JP4347232B2 - Dishwasher - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a dishwasher that has a washing tank for storing tableware and that uses the washing water supplied to the washing tank to wash the tableware.

2. Description of the Related Art A dishwasher that cleans tableware stored in a washing tank with washing water sprayed from a nozzle is known. The washing water is supplied from the outside to the washing tank through the water supply path. A water supply valve is interposed in the water supply path.
The water supply valve itself may fail or become unable to close due to foreign matter entering inside. When the water supply valve cannot be closed, the water level of the cleaning water in the cleaning tank rises abnormally, and the cleaning water leaks out of the cleaning tank.
In Patent Document 1, when the water level detector that detects the water level of the cleaning water continuously detects the predetermined water level for a predetermined period of time, it informs that the water level of the cleaning water has risen abnormally and drains the cleaning water from the cleaning tank. The technology to do is described.

JP-A-7-59713

While cleaning the dishes by spraying the cleaning water from the nozzle, the water level of the cleaning water in the cleaning tank constantly fluctuates (waves). For this reason, it cannot be considered that the water level is abnormally increased only by the water level detecting means detecting the predetermined water level. This is because even a normal dishwasher may have a predetermined water level because the washing water being washed is rippled. Therefore, it is necessary to determine that the water level has risen abnormally only when the water level detector continuously detects the predetermined water level for a predetermined time as in the technique described in Patent Document 1. Moreover, in order to prevent a normal dishwasher from being erroneously determined to be abnormal, it is necessary to set a longer monitoring time. If the continuous monitoring time is set short, the probability of erroneously determining that a normal dishwasher is abnormal increases.
That is, in the prior art, in order to reduce the probability of misjudging a normal dishwasher as abnormal in recognizing an abnormal rise in water level using the level of washing water that is undulating during washing, You have to set a longer monitoring time. If the continuous monitoring time is set to a long time, the timing for recognizing that the water level of the cleaning water has risen abnormally will be delayed, and then measures (for example, stopping the cleaning pump and starting the drain pump) The cleaning water may leak out of the cleaning tank in time.
This invention is made | formed in order to solve the problem, and makes it a subject to provide the dishwasher which can start the countermeasure when the water level of washing water rises abnormally at an early stage.

The dishwasher provided by the present invention includes a washing tank, a water supply means, a washing means, a drainage means, a water level detection means, and a controller.
The washing tank contains the dishes. The water supply means supplies cleaning water to the cleaning tank. The cleaning means sprays cleaning water into the cleaning tank. Washing water is sprayed onto the tableware stored in the washing tank to wash the tableware. The drainage means drains the cleaning water from the cleaning tank. The water level detecting means detects whether or not the water level of the cleaning water in the cleaning tank is equal to or higher than a predetermined height . A water supply means, a cleaning means, a drainage means, and a water level detection means are connected to the controller. The dishwasher performs a washing operation in which the washing water is stored in the washing tank and the water supply means and the drainage means are stopped, and the washing water stored in the washing tank is injected into the washing tank by the washing means. To do. The controller sequentially executes the following control procedures.
(1) The water level detection means indicates that the water level has risen while the cleaning operation is being performed in a state where the water level is less than a predetermined height, and that the water level has increased from less than the predetermined height to more than the predetermined height. A first control procedure that, when detected, lowers the water level to less than a predetermined height by stopping the cleaning means and operating the drainage means.
(2) A second control procedure for executing the cleaning operation by stopping the drainage unit and operating the cleaning unit.
(3) While the water level detecting means detects the water level of less than the predetermined height continues cleaning operation, the water level detecting means that said level rises above a predetermined height from less than the predetermined height is detected result A third control procedure for stopping the cleaning means and operating the drainage means and notifying information relating to abnormal water supply.

