JP2006280518A - Dishwasher - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a dishwasher capable of securely sterilizing a part where bacteria easily propagate, and being hygienically used. <P>SOLUTION: A photocatalytic material is applied to a leftover filter 17 and a lower filter 80, and LEDs 82a and 82b are disposed for emitting ultraviolet rays between the leftover filter 17 and the lower filter 80. The LEDs 82a and 82b are attached in such away that the distal ends project from the upper surface of the lower filter 80. Ultraviolet rays are directly applied to the rear surface of the leftover filter 17 and the front surface of the lower filter 80, and the ultraviolet rays escaping downward from the lower filter 80 are reflected on the surface of water stored in a water storage recess 31 to reach the rear surface of the lower filter 80. In this way, the photocatalyst is activated, and the leftover filter 17 and the lower filter 80 where bacteria most easily propagate are effectively sterilized. Accordingly, generation of malodor and sliminess in the filters can be prevented and propagation of bacteria inside a washing tub 14 can be prohibited, so that the dishwasher 10 can be hygienically used. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a dishwasher for washing dishes by circulating water in a washing tank. Specifically, the present invention relates to a dishwasher having a function of sterilizing a filter for filtering out leftovers while the operation is stopped.

  There is known a dishwasher that circulates a predetermined amount of water supplied into a washing tank by a pump to wash dishes stored in the washing tank. For example, in a dishwasher like Patent Document 1, a bottom portion that is one step lower is formed on the bottom surface of the washing tank, and the bottom portion communicates with a washing pump. The water supplied into the washing tank collects at the bottom. When the cleaning pump is driven, water is sucked from the bottom, and water is circulated by being injected into the cleaning tank. At the time of drainage, the water in the cleaning tank sucked from the bottom is drained to the outside. Although not specified in the dishwasher of Patent Document 1, in a normal dishwasher, a water reservoir recess such as the bottom is covered with a filter, and solids such as leftovers are mixed into the water sucked from the water reservoir recess. To prevent it.

In the dishwasher as described above, leftovers accumulate on the filter covering the water reservoir recess at the end of operation. The leftovers are removed by the user, but small leftovers that cannot be removed may remain. If the dishwasher is not used for a long period of time in this state, even if the amount of leftovers is small, there is a risk that germs will propagate in the leftovers. The propagation of various germs causes unpleasant odors and slime, and is unsanitary.
In the dishwasher of patent document 1, the inside of a washing tank is sterilized by irradiation of ultraviolet rays. An ultraviolet lamp that irradiates ultraviolet rays is attached to the middle of the side wall of the washing tub, and a notch is provided in the rack for storing tableware so that ultraviolet rays are radiated to the bottom of the washing tub. When the operation ends, the ultraviolet light is turned on and the leftovers are irradiated with ultraviolet light. With this configuration, the leftovers are directly irradiated with ultraviolet rays, and propagation of various germs can be delayed.

JP-A-4-364825

In many dishwashers, a detachable filter is disposed at the upper end of a water reservoir recess, and another filter is fixed between the filter and the water surface of the water stored in the water reservoir recess. In a dishwasher, it is these filters that store leftovers that are most likely to propagate germs. If these filters can be reliably sterilized, it is possible to effectively suppress the propagation of germs in the washing tank and to use the dishwasher in a sanitary manner.
In the dishwasher of patent document 1, in order to irradiate ultraviolet rays to the tableware accommodated in the washing tank, the ultraviolet lamp is arrange | positioned in the middle of the inner wall of the washing tank. In order to sterilize the bottom of the washing tank, the germs are most likely to propagate by the ultraviolet rays emitted from this ultraviolet lamp. A rack is provided with a notch so that the ultraviolet rays can reach the bottom. Yes.
However, if two filters are arranged in the water reservoir recess, the surface of the upper filter is irradiated with ultraviolet light in a configuration in which ultraviolet light is irradiated from above the filter as in the dishwasher of Patent Document 1. However, it is difficult for ultraviolet rays to reach the back surface of the upper filter and the lower filter. The surface of the upper filter is easily dried together with the tableware and the washing tub in the tableware drying process. However, since the back surface of the upper filter and both surfaces of the lower filter are difficult to dry because water has accumulated in the water reservoir recesses, there is a high possibility that germs will propagate compared to the surface of the upper filter. In addition, fine leftovers that have passed through the upper filter may adhere to the lower filter, but the lower filter is often fixed, and the user can use this fine leftover. It is rare to notice and clean the lower filter. Even if a small amount of leftovers are left unattended, breeding of miscellaneous bacteria is inevitable, causing odors and slimyness.
An object of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher that can reliably sterilize a place where germs easily propagate and can be used in a sanitary manner.

  The dishwasher of the present invention cleans dishes by circulating water in a washing tank. This dishwasher covers the upper part of a water tank recess that communicates with a washing tank for storing tableware and a recess formed on the bottom surface of the washing tank and sucking water in the washing tank, and has a sterilizing power. A first filter that carries a photocatalyst having a first filter, a second filter that is disposed between the first filter and the water surface of the water stored in the water reservoir recess, and carries a photocatalyst having sterilizing power; A light emitting diode that emits light including ultraviolet rays is provided between the filter and the second filter.

