JP4604355B2

JP4604355B2 - Dishwasher

Info

Publication number: JP4604355B2
Application number: JP2001011242A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 浩章乾; 眞大山; 政樹由良
Original assignee: Panasonic Corp; Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Corp; Panasonic Holdings Corp
Priority date: 2001-01-19
Filing date: 2001-01-19
Publication date: 2011-01-05
Anticipated expiration: 2021-01-19
Also published as: JP2002209827A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、家庭用あるいは業務用の食器洗い乾燥機に係わるものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来の食器洗い乾燥機の構成について、図１６を用いて説明する。１は本体、２は洗浄槽、３は洗浄槽の開口部を開閉する蓋、４は蓋３に設けられた排気口、５は食器等の食器（以降食器と呼ぶ）を収納する食器かごで、回転するロ−ラ６を介して、洗浄槽２の側面に設けられたレ−ル面７に支持されている。８は洗浄水を送水する洗浄ポンプ、９は洗浄槽２の下方に設置された洗浄ノズルであり、洗浄ポンプ８によって送水された洗浄水を、食器かご５に収納された食器に下方から噴射する。１０は洗浄槽に貯水された洗浄水を機外に排出する排水ポンプである。１１は洗浄ポンプ８、排水ポンプ１０等の運転を制御する制御装置である。１２は給水ホ−ス、１３は排水ホ−スである。１４は洗浄水の加熱と乾燥時の空気の加熱に用いるヒ−タであり、洗浄槽２の底部に設けられている。１５は乾燥用の送風機である。
【０００３】
食器の洗浄を行う場合には、食器を洗浄槽２の食器かご５に収納し、洗剤を投入して運転を開始する。運転が開始されると、まず洗浄ポンプ８が洗浄水を送水する動作が安定するように、所定量の洗浄水を洗浄槽２に供給する給水工程が実行される。洗浄ポンプ８は遠心羽根（図示せず）と、これを駆動する電動機（図示せず）を有している。続いて、洗浄ポンプ８によって送水され且つヒータ１４によって加熱された洗浄水が洗剤と共に洗浄ノズル９の噴射口１６から噴射される本洗工程が行われる。この時、洗浄水は洗浄ノズル９の噴射口１６から鉛直方向または斜め上方向に噴射される。また洗浄ノズル９はこの噴射反力によって略水平に回転する。このように回転する洗浄ノズル９から噴射された洗浄水の衝突力・洗剤・熱等の作用によって、食器は洗浄されるものである。
【０００４】
所定時間の本洗工程を経ると、次に食器等から洗い落とされた汚れを含む洗浄水を排水ポンプ１０によって機外に排出する排水工程に入る。引き続いて、新たに洗浄水を供給する給水工程と、洗剤や残菜（食器に付着した汚れを残菜ともいう）で汚れた食器をすすぐために洗浄水を洗浄ノズル９から噴射するすすぎ工程と、前記排水工程とが連続して４回繰り返されて、洗浄工程を終了する。なお、最終のすすぎ工程は洗浄水温度を約７０℃まで上げる加熱すすぎ工程と呼び、高温水で食器をすすぐものである。そして、本洗工程と数回のすすぎを行うすすぎ工程を含めて洗浄工程と呼ぶ。
【０００５】
続いて、送風機１５により洗浄槽２内に機外より空気を送風ダクト１７から送風口１８を経て洗浄槽２に送り込み、ヒータ１４を断続的に運転して温風を作り、この温風で食器に付着した水滴を蒸発させる乾燥工程が行われる。
【０００６】
なお、複数個の洗浄ノズルを用いて洗浄性能を向上させる洗浄方式として以下に示す提案がなされている。例えば、特開平５−３０５０５０号公報に示すように、１個の洗浄ポンプと複数個の洗浄ノズルで構成した洗浄機構で多方向からの洗浄水の噴射を行う方法や、特開平５−１７６８７５号公報に示すように、複数個の洗浄ポンプと複数個の洗浄ノズルを用いるものが提案されている。
【０００７】
また特開平６−３０８５３号公報に示すように、分水するために３方弁を多用する構成についても提案されている。
さらには、特開平１１−１９０１９号公報に示すように、洗浄ポンプ起動時の浮き上がりと洗浄ノズルの回転方向をリンクさせた分水切換構成についても提案されている。
【０００８】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら前記従来の構成では、以下に示す課題を有している。例えば、特開平５−３０５０５０号公報に示す構成は、同時に複数個の洗浄ノズルから噴射を行うため、洗浄槽に溜める給水量も多くしなくてはならない。これは、給水量が不足すると洗浄ポンプ内に空気が入り込み、エアガミ状態となり洗浄ポンプの吐出性能が急激に低下し、食器が洗浄できなくなってしまうからである。この場合、給水量を洗浄ノズルの数に応じて増加させる必要があるが、洗浄水の温度上昇時間が長くなり、結果として運転時間が延びる、消費電力量が増える、使用水量が増える、さらには洗浄ポンプも大型のものが必要となることから、ランニングコストの増加や、一度に多量の洗浄水を噴射することによる騒音、振動の増大など数々の課題を有していた。
【０００９】
また特開平５−１７６８７５号公報に示す構成は、洗浄ポンプが各洗浄ノズルに必要であり、給水量の増加による課題はもちろんのこと、食器洗い乾燥機全体に占める機構部容積が増大するため、食器洗浄に必要な容積が十分確保できない、あるいは必要以上に食器洗い乾燥機本体が大きくなるなどの課題を有していた。
【００１０】
また特開平６−３０８５３号公報に示す構成は、残菜や異物の混入する洗浄水を扱う食器洗い乾燥機に用いる構成としては、動作信頼性が確保しづらいことや、分水路が多くなったときに３方弁の数も多くなったり、弁動作時の特有の異音が発生したり、あるいはコストが上昇するなどの課題を有していた。
さらには、特開平１１−１９０１９号公報に示す構成は、水圧のみで切換える機構のため、動作信頼性が低いことによって所定の洗浄性能を発揮できにくいという課題を有していた。
【００１１】
なお、機構部とは、洗浄槽下部等に配置された洗浄、乾燥を実現するための構成要素であり、洗浄ポンプ、排水ポンプ、送風機、制御装置等の総称である。
【００１２】
【課題を解決するための手段】
前記従来の課題を解決するために、本発明の食器洗い乾燥機は、洗浄水を送水する洗浄ポンプと、複数個の洗浄手段と、洗浄ポンプと各洗浄手段との間に駆動用モータを駆動源として回転する分水手段を設けた構成において、少なくとも１つの分水吐出口および洗浄吐出経路の断面積を吐出口より大きくしたものである。この分水手段によって、洗浄ポンプより吐出した洗浄水を、各洗浄手段へ順次切換えながら任意の洗浄手段に供給させることができるため、給水量を増加させることなく、食器に対して複数方向から洗浄水を噴射させることができるものである。また、分水手段の通路圧力損失を低減できるため、洗浄手段から吐出する洗浄水の吐出圧力低下を防ぐことができる。
【００１３】
【発明の実施の形態】
本発明の請求項１に記載の発明は、食器等を入れる食器かごと、食器かごを収容する洗浄槽と、洗浄水を送水する洗浄ポンプと、前記洗浄槽内に配した複数個の洗浄手段と、洗浄ポンプからの洗浄水を各洗浄手段に切り換えて供給する分水手段と、各洗浄手段と分水手段を接続する複数の洗浄吐出経路を備え、前記分水手段は、前記洗浄ポンプにより送水された洗浄水を導く導水部と、前記導水部から導かれた洗浄水を吐出する吐出口を設けた分水部と、この分水部の吐出口からの洗浄水を導入させる洗浄吐出経路の分水吐出口を複数設けた分水取り出し部と、前記分水部の吐出口の位置を前記分水取り出し部の分水吐出口に対応する位置に移動させる駆動手段を有し、前記駆動手段は駆動用モータを駆動源として前記分水部を回転させるとともに、前記分水吐出口の開口面積を、吐出口の開口面積より大きくした構成を有するものである。
【００１４】
本発明によれば、給水量を増加させることなく、任意の食器に対して複数方向から洗浄水を噴射させることが可能となり、短時間で高い洗浄性能を実現できる。さらにすすぎ回数の削減による省エネ、省水量を実現できる。また、食器の食器かごへのセット位置、セット方法を選ばないので、よりセット性に優れた食器洗い乾燥機とすることができる。また、分水手段を通過する洗浄水の圧力損失を低減できるため、過大な洗浄ポンプを用いることなく、高い洗浄吐出圧力を得ることができる。
本発明の請求項２に記載の発明は、請求項１に記載された構成において、駆動用モータは連続回転するように構成したものである。
本発明の請求項３に記載の発明は、請求項２に記載された構成において、駆動用モータは一定速度で回転するように構成したものである。
【００１５】
本発明の請求項４に記載の発明は、請求項１〜３のうちいずれか一項に記載された構成に加えて、分水手段の分水部は、吐出口を有底筒形の側面又は底面に設け駆動手段によって回転する回転分水部とし、分水取り出し部は、回転分水部を被う有底筒形の側面又は底面の前記吐出口に対面する位置に分水吐出口を設けた構成を有するものである。
【００１６】
本発明によれば、給水量を増加させることなく、任意の食器に対して複数方向から洗浄水を噴射させることが可能となり、短時間で高い洗浄性能を実現できる。さらにすすぎ回数の削減による省エネ、省水量を実現できる。また、食器の食器かごへのセット位置、セット方法を選ばないので、よりセット性に優れた食器洗い乾燥機とすることができる。また、分水手段を通過する洗浄水の圧力損失を低減できるため、過大な洗浄ポンプを用いることなく、高い洗浄吐出圧力を得ることができる。
【００１７】
本発明の請求項５に記載の発明は、請求項４に記載された構成に加えて、前記分水吐出口の穴形状は、吐出口の穴形状よりも円周方向に長さの長い矩形あるいは略楕円形状とするものである。
【００１８】
本発明によれば、分水吐出口に連通する洗浄手段からは、他の洗浄手段より長い間洗浄水を吐出することができる。しかも、回転分水部を駆動する駆動源の回転数を変化させることで実現するのではなく、回転数は一定でありながら、洗浄手段の吐出時間を変化させる構成を実現することができる。このため、安価な構成で、汚れの取れにくい食器に対しても十分洗浄水を噴射することができる。また短時間で食器の洗浄行うことができる。
【００１９】
本発明の請求項６に記載の発明は、請求項５に記載された構成に加えて、前記洗浄吐出経路は、分水吐出口の断面積を洗浄吐出経路の通路断面積まで絞って変化させる通路を有するものである。
【００２０】
本発明によれば、通路の拡大による循環洗浄水量の増大を防ぐことができるため、給水量の削減による加温時間の短縮が可能となり、洗浄時間の短縮、省エネを実現することができる。
【００２１】
本発明の請求項７に記載の発明は、請求項１〜６のうちいずれか一項に記載された構成に加えて、吐出口の移動方向の開口長さは、隣り合う分水吐出口と分水吐出口との穴間長さと同等以上になるように構成したものである。
本発明の請求項８に記載の発明は、食器等を入れる食器かごと、食器かごを収容する洗浄槽と、洗浄水を送水する洗浄ポンプと、前記洗浄槽内に配した複数個の洗浄手段と、洗浄ポンプからの洗浄水を各洗浄手段に切り換えて供給する分水手段と、各洗浄手段と分水手段を接続する複数の洗浄吐出経路を備え、前記分水手段は、前記洗浄ポンプにより送水された洗浄水を導く導水部と、前記導水部から導かれた洗浄水を吐出する吐出口を設けた分水部と、この分水部の吐出口からの洗浄水を導入させる洗浄吐出経路の分水吐出口を複数設けた分水取り出し部と、前記分水部の吐出口の位置を前記分水取り出し部の分水吐出口に対応する位置に移動させる駆動手段を有し、前記吐出口の移動方向の開口長さは、隣り合う分水吐出口と分水吐出口との穴間長さと略同一、あるいはそれ以上とするものである。
【００２２】
本発明によれば、吐出口は必ずいづれかの洗浄吐出経路と部分的にでも一致しているため、洗浄ポンプから洗浄手段までの経路内での過度の圧力上昇を防ぐことができる。よって、洗浄経路内の接続部やシ−ル部への過負荷による耐久信頼性を著しく低下させることはない。
【００２３】
本発明の請求項９に記載の発明は、請求項８に記載された構成に加えて、分水手段の分水部は、吐出口を有底筒形の側面又は底面に設け駆動手段によって回転する回転分水部とし、分水取り出し部は、前記回転分水部の吐出口からの洗浄水を導入させる洗浄吐出経路の分水吐出口を回転分水部を被う有底筒形の側面又は底面の前記吐出口に対面する位置に設け、前記吐出口の円周方向の長さは、隣り合う分水吐出口と分水吐出口との穴間円弧長さと略同一、あるいはそれ以上とするものである。
【００２４】
本発明によれば、吐出口は必ずいづれかの洗浄吐出経路と部分的にでも一致しているため、洗浄ポンプから洗浄手段までの経路内での過度の圧力上昇を防ぐことができる。よって、洗浄経路内の接続部やシ−ル部への過負荷による耐久信頼性を著しく低下させることはない。
【００２５】
本発明の請求項１０に記載の発明は、食器等を入れる食器かごと、食器かごを収容する洗浄槽と、洗浄水を送水する洗浄ポンプと、前記洗浄槽内に配した複数個の洗浄手段と、洗浄ポンプからの洗浄水を各洗浄手段に切り換えて供給する分水手段と、各洗浄手段と分水手段を接続する複数の洗浄吐出経路を備え、前記分水手段は、前記洗浄ポンプにより送水された洗浄水を導く導水部と、前記導水部から導かれた洗浄水を吐出する吐出口を設けた分水部と、この分水部の吐出口からの洗浄水を導入させる洗浄吐出経路の分水吐出口を複数設けた分水取り出し部と、前記分水部の吐出口の位置を前記分水取り出し部の分水吐出口に対応する位置に移動させる駆動手段を有し、前記吐出口の移動方向の長さは、任意の分水吐出口の移動方向の長さと隣り合う分水吐出口と分水吐出口との穴間長さとを足した長さと略同一、あるいはそれ以上とするものである。
【００２６】
本発明によれば、洗浄ポンプから吐出する循環洗浄水量は常に一定状態を保つことができるため、洗浄吐出経路内の接続部やシ−ル部への圧力変動を起こすことはなく、耐久信頼性を低下させることはない。また、各洗浄手段単独でみると、洗浄手段から吐出する洗浄エネルギは周期的に変動するが、洗浄手段全体で見た場合、常に一定の洗浄エネルギを食器に対して与えることができるため、効率よく食器を洗浄することができる。
【００２７】
本発明の請求項１１に記載の発明は、請求項１０に記載された構成に加えて、分水手段の分水部は、吐出口を有底筒形の面に設け駆動手段によって回転する回転分水部とし、分水取り出し部は、前記回転分水部の吐出口からの洗浄水を導入させる洗浄吐出経路の分水吐出口を回転分水部を被う有底筒形の面に設け、前記吐出口の円周方向の長さは、任意の分水吐出口の円弧長さと隣り合う分水吐出口と分水吐出口との穴間円弧長さとを足した長さと略同一、あるいはそれ以上とするものである。
【００２８】
本発明によれば、洗浄ポンプから吐出する循環洗浄水量は常に一定状態を保つことができるため、洗浄吐出経路内の接続部やシ−ル部への圧力変動を起こすことはなく、耐久信頼性を低下させることはない。また、各洗浄手段単独でみると、洗浄手段から吐出する洗浄エネルギは周期的に変動するが、洗浄手段全体で見た場合、常に一定の洗浄エネルギを食器に対して与えることができるため、効率よく食器を洗浄することができる。
【００２９】
【実施例】
以下、本発明の実施例について、図面を用いて説明する。
【００３０】
（実施例１）
図１は本発明の実施例１の食器洗い乾燥機の断面図である。また図２は同食器洗い乾燥機の分水手段の構成と洗浄水の流れを示す部分断面図である。また図３は、同食器洗い乾燥機の分水構成を示す分解斜視図である。また図４は、同食器洗い乾燥機の分水手段を示す部分断面図である。また図５は、同食器洗い乾燥機の回転分水部１サイクルあたりの各洗浄ノズルと洗浄ポンプの吐出圧力の変化を示す図である。また図６は、同食器洗い乾燥機の他の洗浄手段の構成を示す斜視図である。また図７は、同食器洗い乾燥機の他の洗浄手段の構成を示す斜視図である。また図８は、同食器洗い乾燥機の他の洗浄手段の構成を示す斜視図である。また図９は、同食器洗い乾燥機の他の洗浄手段の構成を示す斜視図である。また図１０は、同食器洗い乾燥機の他の洗浄手段の構成を示す斜視図である。また図１１は、同食器洗い乾燥機の他の洗浄手段の構成を示す斜視図である。
【００３１】
図１において、２１は本体、２２は洗浄槽、２３は洗浄槽の開口部を開閉する蓋、２４は蓋２３に設けられた排気口、２５は食器を収納する食器かごで、回転するロ−ラ２６を介して、洗浄槽２２の側面に設けられたレ−ル面２７に支持されている。２８は洗浄水を送水する洗浄ポンプ、２９は洗浄槽２２の底面に設置された洗浄ノズル（洗浄手段）であり、複数個の噴射口１７より洗浄水を食器かご２５に収納された食器に回転しながら噴射する。３０は同様に洗浄槽２２の上方に設置された洗浄ノズル（洗浄手段）、３１は洗浄槽２２の背面に設置された洗浄ノズル（洗浄手段）、３２は洗浄槽２２の左側面に設置された洗浄ノズルである。また、図示はしてないが洗浄槽２２の右側面にも回転しながら洗浄水を噴射する洗浄ノズル（洗浄手段）があり、計５ヶ所の洗浄ノズル（洗浄手段）が設けられている。また、洗浄ポンプは横置きに配置されており、洗浄ポンプ給水口１０３は洗浄ポンプ最下部に設けられている。洗浄ポンプ吐出口３６は洗浄ポンプ給水口１０３の上部に設けられ、略水平方向に突出している。また、洗浄ポンプ吐出口３６より高い位置に分水吐出口４４を設けた構成としている。これは、給水時に分水装置３５内で空気が溜まると洗浄ポンプ２８が起動しなくなるためである。３３は洗浄槽２２に貯水された洗浄水を機外に排出する排水ポンプである。３４は洗浄水の加熱と乾燥時の空気の加熱に用いるヒ−タであり、洗浄槽２２の底部に設けられている。３５は洗浄ポンプ吐出口３６と各洗浄ノズルとを連通する吐出経路３７に設けられた分水装置（分水手段）であり、各洗浄ノズルに順次洗浄水を供給する。３８は、洗浄ポンプ２８、排水ポンプ３０、分水装置３５等の運転を制御する制御装置（制御手段）である。なお、洗浄ノズル２９と洗浄ノズル３０と洗浄ノズル３１と洗浄ノズル３２と右側面用洗浄ノズル（図示せず）で洗浄手段を構成している。なお、洗浄ポンプに関して本実施例では横置き配置で説明しているが、縦置き配置でもそれ以外でも本実施例における発明の効果を得られるものである。
【００３２】
図２、図３において、３９は洗浄ポンプ２８により送水された洗浄水を導く導水部（分水手段）、４０は、導水部３９から導かれた洗浄水を吐出する吐出口４１（切換え部）を略円筒形の側面に設けた回転分水部（切換え部）であり、駆動用モ−タ４２（切換え部）を駆動源として回転する。４３は、回転分水部４０を内包するとともに、５ヶ所の洗浄吐出経路３７に連通する分水吐出口４４（分水手段）を有する略円筒形状の分水取り出し部（分水手段）である。そして、分水吐出口４４とそれに連通する洗浄吐出経路３７は、通路断面積の違う２種類で構成されており、１組の分水吐出口甲４４aおよびそれに連通する洗浄吐出経路甲３７aの通路断面積は、吐出口４１の開口面積より大きく構成しており、他の４組の分水吐出口乙４４ｂおよびそれに連通する洗浄吐出経路乙３７ｂの通路断面積よりも大きくした構成を有している。この場合、回転分水部４０が回転して吐出口４１と分水吐出口甲４４aが一致したとき、吐出口４１から出た洗浄水が分水吐出口甲４４aに入るとき、通路損失とならない位置関係を保つよう構成している。４５は、駆動用モ−タ４２の駆動軸８０（切換え部）と回転分水部４０を連結する回転軸（切換え部）であり、分水取り出し部４３には回転軸４５との間を水密するためのオイルシ−ル４６（切換え部）を備えている。なお、本実施例では、１個所の分水吐出口甲４４aのみ吐出口４１の開口面積より大きくした構成にしているが、２つでも、３つでも、あるいは全部でも本発明の効果が得られるのは言うまでもない。
【００３３】
また、回転軸４５には外周部に回転角度検出用スリット５０と定位置検出用スリット５１を有する回転検知用円盤６７が同軸に固定され、導水部３９に固定された回転角度検知センサ４７（光の受発光を利用したセンサ）によって回転分水部４０の回転角度を検知することができる。４８は、吐出口４１と分水吐出口４４の穴位置を合わせるための定位置センサ（光の受発光を利用したセンサ）であり、吐出口４１の穴位置と特定の分水吐出口４４の穴とが合う位置に設けられている。上記２つのセンサ４７と４８を用いることにより、特定の洗浄手段から洗浄水を吐出できるとともに、どの吐出口４１と分水吐出口４４との中心が一致しているのかを制御手段は知ることができるものである。また定位置検出用スリット５１は、回転検知用円盤６７が回転する時、回転角度検出センサ４７と定位置センサ４８の両方が光を検知するか、あるいは光を検知しなくなる状態が一回転する間に一回だけ起こる位置に配置している。また、回転検知用円盤６７に設けられた複数個の回転角度検出用スリット５０は、それぞれ分水吐出口４４の穴と吐出口４１の穴位置が合う位置に配置されている。このような配置によって、回転角度検出センサ４７のみが光を検知するか、あるいは検知しなくなった時を吐出口４１と分水吐出口４４の穴位置が合った時と制御装置は判断する。また回転角度検出センサ４７と定位置センサの両方が光を検知するか、あるいは検知しなくなった時、回転分水部４０が定位置にきたと判断する。また４９は駆動用モ−タ支持用フレ−ム（分水手段）であり、駆動用モ−タ４２を導水部３９に固定するものである。駆動用モ−タ４２の支持については、駆動用モ−タ支持用フレ−ム４９を導水部３９に位置決めされた状態で一体に構成することも可能である。
【００３４】
なお、洗浄水を各洗浄ノズルに順次分水する切換え部１０１は、回転分水部４０、吐出口４１、駆動用モ−タ４２、回転軸４５、オイルシ−ル４６、駆動用モ−タ支持用フレ−ム４９、駆動軸８０で構成する。また、洗浄吐出経路３７（洗浄吐出経路甲３７ａと洗浄吐出経路乙３７ｂを含む）導水部３９、分水取り出し部４３、分水吐出口４４（分水吐出口甲４４ａと分水吐出口乙４４ｂを含む）、切換え部１０１で分水手段（＝分水装置３５）を構成する。
【００３５】
また、吐出口４１の個数についても本実施例では１個で説明したが、吐出経路３７の数よりも少なければ本発明の効果を得られるものである。
また、吐出口４１の位置について、本実施例では回転分水部４０の側面に設けた構成で説明しているが、吐出口４１を回転軸４５に略垂直な面に設け、分水取り出し部４３に設けた分水吐出口４４も上記吐出口４１に対面する位置に設けた構成、或いは回転分水部が略円錐形、略球形で構成され、その任意の面に吐出口が設けられた分水手段であっても、本発明の効果は得られるものである。
【００３６】
また、本実施例で説明する駆動用モ−タ４２は、制御装置３８により回転数の可変と回転方向の切換えが容易な直流モ−タをインバ−タ制御して用いているが、低速回転で使用することを考慮して変速装置を付加したギヤ−ドモ−タやステッピングモ−タや直流モ−タを用いることも可能である。さらには制御の方法やモ−タの大きさによっては交流モ−タや超音波モ−タを用いる場合も考えられる。
【００３７】
また、本実施例の説明では、回転分水部４０の定位置と回転時の回転角度を検出するために、受発光素子を用いた光センサと、光を通過、遮断するための回転検知用円盤６７の組み合わせで実現しているが、リミットスイッチを代わりに用いる場合や、光センサとリミットスイッチの両方を用いる場合、または磁気センサや超音波センサを用いてもよい。さらには、回転速度の可変や回転方向の切換えをも制御できるステッピングモ−タや、エンコ−ダ付のモ−タ（図示せず）を用いても同様の効果を実現できる。
【００３８】
また回転分水部４０と分水取り出し部４３との間には、異物が混入したとしても回転を維持するために必要な隙間を設けている。しかしながら、分水吐出口４４と吐出口４１との間の漏れ水をなくすために、ゴム製あるいは樹脂製、テフロン系のシ−ル材等を用いたシ−ル部材（図示せず）を上記隙間に構成すると、吐出している洗浄ノズル以外への漏れ水をなくすことができる。結果として、さらなる給水量の低下を実現でき、洗浄吐出圧力の向上による洗浄性能の向上や洗浄水のヒ−トアップ時間を短縮できることによる運転時間の短縮、消費電力量の削減、使用水量の削減を実現できる。
【００３９】
図４は、回転分水部４０が回転することによってその側面に設けられた分水吐出口４４と各洗浄ノズルに連通する吐出口４１とが順次一致して、洗浄水を各ノズルに順次供給する様子を示すものである。そして、吐出口４１を回転分水部４０の円筒側面に設けた場合と、円筒側面に設けた平面部に吐出口４１を構成した場合について図示している。そこで、吐出口４１を回転分水部４０の円筒側面に設けた場合、吐出口４１の円周方向の長さＬ２は、隣り合う分水吐出口４４と分水吐出口４４との穴間円弧長さＬ１と同等以上になるように構成している。また、吐出口４１が回転分水部４０の円筒側面の平面部に設けられた場合、吐出口４１の長さＬ３が穴間円弧長さＬ１と同等以上になるように構成する。
