JP3059861B2 - Dishwasher - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a dishwasher and dryer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a conventional dishwasher / dryer, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 60-48724, at the time of washing, washing water spouted into a dishwashing room is circulated, and washing after washing is performed. There is one in which the transmittance of water is detected by an optical sensor including a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. Here, the optical sensor irradiates the light from the light emitting section to the cleaning liquid at predetermined intervals, detects the output of the light receiving section at that time, and detects the transmittance of the cleaning liquid, that is, the contamination of the cleaning liquid. .

[0003] Then, as the washing proceeds, the washing water becomes dirty and the transmittance decreases, and eventually the stains on the dishes and the like are removed and the transmittance of the washing water becomes constant. The dryer is controlled to end the washing.

[0004]

However, in such a conventional dishwasher / dryer, depending on the quality of the stains attached to the dishes and the like, all the stains may not be removed even after washing for a certain period of time. However, in this case, the dishwasher finishes the washing if the permeability of the washing liquid does not change even if dirt remains on the dishes and the like.

[0005] In such a case, the cleaning operation has to be repeated again, and there is a problem that the operation becomes twice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher which can surely remove dirt attached to dishes and the like.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention, during cleaning, dishwasher where Ru is circulated washing water released to the dishwashing compartment
In, an optical sensor that detects the permeability of the washing water, a gas sensor that detects the gas component of dirt attached to tableware and the like,
A dirt determining unit that determines the type of dirt based on the output from the gas sensor; and a storage unit that stores a table in which the optimal cleaning time and cleaning water temperature for cleaning are predetermined according to the type and amount of dirt. On the other hand, at the time of cleaning, the type of dirt is determined by the dirt determination unit and the amount of dirt is determined from the transmittance detected by the optical sensor, and the cleaning time and the cleaning time obtained from the table according to these determination results. And a control device for performing cleaning at the temperature of the cleaning water.

[0008]

[0009]

With this configuration, during cleaning, the gas component of the dirt filling the dishwashing chamber can be detected by the gas sensor, and the transmittance of the cleaning water after cleaning can be detected by the optical sensor. it can. In addition, the control device can determine the type of dirt based on the output from the gas sensor by the dirt determining unit, and can also determine the amount of dirt from the transmittance detected by the optical sensor. Then, the optimum cleaning time and cleaning water temperature for the cleaning stored in the storage unit according to these determination results are changed to the cleaning time and cleaning water temperature obtained from a table predetermined according to the type and amount of dirt. Cleaning can be performed.

[0010]

[0011]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a dishwasher main body 2;
Dishwashing room formed at the upper part of the dishwasher (hereinafter referred to as the main body) and having a tableware storage opening 1a on the front surface, 2a is a door for opening and closing the tableware storage opening 1a, and 3 is rotatable at the lower central portion of the dishwashing room 1. Is a nozzle for jetting the washing water and the rinsing water, and 4 is a heater for heating the washing water.

At the front of the bottom of the dishwashing chamber 1, a recess 6 having an opening 6a into which washing water flows into an upper portion and a discharge port 5 for discharging the washing water at the side. Are formed. The opening 6a is covered with a filter 7 so that the garbage does not enter the recess 6.

On the other hand, at the center of the bottom of the dishwashing room 1,
A forward / reverse wash / drain pump 12 including a pump casing 11 having a suction port 8, a discharge port 9, and an impeller 10 is provided. Here, the washing and drainage pump 12 sends the washing water that has flowed into the concave portion 6 in the forward direction during washing, for example, to the nozzle 3 from the discharge port 9 of the pump casing 11 and ejects and circulates the washing water into the dishwashing chamber 1. After the washing is completed, the washing water is reversed and the dirty washing water is discharged to the outside of the dishwashing room 1 through the drain pipe 13.

An optical sensor (not shown) is provided at the suction port 8 of the pump casing 11, and the optical sensor detects the permeability of the washing water after washing. Reference numeral 14 denotes a rubber pipe connecting the outlet 5 of the recess 6 and the inlet 8 of the pump casing 11.

An outer tub 15 covers the dishwashing chamber 1. A gap is formed between the rear plate 15a of the outer tub 15 and the backplate 1b of the dishwashing chamber 1. A circulating air passage 17 and a cooling air passage 18 partitioned by a double-sided fan 16 are formed.