In a dishwasher in which two filters are disposed in the water reservoir recess, if these filters can be reliably sterilized, it is possible to effectively suppress the propagation of germs in the washing tank. In particular, the back surface of the upper filter and the both surfaces of the lower filter are more likely to propagate germs than the surface of the upper filter.
When the photocatalytic material absorbs ultraviolet light energy, it decomposes water adhering to the surface of the photocatalytic material and generates OH radicals. OH radicals are highly active and react with organic substances such as bacteria, malodors and slime, and decompose. Utilizing this action, a photocatalyst is carried on a member where bacteria can easily propagate, and this member can be irradiated with ultraviolet light, thereby providing a sterilizing function, deodorizing function, and antifouling function. It becomes.
The dishwasher of the present invention includes a light emitting diode that irradiates light including ultraviolet rays between two filters, with the photocatalyst carried on the two filters disposed above and below the water reservoir recess. According to this configuration, light rays including ultraviolet rays are directly applied to the back surface of the upper filter and the surface of the lower filter. Further, the light beam including ultraviolet rays irradiated downward through the lower filter is reflected by the water surface of the water stored in the water reservoir recess and is also applied to the back surface of the lower filter. As a result, the photocatalyst carried on the two filters can be activated, and the filter that is most prone to breeding germs can be effectively sterilized.
Titanium oxide is suitable as the photocatalytic material. Also suitable is an apatite-coated titanium dioxide photocatalyst. The apatite-coated titanium dioxide photocatalyst is activated not only by ultraviolet rays but also by light having a wavelength in the visible light range (up to about 700 nm). Apatite-coated titanium dioxide photocatalyst adsorbs germs, bad odors, and slime by apatite, and can keep germs, bad odors, slime, etc. on the surface of the photocatalyst material. can do.

In the dishwasher of this invention, it is preferable that the light emitting diode is arrange | positioned so that a front-end | tip part may protrude from the upper surface of a 2nd filter.
According to this configuration, it is possible to effectively irradiate the back surface of the upper filter and the surface of the lower filter with light rays including ultraviolet rays. In addition, the wiring of the light emitting diode can be easily routed and waterproofed, which is advantageous for assembly.

Or in the dishwasher of this invention, the light emitting diode may be arrange | positioned so that a front-end | tip part may protrude from the inner surface of the side wall of a water reservoir recessed part between the 1st filter and the 2nd filter.
Even with this configuration, it is possible to effectively irradiate the back surface of the upper filter and the surface of the lower filter with light rays including ultraviolet rays, and the wiring and waterproofing of the light emitting diodes are easy. The configuration is advantageous for attachment.

Alternatively, in the dishwasher of the present invention, a part of the side wall between the first filter and the second filter of the water reservoir recess is formed of a member that transmits the light beam, and the light emitting diode is disposed outside the light beam transmission member. The structure which radiates | emits a light beam from may be sufficient.
Even with this configuration, it is possible to effectively irradiate the back surface of the upper filter and the surface of the lower filter with light rays including ultraviolet rays, and the wiring and waterproofing of the light emitting diodes are easy. The configuration is advantageous for attachment.

The dishwasher of the present invention having the above-described configuration is provided with time measuring means for starting time measurement at the end of operation, and control means for controlling turning on and off of the light emitting diode, and the control means measures time by the time measuring means. It is preferable that the light emitting diode is turned on when the non-operation duration time reaches a predetermined time, and the light emitting diode is turned off when the operation is started.
If the dishwasher is used at a normal frequency (for example, twice a day), there is no need to worry about the propagation of germs. That is, it is not necessary to start the sterilization immediately after the operation is completed, and if the sterilization is started when the non-operation state continues to some extent (for example, when it continues for 12 hours), the sanitation of the dishwasher is sufficiently maintained. can do. Therefore, if the light emitting diode is turned on when the non-operation duration reaches a predetermined time as in the present invention, the light emitting diode is effectively sterilized while eliminating unnecessary lighting of the light emitting diode. be able to.