Controller of the dishwasher, in the first control procedure, the water level detecting means that the water level in the cleaning tank rises above a predetermined height from less than the predetermined height is detect, the drainage means to stop the cleaning means Is operated to lower the water level below a predetermined height. During the cleaning operation, the water level of the cleaning water constantly fluctuates. Therefore, also the water level in the cleaning tank is put out a predetermined rise over height and the water level detecting unit that has the test from less than a predetermined height, the water level of the washing water is possible that not abnormally high. In order to determine whether the water level has risen abnormally, the water level must be continuously monitored. As described above, if monitoring is continued, measures may be delayed. The dishwasher of the invention, the water level detecting means that the water level in the cleaning tank rises above a predetermined height from less than the predetermined height is detect, even water level may not have abnormally elevated Regardless, the cleaning means is stopped and the drainage means is operated. In other words, measures against abnormal rise of the water level are executed. For this reason, it is prevented that execution of the countermeasure with respect to the abnormal rise in the level of the cleaning water is delayed. Then, after the water level of the cleaning water is lowered to less than a predetermined height, the cleaning operation is restarted by stopping the drainage means and operating the cleaning means in the second control procedure. Next, the third control procedure is executed. In the third control procedure, the cleaning operation is continued while the water level detection means detects a water level below a predetermined height. That is, the water level in the cleaning tank in the first control procedure is detected to have risen above a predetermined height from less than a predetermined height, abnormally elevated by it is determined that none of the, continued washing Kiyoshido operation To do. In contrast, if the water level detecting means that the water level rises above a predetermined height from less than a predetermined level in the cleaning tank has detected, along with operating the draining means cleaning means is stopped, the abnormality water Information related to is notified. In this case, it is detected in the first control procedure that the water level in the washing tank has risen from below the predetermined height to above the predetermined height , and then the drainage means is operated to lower the water level to below the predetermined height. Then, after that, it has been detected that the water level in the cleaning tank has risen again from below the predetermined height to above the predetermined height , so it can be determined that the water level has risen abnormally. Therefore, the cleaning means is stopped to operate the drainage means, and information related to abnormal water supply is notified.
That is, the dishwasher of the present invention first executes a measure of draining from the washing tank without waiting for it to be determined whether it is really abnormal or normal at the stage where the water level of the washing tank may be abnormal. Depending on the water level after the countermeasure, it is determined whether the countermeasure is canceled or the countermeasure is performed again. Therefore, the countermeasure against the water level abnormality of the washing water has been successfully executed at an early stage.
The “cleaning” referred to here includes “ rinse”.

In the above dishwasher, the controller detects, in the first control procedure, the water level detecting means detects a water level of a predetermined height or more a plurality of times at predetermined time intervals, or the water level detecting means predetermines a water level of the predetermined height or more. When it is detected continuously, it is preferable to stop the cleaning means and operate the drainage means. Here, the predetermined time interval and the predetermined time are set to be shorter than the time during which the water level detecting means can determine that the water supply is abnormal by detecting a water level that is a predetermined height or higher.
The dishwasher of the present invention solves the problem that it is too late if measures are taken after determining whether or not the water level has risen abnormally. If it is not too late to take countermeasures, it is preferable to reduce the chances of starting countermeasures for abnormalities despite normality. Therefore, in the improved dishwasher of the present invention, the water level is monitored a plurality of times or continuously as long as it is not too late to take measures.
In the first control procedure, if the water level detecting means detects the water level a plurality of times at predetermined time intervals or the water level detecting means continuously detects the water level for a predetermined time, the water level of the washing water is normal. Regardless, the chances of taking countermeasures against abnormalities can be reduced. In addition, since the predetermined time interval and the predetermined time are set to be shorter than the length that can be determined to be an abnormal water level rise, it is possible to quickly take measures against the water level abnormality.

In the dishwasher described above, the controller preferably performs the first control procedure after a specific period has elapsed since the start of the cleaning operation .
The water level of the cleaning water is not stable for a while after starting the cleaning operation . By performing the first control procedure after a specific period of time has elapsed since the start of the cleaning operation, it is possible to reduce the chance of taking countermeasures for abnormality even though the water level of the cleaning water is normal.

In the dishwasher described above, it is preferable that the water level detection means is also used for water level detection when the water supply means supplies water to the washing tank.
Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced.

