JP7776310B2 - washing machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a cleaning machine.

Patent Document 1 discloses a washer that includes a washing tank that washes items to be washed and stores washing water heated to a predetermined temperature, a washing injection hole (washing nozzle) that sprays washing water into a washing chamber, a washing pump that sprays the washing water stored in the washing tank from the washing injection hole into the washing chamber, a rinsing tank that rinses items to be washed and stores rinsing water heated to a predetermined temperature, a rinsing injection hole (rinsing nozzle) that sprays rinsing water into the washing chamber, a rinsing pump that sprays the rinsing water stored in the rinsing tank from the rinsing injection hole into the washing chamber, and rinsing piping that connects the rinsing injection hole and the rinsing pump.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-34374

The rinsing water stored in the rinsing tank is heated to a predetermined temperature. The rinsing water is sprayed from the rinsing tank through the rinsing piping and from the rinsing spray holes, but its temperature can drop as it flows through the rinsing piping. If the temperature of the rinsing water drops, the cleaning ability during the rinsing process may decrease.

Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that can prevent the temperature of the rinsing water from dropping.

The washing machine of the present invention is a washing machine that washes items stored in a washing chamber and is equipped with a washing tank that washes the items and stores washing water heated to a predetermined temperature, a washing injection hole that sprays washing water into the washing chamber, a washing pump that sprays the washing water stored in the washing tank from the washing injection hole into the washing chamber, a rinsing injection hole that rinses the items and sprays rinsing water heated to a predetermined temperature, a rinsing pump that sprays the rinsing water from the rinsing injection hole into the washing chamber, and rinsing piping that connects the rinsing injection hole and the rinsing pump, with at least a portion of the rinsing piping being arranged along at least one of the wall surfaces that make up the washing chamber and the wall surface that makes up the washing tank.

In the washer according to the present invention, during the cleaning process in which cleaning water is sprayed from the cleaning injection holes into the cleaning chamber, the cleaning chamber is heated by the cleaning water heated to a predetermined temperature. This also increases the temperature around the cleaning chamber. The temperature around the cleaning tank is also increased by the cleaning water. In the washer, at least a portion of the rinsing piping is arranged along at least one of the wall surfaces that make up the cleaning chamber and the wall surface that makes up the cleaning tank. This prevents the temperature of the rinsing water flowing through the rinsing piping from dropping.

In the washer according to the present invention, the rinsing pipe may be fixed to at least one of the wall surfaces constituting the cleaning chamber and the wall surfaces constituting the cleaning tank by a first metal fixture. In this configuration, heat from at least one of the wall surfaces constituting the cleaning chamber and the wall surfaces constituting the cleaning tank can be transferred to the rinsing pipe via the first metal fixture. This prevents the temperature of the rinsing water flowing through the rinsing pipe from decreasing.

In a washing machine according to the present invention, the rinsing jet holes include a first rinsing jet hole that injects rinsing water into the washing chamber from the upper side thereof and a second rinsing jet hole that injects rinsing water into the washing chamber from the lower side thereof. The rinsing pipes include a first rinsing pipe connected to a rinsing pump and a second rinsing pipe that supplies rinsing water from one end to the first rinsing jet hole and from the other end to the second rinsing jet hole. The other ends of the first rinsing pipe and the second rinsing pipe may be fixed to at least one of the wall surfaces constituting the washing chamber and the wall surfaces constituting the washing tank by a second metal fixture. In this configuration, the other ends of the first rinsing pipe and the second rinsing pipe are fixed to at least one of the wall surfaces constituting the washing chamber and the wall surfaces constituting the washing tank by the second fixture, thereby suppressing vibration of the rinsing pipes. Furthermore, because the second fixture is made of metal, heat from at least one of the washing chamber and the washing tank can be transferred to the first rinsing pipe and the second rinsing pipe via the second fixture. This prevents the temperature of the rinsing water flowing through the rinsing pipe from dropping.

In a washing machine according to the present invention, the rinsing jet holes include a first rinsing jet hole that injects rinsing water into the washing chamber from above and a second rinsing jet hole that injects the rinsing water into the washing chamber from below. The rinsing pipes include a first rinsing pipe connected to a rinsing pump and a second rinsing pipe that supplies rinsing water from one end to the first rinsing jet hole and from the other end to the second rinsing jet hole. The first rinsing pipe and the second rinsing pipe have extending portions that extend in the same direction at a predetermined distance from each other. The extending portions of the first rinsing pipe and the second rinsing pipe are integrated by a connecting portion that connects the first rinsing pipe and the second rinsing pipe and extends along the extending portions. The connecting portion may be provided with a fixing portion that fixes the connecting portion to a fixed object. With this configuration, the extending portions of the first rinsing pipe and the second rinsing pipe are integrated by the connecting portion, thereby suppressing vibration of the rinsing pipes. Additionally, because the connecting section is equipped with a fixing section, there is no need for a dedicated fixing device to secure the rinsing pipe to a fixing object such as a cleaning tank. This reduces the number of parts, thereby helping to reduce costs.