  According to the dishwasher of the present invention, it is possible to sterilize a place where germs are most likely to propagate in the dishwasher. For this reason, generation | occurrence | production of a bad smell, sliminess, etc. can be prevented effectively, and it can suppress that a microbe propagates in a washing tank by extension, and can use a dishwasher hygienically.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described.
(1) A washable tank is housed in the main body of the dishwasher.
(2) An apatite-coated titanium dioxide photocatalyst is used as the photocatalytic material. Apatite-coated titanium dioxide photocatalytic material is applied to both surfaces of the two filters attached to the water reservoir recess.
(3) The light emitting diode mainly uses a material that emits light having a wavelength of 360 to 400 nm.
(4) The number of the pumps communicating with the water reservoir recess is one, and both the cleaning pump for sending water into the cleaning tank and the drainage pump for draining the water in the cleaning tank to the outside of the machine are combined.
(5) Of the two filters attached to the water reservoir recess, the upper filter (first filter) is detachably attached, and the lower filter (second filter) projects from the bottom surface of the water reservoir recess. Screws are fixed to the bosses.
(6) When the light emitting diode is disposed so as to protrude from the lower filter, a substantially cylindrical boss for mounting the light emitting diode is protruded from the bottom surface of the water reservoir recess so that the tip protrudes upward at the upper end of the boss. Attach the light emitting diode to the liquid. When the lower filter is fixed at a predetermined position of the water reservoir recess, a hole is formed in the lower filter so that the tip of the light emitting diode protrudes from the upper surface of the lower filter.
(7) When arrange | positioning so that a light emitting diode may protrude from the side wall of a water reservoir recessed part, a light emitting diode is attached so that a front-end | tip may protrude at the end of a substantially cylindrical light emitting diode support member. When the light emitting diode support member is fixed to the boss extending downward from the back surface of the bottom surface of the cleaning tank, a hole is formed in the side wall of the water reservoir recess so that the tip of the light emitting diode protrudes from the side wall of the water reservoir recess into the water reservoir recess. . This hole and the tip of the light emitting diode are attached in a liquid-tight manner.
(8) When arrange | positioning so that a light emitting diode may be faced through the window of the ultraviolet light transmission glass fitted by the side wall of a water reservoir recessed part, a light emitting diode is inserted in the end of a substantially cylindrical light emitting diode support member. When the light emitting diode support member is fixed to the boss extending downward from the back surface of the bottom surface of the cleaning tank, the tip of the light emitting diode faces the inside of the water reservoir recess through the window of the ultraviolet light transmitting glass provided on the side wall of the water reservoir recess.

Example 1
A first embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a dishwasher 10 in which a door 15 is closed with respect to a main body 12. The door 15 is provided with a handle 15a, an operation panel 16, a lock lever 13, and an exhaust port 18. The operation panel 16 is provided with various buttons and lamps. By sliding the lock lever 13 in the lateral direction, the door 15 can be locked and unlocked (FIG. 1 shows a state in which the lock lever 13 is disposed at the lock position). The main body 12 slidably supports the cleaning tank 14 via rollers and rails (not shown). When the handle 15 a is pulled forward, the cleaning tank 14 is pulled out from the main body 12 together with the door 15. The exhaust port 18 communicates with the inside of the cleaning tank 14.

As shown in FIG. 2, a controller 60 is mounted in the door 15. The controller 60 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and controls the operation of the dishwasher 10. The controller 60 is connected to the operation panel 16, the pump 27, the heater 30, the water supply valve 41, the water level detector 45, the drying fan 52, the thermistor 55, the water leak detection sensor 59, and the like.
The cleaning tank 14 is formed in a box shape with an open top, and a seal lid 56 is disposed above the cleaning tank 14. The seal lid 56 is connected to the cleaning tank 14 by a lifting mechanism (not shown). In the state where the cleaning tank 14 is accommodated in the main body 12 (the state shown in FIGS. 1 and 2), the seal lid 56 is lowered to cover the upper opening of the cleaning tank 14. When the cleaning tank 14 is pulled out from the main body 12, the seal lid 56 rises to open the upper opening of the cleaning tank 14.

  Inside the cleaning tank 14, a cleaning nozzle 20, a dish basket 61, a leftover filter 17, a lower filter 80, a heater 30, a thermistor 55, and the like are mounted. The cleaning nozzle 20 includes a tower nozzle portion 23 composed of an upper nozzle 21 and a lower nozzle 22, and a horizontal nozzle portion 24. The cleaning nozzle 20 has a plurality of injection ports 21a, 22a, and 24a. The tableware basket 61 is formed in a shape corresponding to the tableware 19 in order to hold various tableware (large plate, small plate, bowl, cup, ladder, spoon, etc.) 19. The leftover filter 17 is formed in a mesh shape, and is provided for filtering out the leftovers washed away from the tableware 19 when the tableware 19 is washed. The leftover filter 17 is detachably attached to the cleaning tank 14, and can remove the leftovers that have been removed and filtered. The lower filter 80 is attached below the leftover filter 17. The lower filter 80 is screw-fixed and cannot be detached. The leftover filter 17 and the lower filter 80 will be described later. In the vicinity of the bottom surface 39 of the cleaning tank 14, an electric heater 30 for heating the cleaning water and the air in the cleaning tank 14 is attached. A thermistor 55 is mounted on the bottom surface 39 of the cleaning tank 14. The thermistor 55 detects the temperature of the water when the cleaning water and the rinsing water are put in the cleaning tank 14, and detects the air temperature when the cleaning water and the rinsing water are not put.