Here, the circulation air passage 17 communicates an exhaust port 19 provided above the back plate 1b of the dishwashing room 1 with an intake port 20 provided below. Then, the air in the dishwashing room 1 is forcibly exhausted from the exhaust port 19 by the double-sided fan 16 to the circulating air passage 17, heat-exchanged and dehumidified by the double-sided fan 16, and then from the intake port 20. 1 is taken in.

Reference numeral 21 denotes a fan motor for rotating the double-sided fan 16 in response to a drive signal from a control device, which will be described later.
Reference numeral 2a denotes a water supply valve which is opened in response to an open signal from the control device and supplies washing water into the dishwashing room 1 from the water supply port 22b.

The circulation air passage 17 is provided with a gas sensor 23 for detecting gas components of dirt adhering to dishes and the like, for example, alcohol. And, for example, miso, soy sauce,
Since dirt such as sake and bread has different alcohol contents, the control device can determine the type of dirt based on the detection output of the gas sensor 23.

On the other hand, a CPU 24, a RAM 25, a ROM 26, a timer 27,
A control device (microcomputer) 30 having a system bus 28 and an input / output port 29 for controlling each operation of washing, rinsing and drying of the dishwasher is provided.

Here, the RAM 25 is for storing data relating to each operation of cleaning, rinsing and drying, and the ROM 26 is a program for controlling each operation and processing various information, and a cleaning optimal for cleaning. The storage unit stores a table or the like in which time and cleaning water temperature are predetermined according to the type and amount of dirt.

The table stored in the ROM 26 is as follows:
Various stains were created by experiments, and the optimum washing time and washing water temperature determined according to the quality and quantity of the stains were recorded. The table also records data such as optimum rinsing time, rinsing water temperature, drying time, drying temperature, etc., which vary depending on the quality and amount of dirt.

On the other hand, the CPU 24 has a control unit 24a for fetching and executing an instruction, and various input data and RA in response to a control signal from the control unit 24a in the execution stage of the instruction.
Logical operation on data from M25 and ROM 26, etc.
And an arithmetic unit 24b for performing arithmetic processing such as increase / decrease and comparison.

When the CPU 24 receives a detection output from the gas sensor 23 through the input / output port 29, the CPU 24 obtains the type of dirt adhered to tableware or the like from data stored in the ROM 26 based on the detection output. When a detection output is input from the optical sensor through the transmittance detection circuit 31 and the input / output port 29, the ROM is determined based on the detection output.
26 has a function of determining the amount of dirt from the data stored in advance.

The control device 30 receives operation information of various keys provided on an operation unit (not shown).
And a load drive circuit 33 for controlling power supply to the heater 4, the fan motor 21, the water supply valve 22b, and the like.

When the start button provided on the operation unit is pressed, the control device 30 outputs a drive signal to the fan motor 21 via the load drive circuit 33 to rotate the double-sided fan 16 and the dishwashing room. By circulating the air, the gas in the dishwashing chamber 1 is made uniform, and thereby the detection of the alcohol in the dirt by the gas sensor 23 is made accurate.

Further, after a predetermined time elapses after the start of the cleaning, and in this embodiment, three minutes after the start of the cleaning, the control device 30 uses the optical sensor based on the output of the timer 27 to output the cleaning water. The transmittance is detected, and the amount of dirt is determined from the detection output at that time.

When it is determined from the results of these determinations that, for example, the tableware has a certain amount of miso, the control device 30 determines the table based on the table stored in the ROM 26.
Rinsing is carried out at the optimum temperature and time for removing the miso, followed by rinsing at the optimal rinsing time, rinsing water temperature and number of rinsings, and finally drying at the optimal drying time and drying temperature. Like that.

In the figure, reference numeral 34 denotes a water temperature detector for detecting the temperatures of the washing water and the rinsing water; 35, a door switch for notifying the control device 30 that the door 2a has been closed;
36 is an LE for blinking various lamps provided on the operation unit.
D lighting circuit, 37 is a buzzer circuit for notifying the end of the cleaning / drying operation or occurrence of abnormality, 38 is a power supply circuit for supplying power to the control device 30, and 39 is a reset circuit.