A washer according to the present invention includes a rinsing tank for storing rinsing water, and the first rinsing pipe has a first portion connected to the rinsing pump, a second portion connected to the first portion and extending vertically, and a third portion connected to the upper end of the second portion, connected to the second rinsing pipe, and supplying rinsing water to the second rinsing pipe, the third portion being located above the constant water level of the rinsing tank. In this configuration, because the third portion of the first rinsing pipe is located above the constant water level of the rinsing tank, rinsing water is prevented from remaining in the third portion. This prevents rinsing water with a reduced temperature from remaining in the rinsing pipe, thereby preventing a drop in the temperature of the rinsing water when it is supplied from the rinsing pump and flows through the rinsing pipe.

A cleaning machine according to the present invention has a machine room located below the cleaning chamber, which defines a space extending in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction when viewed vertically, and in which a cleaning tank, a rinsing tank, a cleaning pump, and a rinsing pump are disposed. The machine room is provided with a cover on one side in the first direction that opens the space to the outside of the machine room, and a rinse agent supply port may be provided in a third section of the first rinsing pipe located in the machine room and on one side in the first direction. With this configuration, the rinse agent supply port is located at a position when the cover on one side of the machine room in the first direction is removed to open the machine room. This allows the rinse agent hose to be easily connected to the supply port, thereby improving operability.

This invention prevents the temperature of the rinsing water from dropping.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dishwasher according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the dishwasher. FIG. 3 is a side view of the dishwasher. FIG. 4 is a front view of the dishwasher. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the first rinsing pipe and the second rinsing pipe. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the configuration inside the machine room. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a dishwasher according to a modified example. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration inside the machine chamber of a dishwasher according to a modified example.

The following describes a dishwasher (washing machine) 100 according to one embodiment, with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, identical elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted. For ease of explanation, the front-to-rear direction (first direction), left-to-right direction (second direction), and up-to-down direction are defined in Figure 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the dishwasher 100 according to one embodiment is an under-counter dishwasher with a door 15 provided on the front of the washing chamber 1B. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the dishwasher 100 includes a main body 1, a door 15, a washing tank 20, an upper nozzle 3, a lower nozzle 4, a washing pump 5, a rinsing tank 6, a rinsing pump 7, a detergent supply pump 8, a rinse aid supply pump 9, and a controller 10.

The main body 1 is formed by a frame (not shown), a stainless steel exterior panel 11, and an interior panel 2. The exterior panel 11 has a pair of side panels 11A, 11A that form the left and right sides, an upper panel 11B, an upper front panel 11C, a lower front panel (cover) 11D, and a rear panel 11E. At least the lower front panel 11D is easily detachable from the frame. Legs 12 are attached to the four corners of the lower part of the main body 1. The upper front panel 11C is provided with an operating panel 13 that controls various operations of the dishwasher 100.

The operation unit 13 is used to input the operating mode and various settings. In this embodiment, the operation unit 13 is composed of an LCD screen and tempered glass (electrostatic switches) covering it. The operator can perform various operations by touching the tempered glass covering the LCD screen. The operation unit 13 may be composed of various buttons and a touch panel, or may be composed of a remote control, operation terminal, etc. that is separate from the main body 1.

The lower region of the main body 1 is formed with a machine chamber 1A that houses a washing tank 20, a washing pump 5, a rinsing tank 6, a rinsing pump 7, a detergent supply pump 8, and a rinse agent supply pump 9. When viewed vertically, the machine chamber 1A forms a space that extends in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions. The upper region of the main body 1 is formed with a washing chamber 1B that houses a rack on which dishes (items to be washed) D and the like are set. The washing chamber 1B is the space above the washing tank 20 and is formed by an interior panel 2. The interior panel 2 mainly has a pair of side panels 2A, 2A, an upper panel 2B, and a rear panel (not shown). Rack rails 23 that support the rack are formed on the inner surfaces of the pair of side panels 2A, 2A. The main body 1 is formed with an opening 1C that allows the rack on which dishes D and the like are set to be inserted and removed from the washing chamber 1B. The rack rails 23 may be formed integrally with the side panels 2A, 2A by extrusion, or may be formed by attaching other members to the inner surfaces of the side panels 2A, 2A.

The door section 15 is located outside the opening section 1C. The door section 15 is arranged to be able to open and close the opening section 1C, and when the door section 15 is opened, the cleaning chamber 1B is exposed to the outside of the main body section 1. The door section 15 is arranged to be rotatable around an axis extending in the left-right direction at the bottom end of the door section 15. The operator can open the cleaning chamber 1B by pushing the handle 15A arranged at the top end of the door section 15 towards themselves.

The washing tank 20 is provided below the washing chamber 1B. The washing tank 20 stores washing water used to wash dishes D and other items stored in the washing chamber 1B. The washing water is water sprayed into the washing chamber 1B during the washing process. The washing tank 20 is composed of a water receiving section 21 and a storage section 22. The water receiving section 21 separates the machine chamber 1A from the washing chamber 1B and receives and guides to the storage section 22 water that is sprayed from the upper nozzle 3 and the lower nozzle 4 and falls after washing or rinsing the dishes D. The water receiving section 21 is composed of a bottom section 21A (see FIG. 4) and a side section 21B (see FIG. 4). The storage section 22 stores washing water supplied to the upper nozzle 3 and the lower nozzle 4 by the washing pump 5. The storage section 22 is composed of a bottom section 22A and a side section 22B.
*This has been corrected.