A water level detector 45 is provided at the lower portion outside the front portion of the cleaning tank 14. The water level detector 45 has a water level chamber 46, a float 47, a bar 48, and a switch 49. The water level chamber 46 is communicated with the water reservoir recess 31 by a water level path 50. The float 47 is disposed in the water level chamber 46. The bar 48 is fixed to the float 47 and protrudes upward from the water level chamber 46. The switch 49 is disposed above the bar 48.
A pump 27 is provided below the bottom surface 39 of the cleaning tank 14. The pump 27 rotates the impeller 28 by a built-in electric motor. The pump 27 can rotate the impeller 28 in one direction and can also rotate in the opposite direction.
A cleaning nozzle 20 is rotatably attached to the bottom surface 39 of the cleaning tank 14. The cleaning nozzle 20 and the first discharge port 11 of the pump 27 communicate with each other. Some of the plurality of injection ports 21a, 22a, 24a,... Formed in the cleaning nozzle 20 cause the cleaning nozzle 20 to generate a rotating moment when water is injected.
A water reservoir recess 31 is formed at the bottom of the cleaning tank 14. The upper opening of the water reservoir recess 31 is covered with a lower filter 80, and the leftover filter 17 is disposed above the upper opening. The portion where the impeller 28 of the pump 27 is disposed and the water reservoir recess 31 are communicated with each other by a suction flow path 32.

A drying fan 52 is attached to the outside of the rear wall 51 of the cleaning tank 14. The drying fan 52 rotates the fan 53 with a built-in motor. The drying fan 52 and the cleaning tank 14 are communicated with each other by a drying path 63, and the drying path 63 opens in the rear wall 51 of the cleaning tank 14. The drying fan 52 and the drying path 63 are disposed higher than the water level 54 (hereinafter referred to as “normal water level”) when the cleaning water is normally supplied to the cleaning tank 14. Water is prevented from entering the drying fan 52.
A drain hose 34 is connected to the rear wall 33 of the main body 12. The drain hose 34 and the second discharge port 35 of the pump 27 are communicated with each other by a drain channel 36. The middle of the drainage flow path 36 and the inside of the cleaning tank 14 are communicated by an air vent path 37. The air vent path 37 opens above the opening of the drying path 63. A drainage check valve 38 is mounted in the vicinity of a portion of the drainage channel 36 connected to the drainage hose 34. The drainage check valve 38 prevents drainage from flowing backward from the drainage hose 34 to the drainage flow path 36.
A recess 58 is formed in the bottom surface 57 at the rear of the main body 12. Two electrodes of a water leak detection sensor 59 are inserted into the recess 58. When water leaks from the cleaning tank 14 to the outside and the leaked water flows into the recess 58, the electrodes are connected and the water leak detection sensor 59 is turned on.

A water supply hose 40 is connected to a step formed horizontally in the middle of the rear wall 33 of the main body 12. The water supply hose 40 may be directly supplied with tap water (cold water) or may be supplied with hot water heated by a water heater. Hereinafter, tap water and hot water supplied to the water supply hose 40 are collectively referred to as water.
A water supply valve 41 is attached inside the rear wall 33. The water supply valve 41 is driven by a built-in solenoid to open and close. The inlet 44 of the water supply valve 41 and the water supply hose 40 are communicated with each other by a first water supply channel 42. The outlet 64 of the water supply valve 41 and the inside of the cleaning tank 14 are communicated with each other by the second water supply channel 43.

  After the operation of the dishwasher 10, the leftovers filtered off on the leftover filter 17 may be accumulated. If a long time elapses without the leftovers being completely removed, bacteria may propagate on the leftovers slightly attached to the leftover filter 17 and the lower filter 80, which may cause malodor and slimyness. Since the surface (upper surface) of the leftover filter 17 is dried in the drying process, malodors and sliminess are unlikely to occur. However, the water between the leftover filter 17 and the lower filter 80 and below the lower filter 80 is moistened because water is always accumulated in the water reservoir recess 31. Therefore, malodors and slime may occur on the back side of the leftover filter 17 and on both sides of the lower filter 80.

  The dishwasher 10 according to this embodiment includes a sterilization unit for the leftover filter 17 and the lower filter 80. Apatite-coated titanium dioxide photocatalyst is applied to the surfaces of the leftover filter 17 and the lower filter 80. The apatite-coated titanium dioxide photocatalyst is an action that decomposes germs adsorbed by apatite, malodor and slime by activated titanium dioxide by absorbing light energy when irradiated with ultraviolet rays or visible light up to about 700 nm. have. The part where the leftover filter 17 and the lower filter 80 are attached is hardly exposed to sunlight including sunlight or illumination. For this reason, a light emitting diode (hereinafter referred to as LED) that mainly emits light having a wavelength of 360 to 400 nm is used as an ultraviolet ray source. In addition, the light emitting diode used as a light source which activates an apatite covering titanium dioxide photocatalyst should just radiate | emit light with a wavelength of 360-700 nm.

