JP2001190479A - Dishwasher - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To effectively use initially fed water fed to a dishwasher by eliminating the waste of discharging the initially fed water accumulated in a connection pipe from a water heater to the dishwasher every operation of the dishwasher. SOLUTION: The dishwasher which is connected to the water heater and sprays water stored in a water storing part 2a under a washing tank 2 while circulating the water is provided with a water reserving tank 1 provided separately from the part 2a, a control valve for controlling feeding and discharging of water to and from the tank 1, a utilizing channel connected to the water reserving tank, a water feeding pump for feeding water in the water reserving tank 1 to the utilizing channel, and a control part 6 for controlling the control valve so as to introduce initial water fed at the time of starting washing.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a dishwasher used in connection with a water heater, and more particularly, to a method for removing cold accumulated water flowing from a pipe from the water heater to the dishwasher after the start of combustion of the water heater. The present invention relates to a dishwasher capable of effectively utilizing tap water by using the dishwasher.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A dishwasher generally stores a predetermined amount of hot water (hot water) sent from a water heater in a water reservoir at a lower portion of a washing tank.
Thereafter, the stored hot water is sprayed on the tableware in the washing tank by the pump, and the hot water flowing down is repeatedly circulated and sprayed from the water reservoir.

[0003] In this type of dishwasher, immediately after combustion of the water heater starts due to the start of operation, cold water (hereinafter, referred to as initial water supply) accumulated in a pipe from the water heater to the dishwasher is first. Enters the dishwasher. In a conventional dishwasher, the initial supply of water is discharged from the dishwasher, and the hot water is controlled so as to be stored in the sump when the temperature of the supplied water increases. This is because if the initial supply water is stored in the water reservoir, it is mixed with the hot water that arrives after that, and the temperature of the hot water is lowered.

[0004]

However, from the viewpoint of effective utilization of tap water, it is not desirable to discharge the initial supply water every time the dishwasher is operated.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to solve such a problem described in the prior art and to make it possible to effectively use initial water supply to a dishwasher.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher for washing tableware by spraying the tableware while circulating water stored in a water reservoir below the washing tank connected to a water heater. A water storage tank provided separately from the water storage section, a control valve for controlling the flow of water into and out of the water storage tank, and a use flow path connected to the tank to use water in the water storage tank. A water supply pump for sending water in the water storage tank to the use flow path, and control for controlling the control valve so as to introduce initial water supplied from the water heater to the water storage tank at the start of washing. And a dishwasher characterized by comprising:

[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the use flow path is provided so that water passing through the use flow path is stored in the water reservoir. Alternatively, a fan for sending outside air into the cleaning tank, and a ventilation port for discharging air in the cleaning tank are further provided, and a heat exchanger is provided in the ventilation port, and the use flow path includes: The heat exchanger is connected to a heat exchange channel. Alternatively, the use flow path is a circulation flow path connected from the water storage tank to the water storage tank again via the water supply pump, and is used for cooling at least one pump provided in the dishwasher during circulation. Is done. Alternatively, the use flow path is connected to a drainage channel of the cleaning tank and is used for cooling drainage from the cleaning tank.

[0008]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. 1 to 4 are longitudinal sectional views showing dishwashers according to different embodiments of the present invention. In the following embodiments, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

(I) First Embodiment The dishwasher shown in FIG. 1 has a water storage tank 1 for storing initial water supply below a washing tank 2 for washing dishes. Further, this dishwasher is provided with an injection pipe 7 at the lower portion of the washing tank 2 and a circulation path 8 leading from the lower end of the washing tank to the injection pipe 7 via the circulation pump P1 as in a normal dishwasher. ing. A large number of nozzle holes are formed in the injection pipe 7, and washing or rinsing hot water pumped by a circulation pump is blown onto tableware placed in the washing tank 2. Also,
A drain 3 extending from the lower end of the washing tank 2 to the outside of the dishwasher;
The water supply pump P2 provided in the middle of the drainage channel is provided.