【００４０】
図５は、各洗浄ノズルの噴射力と洗浄ポンプ２８の吐出圧力が、回転分水部４０が１回転する間にどのように変化するのかについて示したものである。
図６、図７、図８、図９、図１０は、分水装置（図示せず）の先端部に設けられる洗浄ノズルの構成の組み合わせについて示したものであり、順次、洗浄水を噴射して食器である食器や調理器具等を洗浄するものである。具体的には、引き出し型食器洗い乾燥機において、回転しながら洗浄水を噴射する回転ノズル６８と６９と９７（図６）、回転しながら洗浄水を噴射する回転ノズル５２と棒状ノズル５３の組み合わせ（図７）や、回転ノズル５４と固定ノズル５５の組み合わせ（図８）、また、上下二段に回転ノズル５６、５７を構成した場合（図９）、上部２個６１，６２、下部２個６３，６４、左右側面１個ずつ６５，６６の回転ノズルを設けた場合（図１０）、複数個の固定ノズル５８、５９、６０のみで構成した場合（図１１）、さらには回転ノズルにタワ−ノズルを組み合わせる（図示せず）など、洗浄槽の大きさ、形、あるいは食器かごが一段あるいは二段などの条件に合わせていろいろな組み合わせが考えられるが、複数個の洗浄ノズルを用いる洗浄方式においては、本発明の効果は得られるものである。
【００４１】
次に本実施例の特徴的な構成である分水装置３５（分水手段）の動作、作用について説明する。まず、洗浄ポンプ２８によって送水された洗浄水は導水部３９を通り、回転分水部４０に設けられた吐出口４１から吐出する。この時、回転分水部４０は駆動用モ−タ４２により低速に連続回転しており、吐出口４１は５ヶ所の分水吐出口４４に順番に穴位置が合っていく。穴位置が合うとそれぞれの洗浄吐出経路３７内を通り、洗浄ノズル２９（下面）、右側面用洗浄ノズル（図示せず）、洗浄ノズル３１（背面）、洗浄ノズル３２（左側面）、洗浄ノズル３０（天面）に順次、洗浄水が送られる。この時、分水吐出口４４ａおよび洗浄吐出経路３７ａは吐出口４１の開口面積より大きく通路断面を構成しているため、洗浄水方向の切換による通路圧力損失を低減することができる。よって、洗浄ポンプもより小型のものを用いることができるため、省エネ、低騒音、低コストな食器洗い乾燥機を実現できる。
【００４２】
また、また制御装置３８は、定位置センサ４８を利用した運転の場合は一箇所、定位置センサ４８と回転角度検知センサ４７を用いた運転の場合は、すべての洗浄ノズルに対して、一定時間任意の洗浄ノズルから洗浄水を噴射させる運転も行うことができる。その動作について説明すると、回転分水部４０は、具備した定位置センサ４８と回転角度検出センサ４７の働きにより、洗浄ノズル２９（下面）に連通する分水吐出口４４と、吐出口４１とが一致するところで一端停止し、一定時間洗浄ノズル３０から洗浄水が噴射される。そして、次に洗浄ノズル２９へ洗浄水を供給するために、回転分水部４０が吐出口４１を洗浄ノズル２９に連通する分水吐出口４４に一致するまで回転させる。そして一定の噴射時間停止した後、再び回転分水部を回転させるといった一連の動作を行う。よって図５に示すように、各洗浄ノズルの噴射力と回転分水部４０の動きに関しては、回転分水部４０を連続的に回転させた場合は吐出口４１と分水吐出口４４との穴面積が徐々に変化するため、噴射力は連続的に変化するが、途中で一時停止を加えた場合は最大噴射力を一定時間維持することもできるものである。
【００４３】
このように、従来は複数個の洗浄ノズルを用いた構成の場合、一度に各洗浄ノズルに対して洗浄水を供給しなければならなかったため、大型の洗浄ポンプと、多大な給水量が必要であったが、本発明の構成によれば、洗浄ポンプから吐出した洗浄水を分水装置によって吐出経路を切換えることにより、単一の洗浄ノズルを動作させるために必要な洗浄ポンプ能力と給水量で複数個の洗浄ノズルを動作させることができる。
結果として、機構部の小型化による製品の小型化、あるいは食器容量の拡大や大幅な省エネ、省水量、運転時間の短縮を図った食器洗い乾燥機を提供できるものである。
【００４４】
また、従来の上下から同時に噴射する洗浄方法では、食器上で水流が干渉することにより、本来の性能を発揮することができない場合があるが、順次噴射する洗浄方法のため、噴射した洗浄水がお互いに干渉することもなく、効率よく洗浄に寄与させることができる。
【００４５】
また、吐出口４１の円周方向の長さＬ２は、隣り合う分水吐出口４４と分水吐出口４４との穴間円弧長さＬ１と同等以上になるように構成しているため、回転分水部４０が回転中、吐出口４１がどこに位置していても必ずどれかの分水吐出口４４と少しは穴が一致しており、どこの洗浄ノズルからも洗浄水を吐出しないということが防げる。つまり、洗浄ポンプを締め切り状態から防止することにより、洗浄吐出経路各部の圧力上昇を緩和し、シ−ル部や継ぎ目部から洗浄水が機外に漏れることを防ぐと共に、耐久性の向上を図ることができるものである。
【００４６】
また本実施例は、本洗工程あるいはすすぎ工程の時、最後に洗浄水を噴射する洗浄ノズルを洗浄槽の天面あるいは側面に設けた洗浄ノズルから噴射するように制御装置が制御するものである。まず構成について説明すると、回転検知用円盤６７に設けた定位置検出用スリット５１の位置は、吐出口４１と洗浄槽２２の上方に設けた洗浄ノズル３０に洗浄水を吐出する分水吐出口４４に一致するように設けられている。
【００４７】
そして、すすぎ工程においても各洗浄ノズルから順次洗浄水が噴射されるが、制御装置３８は、工程の終了時期がきたら、回転分水部４０の回転速度と位置、そして上方からの一定の噴射時間を考慮しながら、定位置センサ４８の信号に基づいて回転分水部４０を一時停止させて、一定時間上方から洗浄水を噴射するよう制御するものである。具体的な噴射の仕方については以下に例を示す。
通常、運転プログラムにおいて本洗時間やすすぎ時間は、時間と洗浄水温度の両方で設定している。また、すすぎ工程の最後に行う加熱すすぎ工程は、洗浄水温度が約７０度になったときに終了する運転を行う。すすぎ工程は２回〜３回の時間で管理するすすぎを行う工程と、洗浄水温度を約７０度まで上げる、洗浄水温度で管理する加熱すすぎ工程よりなる。よって、本洗工程や時間で管理するすすぎ工程では最初に回転分水部４０を定位置に移動してから運転を開始するとともに、回転分水部４０の各洗浄ノズルの噴射時間と停止時間を設定して、運転の最後に天面あるいは側面に設けた洗浄ノズルから噴射するように制御装置が制御する方法が考えられる。また加熱すすぎ工程では、給水量や給水時の洗浄水温度が変動するために、加熱すすぎの終了時間が特定できないが、回転分水部の定位置を天面あるいは側面に設けた洗浄ノズルから噴射する位置に設定して、加熱すすぎを終了する温度近傍まで洗浄水温が上昇したときに運転を終了する方法が考えられる。あるいは、温度が上昇してから後に、天面あるいは側面に設けた洗浄ノズルから噴射を行ってから終了する方法が考えられる。また、時間管理で運転を停止する工程では、終了時間に合わせて動作中の噴射時間あるいは停止時間を変更することでも本実施例の動きを実現できる。なお、これら運転動作に関しては、任意の工程の運転特徴に従って実現方法を決定すればよい。
【００４８】
よって、任意の工程の最後は食器に対して上方から洗浄水を噴射するので、汚染物を食器から引き離しやすくなり、確実にすすぐことができるものである。また、コップの糸底への再付着を押さえることもできるし、洗浄工程の早期に、食器に付着した細かな残菜等を機外に排出できるなど、洗浄性能を向上させることができる。
【００４９】
なお、上方からのすすぎを行う工程に関しては、少なくともすすぎ工程の数回行えばその効果を得ることができるが、すべてのすすぎ工程や本洗工程で行った場合、より効果が発揮されることは言うまでもない。
【００５０】
また、各洗浄手段の噴射時間に関しては、本発明の構成では、制御装置が回転角度検出センサ４７と定位置センサ４８と駆動用モ−タ４２を制御することにより、各洗浄ノズルの洗浄水の噴射時間を任意に設定することができる。食器の洗浄を行う場合、食器に付着した汚染の種類により洗浄しやすいもの、洗浄するのに時間を必要とするものがある。例えば、お茶碗についたご飯粒などはとれにくく、湯飲みコップの汚れなどは比較的とれやすいものである。また、食器洗い乾燥機の食器かごはこれら食器の種類に応じてセットする位置をある程度限定するよう設計されており、それに応じて洗浄ノズルからの噴射も設計されている。
【００５１】
ところが、汚れの取れにくい茶碗等をセットする位置に向けて洗浄水を噴射する洗浄ノズルについて噴射時間を長くしたり、あるいは上方からの噴射で汚れが取れやすい小物入れに対しても他より噴射時間を長くするなど、汚れの取れ安さや、食器配置に起因する、汚れのとれやすい噴射方向等を考慮して、それに対応した洗浄ノズルの噴射時間を設定することができる。一例としては、汚れの取れにくい場所については噴射時間を３０秒、汚れの取れやすいところは噴射時間を５秒、その他のところは１０秒とするなどである。
【００５２】
このように、食器および汚れの特性に応じた最適な噴射時間による運転を行うことにより、汚れの取れにくさの違う食器が混在する食器洗い乾燥機の洗浄において、より効率的に洗い残しがなく高い洗浄性能を得られるものである。
また、本洗工程とすすぎ工程における噴射時間に関して説明する。なお、本発明では上記のように、吐出口４１が一端停止した状態で一定の間に任意の洗浄ノズルから噴射される時間を噴射時間、特に本洗い工程における噴射時間を第一噴射時間、すすぎ工程における噴射時間を第二噴射時間と定義するものである。
【００５３】
また、制御装置は、第一噴射時間を第二噴射時間より長くする運転を行うものである。そもそも本洗工程では、食器に付着した汚染物を食器から引き剥がす目的で、洗剤による化学力や熱等の洗浄力を複合させて洗浄を行うが、特に洗浄水の噴射による機械力は、少しの水量を何回にも分けて洗浄するよりも、一度に多量の洗浄水を当てる方が高い洗浄性能を得られる。これに対してすすぎに工程は、洗浄水の噴射と数回の排水と給水を短時間に繰り返して、食器や洗浄槽内に付着した細かな汚れ等を洗い流すことに重点が置かれるため、できるだけ多方向から満遍なく食器に洗浄水を噴射する方が短時間で確実にすすぐことができる。すなわち、第一噴射時間は長く取りながら確実に洗浄し、第二噴射時間は短いが各洗浄ノズルから噴射する回数を多くする方がよい。一例としては、第一噴射時間を１０秒、第二噴射時間を５秒とするなどである。
よって上記各洗浄における最適な噴射時間を設定した洗浄を行うことにより、高い洗浄性能を実現できるものである。
【００５４】
なお、この実施例で説明した分水構成と、運転最後に上方等から噴射する運転方法と、本洗工程とすすぎ工程での噴射時間の相違と、任意の工程における各洗浄ノズルの噴射時間の設定可能な運転方法は、一体で実施する必然性はなく、各々独立して実施が可能である。また、洗浄工程のすべての工程で行なわなくとも、その中のどれかの工程で行ってもその効果は得られるものである。
また、本実施例では回転分水部の動きについて主に回転と停止を繰り返す動きで説明したが、各工程で連続的に動かす運転を行う場合であっても、その回転速度を可変させることによって本実施例と類似の運転を行うことができるものである。また、一定速度で回転する場合でも請求項１と２の発明に対する効果は得ることができるものである。
【００５５】
また、本発明で用いた本体形状や洗浄ノズル構成の他にも、図６、図７、図８、図９、図１０に示すものが考えられるが、その場合でも本発明と同様の効果を得ることができるものである。
【００５６】
また、本実施例で、分水手段は、分水吐出口４４を分水取り出し部の外周面に設け、駆動用モータ４２で回転分水部を回転させて切り換える構成としているが、駆動用モータの代わりに、プランジャーなどの磁力で軸方向に駆動する駆動手段を用いて、分水部を軸方向に駆動し、軸方向に並べて配置した分水吐出口に対し、切り換える構成としてもよい。この場合、分水吐出口を同一方向に向けられ、配管が容易にできる。
【００５７】
（実施例２）
図１２は本発明の実施例２の食器洗い乾燥機の分水構成を示す断面図である。
また図１３は同食器洗い乾燥機の分水構成を示す分解斜視図である。
【００５８】
実施例１と異なる点は、図１２、図１３に示すように、分水吐出口甲７６の穴形状は、吐出口４１の穴形状よりも円周方向に長さの長い矩形で構成されていることと洗浄吐出経路甲７７は、分水吐出口甲７６の断面積を洗浄吐出経路乙３７ｂの通路断面積まで変化させる通路７８と、分水吐出口乙４４ｂの通路断面積と略同一とする通路７９で構成しているところである。また、回転分水部４０の回転に関しても、位置検知や回転角度検知を用いることなく単に一定速度で連続回転する駆動用モ−タ７５で構成している。なお、分水手段を実現する基本的な構成、動作に関しては実施例１と同じであり、同一符号のものは同一構造を有し、説明は省略する。
【００５９】
次に動作、作用について説明する。各洗浄ノズルが一回あたり洗浄水を噴射する時間は、回転分水部４０が一定速度で回転しているため、分水吐出口の円周方向の円弧長さが長いほどながくなる。本実施例の構成は、分水吐出口甲７６の穴形状を、吐出口４１の穴形状よりも円周方向に長さの長い矩形で構成されており、しかも分水吐出口甲７６の円周方向の長さよりも長くしているため、洗浄ノズルの噴射時間も他より長くなる。
【００６０】
この結果、従来落ちにくいとされていた御飯粒汚れを洗浄する洗浄ノズルは、他の洗浄ノズルより長い時間洗浄水を吐出させることにより、洗浄時間そのものを短縮することが実現できる。しかも前記動作をさせるためには、従来は回転分水部を回転させる駆動用モ−タを可変させ、かつ洗浄吐出経路の位置を検出するための検出部がいるなど、容積的、コスト的に問題があったが、本構成ではそれらが不要であり、シンプルかつ低コストな構成とすることができる。
【００６１】
さらに、分水吐出口甲７６の断面積を洗浄吐出経路乙３７ｂの通路断面積まで変化させる通路７８を設けることにより、通路の拡大による循環洗浄水量の増大を防ぐことができるため、給水量の削減による加温時間の短縮が可能となり、洗浄時間の短縮、省エネを実現することができる。
【００６２】
なお、この実施例で説明した吐出口や洗浄吐出経路の断面形状は、略矩形、略円形、略楕円形或いはそれらを複合した形状も考えられるが、いずれの場合でもっ本発明の効果は得られるものである。また、本実施例で説明した分水吐出口甲の穴形状や可変通路に関しては一体で実施する必然性はなく、各々独立して実施が可能である。
【００６３】
（実施例３）
図１４は本発明の実施例３の食器洗い乾燥機の分水手段の部分断面図、図１５は同食器洗い乾燥機の回転分水部１サイクルあたりの各洗浄ノズルと洗浄ポンプの吐出圧力の変化を示すである。
【００６４】
実施例１と異なる点は、図１４に示すように、吐出口４１の円周方向の長さを、分水吐出口４４の円弧長さと、前記穴間円弧長さとを足した長さと略同一、あるいはそれ以上としたところである。なお、分水手段を実現する基本的な構成、動作に関しては実施例１と同じであり、同一符号のものは同一構造を有し、説明は省略する。
【００６５】
本発明の構成によれば、回転分水部４０が回転中、吐出口４１はどの位置にあっても吐出口４１の開口面積に等しい面積分の洗浄吐出経路を確保することができる。よって図１５に示すように、洗浄ポンプ２８には定常負荷しかかからないので、洗浄ポンプから吐出する循環洗浄水量は常に一定状態を保つことができる。このため、洗浄吐出経路内の接続部やシ−ル部への圧力変動を起こすことはなく、耐久信頼性を低下させることはない。また、各洗浄手段単独でみると、洗浄手段から吐出する洗浄エネルギは周期的に変動するが、洗浄手段全体で見た場合、常に一定の洗浄エネルギを食器に対して与えることができるため、効率よく食器を洗浄することができる。
【００６６】
【発明の効果】
以上のように、請求項１に記載の発明によれば、給水量を増加させることなく、任意の食器に対して複数方向から洗浄水を噴射させることが可能となり、短時間で高い洗浄性能を実現できる。さらにすすぎ回数の削減による省エネ、省水量を実現できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の実施例１の食器洗い乾燥機の断面図
【図２】同食器洗い乾燥機の分水手段の構成と洗浄水の流れを示す部分断面図
【図３】同食器洗い乾燥機の分水構成を示す分解図
【図４】同食器洗い乾燥機の分水手段を示す部分断面図
【図５】同食器洗い乾燥機の回転分水部１サイクルあたりの各洗浄ノズルと洗浄ポンプの吐出圧力の変化を示す図
【図６】同食器洗い乾燥機の他の洗浄手段の構成を示す斜視図
【図７】同食器洗い乾燥機の他の洗浄手段の構成を示す斜視図
【図８】同食器洗い乾燥機の他の洗浄手段の構成を示す斜視図
【図９】同食器洗い乾燥機の他の洗浄手段の構成を示す斜視図
【図１０】同食器洗い乾燥機の他の洗浄手段の構成を示す斜視図
【図１１】同食器洗い乾燥機の他の洗浄手段の構成を示す斜視図
【図１２】本発明の実施例２の食器洗い乾燥機の分水構成を示す断面図
【図１３】同食器洗い乾燥機の分水構成を示す分解斜視図
【図１４】本発明の実施例３の食器洗い乾燥機の分水手段の部分断面図
【図１５】同食器洗い乾燥機の回転分水部１サイクルあたりの各洗浄ノズルと洗浄ポンプの吐出圧力の変化を示す図
【図１６】従来の食器洗い乾燥機の構成図
【符号の説明】
１７噴射口
２１本体
２２洗浄槽
２３蓋
２５食器食器かご
２８洗浄ポンプ
２９洗浄ノズル（洗浄手段）
３０洗浄ノズル（洗浄手段）
３１洗浄ノズル（洗浄手段）
３２洗浄ノズル（洗浄手段）
３３排水ポンプ
３５分水装置
３７洗浄吐出経路
３７a 洗浄吐出経路甲
３７ｂ洗浄吐出経路乙
３８制御装置（制御手段）
３９導水部（分水手段）
４０回転分水部（分水手段）
４１吐出口
４２駆動用モ−タ４２（駆動手段、分水手段）
４３分水取り出し部（分水手段）
４４分水吐出口
４４a 分水吐出口甲
４４ｂ分水吐出口乙
４５回転軸
４９駆動用モ−タ支持用フレ−ム
５０回転角度用スリット
５１、７５駆動用モ−タ（駆動手段）
５２回転ノズル（洗浄手段）
５３棒状ノズル（洗浄手段）
５４回転ノズル（洗浄手段）
５５固定ノズル（洗浄手段）
５６回転ノズル（洗浄手段）
５７回転ノズル（洗浄手段）
５８固定ノズル（洗浄手段）
５９固定ノズル（洗浄手段）
６０固定ノズル（洗浄手段）
６９排水経路
７６分水吐出口甲
７７洗浄吐出経路甲
７８、７９通路[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a dishwasher for home use or business use.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The structure of the conventional dishwasher is demonstrated using FIG. 1 is a main body, 2 is a washing tank, 3 is a lid for opening and closing the opening of the washing tank, 4 is an exhaust port provided in the lid 3, and 5 is a tableware basket for storing tableware such as tableware (hereinafter referred to as tableware). Further, it is supported by a rail surface 7 provided on the side surface of the cleaning tank 2 through a rotating roller 6. Reference numeral 8 denotes a cleaning pump for supplying cleaning water. Reference numeral 9 denotes a cleaning nozzle installed below the cleaning tank 2. The cleaning water supplied by the cleaning pump 8 is sprayed from below onto the tableware stored in the tableware basket 5. . Reference numeral 10 denotes a drainage pump for discharging the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank to the outside of the apparatus. Reference numeral 11 denotes a control device that controls the operation of the cleaning pump 8, the drainage pump 10, and the like. 12 is a water supply hose and 13 is a drainage hose. Reference numeral 14 denotes a heater used for heating cleaning water and heating air during drying, and is provided at the bottom of the cleaning tank 2. Reference numeral 15 denotes a blower for drying.
[0003]
When washing dishes, the dishes are stored in the dish basket 5 of the washing tub 2, and detergent is put in to start operation. When the operation is started, first, a water supply step of supplying a predetermined amount of cleaning water to the cleaning tank 2 is performed so that the operation of the cleaning pump 8 supplying the cleaning water is stabilized. The cleaning pump 8 has a centrifugal blade (not shown) and an electric motor (not shown) for driving the centrifugal blade. Subsequently, a main washing process is performed in which the washing water supplied by the washing pump 8 and heated by the heater 14 is jetted from the jet port 16 of the washing nozzle 9 together with the detergent. At this time, the washing water is jetted vertically or obliquely upward from the jet nozzle 16 of the washing nozzle 9. Further, the cleaning nozzle 9 is rotated substantially horizontally by the jet reaction force. The tableware is washed by the action of the collision force, detergent, heat, etc. of the washing water sprayed from the washing nozzle 9 rotating in this way.
[0004]