Next, the washing operation of the dishwasher constructed as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, when dirty dishes and the like are stored in the dishwashing room 1 and then a start button provided on the operation unit is pressed, the control device 30 turns on the fan motor 21 via the load drive circuit 33. And the water supply valve 22b is turned on (processing 50, 51). When a predetermined time has elapsed (Y in decision 52), the fan motor 21 is turned off (process 53).

It should be noted that the fan motor 2
By turning on 1, the gas in the dishwashing chamber 1 is circulated and the gas in the dishwashing chamber 1 is made uniform, whereby the gas sensor 23 can accurately detect the alcohol content of the dirt.

Thereafter, the detection output of the gas sensor 23 is input to the control device 30 via the input / output port 29 (process 54), and the CPU 24 of the control device 30 makes the dirt according to the alcohol content detected by the gas sensor 23. To determine the type.

On the other hand, the water supply is continued even after the detection by the gas sensor 23 is performed. When the amount of the flush water reaches a certain amount, the water supply valve 22b is turned off. (Y in decision 55), the transmittance of the washing water is detected by the optical sensor. And the CPU 24
Receives the detection output from the transmittance detection circuit 31 (step 56) and detects the transmittance of the washing water before starting the washing.

Thereafter, the cleaning is started (step 57), and after two minutes have passed since the start of the cleaning (Y in decision 58), the cleaning is temporarily stopped (step 59). One minute after the stop of the washing, the water level is tripped (Y in judgment 60), and in this state, the optical sensor detects the transmittance of the dirty washing water after the washing.

Then, the CPU 24 inputs the detection output of the optical sensor (step 61), determines the quality and amount of dirt from the detection output from the gas sensor 23 and the detection output of the optical sensor, and stores the quality and the amount of dirt in the ROM 26. Optimum washing water temperature and washing time to remove this dirt based on the table
The optimum rinsing time, rinsing water temperature and rinsing frequency, and the optimum drying time and temperature are determined (step 62).

Thereafter, first, the controller 30 controls energization of the heater 4 and sets a timer 27 so that cleaning is performed at the optimum cleaning water temperature and cleaning time obtained in this manner. Is resumed (process 6)
3). Thereafter, control of each operation of washing, rinsing and drying is continued according to the setting (process 64).

As described above, at the time of cleaning, the gas component of the dirt is detected by the gas sensor 23 to determine the type of dirt attached to the dishes and the like, and the transmittance of the cleaning water is detected by the optical sensor to detect the dirt. The amount can be determined. Then, according to the results of these determinations, cleaning can be performed at the optimum cleaning time and cleaning water temperature obtained from the table stored in the ROM 26.

In a conventional dishwasher / dryer, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-126421, at the time of drying after washing the dishes, the odor in the dishwashing room is deodorized by an ozone deodorizing device. In some cases, the user does not feel uncomfortable when opening the door to take out the product.

However, since ozone has an adverse effect on the human body, it is necessary to minimize the amount of ozone generated. Therefore, the amount of ozone generated can be minimized by detecting the state of odor with a gas sensor and controlling the operation time of the ozone deodorizing device according to the detected output.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of a dishwasher according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 indicate the same or corresponding parts.

In the figure, reference numeral 40 denotes an ozone deodorizing device provided at the exhaust port 19 of the dishwashing room 1. The ozone deodorizing device 40 includes, for example, a power supply 41 for generating ozone as shown in FIG. And a diffusion plate 42 for dispersing ozone in the air, and helping the reaction between ozone and odor,
It has an ozone deodorizing catalyst 43 for decomposing excess ozone and an acid gas absorbent 44 for absorbing acid gas and decomposing excess ozone.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 23a denotes a gas sensor for detecting the amount of odor filling the dishwashing chamber 1. The ozone deodorizing device 40 and the gas sensor 23a connect the input / output port 29 as shown in FIG. Control device 3 via
0A.

On the other hand, in FIG. 6, reference numeral 26A denotes a ROM which is a storage unit for storing a table in which the deodorizing operation time of the ozone deodorizing device 40 necessary for deodorizing the odor is predetermined according to the amount of the odor. is there. In this embodiment, one operation time of the ozone deodorizing device 40 is assumed to be constant,
For this reason, the table shows the number of times the ozone deodorizing device 40 is driven for a certain period of time so that the deodorizing operation time according to the amount of odor is obtained.
That is, the driving cycle is recorded.