In this embodiment, a first usage flow path 4a extending from the lower end of the water reservoir 2a to the water storage tank 1, a second usage flow path 4b extending from the water storage tank 1 to the drainage path 3 upstream of the water supply pump, A third use channel 4c is provided extending from the drainage channel 3 downstream of the water pump to the hot water supply port 21 at the top of the washing tank. Further, a water storage valve 5 for controlling the flow of washing water into and out of the water storage tank is provided in the middle of the first usage flow path 4a. A switching valve 9 is provided at a connection between the second usage flow path 4b and the drainage path 3, and a drainage valve 10 is provided in the drainage path 3 downstream of the third usage flow path 4c. Hot water supply 2
The connection portion 11 connected to 1 is for connecting a supply pipe extending from the water heater, and the connection portion 11 immediately upstream of the third usage flow path 4c is provided with a water supply valve 12. . Each of these valves is a control valve such as an electromagnetic valve whose opening and closing are controlled by an electric signal. Inside the dishwasher, there is provided a control unit 6 for controlling the opening and closing of the above-described valves and the operation of the washing and drainage pumps according to a predetermined program. The cleaning tank 2 is provided with a fan 13 for ventilation, so that the steam in the tank after the cleaning is discharged.

The dishwasher operates as follows.
Hereinafter, each process will be described.

I) Storage of initial water supply When the dishwasher is operated and the water supply valve 12 is opened, the hot water supply port 2 is opened.
After 1, the supply from the water heater is started. First, the water storage valve 5 is opened, and the other switching valve 9 and the drain valve 10 are closed. At the beginning of the supply from the water heater, the cold water stored in the connecting pipe between the water heater and the dishwasher is supplied as the initial water supply. At this time, since the water storage valve 5 is open, the initial water supply is stored in the water storage tank 1 via the first use flow path 4a without being stored in the water storage part 2a. When the inside of the water storage tank 1 is filled with an appropriate amount of water, a signal indicating that the water is full is sent to the control unit 6 and the water storage valve 5 is operated by the control unit 6.
Is closed. The detection of the full state of the water storage tank 1
A float switch provided in the water storage tank 1, an electrode type water level meter for measuring a change in current value when a predetermined water level is reached, a water meter for measuring the amount of water passing through a flow path to the water storage tank, a water level position when the water is full The temperature can be measured by a temperature sensor such as a thermistor provided in the apparatus, a timer for measuring a water supply time to the water storage tank, or the like.

Ii) Washing When the water is sent from the water heater to the extent that the water storage tank 1 is filled, the temperature of the sent water rises and becomes hot water. Therefore, after the water storage valve 5 is closed, hot water is stored in the water reservoir 2a of the cleaning tank. Since the detergent is placed in the washing tank 2 in advance, it is dissolved in the stored hot water to form washing water. When an appropriate amount of hot water is stored in the water reservoir 2a, the circulation pump P1 is operated, and the hot water is sprayed from the spray pipe 7 to tableware in the washing tank to perform washing. The detection that an appropriate amount of water has been stored in the water reservoir 2a is performed by a water level meter provided in the water reservoir, a water meter that measures the amount of water that has passed through a supply path to the water reservoir, and a water meter that supplies water to the water reservoir. This can be performed by a timer or the like that measures the supply time, and a signal notifying that an appropriate amount has been stored is sent to the control unit 6. Also,
The washing is performed by circulating the water such that the water discharged from the injection pipe 7 is accumulated in the water reservoir 2a and sent to the injection pipe 7 again by the circulation pump P1. This wash
Stops after the set time elapses.

Iii) Drainage When the circulation pump P1 stops, the process shifts to the drainage stroke. Here, the switching valve 9 connects the drain passage 3 to the water pump P2, the drain valve 10 is opened, and the water pump P2 operates. Thereby, the water in the water reservoir 2a is discharged to the outside of the dishwasher through the drainage channel 3.