After passing through the main washing process for a predetermined time, the process enters a draining process in which cleaning water containing dirt washed off from tableware and the like is discharged to the outside by the drainage pump 10. Subsequently, a water supply process for newly supplying cleaning water, a rinsing process for spraying cleaning water from the cleaning nozzle 9 in order to rinse the dishes contaminated with detergents and residual vegetables (stained dishes are also called residual vegetables), The draining step is continuously repeated four times to complete the cleaning step. The final rinsing step is called a heating rinsing step in which the washing water temperature is raised to about 70 ° C., and the tableware is rinsed with hot water. And the main washing process and the rinse process which performs several rinses are called a washing process.
[0005]
Subsequently, air is sent from the outside of the machine into the washing tub 2 by the blower 15 through the blow duct 17 to the washing tub 2 through the blower opening 18, and the heater 14 is operated intermittently to produce hot air. A drying process for evaporating water droplets adhering to is performed.
[0006]
The following proposals have been made as cleaning methods for improving the cleaning performance using a plurality of cleaning nozzles. For example, as shown in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-305050, a method of injecting cleaning water from multiple directions with a cleaning mechanism constituted by one cleaning pump and a plurality of cleaning nozzles, or Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-176875. As shown in the publication, there has been proposed one using a plurality of cleaning pumps and a plurality of cleaning nozzles.
[0007]
Further, as shown in JP-A-6-30853, a configuration in which a three-way valve is frequently used to divide water has been proposed.
Furthermore, as shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-19019, there has been proposed a water diversion switching configuration in which the rising at the time of starting the cleaning pump and the rotation direction of the cleaning nozzle are linked.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional configuration has the following problems. For example, in the configuration shown in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-305050, since water is sprayed from a plurality of cleaning nozzles at the same time, the amount of water supplied in the cleaning tank must be increased. This is because when the amount of water supply is insufficient, air enters the cleaning pump, resulting in an air stagnation state, and the discharge performance of the cleaning pump is rapidly reduced, making it impossible to clean the dishes. In this case, it is necessary to increase the amount of water supply according to the number of cleaning nozzles, but the temperature rise time of the cleaning water becomes longer, resulting in longer operation time, increased power consumption, increased water consumption, Since a large washing pump is required, it has a number of problems such as an increase in running cost and an increase in noise and vibration caused by injecting a large amount of washing water at a time.
[0009]
In the configuration shown in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-176875, a washing pump is required for each washing nozzle, and since the volume of the mechanism portion in the entire dishwasher increases as well as the problem due to an increase in the amount of water supply, There was a problem that the volume necessary for washing could not be secured sufficiently, or the dishwasher main body became larger than necessary.
[0010]
In addition, the configuration shown in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-30853 is a configuration used for a dishwasher that handles washing water mixed with leftovers and foreign matters, when it is difficult to ensure operational reliability or when there are many diversion channels. In addition, the number of three-way valves is increased, a peculiar noise is generated during valve operation, or the cost is increased.
Furthermore, the configuration shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-19019 has a problem that it is difficult to exhibit a predetermined cleaning performance due to low operation reliability because of a mechanism that switches only by water pressure.
[0011]
In addition, a mechanism part is a component for implement | achieving washing | cleaning and drying arrange | positioned at the washing tank lower part etc., and is a general term for a washing | cleaning pump, a drainage pump, an air blower, a control apparatus, etc.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, the dishwasher of the present invention includes a washing pump for supplying washing water, a plurality of washing means, and between the washing pump and each washing means.Rotates using drive motor as drive sourceIn the configuration provided with the water distribution means, the cross-sectional area of at least one water distribution discharge port and the cleaning discharge path is made larger than that of the discharge port. With this water distribution means, the cleaning water discharged from the cleaning pump can be supplied to any cleaning means while sequentially switching to each cleaning means, so that the dishes can be washed from multiple directions without increasing the amount of water supply. Water can be jetted. Moreover, since the passage pressure loss of the water distribution means can be reduced, it is possible to prevent the discharge pressure of the cleaning water discharged from the cleaning means from being lowered.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention includes a tableware basket for storing tableware and the like, a cleaning tank for storing the tableware basket, a cleaning pump for supplying cleaning water, and a plurality of cleaning means arranged in the cleaning tank. And water supply means for switching and supplying the cleaning water from the cleaning pump to each of the cleaning means, and a plurality of cleaning discharge paths for connecting each of the cleaning means and the water distribution means. A water conveyance part for introducing the cleaning water sent, a water distribution part provided with a discharge port for discharging the cleaning water guided from the water conveyance part, and a cleaning discharge path for introducing the cleaning water from the discharge port of the water distribution part A diversion outlet having a plurality of diversion outlets, and driving means for moving the position of the discharge outlet of the diversion section to a position corresponding to the diversion outlet of the diversion outlet,The drive means rotates the water diversion unit using a drive motor as a drive source,The opening area of the water distribution outlet is configured to be larger than the opening area of the outlet.
[0014]
  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it becomes possible to spray wash water from multiple directions with respect to arbitrary tableware, without increasing a water supply amount, and can implement | achieve high washing | cleaning performance in a short time. Furthermore, energy saving and water saving can be realized by reducing the number of times of rinsing. In addition, since the setting position and setting method of the tableware to the tableware basket are not selected, it is possible to provide a dishwasher with more excellent setability. Moreover, since the pressure loss of the washing water passing through the water dividing means can be reduced, a high washing discharge pressure can be obtained without using an excessive washing pump.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the configuration described in the first aspect, the drive motor is configured to continuously rotate.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the configuration described in the second aspect, the driving motor is configured to rotate at a constant speed.
[0015]
  Claims of the invention4The invention described in claim 1Any one of -3In addition to the configuration described in the above, the water diversion part of the water diversion means has a discharge port with a bottomed cylindrical shape.Side or bottomA rotating water diverting unit provided on the surface and rotated by a driving means, and a water diversion taking part is a bottomed cylindrical shape covering the rotating water diverting unit.Side or bottomsurfacePosition facing the discharge portIt has the structure which provided the water distribution discharge port in this.
[0016]
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it becomes possible to spray wash water from multiple directions with respect to arbitrary tableware, without increasing a water supply amount, and can implement | achieve high washing | cleaning performance in a short time. Furthermore, energy saving and water saving can be realized by reducing the number of times of rinsing. In addition, since the setting position and setting method of the tableware to the tableware basket are not selected, it is possible to provide a dishwasher with more excellent setability. Moreover, since the pressure loss of the washing water passing through the water dividing means can be reduced, a high washing discharge pressure can be obtained without using an excessive washing pump.
[0017]
  Claims of the invention5The invention described in claim4In addition to the configuration described in (1), the hole shape of the water distribution outlet is a rectangular or substantially elliptical shape having a longer length in the circumferential direction than the hole shape of the outlet.
[0018]
According to the present invention, cleaning water can be discharged from the cleaning means communicating with the water distribution outlet for a longer time than other cleaning means. In addition, it is not realized by changing the rotation speed of the drive source that drives the rotating water distribution unit, but it is possible to realize a configuration in which the discharge time of the cleaning means is changed while the rotation speed is constant. For this reason, it is possible to sufficiently inject cleaning water even for tableware that is difficult to remove with an inexpensive configuration. Also, the dishes can be washed in a short time.
[0019]
  Claims of the invention6The invention described in claim5In addition to the configuration described above, the cleaning discharge path has a passage that changes the sectional area of the water discharge outlet to the passage sectional area of the cleaning discharge path.
[0020]
According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent an increase in the amount of circulating cleaning water due to the enlargement of the passage. Therefore, the heating time can be shortened by reducing the amount of water supply, and the cleaning time and energy saving can be realized.
[0021]
In addition to the structure described in any one of claims 1 to 6, the opening length in the moving direction of the discharge port is the same as that of the adjacent water discharge port. It is configured to be equal to or longer than the length between the holes with the water discharge outlet.