The storage section 22 of the cleaning tank 20 is provided with a cleaning water detection section 24, a cleaning water heater 25A, and a cleaning water temperature sensor 25B.

The flush water detection unit 24 detects the level of flush water stored in the flush tank 20. The flush water detection unit 24 is, for example, a switch that turns ON when the water level in the flush tank 20 exceeds the constant water level H1 and turns OFF when the water level is below the constant water level H1. The detection results from the flush water detection unit 24 are acquired by the controller 10. If the flush pump 5, which will be described in detail later, sucks in air while operating, a so-called air entrapment occurs, preventing flush water from being sprayed from the upper nozzle 3 and the lower nozzle 4. In one embodiment, the operation of the flush pump 5 is stopped when the flush water detection unit 24 turns OFF during operation, thereby preventing air from being sucked in by the flush pump 5.

The wash water heater 25A heats the wash water stored in the wash tank 20 to a predetermined temperature to improve sterilization and cleaning capabilities. The wash water temperature sensor 25B detects the temperature of the wash water stored in the wash tank 20. The detection results from the wash water temperature sensor 25B are acquired by the controller 10. The ON/OFF switching of the wash water heater 25A is controlled by the controller 10. For example, the wash water heater 25A is controlled by the controller 10 to maintain the wash water at a predetermined temperature based on the water temperature detected by the wash water temperature sensor 25B.

A circular through-hole 20b is formed in the bottom 22A of the storage section 22 of the cleaning tank 20. The through-hole 20b is a circular plate-shaped member with multiple elongated holes formed through it in the thickness direction, and is covered by a pump guard 26 that prevents the intrusion of foreign matter. The through-hole 20b is connected to the cleaning pump 5 via a connection part 50. The connection part 50 is formed with a first connection hole 50a connected to the through-hole 20b, a drain hole 50b connected to a drain pipe 28 that discharges water outside the main body 1, and a second connection hole 50c connected to the cleaning pump 5. The connection part 50 may be configured integrally with the cleaning pump 5 as part of the casing that makes up the cleaning pump 5, or it may be provided separately from the cleaning pump 5 as a member that connects the cleaning tank 20 and the cleaning pump 5.

The cleaning tank 20 is provided with an overflow pipe 27 that extends vertically. The overflow pipe 27 allows water that exceeds a predetermined water level in the cleaning tank 20 to flow in from its upper end and drain outside the cleaning tank 20, thereby regulating the level of cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 20. The lower end of the overflow pipe 27 passes through a burred pump guard 26 that covers the through-hole 20b and is removably inserted into a drain hole 50b formed in the connection part 50. By removing the lower end of the overflow pipe 27 from the drain hole 50b, the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 20 can be drained via the through-hole 20b and the drain hole 50b.

The upper nozzle 3 is located above the cleaning chamber 1B. The upper nozzle 3 is rotatably mounted on an upper support member 16 located above the cleaning chamber 1B. The upper nozzle 3 has a main body 30 extending radially from the base end, which is the center of rotation of the rotation axis of the upper nozzle 3, to the tip end. The main body 30 is integrally formed with a cleaning injection hole 31 that sprays cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 20, a cleaning flow path 32 that extends from the center of rotation to the cleaning injection hole 31 and through which the cleaning water flows, a rinsing injection hole (first rinsing injection hole) 33 that sprays rinsing water stored in the rinsing tank 6, and a rinsing flow path 34 that extends from the center of rotation to the rinsing injection hole 33 and through which the rinsing water flows. The upper nozzle 3 rotates when the flow of cleaning water generated in the cleaning flow path 32 or the flow of rinsing water generated in the rinsing flow path 34 is converted into rotational force. The upper nozzle 3 is connected to an upper cleaning pipe 58 that supplies cleaning water to the cleaning flow path 32 and an upper rinsing pipe 78A that supplies rinsing water to the rinsing flow path 34.

The lower nozzle 4 is located below the cleaning chamber 1B. The lower nozzle 4 is rotatably mounted on a lower support member 17 located below the cleaning chamber 1B. The lower nozzle 4 has a main body 40 extending radially from the base end, which is the center of rotation of the rotation axis of the lower nozzle 4, to the tip end. The main body 40 is integrally formed with a cleaning injection hole 41 that sprays cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 20, a cleaning flow path 42 that extends from the center of rotation to the cleaning injection hole 41 and through which the cleaning water flows, a rinsing injection hole (second rinsing injection hole) 43 that sprays rinsing water stored in the rinsing tank 6, and a rinsing flow path 44 that extends from the center of rotation to the rinsing injection hole 43 and through which the rinsing water flows. The lower nozzle 4 rotates when the flow of cleaning water generated in the cleaning flow path 42 or the flow of rinsing water generated in the rinsing flow path 44 is converted into rotational force. The lower nozzle 4 is connected to a lower cleaning pipe 59 that supplies cleaning water to the cleaning flow path 42 and a lower rinsing pipe 78B that supplies rinsing water to the rinsing flow path 44.