  As shown in FIG. 3, step portions 70 and 72 are formed at the upper and middle portions of the side wall of the water reservoir recess 31, respectively. The upper step 70 supports the periphery of the leftover filter 17, and the lower step 72 supports the periphery of the lower filter 80. A boss 74 extending upward from the center of the bottom of the water reservoir 31 is formed. Bosses 76a and 76b extending upward from the bottom surface of the water reservoir recess 31 are formed on the left and right sides of the boss 74 in the drawing. The bosses 76a and 76b have a thick cylindrical shape, and packings 78a and 78b are attached to the upper ends. The height of the upper end surfaces of these bosses 74, 76 a, 76 b is equal to the height of the stepped portion 72. These bosses 74, 76 a, 76 b support the lower surface of the lower filter 80 together with the stepped portion 72. As shown in FIG. 4, the lower filter 80 is a resin-shaped rough net-shaped member, and has three holes 86, 88, and 90 formed therein. As shown in FIG. 3, LEDs 82a and 82b are inserted upward into the upper ends of the shaft holes of the bosses 76a and 76b, respectively. The LEDs 82a and 82b are liquid-tightly attached to the upper ends of the shaft holes of the bosses 76a and 76b by packings 78a and 78b. The wires of the LEDs 82a and 82b are routed into the main body 12 through the shaft holes of the bosses 76a and 76b. When the lower filter 80 is set, the tip portions of the LEDs 82 a and 82 b attached to the upper ends of the bosses 76 a and 76 b protrude from the upper surface of the lower filter 80 through the holes 86 and 90 of the lower filter 80. The lower filter 80 is fixed to the boss 74 by a screw 84 through a central hole 88.

The sterilization process of the leftover filter 17 and the lower filter 80 performed by the above configuration will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, when the operation of the dishwasher 10 is stopped in step S10, the process proceeds to step S12, and time measurement by a timer is started.
In step S14, if the start switch is turned on while the timer is counting (if YES), the timer timing is stopped, the process proceeds to step S24, and the operation is started.
In step S14, the start switch is not turned on while the timer is timing (not YES). If the timer time is 12 hours (YES) in step S16, the operation is stopped. 12 hours have passed. If the state in which the operation is stopped further continues, there is a risk that germs, malodors, slimyness, etc. may occur in the leftover filter 17 and the lower filter 80, so the process proceeds to step S18, and the LEDs 82a and 82b are turned on. Thereby, ultraviolet rays having a wavelength of 360 to 400 nm are emitted from the LEDs 82 a and 82 b protruding upward from the upper surface of the lower filter 80. The emitted ultraviolet light is mainly applied to the back surface of the leftover filter 17 and the upper surface of the lower filter 80. Further, the ultraviolet rays leaking downward from the lower filter 80 are reflected by the water surface of the water reservoir recess 31 and are also irradiated to the lower surface of the lower filter 80. Apatite-coated titanium dioxide photocatalyst is applied to the surfaces of the leftover filter 17 and the lower filter 80. If the apatite adsorbs germs, malodors, slime, etc., the titanium dioxide is activated by the irradiation of ultraviolet rays, and the germs, malodors, slime, etc. are decomposed. During the irradiation with ultraviolet rays, it is possible to prevent germs, bad odors, slimyness and the like from occurring on the surfaces of the leftover filter 17 and the lower filter 80.
The LEDs 82a and 82b are lit until the start switch is turned on (until YES) in step S20. When the start switch is turned on (YES in step S20), the process proceeds to step S22, the LEDs 82a and 82b are turned off, the process proceeds to step S24, the operation is started, and the process ends. Ultraviolet rays are emitted from the time when the operation is stopped until 12 hours elapses until immediately before the operation is started.

In the dishwasher in which the leftover filter and the lower filter are arranged vertically in the water reservoir recess as in the dishwasher 10 of the present embodiment, the germs are most likely to propagate in the leftover filter 17 and the lower filter 80. . If the leftover filter and the lower filter can be reliably sterilized, it is possible to effectively suppress the propagation of germs in the washing tank. The backside of the leftover filter and both sides of the lower filter are always moisturized because water is always stored in the lower part, and they are difficult to maintain, so there are more bacteria than the surface of the leftover filter. There is a high possibility of breeding.
The dishwasher 10 of this embodiment includes LEDs 82 a and 82 b that apply a photocatalytic material to the leftover filter 17 and the lower filter 80 and irradiate ultraviolet light between the leftover filter 17 and the lower filter 80. The LEDs 82 a and 82 b are attached so that the tips protrude from the upper surface of the lower filter 80. The wiring of the LEDs 82a and 82b can be easily routed and waterproofed, which is advantageous for assembly. According to this configuration, the back surface of the leftover filter 17 and the surface of the lower filter 80 are directly irradiated with ultraviolet rays. Further, the ultraviolet rays leaking downward from the lower filter 80 are reflected by the water surface of the water stored in the water reservoir recess 31 and hit the back surface of the lower filter 80. As a result, the photocatalyst applied to the surfaces of the leftover filter 17 and the lower filter 80 is activated, and the leftover filter 17 and the lower filter 80 that are most prone to breeding germs can be effectively sterilized. It is possible to effectively prevent the generation of bad odors and slime that tend to occur in the leftover filter 17 and the lower filter 80, and to suppress the propagation of germs in the washing tank 14, thereby sanitizing the dishwasher 10. Can be used.