  Claims of the invention8According to the invention described in the above, the table includes a tableware basket for storing tableware, a cleaning tank for storing the tableware basket, a cleaning pump for supplying cleaning water, a plurality of cleaning means arranged in the cleaning tank, and a cleaning pump. Water supply means for switching and supplying cleaning water to each cleaning means, and a plurality of cleaning discharge paths connecting each cleaning means and the water distribution means, wherein the water distribution means supplies the cleaning water fed by the cleaning pump. A water diverting part for introducing a cleaning water from a water guiding part for guiding, a water discharging part for discharging the washing water guided from the water guiding part, and a water diverting part for introducing the cleaning water from the water discharging part. A plurality of diversion outlets, and driving means for moving the position of the outlet of the diversion part to a position corresponding to the diversion outlet of the diversion outlet, and opening the movement direction of the outlet The length is approximately the same as the distance between adjacent water discharge outlets. It is intended to as one, or more.
[0022]
According to the present invention, the discharge port always coincides with any one of the cleaning discharge paths, so that an excessive pressure increase in the path from the cleaning pump to the cleaning means can be prevented. Therefore, the durability reliability due to the overload to the connection part or seal part in the cleaning path is not significantly reduced.
[0023]
  Claims of the invention9The invention described in claim8In addition to the configuration described in the above, the water diversion part of the water diversion means has a discharge port with a bottomed cylindrical shape.Side or bottomThe water diversion unit is provided on the surface and is rotated by the driving means, and the water diversion unit is configured to cover the rotation diversion unit with the diversion outlet of the cleaning discharge path for introducing the cleaning water from the discharge port of the rotation diversion unit. Bottomed cylindricalSide or bottomsurfacePosition facing the discharge portThe circumferential length of the discharge port is substantially the same as or longer than the arc length between the holes of the adjacent water discharge ports.
[0024]
According to the present invention, the discharge port always coincides with any one of the cleaning discharge paths, so that an excessive pressure increase in the path from the cleaning pump to the cleaning means can be prevented. Therefore, the durability reliability due to the overload to the connection part or seal part in the cleaning path is not significantly reduced.
[0025]
  Claims of the invention10According to the invention described in the above, the table includes a tableware basket for storing tableware, a cleaning tank for storing the tableware basket, a cleaning pump for supplying cleaning water, a plurality of cleaning means arranged in the cleaning tank, and a cleaning pump. Water supply means for switching and supplying cleaning water to each cleaning means, and a plurality of cleaning discharge paths connecting each cleaning means and the water distribution means, wherein the water distribution means supplies the cleaning water fed by the cleaning pump. A water diverting part for introducing a cleaning water from a water guiding part for guiding, a water discharging part for discharging the washing water guided from the water guiding part, and a water diverting part for introducing the cleaning water from the water discharging part. A plurality of diversion outlets, and driving means for moving the position of the outlet of the diversion part to a position corresponding to the diversion outlet of the diversion outlet, and the length of the discharge port in the moving direction. The length of the moving direction of any diversion outlet is adjacent to the diversion discharge It is an substantially the same as the Anakan length plus the length of the water diversion discharge port, or more.
[0026]
According to the present invention, since the amount of circulating cleaning water discharged from the cleaning pump can always be kept constant, there is no pressure fluctuation to the connection part or seal part in the cleaning discharge path, and durability reliability is ensured. Will not be reduced. In addition, the cleaning energy discharged from the cleaning means varies periodically when viewed from each cleaning means alone, but when viewed from the entire cleaning means, a constant cleaning energy can always be given to the tableware. The dishes can be washed well.
[0027]
  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the structure described in the tenth aspect, the water diversion portion of the water diversion means is a rotation which is provided with a discharge port on a bottomed cylindrical surface and is rotated by a drive means. A diversion outlet is provided on the bottomed cylindrical surface that covers the rotary diversion section. The diversion outlet is provided with a diversion outlet of a cleaning discharge path for introducing cleaning water from the discharge opening of the rotary diversion section. The circumferential length of the discharge port is substantially the same as the length obtained by adding the arc length of an arbitrary water discharge port and the arc length between holes of adjacent water discharge ports and the water discharge port, or More than that.
[0028]
According to the present invention, since the amount of circulating cleaning water discharged from the cleaning pump can always be kept constant, there is no pressure fluctuation to the connection part or seal part in the cleaning discharge path, and durability reliability is ensured. Will not be reduced. In addition, the cleaning energy discharged from the cleaning means varies periodically when viewed from each cleaning means alone, but when viewed from the entire cleaning means, a constant cleaning energy can always be given to the tableware. The dishes can be washed well.
[0029]
【Example】
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0030]
Example 1
1 is a cross-sectional view of a dishwasher according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the structure of the water dividing means of the dishwasher and the flow of the washing water. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a water distribution structure of the dishwasher. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the water dividing means of the dishwasher. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing changes in the discharge pressures of the cleaning nozzles and the cleaning pump per one cycle of the rotating water diversion unit of the dishwasher. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the configuration of another cleaning means of the dishwasher. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the configuration of another cleaning means of the dishwasher. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of another cleaning means of the dishwasher. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the structure of another cleaning means of the dishwasher. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of another cleaning means of the dishwasher. Moreover, FIG. 11 is a perspective view which shows the structure of the other washing | cleaning means of the dishwasher.
[0031]
In FIG. 1, 21 is a main body, 22 is a washing tank, 23 is a lid for opening and closing the opening of the washing tank, 24 is an exhaust port provided in the lid 23, 25 is a tableware basket for storing tableware, and a rotating roll The rail 26 is supported by a rail surface 27 provided on the side surface of the cleaning tank 22. 28 is a cleaning pump for supplying cleaning water, 29 is a cleaning nozzle (cleaning means) installed on the bottom surface of the cleaning tank 22, and the cleaning water is rotated from a plurality of jets 17 to the tableware stored in the tableware basket 25. While spraying. Similarly, 30 is a cleaning nozzle (cleaning means) installed above the cleaning tank 22, 31 is a cleaning nozzle (cleaning means) installed on the back of the cleaning tank 22, and 32 is installed on the left side of the cleaning tank 22. It is a cleaning nozzle. Although not shown, there are also cleaning nozzles (cleaning means) that spray the cleaning water while rotating on the right side of the cleaning tank 22, and a total of five cleaning nozzles (cleaning means) are provided. Further, the cleaning pump is disposed horizontally, and the cleaning pump water supply port 103 is provided at the lowermost portion of the cleaning pump. The cleaning pump discharge port 36 is provided above the cleaning pump water supply port 103 and protrudes substantially in the horizontal direction. In addition, a water distribution outlet 44 is provided at a position higher than the cleaning pump outlet 36. This is because the cleaning pump 28 will not start if air accumulates in the water diversion device 35 during water supply. 33 is a drainage pump for discharging the wash water stored in the wash tank 22 to the outside of the machine. Reference numeral 34 denotes a heater used for heating cleaning water and heating air during drying, and is provided at the bottom of the cleaning tank 22. Reference numeral 35 denotes a water diversion device (a water diversion unit) provided in a discharge path 37 that communicates the cleaning pump discharge port 36 with each cleaning nozzle, and sequentially supplies the cleaning water to each cleaning nozzle. Reference numeral 38 denotes a control device (control means) that controls the operation of the cleaning pump 28, the drainage pump 30, the water diversion device 35, and the like. The cleaning nozzle 29, the cleaning nozzle 30, the cleaning nozzle 31, the cleaning nozzle 32, and the right side cleaning nozzle (not shown) constitute a cleaning means. In this embodiment, the cleaning pump is described in the horizontal arrangement, but the effects of the invention in the present embodiment can be obtained in the vertical arrangement or in other cases.
[0032]