Dishes D arranged on the dish rack are sprayed with washing water by the upper nozzle 3 and the lower nozzle 4 during the washing process, and rinsing water is sprayed by the upper nozzle 3 and the lower nozzle 4 during the rinsing process.

The wash pump 5 is located in the machine room 1A. In the machine room 1A, the wash pump 5 is located to the right of the storage section 22 of the wash tank 20 and at the rear in the front-to-rear direction. The wash pump 5 is located between the storage section 22 and the rinsing tank 6 in the left-right direction. The wash pump 5 delivers wash water stored in the wash tank 20 to the wash chamber 1B, which contains dishes D and the like. The wash pump 5 takes in wash water from the wash tank 20 and delivers it to the upper nozzle 3 and the lower nozzle 4. An upper wash pipe 58 is connected to the first supply section 51A of the wash pump 5. The upper wash pipe 58 is connected to the upper nozzle 3. A lower wash pipe 59 is connected to the second supply section 51B of the wash pump 5. The lower wash pipe 59 is connected to the lower nozzle 4.

The rinsing tank 6 is located in the machine room 1A. In the machine room 1A, the rinsing tank 6 is located to the right of the reservoir 22 (rinse pump 5) of the washing tank 20 and at the rear in the front-to-rear direction. The rinsing tank 6 is arranged in line with the rinsing pump 7 in the front-to-rear direction. The rinsing tank 6 stores rinsing water used to rinse dishes D, etc. The rinsing water is water sprayed into the washing chamber 1B during the initial hot water supply process and the rinsing process. Water is supplied to the rinsing tank 6 from an external water source via a water supply pipe 60. A strainer 60A is provided in the water supply pipe 60. A valve 60B is provided downstream of the strainer 60A in the water supply pipe 60.

The rinse tank 6 is equipped with a rinse water detection unit 62, an overflow unit 63, a rinse water heater 64A, and a rinse water temperature sensor 64B.

The rinse water detection unit 62 is a switch that detects when the water stored in the rinse tank 6 is at a constant water level H2. The detection results of the rinse water detection unit 62 are acquired by the controller 10. The valve 60B is controlled by the controller 10. For example, the controller 10 opens and closes the valve in conjunction with the detection of the constant water level H2 by the rinse water detection unit 62, and controls the valve 60B to maintain a constant level of rinse water stored in the rinse tank 6.

The overflow section 63 discharges water that exceeds the full water level in the rinsing tank 6. The rinsing tank 6 is a sealed tank that exceeds the full water level, for example, when valve 60B experiences a closed valve abnormality. The rinsing water heater 64A heats the rinsing water stored in the rinsing tank 6 to a predetermined temperature to improve sterilization and rinsing capabilities. The rinsing water temperature sensor 64B detects the temperature of the rinsing water. The detection results from the rinsing water temperature sensor 64B are acquired by the controller 10. The ON/OFF switching of the rinsing water heater 64A is controlled by the controller 10. For example, the rinsing water heater 64A is controlled by the controller 10 to maintain the rinsing water at a predetermined temperature based on the water temperature detected by the rinsing water temperature sensor 64B.

The rinsing pump 7 is located in the machine chamber 1A. The rinsing pump 7 is located in the machine chamber 1A, to the right of the reservoir 22 of the washing tank 20 and in front in the front-to-back direction. The rinsing pump 7 is arranged in a line with the rinsing tank 6 in the front-to-back direction. The rinsing pump 7 pumps rinsing water stored in the rinsing tank 6 into the washing chamber 1B, which contains dishes D and the like. The rinsing pump 7 takes in rinsing water from the rinsing tank 6 and pumps it to the upper nozzle 3 and the lower nozzle 4. The discharge port of the rinsing pump 7 is connected to an upper rinsing pipe (second rinsing pipe) 78A and a lower rinsing pipe (second rinsing pipe) 78B via a first rinsing pipe 77. The upper rinsing pipe 78A is connected to the upper nozzle 3. The lower rinsing pipe 78B is connected to the lower nozzle 4.

The detergent supply pump 8 is located in the machine room 1A. The detergent supply pump 8 supplies detergent stored in the detergent tank 8A to the cleaning chamber 1B via piping 8B. The detergent dispensed into the cleaning chamber 1B flows into the cleaning tank 20 and mixes with the cleaning water. The rinse agent supply pump 9 is located in the machine room 1A. The rinse agent supply pump 9 supplies rinse agent stored in the rinse agent tank 9A to the first rinsing piping 77 via piping 9B. The rinse agent supplied to the first rinsing piping 77 is mixed with the rinsing water and supplied to the cleaning chamber 1B via the upper nozzle 3 and the lower nozzle 4.

The controller 10 is located between the upper panel 11B of the main body 1 and the upper panel 2B that forms the washing chamber 1B. The controller 10 controls the overall operation of the dishwasher 100. The controller 10 is a computer system or processor implemented in an integrated circuit. The controller 10 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), an input/output interface, etc. Various programs and data are stored in the ROM.