When the water in the water reservoir 2a is exhausted, the load on the water supply pump is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to detect the change by measuring the change in the current value. In addition, it is possible to detect that the water in the water reservoir 2a has run out, for example, by using a water meter in the water reservoir 2a. Water reservoir 2a
When it is detected that the water in the pump has run out, the water pump P
2 is stopped, and the switching valve 9 is closed. iv) Rinsing by initial water supply When drainage after washing is completed, the rinsing process by initial water supply is started. Here, the control unit 6 sets the switching valve 9 to the second
It opens so that it may lead to the drainage channel 3 from a use channel, and the water supply valve 12
Is closed, and the water pump P2 is operated. Thereby, the initial supply water stored in the water storage tank 1 passes through the second use flow path 4b, the drainage path 3 and the third use flow path 4c, and is supplied to the hot water supply port 2
1 flows into the washing tank 2. The initial water supply supplied to the cleaning tank 2 is stored in the water storage section 2a. When the water in the water storage tank 1 runs out, this can be detected by measuring a change in the current value of the water supply pump, using a water meter in the water storage tank 1, or the like. The water pump P2 is stopped by the detection, and the switching valve 9 is closed. Then, the circulation pump P1 is operated, and the water in the water reservoir 2a is discharged from the injection pipe 7.
Rinse tableware by squirting from After a predetermined time,
The control unit 6 stops the circulation pump P1. In this rinsing process, it is also possible to open the water supply valve 12 and supply hot water from the water heater to add the hot water from the water storage tank 1 to the water sent to the water reservoir 2a.

V) Drainage When the circulation pump P1 stops, the water in the water reservoir 2a is drained in the same manner as in the above iii) drainage process.

Vi) Rinse by water supply from water heater When drainage is completed, the process shifts to a rinsing step by water supply from the water heater. Here, the switching valve 9 and the drain valve 10 are closed, and the water supply valve 12 is opened. Thereby, water (normally, hot water) is sent from the water heater, and is stored in the water reservoir 2a. When a predetermined amount of water is stored, the circulation pump P1 is operated, and water is sprayed from the spray pipe 7 to tableware in the washing tank to perform rinsing. After the set time,
The control unit 6 stops the circulation pump P1.

Vii) Repetition of rinsing The above-mentioned v) drainage, vi)
The rinsing process by the water supply from the water heater is repeated as appropriate. Finally, a drainage process is performed, and the washing of the dishes is completed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the initial supply water stored in the water storage tank 1 is supplied to the use flow paths 4a, 4a.
Through the b and 4c, the water is stored in the water storage section 2a, and is used for rinsing of tableware, so that the initial water supply can be effectively used.

(II) Second Embodiment The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 has substantially the same structure as that of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, except that the third usage channel 4c in FIG. A flow path 4d is provided. The use flow path 4d extends upward so as to branch off from the drainage path 3 downstream of the water supply pump P2, and the heat exchanger 1 at the top of the dishwasher.
It extends downward through 4 and is again connected to the drain 3.
A switching valve 1 is provided at the connection point between the drainage channel 3 and the use flow path 4d.
0 is provided. The heat exchanger 14 is installed in a ventilation port 17 that penetrates the upper portion of the dishwasher door 16 as shown in FIG.
a and FIG. 5b. That is,
A part of the use flow path 4d is bent in a zigzag manner to form a heat exchange path 4d ', and a plurality of fins 15 crossing the heat exchange path 4d' are in contact with the heat exchange path 4d '. Fin 15 is provided with ventilation port 17
Extends parallel to the direction penetrating the dishwasher door 16, and the steam discharged from the washing tank 2 through the ventilation port 17 is
It flows between the fins 15.

The dishwasher according to this embodiment does not have the step of “iv) rinsing by initial water supply” in the embodiment of FIG. 1, and instead performs the following exhaust cooling step.
After a series of washing and rinsing, the washing tank 2 contains
Since the steam from the hot water is full,
Discharge by 3. The fan 13 sends air outside the dishwasher into the washing tank, whereby the steam in the washing tank 2 is exhausted from the ventilation port 17. At this time, the control unit 6
The switching valve 10 is switched from the state in which the drainage channel 3 is opened to the outside of the dishwasher to be connected to the third usage flow path 4d, and the switching valve 9 is switched so as to communicate from the water storage tank 1 to the drainage channel 3. Activate P2. This allows
The initial water supply in the water storage tank 1 is based on the second use flow path 4b,
After passing through the use flow path 4d, passing through the heat exchanger 14, the drainage path 3
And discharged out of the dishwasher. The fins 15 are cooled by the cold initial supply water flowing through the heat exchange path 4d 'of the heat exchanger 14. As a result, the steam flowing between the fins 15 is cooled and condensed. Therefore, cleaning tank 2
The amount of steam contained in the exhaust air is reduced, and a large amount of steam is prevented from spreading to the kitchen or the like.