2 and 3, 39 is a water guiding portion (water diverting means) that guides the cleaning water fed by the cleaning pump 28, and 40 is a discharge port 41 (switching portion) that discharges the cleaning water guided from the water guiding portion 39. Is a rotating water diversion unit (switching unit) provided on a substantially cylindrical side surface, and rotates with the driving motor 42 (switching unit) as a driving source. Reference numeral 43 denotes a substantially cylindrical diversion outlet (diversion means) that includes the rotary diversion section 40 and has diversion outlets 44 (diversion means) that communicate with the five cleaning discharge paths 37. . The diversion outlet 44 and the cleaning discharge path 37 communicating with the diversion outlet 44 are constituted by two types having different passage cross-sectional areas, and a pair of the diversion outlet upper 44a and the passage of the cleaning discharge path A 37a communicating therewith. The cross-sectional area is configured to be larger than the opening area of the discharge port 41, and the cross-sectional area is set to be larger than the cross-sectional areas of the other four sets of water distribution discharge port B 44b and the cleaning discharge path B 37b communicating therewith. Yes. In this case, when the rotary diversion part 40 rotates and the discharge port 41 and the diversion discharge port upper 44a coincide with each other, no passage loss occurs when the washing water that has exited from the discharge port 41 enters the diversion discharge port upper 44a. It is configured to maintain the positional relationship. Reference numeral 45 denotes a rotating shaft (switching unit) that connects the driving shaft 80 (switching unit) of the driving motor 42 and the rotating water diverting unit 40. An oil seal 46 (switching unit) is provided. In the present embodiment, only one water diverter outlet 44a is configured to be larger than the opening area of the outlet 41. However, the effect of the present invention can be obtained with two, three, or all. Needless to say.
[0033]
Further, a rotation detection disk 67 having a rotation angle detection slit 50 and a fixed position detection slit 51 on the outer peripheral portion is coaxially fixed to the rotation shaft 45, and a rotation angle detection sensor 47 (light) fixed to the water guide portion 39. The rotation angle of the rotary water diversion unit 40 can be detected by a sensor using the light emission and reception. Reference numeral 48 denotes a fixed position sensor (a sensor that utilizes light reception / emission) for aligning the hole positions of the discharge port 41 and the water diversion discharge port 44, and the position of the discharge port 41 and the specific water diversion discharge port 44. It is provided at a position where it matches the hole. By using the two sensors 47 and 48, the cleaning water can be discharged from the specific cleaning means, and the control means can know which outlet 41 and the center of the water diversion outlet 44 coincide with each other. It can be done. In addition, the fixed position detecting slit 51 is used while the rotation detecting disk 67 rotates, while both the rotation angle detecting sensor 47 and the fixed position sensor 48 detect light, or in a state where light is not detected. It is arranged at a position that only happens once. Further, the plurality of rotation angle detection slits 50 provided in the rotation detection disk 67 are arranged at positions where the holes of the water diversion outlet 44 and the holes of the discharge outlet 41 are aligned. With such an arrangement, the control device determines that only the rotation angle detection sensor 47 detects light or no longer detects the time when the hole positions of the discharge port 41 and the water diversion port 44 match. When both the rotation angle detection sensor 47 and the fixed position sensor detect light or no longer detect light, it is determined that the rotation water diversion unit 40 has come to a fixed position. Reference numeral 49 denotes a drive motor support frame (water diverting means) for fixing the drive motor 42 to the water guide section 39. As for the support of the driving motor 42, it is also possible to integrally form the driving motor supporting frame 49 in a state where the driving motor supporting frame 49 is positioned on the water guide portion 39.
[0034]
Note that the switching unit 101 that sequentially divides the cleaning water into each cleaning nozzle includes a rotating water dividing unit 40, a discharge port 41, a driving motor 42, a rotating shaft 45, an oil seal 46, and a driving motor support. And a driving frame 80. Also, the cleaning / discharging path 37 (including the cleaning / discharging path A 37a and the cleaning / discharging path B 37b) water guide section 39, the diversion outlet 43, the diversion outlet 44 (the diversion outlet A 44a and the diversion outlet B 44b). ), And the switching unit 101 constitutes a water diversion means (= water diversion device 35).
[0035]
Further, although the number of discharge ports 41 has been described as one in this embodiment, the effect of the present invention can be obtained if the number is less than the number of discharge paths 37.
Further, in the present embodiment, the position of the discharge port 41 is described with a configuration provided on the side surface of the rotary water diversion unit 40. However, the discharge port 41 is provided on a surface substantially perpendicular to the rotation shaft 45, and The water diversion outlet 44 provided in 43 is also provided in a position facing the discharge opening 41, or the rotating water diversion part is constituted by a substantially conical shape and a substantially spherical shape, and the discharge opening is provided on any surface thereof. Even if it is a water distribution means, the effect of this invention is acquired.
[0036]
Further, the driving motor 42 described in the present embodiment uses a DC motor that is easily controlled by the control device 38 so that the rotational speed can be changed and the rotational direction can be easily switched. It is also possible to use a gear motor, a stepping motor, or a direct current motor to which a transmission is added in consideration of use in the above. Furthermore, depending on the control method and the size of the motor, an AC motor or an ultrasonic motor may be used.
[0037]
Further, in the description of the present embodiment, in order to detect the fixed position of the rotating water diversion unit 40 and the rotation angle at the time of rotation, an optical sensor using a light receiving and emitting element, and a rotation detection for passing and blocking light. Although it is realized by a combination of the disks 67, when a limit switch is used instead, when both an optical sensor and a limit switch are used, a magnetic sensor or an ultrasonic sensor may be used. Further, the same effect can be realized by using a stepping motor that can also control the rotation speed and the switching of the rotation direction, or a motor with an encoder (not shown).
[0038]
Further, a gap necessary for maintaining the rotation is provided between the rotating water separating unit 40 and the water separating taking-out unit 43 even if foreign matter is mixed. However, a seal member (not shown) made of rubber, resin, Teflon-based seal material or the like is used to eliminate leakage water between the water diversion outlet 44 and the outlet 41. If it comprises in a clearance gap, the leak water to those other than the washing nozzle which is discharging can be eliminated. As a result, water supply volume can be further reduced, cleaning performance can be improved by increasing cleaning discharge pressure, cleaning water heating time can be shortened, operation time can be reduced, power consumption can be reduced, and water consumption can be reduced. realizable.
[0039]
FIG. 4 shows that the water diversion outlets 44 provided on the side surfaces of the rotating water diversion unit 40 and the discharge ports 41 communicating with the respective cleaning nozzles are sequentially matched, and the cleaning water is sequentially supplied to the respective nozzles. It shows how to do. And the case where the discharge port 41 is provided in the cylindrical side surface of the rotation water dividing part 40 and the case where the discharge port 41 is comprised in the plane part provided in the cylindrical side surface are shown in figure. Therefore, when the discharge port 41 is provided on the cylindrical side surface of the rotary diversion part 40, the circumferential length L2 of the discharge port 41 is an arc between holes between the adjacent water discharge port 44 and the water discharge port 44. It is configured to be equal to or longer than the length L1. Moreover, when the discharge port 41 is provided in the plane part of the cylindrical side surface of the rotation diversion part 40, it comprises so that the length L3 of the discharge port 41 may become more than the arc length L1 between holes.
[0040]
FIG. 5 shows how the spray force of each cleaning nozzle and the discharge pressure of the cleaning pump 28 change during one rotation of the rotary water diversion unit 40.
6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 show combinations of the configuration of the cleaning nozzle provided at the tip of the water diverter (not shown). It cleans tableware and cooking utensils. Specifically, in a drawer type dishwasher, a combination of rotating nozzles 68, 69, and 97 (FIG. 6) that injects cleaning water while rotating, and a combination of a rotating nozzle 52 and a rod-shaped nozzle 53 that injects cleaning water while rotating ( 7), a combination of the rotating nozzle 54 and the fixed nozzle 55 (FIG. 8), and when the rotating nozzles 56, 57 are configured in two upper and lower stages (FIG. 9), the upper two 61, 62 and the lower two 63 , 64, when 65 and 66 rotating nozzles are provided on each of the left and right side surfaces (FIG. 10), when only a plurality of fixed nozzles 58, 59 and 60 are configured (FIG. 11), Various combinations are possible depending on the size and shape of the washing tank, or the conditions such as one or two cups, such as combining nozzles (not shown). In the cleaning method that the effect of the present invention is obtained.
[0041]
Next, the operation and action of the water diversion device 35 (water diversion means) which is a characteristic configuration of the present embodiment will be described. First, the cleaning water supplied by the cleaning pump 28 passes through the water guide section 39 and is discharged from a discharge port 41 provided in the rotating water dividing section 40. At this time, the rotary water diversion unit 40 is continuously rotated at a low speed by the driving motor 42, and the discharge ports 41 are sequentially aligned with the five water distribution discharge ports 44 in sequence. When the holes are aligned, they pass through the respective cleaning discharge paths 37, and the cleaning nozzle 29 (lower surface), the right side cleaning nozzle (not shown), the cleaning nozzle 31 (rear surface), the cleaning nozzle 32 (left side surface), and the cleaning nozzle. Wash water is sequentially sent to 30 (top). At this time, since the water diversion outlet 44a and the cleaning discharge path 37a have a passage section larger than the opening area of the discharge opening 41, passage pressure loss due to switching of the washing water direction can be reduced. Therefore, since a washing pump having a smaller size can be used, an energy saving, low noise, and low cost dishwasher can be realized.