(Example 2)
A second embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The structure of the dishwasher of the present embodiment is similar to the structure of the dishwasher of the first embodiment, and the vegetable filter and the lower filter are sterilized using a photocatalyst and an LED that emits ultraviolet rays. The same as in the first embodiment. The present embodiment and the first embodiment are slightly different in the form of the sterilization means of the leftover filter and the lower filter. Therefore, here, the difference between the present embodiment and the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the description of the common points will be omitted. The same reference numerals are used for the parts common to the present embodiment and the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 6, the leftover filter 17 and the supporting method are the same as in the first embodiment. The lower filter 80 is supported by the stepped portion 72 and the upper end surface of the boss 74, and is fixed to the boss 74 by a screw 84 through a central hole 88 of the lower filter 80. Apatite-coated titanium dioxide photocatalyst is applied to the surfaces of the leftover filter 17 and the lower filter 80. As the LEDs 82a and 82b, LEDs that emit light having a wavelength of 360 to 400 nm are mainly used.
Bosses 102a and 102b extending downward are formed at two locations on the back surface of the bottom surface 39 of the cleaning tank 14 with the water reservoir recess 31 interposed therebetween. LED support members 106a and 106b are fixed to the bosses 102a and 102b by screws 104a and 104b. The LED support members 106 a and 106 b have a substantially cylindrical shape and are fixed perpendicular to the side wall of the water reservoir recess 31. The LEDs 82a and 82b are inserted into one end sides of the LED support members 106a and 106b, and wiring is routed into the main body from the other end side. Holes are formed at two opposing positions on the side wall of the water reservoir recess 31. The front ends of the LEDs 82 a and 82 b inserted into the LED support members 106 a and 106 b protrude from the side wall of the water storage recess 31 into the water storage recess 31 through the holes in the side walls of the water storage recess 31. Packing 100a, 100b is attached to the back side of the two holes on the side wall of the water reservoir recess 31 (outside the water reservoir recess 31). The LEDs 82a and 82b are liquid-tightly attached to the holes in the side walls of the water reservoir recess 31 by packings 100a and 100b.

The procedure of the sterilization processing of the leftover filter 17 and the lower filter 80 performed by the above configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, and is performed by the processing procedure shown in FIG. That is, when it is detected that 12 hours have passed with the operation of the dishwasher 10 stopped, the LEDs 82a and 82b are turned on (steps S10 to S18). Thereby, ultraviolet rays having a wavelength of 360 to 400 nm are emitted from the LEDs 82 a and 82 b protruding inward from the side wall of the water reservoir recess 31. The emitted ultraviolet light is mainly applied to the back surface of the leftover filter 17 and the upper surface of the lower filter 80. Further, the ultraviolet rays leaking downward from the lower filter 80 are reflected by the water surface of the water reservoir recess 31 and are also irradiated to the lower surface of the lower filter 80. While the ultraviolet rays are irradiated by the action of the apatite-coated titanium dioxide photocatalyst applied to the surfaces of the leftover filter 17 and the lower filter 80, the surface of the leftover filter 17 and the lower filter 80 is contaminated with bacteria, bad odors, slime, etc. Is prevented from occurring.
When the start switch is turned on, the LEDs 82a and 82b are turned off, the operation is started, and the process ends (steps S20 to S24). Ultraviolet rays are emitted from the time when the operation is stopped until 12 hours elapses until immediately before the operation is started.

  The dishwasher 10 of this embodiment also includes LEDs 82 a and 82 b that apply a photocatalytic material to the leftover filter 17 and the lower filter 80 and irradiate ultraviolet light between the leftover filter 17 and the lower filter 80. The LEDs 82 a and 82 b are attached so that the tips protrude from holes formed in the side wall of the water reservoir recess 31 between the leftover filter 17 and the lower filter 80. The wiring of the LEDs 82a and 82b can be easily routed and waterproofed, which is advantageous for assembly. According to this configuration, the back surface of the leftover filter 17 and the surface of the lower filter 80 are directly irradiated with ultraviolet rays. Further, the ultraviolet rays leaking downward from the lower filter 80 are reflected by the water surface of the water stored in the water reservoir recess 31 and hit the back surface of the lower filter 80. As a result, the photocatalyst applied to the surfaces of the leftover filter 17 and the lower filter 80 is activated, and the leftover filter 17 and the lower filter 80 that are most prone to breeding germs can be effectively sterilized. It is possible to effectively prevent the generation of bad odors and slime that tend to occur in the leftover filter 17 and the lower filter 80, and to suppress the propagation of germs in the washing tank 14, thereby sanitizing the dishwasher 10. Can be used.