In the dishwasher, the water supply means has a water supply path and a water supply valve interposed in the water supply path, and the controller stops the cleaning means and operates the drainage means in the first control procedure. In addition, it is preferable to open and close the water supply valve at least once.
In many cases, the water level abnormality of the washing water is caused by foreign matter biting into the water supply valve. If the water supply valve is opened and closed when the cleaning means is stopped and the drainage means is operated in the first control procedure as in this dishwasher, foreign matter biting in the water supply valve may flow out. Then, the water level abnormality is eliminated, and information related to abnormal water supply is not notified. If information related to abnormal water supply is not notified, the frequency of service personnel going to repair is reduced.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to quickly take measures when the water level of the cleaning water rises abnormally.

The main features of the embodiments described later will be described.
(1) The dishwasher is a drawer type.
(2) A water supply abnormality detection process is executed during the cleaning process. In the water supply abnormality detection process, it is determined whether or not the water level detector is turned on when 6 seconds have elapsed since the start of the cleaning process. The water level detector is turned on when the level of the washing water is equal to or higher than a predetermined height. If the water level detector is on and is on after 1 second, that is, if both the detection results are on at an interval of 1 second, it is temporarily determined that the water level is abnormal. If it is determined that the water level is abnormal, the pump cleaning operation is stopped and the pump is drained.
(3) After that, when the water level detector is turned off, the drainage operation of the pump is stopped and the operation returns to the cleaning operation.
(4) The water supply abnormality detection process is executed even in the restarted cleaning process. In the restarted cleaning process, the pump cleaning operation is continued while the water level detector is off. If no water supply abnormality is detected, the cleaning process is performed to the end. On the other hand, if the water level detector is turned on during the restarted cleaning process, it is finally determined that the water level is abnormal, and the pump is drained. After the washing water in the washing tank is drained by the drain operation of the pump, the abnormality of the water supply valve is notified.
(5) After notifying the abnormality of the water supply valve, the process shifts to a constant monitoring process. In the constant monitoring process, the pump is drained each time the water level detector is turned on.
(6) Even when the dishwasher is in the temporary stop state and the operation stop state, a process for detecting a water supply abnormality and executing the countermeasure is performed.

An embodiment according to the dishwasher of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 1, a washing tank 14 is accommodated in the main body 12 of the dishwasher 10. A door 15 is provided in front of the cleaning tank 14 (left side in FIG. 1). The main body 12 supports the cleaning tank 14 through a roller and a rail (not shown) so as to be slidable. The cleaning tank 14 can be pulled out from the main body 12 together with the door 15.
An operation panel 16 is provided on the front upper portion of the door 15. The operation panel 16 is provided with an operation start button, a cleaning course selection button, a pause button, a time display unit, and the like. The time display unit is a display that displays a two-digit number, and displays the remaining operation time of the dishwasher 10. In addition, when an abnormality occurs in the dishwasher 10, the time display unit displays a number corresponding to each abnormality content. The door 15 is provided with an exhaust path 18 that communicates the inside of the cleaning tank 14 with the outside. A tableware basket 21 is disposed in the cleaning tank 14. Each part of the tableware basket 21 is formed in a shape capable of maintaining various tableware (large plate, small plate, bowl, cup, etc.) in a predetermined posture.
A suction recess 24 is formed at the bottom of the cleaning tank 14. The upper opening of the suction recess 24 is covered with a mesh-like leftover filter 17. A pump 27 is provided below the bottom surface 26 of the cleaning tank 14. The pump 27 rotates the impeller 28 by a built-in electric motor. The pump 27 can rotate the impeller 28 in one direction or in the other direction. A portion where the impeller 28 of the pump 27 is disposed and the suction recess 24 are communicated with each other through a suction path 25. An electric heater 30 is mounted above the bottom surface 26 of the cleaning tank 14.