[0042]
In addition, the control device 38 operates at a certain time for all the cleaning nozzles for a certain period of time in the case of operation using the fixed position sensor 48 and in the case of operation using the fixed position sensor 48 and the rotation angle detection sensor 47. An operation of injecting cleaning water from an arbitrary cleaning nozzle can also be performed. To explain the operation, the rotary diversion unit 40 has a diversion port 44 and a discharge port 41 communicating with the cleaning nozzle 29 (lower surface) by the functions of the fixed position sensor 48 and the rotation angle detection sensor 47 provided. At the coincidence, one end is stopped, and cleaning water is jetted from the cleaning nozzle 30 for a certain period of time. Then, in order to supply cleaning water to the cleaning nozzle 29 next, the rotating water diversion unit 40 rotates the discharge port 41 until it coincides with the water distribution discharge port 44 communicating with the cleaning nozzle 29. Then, after stopping for a certain injection time, a series of operations such as rotating the rotating water diversion unit is performed again. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, regarding the injection force of each cleaning nozzle and the movement of the rotating water dividing unit 40, when the rotating water dividing unit 40 is continuously rotated, the discharge port 41 and the water dividing discharge port 44 Since the hole area gradually changes, the injection force continuously changes. However, when a temporary stop is applied in the middle, the maximum injection force can be maintained for a certain period of time.
[0043]
Thus, conventionally, in the case of a configuration using a plurality of cleaning nozzles, it has been necessary to supply cleaning water to each cleaning nozzle at a time, so a large cleaning pump and a large amount of water supply are required. However, according to the configuration of the present invention, the cleaning water discharged from the cleaning pump is switched by the diversion device, and the cleaning pump capacity and the water supply amount necessary for operating a single cleaning nozzle are switched. A plurality of cleaning nozzles can be operated.
As a result, it is possible to provide a dishwasher that achieves downsizing of the product due to downsizing of the mechanism part or expansion of tableware capacity, significant energy saving, water saving, and shortening of operation time.
[0044]
In addition, in the conventional cleaning method of spraying from the top and bottom simultaneously, the original performance may not be able to be exhibited due to the interference of the water flow on the tableware. It can contribute to cleaning efficiently without interfering with each other.
[0045]
Further, the circumferential length L2 of the discharge port 41 is configured to be equal to or greater than the arc length L1 between the adjacent water discharge ports 44 and the water discharge port 44. While the water diversion unit 40 is rotating, the hole is always slightly aligned with any water diversion outlet 44 regardless of where the discharge port 41 is located, and no washing water is discharged from any washing nozzle. Can be prevented. In other words, by preventing the cleaning pump from being closed, the pressure increase in each part of the cleaning discharge path is alleviated, the cleaning water is prevented from leaking from the seal part and the joint part, and the durability is improved. It is something that can be done.
[0046]
Further, in this embodiment, the control device controls so that the cleaning nozzle for finally spraying the cleaning water is sprayed from the cleaning nozzle provided on the top surface or the side surface of the cleaning tank in the main cleaning process or the rinsing process. . First, the configuration will be described. The position of the fixed-position detection slit 51 provided in the rotation detection disk 67 is set at the water discharge outlet 44 for discharging cleaning water to the discharge nozzle 41 and the cleaning nozzle 30 provided above the cleaning tank 22. It is provided to match.
[0047]
In the rinsing process, the cleaning water is sequentially ejected from each cleaning nozzle. When the end time of the process comes, the control device 38 rotates the rotational speed and position of the rotating water diversion unit 40, and a certain ejection time from above. In consideration of the above, the rotation water diversion unit 40 is temporarily stopped based on the signal from the fixed position sensor 48, and the cleaning water is controlled to be jetted from above for a certain period of time. An example of a specific injection method is shown below.
Usually, in the operation program, the main washing time and the rinsing time are set by both the time and the washing water temperature. Moreover, the heating rinse process performed at the end of a rinse process performs the driving | running which is complete | finished when the washing water temperature becomes about 70 degree | times. The rinsing process includes a rinsing process that is managed in a time of 2 to 3 times, and a heating rinsing process that controls the cleaning water temperature up to about 70 degrees and that is controlled at the cleaning water temperature. Therefore, in the main washing process and the rinsing process managed by the time, the operation is started after moving the rotary diversion unit 40 to a fixed position first, and the injection time and the stop time of each cleaning nozzle of the rotary diversion unit 40 are set. A method is conceivable in which the control device controls such that it is set and sprayed from a cleaning nozzle provided on the top surface or side surface at the end of operation. In the heating rinsing process, since the amount of water supplied and the temperature of the cleaning water at the time of water supply fluctuate, the end time of the heating rinsing cannot be specified. A method of ending the operation when the cleaning water temperature rises to near the temperature at which the heating rinsing is completed is set. Alternatively, after the temperature rises, a method may be considered in which spraying is performed from a cleaning nozzle provided on the top surface or the side surface and then the process is terminated. Further, in the process of stopping the operation by time management, the operation of the present embodiment can also be realized by changing the injection time or the stop time during operation in accordance with the end time. In addition, what is necessary is just to determine a realization method according to the driving | operation characteristic of arbitrary processes regarding these driving | running operations.
[0048]
Therefore, since the washing water is sprayed from above on the tableware at the end of any step, the contaminants can be easily separated from the tableware, and can be reliably rinsed. In addition, it is possible to suppress the reattachment of the cup to the yarn bottom, and it is possible to improve the washing performance, such as discharging fine leftovers attached to the tableware out of the machine at an early stage of the washing process.
[0049]
In addition, regarding the process of rinsing from above, the effect can be obtained if it is performed at least several times in the rinsing process, but if it is performed in all the rinsing processes and the main washing process, it is more effective. Needless to say.
[0050]
Further, regarding the ejection time of each cleaning means, in the configuration of the present invention, the control device controls the rotation angle detection sensor 47, the fixed position sensor 48, and the driving motor 42, so that the cleaning water of each cleaning nozzle is controlled. The injection time can be arbitrarily set. When cleaning tableware, there are some that are easy to clean depending on the type of contamination attached to the tableware, and some that require time to clean. For example, rice grains attached to a tea bowl are difficult to remove, and dirt from a drinking cup is relatively easy to remove. Moreover, the dish basket of the dishwasher is designed to limit the setting position to some extent according to the type of these dishes, and the jet from the washing nozzle is also designed accordingly.
[0051]
However, the spraying time is longer for cleaning nozzles that spray cleaning water toward the position where teacups, etc. that are difficult to remove dirt are set, or for small items that can be easily cleaned by spraying from above. In consideration of the ease of removal of dirt, such as lengthening the length of time, and the injection direction that is easily removed due to the arrangement of dishes, the washing nozzle ejection time can be set accordingly. As an example, the spraying time is 30 seconds for a place where it is difficult to remove dirt, the spraying time is 5 seconds for a place where dirt is easily removed, and 10 seconds for other places.
[0052]
In this way, by performing the operation with the optimal jetting time according to the characteristics of the dishes and dirt, in the washing of the dishwasher in which dishes with different difficulty of removing dirt are mixed, there is no more leftover and more efficiently. The cleaning performance can be obtained.
Moreover, the injection time in the main washing process and the rinsing process will be described. In the present invention, as described above, the time during which the discharge port 41 is stopped once is sprayed from an arbitrary cleaning nozzle for a certain period of time, and in particular, the spraying time in the main washing process is the first spraying time. The injection time in the process is defined as the second injection time.
[0053]
Further, the control device performs an operation for making the first injection time longer than the second injection time. In the first place, in the main washing process, in order to peel off the contaminants adhering to the tableware, cleaning is performed by combining the cleaning power such as chemical power and heat with the detergent. Higher washing performance can be obtained by applying a large amount of washing water at a time than washing by dividing the amount of water into several times. On the other hand, the process of rinsing is focused on washing out fine dirt adhered to the dishes and the washing tub by repeating the spray of washing water and several times of drainage and water supply in a short time. It is possible to rinse in a shorter time reliably by spraying wash water uniformly from multiple directions. That is, it is better to perform cleaning reliably while taking a long first injection time, and to increase the number of times of injection from each cleaning nozzle although the second injection time is short. As an example, the first injection time is 10 seconds and the second injection time is 5 seconds.