(Example 3)
A third embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The structure of the dishwasher of the present embodiment is similar to the structure of the dishwasher of the first embodiment and the second embodiment, and uses a photocatalyst and an LED that emits ultraviolet light to produce a leftover filter and a lower filter. These are the same in that they are sterilized. This embodiment is particularly similar to the configuration of the second embodiment, and the form of the sterilizing means for the leftover filter and the lower filter is slightly different. Therefore, here, the difference between the present embodiment and the second embodiment will be mainly described, and the description of the common points will be omitted. The same reference numerals are used for portions in common between this embodiment and other embodiments.
As shown in FIG. 7, the leftover filter 17, the lower filter 80, and the supporting method thereof are the same as in the second embodiment. Apatite-coated titanium dioxide photocatalyst is applied to the surfaces of the leftover filter 17 and the lower filter 80. As the LEDs 82a and 82b, LEDs that emit light having a wavelength of 360 to 400 nm are mainly used.
Bosses 102a and 102b extending downward are formed at two locations on the back surface of the bottom surface 39 of the cleaning tank 14 with the water reservoir recess 31 interposed therebetween. LED support members 106a and 106b are fixed to the bosses 102a and 102b by screws 104a and 104b. The LED support members 106 a and 106 b have a substantially cylindrical shape and are fixed perpendicular to the side wall of the water reservoir recess 31. The LEDs 82a and 82b are inserted into one end sides of the LED support members 106a and 106b, and wiring is routed into the main body from the other end side. Ultraviolet transmitting glasses 110 a and 110 b are fitted into two opposing portions of the side wall of the water reservoir recess 31. The ultraviolet light transmitting glasses 110a and 110b are liquid-tightly attached to the side wall of the water reservoir recess 31 by packing (not shown). The tip portions of the LEDs 82a and 82b inserted into the LED support members 106a and 106b face the inside of the water reservoir recess 31 from the side wall of the water reservoir recess 31 through the ultraviolet light transmitting glasses 110a and 110b.

The procedure of the sterilization processing of the leftover filter 17 and the lower filter 80 performed by the above configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment and the second embodiment, and is performed by the processing procedure shown in FIG. That is, when it is detected that 12 hours have passed with the operation of the dishwasher 10 stopped, the LEDs 82a and 82b are turned on (steps S10 to S18). As a result, ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 360 to 400 nm is emitted from the LEDs 82a and 82b facing the inner side through the ultraviolet light transmitting glasses 110a and 110b on the side wall of the water reservoir recess 31. The emitted ultraviolet light is mainly applied to the back surface of the leftover filter 17 and the upper surface of the lower filter 80. Further, the ultraviolet rays leaking downward from the lower filter 80 are reflected by the water surface of the water reservoir recess 31 and are also irradiated to the lower surface of the lower filter 80. While the ultraviolet rays are irradiated by the action of the apatite-coated titanium dioxide photocatalyst applied to the surfaces of the leftover filter 17 and the lower filter 80, the surface of the leftover filter 17 and the lower filter 80 is contaminated with bacteria, bad odors, slime, etc. Is prevented from occurring.
When the start switch is turned on, the LEDs 82a and 82b are turned off, the operation is started, and the process ends (steps S20 to S24). Ultraviolet rays are emitted from the time when the operation is stopped until 12 hours elapses until immediately before the operation is started.

  The dishwasher 10 of this embodiment also includes LEDs 82 a and 82 b that apply a photocatalytic material to the leftover filter 17 and the lower filter 80 and irradiate ultraviolet light between the leftover filter 17 and the lower filter 80. A window formed of ultraviolet transmissive glass 110a, 110b is provided on the side wall of the water reservoir recess 31 between the leftover filter 17 and the lower filter 80, and the tips of the LEDs 82a, 82b pass through the window to the water reservoir recess 31. It is installed to face the inside. There is no need for waterproofing of the LEDs 82a and 82b, wiring is easy, and the structure is advantageous for assembly. According to this configuration, the back surface of the leftover filter 17 and the surface of the lower filter 80 are irradiated with ultraviolet rays. Further, the ultraviolet rays leaking downward from the lower filter 80 are reflected by the water surface of the water stored in the water reservoir recess 31 and hit the back surface of the lower filter 80. As a result, the photocatalyst applied to the surfaces of the leftover filter 17 and the lower filter 80 is activated, and the leftover filter 17 and the lower filter 80 that are most prone to breeding germs can be effectively sterilized. It is possible to effectively prevent the generation of bad odors and slime that tend to occur in the leftover filter 17 and the lower filter 80, and to suppress the propagation of germs in the washing tank 14, thereby sanitizing the dishwasher 10. Can be used.

  If the dishwasher is used at a normal frequency (for example, twice a day), there is no need to worry about the propagation of germs. That is, it is not necessary to start the sterilization immediately after the operation is completed, and if the sterilization is started when the non-operation state continues to some extent (for example, when it continues for 12 hours), the sanitation of the dishwasher is sufficiently maintained. can do. Therefore, as in the first to third embodiments, if the LED 82a and 82b are turned on when the non-operation duration time is 12 hours, the unnecessary lighting of the LEDs 82a and 82b is eliminated. Effective sterilization can be performed.

Specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, but these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes of the specific examples illustrated above.
In the first to third embodiments, the LEDs 82a and 82b are turned on when the non-driving duration is 12 hours. However, even if the user can set the timing for turning on the LEDs 82a and 82b. Good.
When the LEDs 82a and 82b are turned on, not only the leftover filter 17 and the lower filter 80 are irradiated, but also the ultraviolet light leaking from the lower filter 80 is also irradiated to the inner surface of the water reservoir recess 31, so that the photocatalyst is also applied to this portion. Materials may be applied to add a sterilizing function. Further, the photocatalytic material may be applied directly to the inner surface of the water reservoir recess 31, or another member is provided inside the water reservoir recess 31 to form a double structure, and the photocatalyst material is applied to the member disposed inside. Also good. In addition, water is stored in the water reservoir recess 31. Since ultraviolet rays are inferior in water to visible light compared to visible rays, a photocatalytic material that is activated by visible light such as an apatite-coated titanium dioxide photocatalyst as a photocatalytic material in order to effectively sterilize the inner surface of the water reservoir recess 31. It is preferable to use an LED that emits visible light as a light source.
In the third embodiment, since an LED that mainly emits light having a wavelength of 360 to 400 nm is used, an ultraviolet light transmissive glass is used as a light transmissive member, but it is appropriately changed to another member that transmits ultraviolet light. can do. In addition, when using a photocatalytic material activated by visible light such as apatite-coated titanium dioxide photocatalyst and using an LED that emits visible light as a light source, a member that transmits visible light is appropriately selected as the light transmissive member. Can do.
In the first to third embodiments, an LED that emits ultraviolet light or visible light and a photocatalytic material that is activated using the LED as a light source are used. It goes without saying that a photocatalytic material activated as a light source may be used.
In the first to third embodiments, sterilization is performed using two LEDs 82a and 82b, but the number of LEDs can be selected as appropriate. Moreover, the shape of the member for fixing the LEDs 82a and 82b, the fixing method thereof, the mounting angle of the LEDs 82a and 82b, and the like can be selected as appropriate.
In the first to third embodiments, there is one pump 27 communicating with the water reservoir recess 31, and a cleaning pump for sending water into the cleaning tank 14 and water in the cleaning tank 14 are drained outside the apparatus. Although the drainage pump is also used, the cleaning pump and the drainage pump may be separate pumps.
In addition, the technical elements described in the present specification or drawings exhibit technical usefulness alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technology illustrated in the present specification or the drawings achieves a plurality of objects at the same time, and has technical utility by achieving one of the objects.

The external appearance perspective view of the dishwasher of 1st Example. The schematic cross section of the tableware washing machine of 1st Example. The schematic cross section of the water reservoir recessed part of 1st Example. The perspective view of the lower filter of 1st Example. The flowchart showing the process after the driving | operation completion | finish of the tableware washing machine of a present Example. The schematic cross section of the water reservoir recessed part of 2nd Example. The schematic cross section of the water reservoir recessed part of 3rd Example.

Explanation of symbols

10: Dishwasher 12: Main body 14: Washing tank 17: Leftover filter 31: Reservoir recess 39: Bottom surface 70 (of washing tank) 70: Stepped portion 72: Stepped portion 74: Boss 76a, 76b: Boss 78a, 78b: Packing 80: Lower filters 82a and 82b: Light emitting diodes (LEDs)
84: Screw 86: Hole 88: Hole 90: Hole 100a, 100b: Packing 102a, 102b: Boss 104a, 104b: Screw 106a, 106b: LED support member 110a, 110b: UV transmitting glass

Claims (5)

A dishwasher that circulates water in the washing tank to wash dishes,
A washing tank for storing tableware;
A first filter that is a recess formed on the bottom surface of the cleaning tank and covers the upper part of the water reservoir recess communicating with a pump that sucks water in the cleaning tank and carries a photocatalyst having a sterilizing power;
A second filter that is disposed between the first filter and the water surface of the water stored in the water reservoir recess and carries a photocatalyst having sterilizing power;
A dishwasher comprising: a light emitting diode that emits light including ultraviolet rays between the first filter and the second filter.   2. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting diode is disposed such that a tip portion protrudes from an upper surface of the second filter.   2. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting diode is disposed on an inner surface of a side wall of the water reservoir recess so that a tip end portion protrudes between the first filter and the second filter. .   A part of the side wall between the first filter and the second filter of the water reservoir recess is formed of a member that transmits the light beam, and the light emitting diode emits a light beam from the outside of the light transmitting member. The dishwasher according to claim 1.   A timing means for starting timing at the end of the operation of the dishwasher, and a control means for controlling turning on and off of the light emitting diodes, the control means being a non-operation duration time counted by the timing means is a predetermined time The dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the light emitting diode is turned on when the operation is started, and the light emitting diode is turned off when the operation is started.

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