Next, the upper cleaning pipe 58 will be described. In this embodiment, the upper cleaning pipe 58 is made of resin. The upper cleaning pipe 58 is disposed below the bottom 22A of the storage section 22 of the cleaning tank 20 and is disposed along the cleaning tank 20 and the side panel 2A. Specifically, as described above, the cleaning pump 5 is disposed to the right of the storage section 22 of the cleaning tank 20. The upper cleaning pipe 58 extending from the cleaning pump 5 extends laterally below the storage section 22, rises on the left side of the machine room 1A, and extends vertically along the side 21B of the water receiving section 21, the side 22B of the storage section 22, and the side panel 2A. As shown in FIG. 3, the upper cleaning pipe 58 has a flattened shape in the portion disposed along the side 21B of the water receiving section 21, the side 22B of the storage section 22, and the side panel 2A (portion extending vertically). The upper cleaning pipe 58 is fixed to the side 21B of the water receiving section 21 by a fixing bracket 58A. The fixing bracket 58A is made of metal. The fixing bracket 58A may also be fixed to the side 22B of the storage section 22 and/or the side panel 2A.

Next, the first rinsing pipe 77, the upper rinsing pipe 78A, and the lower rinsing pipe 78B will be described in detail. In this embodiment, the first rinsing pipe 77, the upper rinsing pipe 78A, and the lower rinsing pipe 78B are made of resin. The upper rinsing pipe 78A and the lower rinsing pipe 78B are made up of a single second rinsing pipe 78. One end of the second rinsing pipe 78 constitutes the upper rinsing pipe 78A. The other end of the second rinsing pipe 78 constitutes the lower rinsing pipe 78B. In other words, the second rinsing pipe 78 supplies rinsing water to the rinsing spray hole 33 from one end and to the rinsing spray hole 43 from the other end.

The first rinsing pipe 77 has one end connected to the rinsing pump 7 and the other end supplying rinsing water to the second rinsing pipe 78. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first rinsing pipe 77 has a first portion 77a connected to the rinsing pump 7, a second portion 77b connected to the first portion 77a and extending vertically, and a third portion 77c connected to the upper end of the second portion 77b, connected to the second rinsing pipe 78, and supplying rinsing water to the second rinsing pipe 78.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first portion 77a forms one end portion connected to the rinsing pump 7. The first portion 77a is connected to a discharge port facing left on the rinsing pump 7. The first portion 77a is located to the right of the storage portion 22 of the cleaning tank 20 and is disposed in front of it. The first portion 77a extends in the left-right direction. The second portion 77b is located to the right of the storage portion 22 in the machine chamber 1A and is disposed in front of it.

The third portion 77c forms the other end that is connected to the second rinsing pipe 78. The third portion 77c is positioned in front of the front side portion 22B of the storage portion 22 and bends toward the rear on the left side of the storage portion 22. As shown in FIG. 3, the third portion 77c extends in the front-to-rear direction along the left side portion 22B of the storage portion 22, rises near the center of the machine room 1A in the front-to-rear direction, and extends in the up-and-down direction along the side portion 21B of the water receiving portion 21 and the side panel 2A.

As shown in FIG. 4, the third section 77c is located in the machine room 1A and at the front in the front-to-rear direction (forward of the front side section 22B of the reservoir section 22), and is provided with an inlet 77d for rinse aid supplied from the rinse aid supply pump 9. Pipe 9B is connected to the inlet 77d. As shown in FIG. 6, the third section 77c is located above the constant water level H2 of the rinsing tank 6.

3 and 5, the first rinsing pipe 77 and the second rinsing pipe 78 have extending portions that extend in the same direction at a predetermined distance from each other. The extending portions of the first rinsing pipe 77 and the second rinsing pipe 78 are integrated by a connecting portion 70 that connects the first rinsing pipe 77 and the second rinsing pipe 78 and extends along the extending portions. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 70 connects the portion of the third portion 77c of the first rinsing pipe 77 that extends in the vertical direction to the portion of the second rinsing pipe 78 that extends in the vertical direction. The connecting portion 70 is a plate-shaped member. The connecting portion 70 is provided with a fixing portion 72 that fixes the connecting portion 70 to a fixed object. In this embodiment, the fixing portion 72 fixes the connecting portion 70 to the side portion 21B of the water receiving portion 21. As shown in FIG. 5, the fixing portion 72 is provided with an insertion hole 72a through which a bolt B is inserted. As shown in FIG. 3, the fixing portion 72 is fixed to the side portion 21B by a bolt B. The fixing portion 72 may also be fixed to the side panel 2A.

The third portion 77c of the first rinsing pipe 77 is connected to the side of the second rinsing pipe 78 at the above-mentioned extended portion of the second rinsing pipe 78. With this configuration, the cleaning water supplied from the third portion 77c of the first rinsing pipe 77 branches off and flows into the upper rinsing pipe 78A and the lower rinsing pipe 78B. The end (upper end) of the third portion 77c of the first rinsing pipe 77 that connects to the second rinsing pipe 78 has an upwardly convex curved shape. The connection portion 77e between the third portion 77c of the first rinsing pipe 77 and the second rinsing pipe 78 is located below the highest water level of the rinsing water flowing through the third portion 77c of the first rinsing pipe 77. Furthermore, the connection portion 77e between the third portion 77c of the first rinsing pipe 77 and the second rinsing pipe 78 is located above the rinsing injection hole 43 of the lower nozzle 4. The second rinsing pipe 78 is divided into an upper rinsing pipe 78A and a lower rinsing pipe 78B, with the connection portion 77e with the first rinsing pipe 77 as the boundary.