Therefore, high cleaning performance can be realized by performing cleaning with an optimal ejection time set for each cleaning.
[0054]
It should be noted that the water splitting configuration described in this embodiment, the operation method of injecting from above at the end of the operation, the difference in the injection time in the main washing process and the rinsing process, and the injection time of each cleaning nozzle in any process The settable operation method is not necessarily carried out integrally, and can be carried out independently. Even if it is not performed in all the cleaning steps, the effect can be obtained even if it is performed in any of the steps.
In addition, in the present embodiment, the movement of the rotation diversion unit has been described mainly as a movement that repeats rotation and stop, but even when performing an operation of continuously moving in each step, by varying the rotation speed An operation similar to that of the present embodiment can be performed. Further, even when rotating at a constant speed, the effects of the first and second aspects of the invention can be obtained.
[0055]
In addition to the main body shape and the cleaning nozzle configuration used in the present invention, those shown in FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 can be considered. It can be obtained.
[0056]
Further, in this embodiment, the water diversion means is configured to provide the water diversion outlet 44 on the outer peripheral surface of the water diversion outlet and switch the rotation diversion part by rotating it with the drive motor 42. Instead of this, it is also possible to use a driving means that drives in the axial direction by a magnetic force such as a plunger, so that the water diversion part is driven in the axial direction and switched to the water diversion outlet arranged in the axial direction. In this case, the diversion outlet is directed in the same direction, and piping can be facilitated.
[0057]
(Example 2)
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a water distribution configuration of the dishwasher according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing a water distribution structure of the dishwasher.
[0058]
The difference from the first embodiment is that, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the hole shape of the water diverter outlet 76 is configured as a rectangle that is longer in the circumferential direction than the hole shape of the outlet 41. The cleaning discharge path A 77 is substantially the same as the passage 78 for changing the cross-sectional area of the water discharge outlet A 76 to the cross-sectional area of the cleaning discharge path B 37 b and the passage cross-sectional area of the water discharge outlet B 44 b. A passage 79 is formed. Further, the rotation of the rotating water diversion unit 40 is constituted by a driving motor 75 that simply rotates continuously at a constant speed without using position detection or rotation angle detection. The basic configuration and operation for realizing the water distribution means are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals have the same structure and the description thereof is omitted.
[0059]
Next, the operation and action will be described. The time during which each cleaning nozzle ejects cleaning water at one time becomes shorter as the circular arc length in the circumferential direction of the water distribution outlet is longer because the rotating water diverter 40 rotates at a constant speed. The configuration of the present embodiment is configured such that the hole shape of the water diverting discharge port 76 is a rectangle having a longer length in the circumferential direction than the hole shape of the discharge port 41, and the circular shape of the water diverting discharge port 76. Since the length is longer than the length in the circumferential direction, the spraying time of the cleaning nozzle is also longer than the others.
[0060]
As a result, the cleaning nozzle that cleans the rice grain soil that has been difficult to remove conventionally can reduce the cleaning time itself by discharging the cleaning water for a longer time than the other cleaning nozzles. In addition, in order to perform the above-described operation, conventionally, a driving motor for rotating the rotating water diverting unit is varied, and a detecting unit for detecting the position of the cleaning discharge path is provided. Although there were problems, this configuration does not require them, and a simple and low-cost configuration can be achieved.
[0061]
Furthermore, by providing a passage 78 that changes the cross-sectional area of the water diverting discharge port 76 to the passage cross-sectional area of the cleaning discharge passage B 37b, it is possible to prevent an increase in the amount of circulating cleaning water due to the expansion of the passage, so that the amount of water supply can be reduced. Heating time can be shortened by reduction, and cleaning time can be shortened and energy saving can be realized.
[0062]
Note that the cross-sectional shape of the discharge port and the cleaning discharge path described in this embodiment may be a substantially rectangular shape, a substantially circular shape, a substantially oval shape, or a combination of these shapes, but the effect of the present invention can be obtained in any case. It is In addition, the hole shape of the diversion outlet and the variable passage described in the present embodiment are not necessarily integrated, and can be performed independently.
[0063]
Example 3
FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of the water distribution means of the dishwasher according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 15 shows the changes in the discharge pressures of the cleaning nozzles and the cleaning pump per one cycle of the rotating water distribution section of the dishwasher. It is shown.
[0064]
The difference from the first embodiment is that, as shown in FIG. 14, the length of the discharge port 41 in the circumferential direction is substantially the same as the length obtained by adding the arc length of the water distribution discharge port 44 and the arc length between the holes. Or more. The basic configuration and operation for realizing the water distribution means are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals have the same structure and the description thereof is omitted.
[0065]
According to the configuration of the present invention, it is possible to secure a cleaning / discharging path having an area equal to the opening area of the discharge port 41 regardless of the position of the discharge port 41 while the rotary water diversion unit 40 is rotating. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15, since the washing pump 28 only has a steady load, the amount of circulating washing water discharged from the washing pump can always be kept constant. For this reason, the pressure fluctuation to the connection part and the seal part in the cleaning / discharging path does not occur, and the durability reliability is not lowered. In addition, the cleaning energy discharged from the cleaning means varies periodically when viewed from each cleaning means alone, but when viewed from the entire cleaning means, a constant cleaning energy can always be given to the tableware. The dishes can be washed well.
[0066]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, it becomes possible to spray cleaning water from a plurality of directions to any tableware without increasing the amount of water supply, and high cleaning performance can be achieved in a short time. realizable. Furthermore, energy saving and water saving can be realized by reducing the number of times of rinsing.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a dishwasher according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the structure of water dividing means and the flow of washing water in the dishwasher
FIG. 3 is an exploded view showing a water distribution structure of the dishwasher
FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing water distribution means of the dishwasher
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a change in discharge pressure of each cleaning nozzle and cleaning pump per one cycle of a rotating water diversion unit of the dishwasher
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the configuration of another cleaning means of the dishwasher
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the configuration of another cleaning means of the dishwasher
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of another cleaning means of the dishwasher
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the configuration of another cleaning means of the dishwasher
FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of another cleaning means of the dishwasher
FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the configuration of another cleaning means of the dishwasher
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the water distribution configuration of the dishwasher according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing a water distribution structure of the dishwasher
FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of the water diversion means of the dishwasher according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a view showing a change in discharge pressure of each washing nozzle and washing pump per one cycle of a rotating water diversion unit of the dishwasher;
FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a conventional dishwasher
[Explanation of symbols]
17 Injection port
21 Body
22 Washing tank
23 Lid
25 Tableware Basket
28 Washing pump
29 Cleaning nozzle (cleaning means)
30 Cleaning nozzle (cleaning means)
31 Cleaning nozzle (cleaning means)
32 Cleaning nozzle (cleaning means)
33 Drainage pump
35 water diverter
37 Cleaning discharge path
37a Cleaning discharge path A
37b Cleaning discharge path B
38 Control device (control means)
39 Water conveyance part (water diversion means)
40 Rotating water diversion part (water diversion means)
41 Discharge port
42 Driving motor 42 (driving means, water dividing means)
43 Water removal part (water distribution means)
44 water outlet
44a Diverging outlet
44b Water distribution outlet B
45 Rotating shaft
49 Driving motor support frame
50 Slit for rotation angle
51, 75 Driving motor (driving means)
52 Rotating nozzle (cleaning means)
53 Bar-shaped nozzle (cleaning means)
54 Rotating nozzle (cleaning means)
55 Fixed nozzle (cleaning means)
56 Rotating nozzle (cleaning means)
57 Rotating nozzle (cleaning means)
58 Fixed nozzle (cleaning means)
59 Fixed nozzle (cleaning means)
60 Fixed nozzle (cleaning means)
69 Drainage route
76 minutes water outlet
77 Cleaning discharge path A
78, 79 passage