After the drying step is started, the control device 30A detects the amount of odor filling the dishwashing room 1 with the gas sensor 23a, and according to the detection result, R
From the table stored in the OM 26A, deodorization is performed at the optimal driving cycle of the ozone deodorizing device 40.

In this embodiment, the control device 30A operates the ozone deodorizing device 40 only when the amount of odor has reached a certain level that gives the user discomfort. .

Further, the ozone deodorizing device 40 detects the gas component of the odor even after performing the deodorizing operation. If the deodorizing operation is completed within the deodorizing operation time obtained from the table, the ozone deodorizing device is thereafter performed. Unnecessary generation of ozone is suppressed by not driving the 40.

Next, the deodorizing operation of the dishwasher according to another embodiment thus configured will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

When the washing and rinsing of the dishes and the like are completed, the drying process starts, and first, the heater 4 is turned on and the fan motor 21 is turned on (processing 70, 71). Then, when a predetermined time has elapsed (Y in determination 72), the fan motor 21 is turned off (process 73).

It should be noted that the fan motor 2
By turning on 1, the gas in the dishwashing chamber 1 is circulated and the gas in the dishwashing chamber 1 is made uniform, whereby the gas sensor 23 can accurately detect the amount of odor.

After that, the control device 30A inputs the detection result of the gas sensor 23 through the input / output port 29 (step 74), and the amount of the detected odor is constant to give the user uncomfortable feeling. It is determined whether the level is equal to or higher than the level (determination 75).

Here, if the amount of odor is equal to or higher than a certain level (Y in decision 75), the ozone deodorizing device 40 for a certain period of time in a cycle corresponding to the amount of odor detected based on the table stored in the ROM 26A. Is driven to generate ozone (process 76).

If this deodorizing operation is performed until a predetermined time has elapsed (Y in decision 77), the odor is again detected by the gas sensor 23 until the drying is completed (N in decision 78), and the amount of odor is determined. Is greater than or equal to a certain level (Y in determination 75), the ozone deodorizing device 40 is driven for a certain period of time at a cycle corresponding to the amount of odor detected again to emit ozone (process 76).

By the way, as described above, the ozone deodorizing device 40
By the time the deodorizing operation is repeated and the drying is completed (N in decision 78), if the amount of odor becomes a certain level or less (N in decision 75), even if the deodorizing operation time obtained from the table is not reached, The ozone deodorizing device 40 is not driven to suppress unnecessary generation of ozone.

Even if the amount of odor falls below a certain level (N in decision 75), each time a predetermined time elapses thereafter (Y in decision 79), and until the drying is completed (decision 80).
N) The gas sensor 23 detects the amount of odor.

As described above, the amount of odor is measured by the gas sensor 23a.
And the ozone deodorizing device 4 for the time obtained from the table stored in the ROM 26A according to the detection result.
The deodorizing operation can be performed at zero.

[0059]

As described above, according to the present invention, at the time of cleaning,
Since the type and amount of dirt adhering to tableware and the like can be determined and washing can be performed at an optimum washing time and washing water temperature, dirt adhering to tableware and the like can be reliably removed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control device of the dishwasher.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a washing operation of the dishwasher.

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

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of an ozone deodorizing device of the dishwasher.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a control device of the dishwasher.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a deodorizing operation of the dishwasher.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Dishwashing room 23, 23a Gas sensor 26, 26A ROM 30, 30A Controller 31 Permeability detection circuit 40 Ozone deodorizer

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] At 1. A washing, the dishwasher where Ru is circulated washing water released to the dishwashing chamber, the permeability of the wash water
An optical sensor for detecting, a gas sensor for detecting a gas component of dirt attached to tableware, etc .; a dirt determining unit for determining the type of dirt based on an output from the gas sensor; and a cleaning time and a cleaning water temperature optimum for cleaning. Has a storage unit that stores a table predetermined according to the type and amount of dirt, while the type of dirt is determined by the dirt determining unit during cleaning, and the dirt is determined from the transmittance detected by the optical sensor. A dishwasher / dryer, comprising: a controller that determines the amount of water and performs the cleaning at the cleaning time and the cleaning water temperature obtained from the table according to the determination results.