The heat exchanger 14 may be provided on the wall of the main body of the dishwasher, in addition to being provided on the door of the dishwasher as described above.

In the connection portion X between the third use flow path 4d and the drainage path 3, if there is a problem of backflow of drainage from the drainage path 3 to the third use flow path 4d, this is to prevent this. Various means can be taken. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the third drainage direction indicated by arrow X1 and the third usage flow path 4d connected to drainage channel 3 indicated by arrow X2 intersect at an acute angle. A flow path can be provided, and a directional switching valve (not shown) can be provided at the connection portion X.

(III) Third Embodiment The embodiment shown in FIG. 3 has substantially the same structure as that of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, except that the third usage flow path 4c in FIG. A flow path 4e is provided. The use flow path 4e extends so as to branch off from the drainage path 3 downstream of the water supply pump P2, and is connected to the water storage tank 1.
A switching valve 1 is provided at a connection point between the drainage channel 3 and the use channel 4e.
8 are provided. That is, the use flow path 4e, together with the second use flow path 4b extending from the water storage tank 1 and the drainage path 3 connected thereto, forms a circulation flow path for returning the initial water supplied from the initial water supply to the water storage tank 1 again. ing. And, in the middle of this circulation channel, the circulation pump P of the dishwasher is provided.
1 is provided for cooling the pump. That is, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the second usage path 4b includes a cooling flow path 4b ′ that surrounds the circulation pump P1. Circulation pump P1
Has a plurality of fins 19 extending from its body in the radial direction. The cooling channel 4b 'extends through these fins 19.

The dishwasher according to this embodiment does not have the step of "iv) rinsing by initial water supply" in the embodiment of FIG. 1, and instead performs the following pump cooling step. When the water supply pump P2 drains water from the water reservoir 2a, the switching valve 9 connects the drainage passage 3 to the water supply pump P2.
And the switching valve 18 is connected to the drain 3
Can be switched out of the dishwasher. On the other hand, when drainage is not performed and it is desirable to cool the circulation pump P1 such as during operation of the circulation pump P1, the switching valve 9 connects the second use flow path 4b to the drainage path 3. And the switching valve 18 is connected to the drain 3
Is connected to the third usage channel 4e.
In this state, when the water supply pump P2 is operated, the initial supply of water in the water storage tank 1 flows through the second use flow path 4b, the drainage path 3, and the third use flow path 4e while circulating through the cooling flow path. 4
The water pump P2 is cooled at b '. Therefore, the circulation flow path formed in this way absorbs heat during operation of the water supply pump, and prevents overheating to ensure reliable operation.

It should be noted that such a circulation flow path may be formed so as to surround the water supply pump P2 and further other pumps (not shown) in addition to the circulation pump P1 as described above, and may be used for cooling them. it can.

(IV) Fourth Embodiment The embodiment shown in FIG. 4 has substantially the same structure as the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, but does not include the third use flow path 4c in FIG. Instead, a cooling valve 20 is provided in the second usage flow path 4b. The cooling valve 20 is connected to the control unit 6
It opens and closes in response to a control signal from.

The dishwasher according to this embodiment does not have the step of "iv) rinsing by initial water supply" in the embodiment of FIG. 1, and instead performs the following drainage cooling step.
When the water pump P2 is operated and hot water is discharged from the water reservoir 2a via the drain passage 3, the cooling valve 20 is opened by a command from the controller 6. Thereby, the initial supply water in the water storage tank 1 is mixed with the discharged hot water and discharged. Therefore, the temperature of the wastewater flowing out of the dishwasher decreases. If the hot water is discharged from the water reservoir 2a as it is, a large amount of water vapor is generated due to the high temperature, and the hot water is spread to the kitchen and the like. On the other hand, if the temperature of the discharged wastewater is reduced by mixing the cold initial supply water in the water storage tank 1 with the hot water at the time of drainage, the amount of steam generated outside the dishwasher is reduced. Can be reduced.