Claims

A dish basket for storing tableware, a washing tank for storing the dish basket, a washing pump for supplying washing water, a plurality of washing means disposed in the washing tank, and washing water from the washing pump for each washing means Water supply means for switching to supply, a plurality of cleaning discharge paths connecting each cleaning means and the water distribution means, the water distribution means, a water guide portion for guiding the cleaning water sent by the cleaning pump, Divided water outlet provided with a diversion part provided with a discharge port for discharging cleaning water guided from the water conveyance part and a plurality of diversion outlets for a cleaning discharge path for introducing cleaning water from the discharge port of this diversion part And a drive unit that moves the position of the discharge port of the water distribution unit to a position corresponding to the water discharge port of the water extraction unit, the drive unit using the drive motor as a drive source It rotates the parts, the opening area of the diversion discharge port , Dishwasher having the structure larger than the opening area of the discharge port.

The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the drive motor is configured such that the water diverter continuously rotates.

The dishwasher according to claim 2, wherein the drive motor is configured such that the water diverter rotates at a constant speed.

Diversion of the water diversion means, a rotating diversion unit which is rotated by drive means provided discharge ports on the sides or bottom surface of the bottomed cylindrical, diversion extraction unit, a bottomed cylindrical covering the rotating diversion unit dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 3 having a structure in which a diversion discharge port at a position facing the discharge port side or bottom surface of the form.

The dishwasher / dryer according to claim 4 , wherein a hole shape of the water discharge outlet is a rectangular or substantially elliptical shape having a longer length in the circumferential direction than the hole shape of the outlet.

The dishwasher / dryer according to claim 5 , wherein the cleaning / discharging path has a passage that changes the cross-sectional area of the water discharge outlet to a passage sectional area of the cleaning / discharging path B.

The opening length in the moving direction of the discharge port is configured to be equal to or greater than the inter-hole length between the adjacent water discharge port and the water discharge port according to any one of claims 1 to 6. Dishwasher.

A dish basket for storing tableware, a washing tank for storing the dish basket, a washing pump for supplying washing water, a plurality of washing means disposed in the washing tank, and washing water from the washing pump for each washing means Water supply means for switching to supply, a plurality of cleaning discharge paths connecting each cleaning means and the water distribution means, the water distribution means, a water guide portion for guiding the cleaning water sent by the cleaning pump, Divided water outlet provided with a diversion part provided with a discharge port for discharging cleaning water guided from the water conveyance part and a plurality of diversion outlets for a cleaning discharge path for introducing cleaning water from the discharge port of this diversion part And a driving means for moving the position of the discharge port of the water distribution unit to a position corresponding to the water distribution discharge port of the water distribution take-out unit, and the opening lengths in the moving direction of the discharge ports are adjacent to each other The length between holes of the diversion outlet and the diversion outlet is almost the same as or Dishwasher to be more.

Diversion of the water diversion means, a rotating diversion unit which is rotated by drive means provided discharge ports on the sides or bottom surface of the bottomed cylindrical, diversion extraction unit, from the discharge port of the rotary diversion unit provided at a position facing the diversion outlet of the washing discharge passage for introducing the wash water to the discharge port side or bottom surface of the bottomed cylindrical shape that covers the rotating diversion unit, the circumferential length of the discharge port The dishwasher according to claim 8 , wherein the dishwasher / dryer is substantially equal to or longer than an arc length between holes between adjacent water discharge outlets.

A dish basket for storing tableware, a washing tank for storing the dish basket, a washing pump for supplying washing water, a plurality of washing means disposed in the washing tank, and washing water from the washing pump for each washing means Water supply means for switching to supply, a plurality of cleaning discharge paths connecting each cleaning means and the water distribution means, the water distribution means, a water guide portion for guiding the cleaning water sent by the cleaning pump, Divided water outlet provided with a diversion part provided with a discharge port for discharging cleaning water guided from the water conveyance part and a plurality of diversion outlets for a cleaning discharge path for introducing cleaning water from the discharge port of this diversion part And a drive means for moving the position of the discharge port of the water distribution unit to a position corresponding to the water distribution discharge port of the water distribution take-out unit, and the length of the discharge port in the moving direction is an arbitrary amount. The water discharge outlet and the water discharge outlet adjacent to the length in the moving direction of the water discharge outlet Length plus the inter-hole length and substantially the same or dishwasher to more.

Diversion of the water diversion means, a rotating diversion unit which is rotated by drive means provided discharge ports on the sides or bottom surface of the bottomed cylindrical, diversion extraction unit, from the discharge port of the rotary diversion unit provided at a position facing the diversion outlet of the washing discharge passage for introducing the wash water to the discharge port side or bottom surface of the bottomed cylindrical shape that covers the rotating diversion unit, the circumferential length of the discharge port 11. The length according to claim 10 , wherein the arc length of an arbitrary water discharge outlet is substantially equal to or greater than a length obtained by adding an arc length between holes of adjacent water discharge outlets and water discharge outlets. Dishwasher.