As shown in FIG. 3, the lower rinsing pipe 78B extends vertically along both the side panel 2A and the left side 21B of the water receiving section 21 and the left side 22B of the storage section 22, bending at its lower end and extending in the front-to-rear direction along the left side 22B of the cleaning tank 20. As shown in FIG. 4, the lower rinsing pipe 78B extends to the front of the storage section 22 and bends toward the left at the front of the storage section 22. The lower rinsing pipe 78B extends horizontally along the front side 22B of the storage section 22 and bends toward the rear at the right side of the storage section 22.

3 and 4, at least a portion of the first rinsing pipe 77 and the second rinsing pipe 78 is arranged along at least one of the wall surfaces constituting the cleaning chamber 1B and the wall surfaces constituting the cleaning tank 20. In this embodiment, the third portion 77c of the first rinsing pipe 77 is arranged along the outer surface of the side panel 2A and the outer surface of the cleaning tank 20 (side portion 21B of the water receiving portion 21 and side portion 22B of the storage portion 22). The second rinsing pipe 78 is arranged along the outer surface of the side panel 2A, the outer surface of the upper panel 2B, and the outer surface of the cleaning tank 20 (side portion 21B of the water receiving portion 21 and side portion 22B of the storage portion 22). It can also be said that at least a portion of the first rinsing pipe 77 and the second rinsing pipe 78 is arranged around at least one of the wall surfaces constituting the cleaning chamber 1B and the wall surfaces constituting the cleaning tank 20.

In this embodiment, "arranged along the outer surface" means that the pipes are not in contact with the outer surface but are spaced apart from it. This space (the distance between the outer surface and the first rinsing pipe 77 and the second rinsing pipe 78) is set so that the first rinsing pipe 77 and the second rinsing pipe 78 can receive the heat of the steam in the cleaning chamber 1B that is released through the side panel 2A and the upper panel 2B, and the heat of the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 20 that is released through the side portion 22B. It is preferable that the above-mentioned space be set so that the first rinsing pipe 77 and the second rinsing pipe 78, which are located away from the fixed portion 72, do not come into contact with the side panel 2A, the upper panel 2B, or the side portion 22B and generate noise when slight vibrations are generated by the operation of the rinsing pump 7.

The first rinsing pipe 77 and the second rinsing pipe 78 may be in contact with the outer surface. In this configuration, the first rinsing pipe 77 and the second rinsing pipe 78 can directly receive the heat of the steam in the cleaning chamber 1B that is released through the side panel 2A and the upper panel 2B, and the heat of the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 20 that is released through the side 22B. In a configuration in which the first rinsing pipe 77 and the second rinsing pipe 78 are in contact with the outer surface, the first rinsing pipe 77 and the second rinsing pipe 78 are firmly fixed to the side panel 2A, the upper panel 2B, and/or the side 22B so that noise is not generated even when slight vibrations occur in the first rinsing pipe 77 and the second rinsing pipe 78 due to the operation of the rinsing pump 7.

Next, the effects of the dishwasher 100 of this embodiment will be described. In the dishwasher 100 of the above embodiment, during the washing process in which wash water is sprayed from the wash spray holes 31, 41 into the wash chamber 1B, the wash chamber 1B is heated by the wash water heated to a predetermined temperature. This also increases the temperature around the wash chamber 1B. In addition, the temperature around the wash tank 20 (storage section 22) is increased by the wash water. In the dishwasher 100, at least a portion of the first rinsing pipe 77 and the second rinsing pipe 78 are arranged along at least one of the wall surfaces constituting the wash chamber 1B and the wall surface constituting the wash tank 20. This prevents the temperature of the rinsing water flowing through the first rinsing pipe 77 and the second rinsing pipe 78 from decreasing.

In the dishwasher 100 according to this embodiment, part of the third section 77c of the first rinsing pipe 77 is arranged along the side 22B of the washing tank 20. As a result, in the dishwasher 100, part of the third section 77c is kept warm by the washing water in the washing tank 20 even when the dishwasher 100 is on standby for washing. Therefore, when washing is resumed (started) in the dishwasher 100, the rinsing water passes through the third section 77c, which is kept warm, preventing the temperature of the rinsing water from dropping.

Normally, the rinsing pipe is installed so that it runs directly from the rinsing pump to the upper and lower nozzles (the shortest route). In the dishwasher 100, the first rinsing pipe 77 is arranged to make a detour around the storage section 22 of the washing tank 20 so that the facing area with the side 22B of the storage section 22 is increased. This allows the first rinsing pipe 77 to absorb the heat around the washing tank 20 in the dishwasher 100, preventing the temperature of the rinsing water from dropping and preventing heat from being released from the washing tank 20 to outside the dishwasher 100 (such as the kitchen environment).

