishwasher according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, a rib 143 is provided on the edge of the tray 200 .

With this configuration, the protrusion 157 can be configured to rotate when the detergent tank 15 is stored. With this configuration, even if there is not enough space between the detergent tank storage section 14 and the detergent tank 15, a mechanism for automatically locking the tank-side check valve 151 can be installed by providing the rib 143 on the tray 200.

Although the present invention has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as being included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims unless they depart therefrom.

The above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology disclosed herein, and various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. may be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

This disclosure is applicable to cleaning devices that can use detergents. Specifically, this disclosure is applicable to small dishwashers that are placed on a table, large dishwashers that are built into system kitchens, washing machines, and the like.

LIST OF SYMBOLS 1 cleaning tub 1a opening 2 housing 3 door 4 handle 5 first rail 6 second rail 7 basket 8 tableware 9 circulation pump 10 heater 11 cleaning nozzle 12 side wall 13 front space 14 detergent tank storage section 15 detergent tank 16 detergent pump 17 cleaning tub detergent outlet 18 cleaning tub detergent outlet path 19 control device 23 flat surface 24 operation section 25 display 30 float 31 cover 32 pivot shaft 33 arm 34 protrusion 35 message section 36 stopper rib 37 top projection 38 step 141 main body check valve 142 tip of inner cylinder 143 spiral rib 144 step 145 inner surface 151 tank check valve 152 Detergent discharge port 153 Detergent input port 154 Detergent container lid 155 Tank handle 156 Input assist slope 157 Valve tip projection 158 Claw 159 Tank receiving port 160 Sloped projection 200 Tray 201 First height portion 202 Second height portion 203 Third height portion 204 Curved edge portion 401 Outer cylinder of main body side check valve 141 402 Inner cylinder of main body side check valve 141 403 Detergent inlet hole 404 Ring-shaped packing 501 Outer cylinder of tank side check valve 151 502 Inner cylinder of tank side check valve 151 503 Recess 504 Ring-shaped packing 505 Passage

Claims (14)

A housing and
A cleaning tank provided in the housing and configured to accommodate an object to be cleaned;
a detergent tank for storing liquid detergent to be supplied to the washing tank;
Equipped with
The detergent tank is removable from a detergent tank storage section in the housing,
The detergent tank has a tank-side check valve for preventing leakage of detergent,
The detergent tank storage section has a main body side check valve to prevent leakage of detergent,
When the detergent tank is inserted into the detergent tank storage section, a portion of the outer surface of the tank side check valve comes into contact with a portion of the inner surface of the detergent tank storage section, thereby rotating the tank side check valve, thereby fixing the tank side check valve to the detergent tank. When the detergent tank is inserted into the detergent tank storage section, the tank-side check valve is fixed to the detergent tank, a passage for supplying detergent from the detergent tank to the washing tub is opened, and the main body-side check valve presses against the tank-side check valve to seal it.
2. The dishwasher of claim 1. The tank-side check valve is removable from the detergent tank,
3. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the tank-side check valve is fixed to the detergent tank when the detergent tank is inserted to a predetermined position in the detergent-tank storage section. The tank-side check valve has a detergent discharge port at a tip thereof, and a protrusion is provided on the outer periphery of the detergent discharge port.
The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A plurality of the projections are provided on the outer periphery of the detergent discharge port.
5. A dishwasher according to claim 4 . A protruding rib is provided on the inner surface of the detergent tank storage section,
When the detergent tank is inserted into the detergent tank storage section, the protrusion is inserted while abutting against the rib, and the protrusion is rotated to a predetermined position.
6. A dishwasher according to claim 4 or 5 . When the protrusion is rotated to a predetermined position, the tank-side check valve is fixed to the detergent tank.
7. A dishwasher according to claim 6 . The detergent tank storage section has a plate-shaped tray on the bottom surface,
The detergent tank is placed on the tray.
The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The tray is removable and has a plurality of edge heights.
9. A dishwasher according to claim 8 . The dishwasher according to claim 8 or 9 , wherein an edge of the tray becomes higher toward a rear side in a depth direction of the detergent tank. A rib is provided on the edge of the tray so as to protrude toward the inner surface of the detergent tank storage section .
The dishwasher according to any one of claims 8 to 10. The rib is formed in a shape that conforms to the tip shape of the tank side check valve,
The tank-side check valve has a detergent discharge port at a tip thereof, and a protrusion is provided on an outer periphery of the detergent discharge port.
The protrusion is rotated by the rib.
12. A dishwasher according to claim 11 . The tip of the tank side check valve is cylindrical,
The inner surface of the rib is formed in a curved shape along the tip of the tank side check valve,
When the detergent tank is inserted into the detergent tank storage section, the tank-side check valve slides on the inner surface of the rib while the rib and the protrusion are in contact with each other, and the protrusion reaches the end of the rib at the same time as the rotation ends.
A dishwasher according to any one of claims 6, 7 and 12 . The rib is formed in a three-dimensional spiral shape, and has a step portion of a spiral shape that curves downward and widens toward the back in the depth direction of the detergent tank,
When the detergent tank is inserted into the detergent tank storage section, the protrusion is guided and rotates downward while contacting the spiral step portion, and when the protrusion rotates to a predetermined position, the tank-side check valve is fixed to the detergent tank.
14. A dishwasher according to claim 13.