The opening of the cooling valve 20 is adjusted in accordance with the amount and temperature of the hot water to be discharged so that the amount of the initial supply of water is adjusted to an appropriate amount.

[0030]

As described above, according to the present invention, a dishwasher having the following effects can be provided. That is, a water storage tank different from the water storage section of the dishwasher, a control valve for controlling the flow of water into and out of the water storage tank, a use flow path for using water in the water storage tank, and water in the water storage tank. By providing a water supply pump for sending to the use flow path and a control unit that controls the control valve so as to introduce the initial supply water to the water storage tank, the initial supply water is stored in the water storage tank and is flowed to the use flow path as necessary. Thereby, the initial water supply can be effectively used.

In particular, when the use flow path is arranged so that water passing through the use flow path is stored in the water storage section, the initial supply water stored in the water storage tank passes through the use flow path to the water storage section. Stored and used for rinsing tableware.

When the washing tank is provided with a fan for taking in outside air and a ventilation port with a heat exchanger, the use channel may be connected to the heat exchange channel in the heat exchanger. As a result, the cold initial supply water in the water storage tank flows through the heat exchange flow path, and the steam in the washing tank discharged from the ventilation port is cooled and condensed. Therefore, the steam contained in the exhaust gas from the washing tank is reduced, and a large amount of steam is prevented from spreading to the kitchen or the like.

Further, the use flow path is a circulation flow path which is connected to the water storage tank again from the water storage tank via the water supply pump, and at least one of the at least one flow path provided in the dishwasher at the time of circulation.
It can be used for cooling of two pumps, so that the cold initial water supply absorbs the heat during the operation of the water pump and prevents overheating and ensures reliable operation.

Further, the utilization flow path is connected to a drainage channel of the washing tank and can be used for cooling the wastewater from the washing tank. And the temperature of the discharged wastewater can be lowered. As a result, the amount of steam generated outside the dishwasher can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a dishwasher according to different embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a dishwasher according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a dishwasher according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a dishwasher according to another embodiment of the present invention.

5A is a longitudinal sectional view of the heat exchanger in FIG. 2, and FIG. 5B is a transverse sectional view of the heat exchanger in FIG.

6A is a longitudinal sectional view of the cooling flow channel in FIG. 3, and FIG. 6B is a transverse sectional view of the cooling flow channel in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Water storage tank 2 Washing tank 3 Drainage channel 4 Usage flow path 5 Water storage valve 6 Control part 7 Injection pipe 8 Circulation path 9,10 Switching valve 11 Connection part 12 Water supply valve 13 Fan

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Yosuke Nagasawa 4-1-2, Hirano-cho, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka F-term in Osaka Gas Co., Ltd. (reference) 3B082 BD01 BD05 DC02 DC03 DC04

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A dishwasher for washing tableware by circulating water stored in a water reservoir below a washing tank and connected to a water heater to wash the tableware, wherein a water reservoir provided separately from the water reservoir. A tank; a control valve for controlling the flow of water into and out of the water storage tank; a use flow path connected to the tank to use water in the water storage tank; and a use flow of water in the water storage tank. A dishwasher comprising: a water pump for sending water to a road; and a control unit that controls the control valve so that initial water supplied from the water heater is introduced into the water storage tank when washing is started. Machine. 2. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the use flow path is disposed so that water passing through the use flow path is stored in the water storage section. 3. A fan for sending outside air into the washing tank,
Further, a ventilation port for discharging air in the cleaning tank is further provided, and a heat exchanger is provided in the ventilation port, and the use flow path is connected to a heat exchange flow path in the heat exchanger. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein: 4. The circulation path, wherein the utilization flow path is connected to the water storage tank again from the water storage tank via the water supply pump, and the at least one pump provided in the dishwasher at the time of circulation. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the dishwasher is used for cooling. 5. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the use channel is connected to a drain of a washing tank and is used for cooling wastewater from the washing tank.