In the dishwasher 100 according to this embodiment, the first rinsing pipe 77 and the second rinsing pipe 78 have extending portions that extend in the same direction at a predetermined distance from each other. The extending portions of the first rinsing pipe 77 and the second rinsing pipe 78 are integrated by a connecting portion 70 that connects the first rinsing pipe 77 and the second rinsing pipe 78 and extends along the extending portions. The connecting portion 70 is provided with a fixing portion 72 that fixes the connecting portion 70 to a fixed object. With this configuration, the extending portions of the first rinsing pipe 77 and the second rinsing pipe 78 are integrated by the connecting portion 70, thereby suppressing vibration of the first rinsing pipe 77 and the second rinsing pipe 78. Furthermore, because the connecting portion 70 is provided with the fixing portion 72, dedicated fixing devices for fixing the first rinsing pipe 77 and the second rinsing pipe 78 to a fixed object such as the washing tank 20 are not required. This reduces the number of parts and therefore costs.

In the dishwasher 100 according to this embodiment, the first rinsing pipe 77 includes a first portion 77a connected to the rinsing pump 7, a second portion 77b connected to the first portion 77a and extending vertically, and a third portion 77c connected to the upper end of the second portion 77b, connected to the second rinsing pipe 78, and supplying rinsing water to the second rinsing pipe 78. The third portion 77c is located above the constant water level H2 of the rinsing tank 6. With this configuration, the third portion 77c of the first rinsing pipe 77 is located above the constant water level H2 of the rinsing tank, preventing rinsing water from remaining in the third portion 77c. This prevents rinsing water with a reduced temperature from remaining in the first rinsing pipe 77, preventing a drop in the temperature of the rinsing water when rinsing water is supplied from the rinsing pump 7 and flows through the first rinsing pipe 77.

The dishwasher 100 according to this embodiment includes a machine chamber 1A located below the wash chamber 1B, and includes a wash tank 20, a rinse tank 6, a wash pump 5, and a rinse pump 7. The machine chamber 1A is provided with a lower front panel 11D at the front in the front-to-rear direction, which opens the space to the outside of the machine chamber 1A. A rinse aid inlet 77d is provided in the third section 77c of the first rinse pipe 77, which is located in the machine chamber 1A and at the front in the front-to-rear direction. With this configuration, the rinse aid inlet 77d is located at a position opened by removing the lower front panel 11D located at the front in the front-to-rear direction of the machine chamber 1A. Therefore, the rinse aid pipe 9B can be easily connected to the inlet 77d, improving operability.

In the dishwasher 100 according to this embodiment, the upper flushing pipe 58 has a flattened shape in the portion (portion extending in the vertical direction) that is arranged along the side 21B of the water receiving section 21 of the washing tank 20, the side 22B of the storage section 22, and the side panel 2A. With this configuration, the area of the upper flushing pipe 58 facing the side 21B of the water receiving section 21 of the washing tank 20, the side 22B of the storage section 22, and the side panel 2A is increased. This prevents the temperature of the wash water flowing through the upper flushing pipe 58 from dropping.

In the dishwasher 100 according to this embodiment, the upper wash pipe 58 is fixed to the side 22B of the wash tank 20 and the side panel 2A by a fixing bracket 58A. The fixing bracket 58A is made of metal. In this configuration, heat from the wash chamber 1B and/or the wash tank 20 can be transferred to the upper wash pipe 58 via the metal fixing bracket 58A. This prevents the temperature of the wash water flowing through the upper wash pipe 58 from dropping.

The above describes an embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

In the above embodiment, the first rinsing pipe 77 and the second rinsing pipe 78 are connected by the connecting portion 70, and the first rinsing pipe 77 and the second rinsing pipe 78 are fixed to the side portion 21B of the water receiving portion 21 by the fixing portion 72 of the connecting portion 70. However, the method of fixing the first rinsing pipe 77 and the second rinsing pipe 78 is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 7 , the first rinsing pipe 77 and the second rinsing pipe 78 may be fixed to at least one of the side panel 2A, the side portion 21B of the water receiving portion 21 of the cleaning tank 20, and the side portion 22B of the storage portion 22 of the cleaning tank 20 by a fixing bracket (first fixing device) 80.

The fixing bracket 80 is made of metal. It has a holding portion 80A and a fixing portion 80B. The holding portion 80A has, for example, a U-shaped cross section (channel structure). The fixing portion 80B is a flange that extends outward from the holding portion 80A. The fixing bracket 80 holds the first rinsing pipe 77 and the second rinsing pipe 78 with the holding portion 80A, and the fixing portion 80B fixes the first rinsing pipe 77 and the second rinsing pipe 78 to at least one of the side portion 21B of the water receiving portion 21 of the cleaning tank 20 and the side portion 22B of the storage portion 22 of the cleaning tank 20. With this configuration, heat from the cleaning chamber 1B and/or the cleaning tank 20 can be transferred to the first rinsing pipe 77 and the second rinsing pipe 78 via the metal fixing bracket 80. This prevents the temperature of the rinsing water flowing through the first rinsing pipe 77 and the second rinsing pipe 78 from dropping.

In addition to the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the third portion 77c of the first rinsing pipe 77 and the lower rinsing pipe 78B may be fixed to the front side portion 22B of the cleaning tank 20 by a fixing bracket (second fixing device) 81. The fixing bracket 81 has a holding portion 81A and a fixing portion 80B. The holding portion 81A has a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the third portion 77c of the first rinsing pipe 77 and the lower rinsing pipe 78B, and has, for example, a semicircular cross section. The fixing portion 81B is a flange that protrudes outward from the holding portion 81A. The fixing bracket 81 holds the third portion 77c of the first rinsing pipe 77 and the lower rinsing pipe 78B by the holding portion 81A, and is fixed to the side portion 22B of the storage portion 22 of the cleaning tank 20 by the fixing portion 80B.

In this configuration, the third portion 77c of the first rinsing pipe 77 and the lower rinsing pipe 78B are fixed to the side portion 22B of the cleaning tank 20 by the fixing bracket 81, thereby suppressing vibration of the third portion 77c of the first rinsing pipe 77 and the lower rinsing pipe 78B. Furthermore, because the fixing bracket 81 is made of metal, heat from the cleaning chamber 1B can be transferred to the third portion 77c of the first rinsing pipe 77 and the lower rinsing pipe 78B via the fixing bracket 81. This prevents a drop in the temperature of the rinsing water flowing through the third portion 77c of the first rinsing pipe 77 and the lower rinsing pipe 78B. The fixing bracket 81 may also be fixed to the cleaning tank 20.

<Other Modifications>
In the above embodiment and modified examples, the rack rail 23 is described as being integrally formed with the side panel 2A by extrusion processing, but the rack rail 23 may also be formed by attaching other components to the inner surface of the side panel 2A.

In the above embodiment and modified examples, a dishwasher 100 has been described as being configured such that rinsing water is supplied to the upper nozzle 3 and the lower nozzle 4 from a rinsing tank 6 built into the machine chamber 1A of the main body 1, but this is not limiting. For example, the present invention may be applied to a dishwasher configured such that rinsing water is supplied to the upper nozzle 3 and the lower nozzle 4 from a gas booster or electric booster that is provided outside the main body 1 of the dishwasher 100 and that heats water stored in the rinsing tank using a heating source such as gas or electricity.

The present invention may be implemented by appropriately combining the above embodiments and other modifications.

1A...machine room, 1B...washing room, 5...washing pump, 6...rinsing tank, 7...rinsing pump, 11D...lower front panel (cover), 20...washing tank, 21...water receiving section (washing tank), 22...storage section (washing tank), 31, 41...washing jet hole, 33...rinsing jet hole (first rinsing jet hole), 43...rinsing jet hole (second rinsing jet hole), 70...connecting section, 72...fixing section, 77...first rinsing pipe, 77a...first part, 77b...second part, 77c...third part, 77d...feeding section, 78...second rinsing pipe, 78A...upper rinsing pipe (second rinsing pipe), 78B...lower rinsing pipe (second rinsing pipe), 100...dishwasher (washing machine), D...dishes (items to be washed), H2...constant water level.

Claims (3)

A washing machine that washes objects housed in a washing chamber,
a cleaning tank for cleaning the object to be cleaned and storing cleaning water heated to a predetermined temperature;
a cleaning injection hole for injecting the cleaning water into the cleaning chamber;
a cleaning pump that sprays the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank from the cleaning spray hole into the cleaning chamber;
a rinse injection hole for rinsing the object to be washed and injecting rinsing water heated to a predetermined temperature;
a rinsing pump for injecting the rinsing water from the rinsing injection hole into the cleaning chamber;
a rinsing pipe connecting the rinsing jet hole and the rinsing pump;
At least a portion of the rinsing pipe is arranged along at least one of a wall surface constituting the cleaning chamber and a wall surface constituting the cleaning tank,
The rinsing jet holes include a first rinsing jet hole for injecting the rinsing water into the cleaning chamber from an upper side thereof, and a second rinsing jet hole for injecting the rinsing water into the cleaning chamber from a lower side thereof,
The rinsing pipe includes a first rinsing pipe connected to the rinsing pump, and a second rinsing pipe that supplies the rinsing water from one end to the first rinsing jet hole and from the other end to the second rinsing jet hole,
the first rinsing pipe and the second rinsing pipe have extending portions extending in the same direction at a predetermined interval from each other,
the extending portions of the first rinsing pipe and the second rinsing pipe are integrated by a connecting portion that connects the first rinsing pipe and the second rinsing pipe and extends along the extending portions;
the connecting portion is integrally formed with the extending portions of the first rinsing pipe and the second rinsing pipe,
The connecting portion is provided with a fixing portion that fixes the connecting portion to a fixing object. a rinsing tank for storing the rinsing water;
the first rinsing pipe has a first portion connected to the rinsing pump, a second portion connected to the first portion and extending in the vertical direction, and a third portion connected to an upper end of the second portion, connected to the second rinsing pipe, and supplying the rinsing water to the second rinsing pipe;
2. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the third portion is located above a constant water level in the rinse tank. a machine room is provided below the washing chamber, the machine room defining a space extending in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction when viewed vertically, the machine room including the washing tank, the rinsing tank, the washing pump, and the rinsing pump arranged therein;
a cover that opens the space to the outside of the machine room is provided on one side of the machine room in the first direction;
The cleaning machine according to claim 2 , wherein the third section of the first rinsing pipe, which is located in the machine room and disposed on the one side of the first direction, is provided with a rinse agent supply port.