A nozzle 31 is rotatably attached to the bottom surface 26 of the cleaning tank 14. The nozzle 31 and the first discharge port 29 of the pump 27 communicate with each other. A plurality of injection holes 32 are formed in the nozzle 31. Some of the injection ports 32 cause the nozzle 31 to generate a rotating moment when water is injected.
A drain hose 34 is connected to the rear wall 33 of the main body 12. The drain hose 34 and the second discharge port 35 of the pump 27 are communicated with each other by a drain path 36. The middle of the drainage path 36 and the cleaning tank 14 are communicated by an air vent path 37. A drainage check valve 38 is mounted on the upstream side of the portion of the drainage path 36 connected to the drainage hose 34. The drainage check valve 38 prevents drainage from flowing backward from the drainage hose 34 to the drainage path 36.
A water supply hose 40 is connected to a portion of the rear wall 33 disposed horizontally. The water supply hose 40 may be directly supplied with tap water (cold water) or may be supplied with hot water in which tap water is heated by a water heater.
A water supply valve 41 is attached to the inside of the rear wall 33. The water supply valve 41 is driven by a built-in solenoid to open and close. The inlet 44 of the water supply valve 41 and the water supply hose 40 are communicated with each other by a first water supply path 42. The outlet 39 of the water supply valve 41 and the cleaning tank 14 are communicated with each other by a second water supply path 43.

A water level detector 45 is provided in the lower front part of the cleaning tank 14. The water level detector 45 has a water level chamber 46, a float 47, a bar 48, and a switch 49. The water level chamber 46 communicates with the suction recess 24 by a water level path 50. The float 47 is disposed in the water level chamber 46. The bar 48 is fixed to the float 47 and protrudes upward from the water level chamber 46. The switch 49 is disposed above the bar 48.
A drying fan 52 is attached to the outside of the rear wall 51 of the cleaning tank 14. The drying fan 52 rotates the fan 60 with a built-in electric motor. The drying fan 52 and the cleaning tank 14 are communicated with each other through a drying path 53. The drying fan 52 is disposed higher than the water level when the cleaning water is normally supplied to the cleaning tank 14 (hereinafter referred to as “normal water level”, indicated by reference numeral 54 in FIG. 1). Therefore, water can be prevented from entering the drying fan 52.
A thermistor 55 is attached to the bottom surface 26 of the cleaning tank 14. The thermistor 55 detects the temperature of the water in the cleaning tank 14 when cleaning water and rinse water are put in the cleaning tank 14, and the temperature of the air in the cleaning tank 14 when cleaning water and rinse water are not put in the cleaning tank 14. Is detected.
A recess 58 is formed in the bottom surface 57 of the main body 12. Two electrodes provided in the water leak detection sensor 59 are inserted into the recess 58. When the water leaked from the cleaning tank 14 flows into the recess 58, the water leak detection sensor 59 is turned on by conducting between the electrodes.

A controller 20 is mounted in the door 15. The controller 20 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and controls the operation of the dishwasher 10. The controller 20 is connected to the operation panel 16, the pump 27, the heater 30, the water supply valve 41, the water level detector 45, the drying fan 52, the thermistor 55, and the water leak detection sensor 59.
A seal lid 56 is disposed above the cleaning tank 14. The seal lid 56 is connected to the cleaning tank 14 via a lifting mechanism (not shown). In the state where the cleaning tank 14 is accommodated in the main body 12 (the state shown in FIG. 1), the seal lid 56 is lowered to close the upper opening of the cleaning tank 14. When the cleaning tank 14 is pulled out from the main body 12, the seal lid 56 rises to open the upper opening of the cleaning tank 14.

  The dishwasher 10 operates in the order of a cleaning process, a rinsing process, and a drying process. The user puts detergent into a predetermined part (not shown) of the tableware basket 21 before starting the cleaning process. When the user turns on the operation start button provided on the operation panel 16, the cleaning process is started. In the cleaning process, the water supply valve 41 is first opened. When the water supply valve 41 is opened, cleaning water (tap water) is supplied to the cleaning tank 14 through the water supply hose 40, the first water supply path 42, and the second water supply path 43. Then, the water level of the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 14 rises. Wash water flows through the suction recess 24 and the water level path 50 and enters the water level chamber 46 of the water detector 45. As the cleaning water level rises, the water level in the water level chamber 46 also rises. When the water level in the water level chamber 46 rises, the float 47 rises. When the float 47 floats, the bar 48 rises with it. A magnet is attached to the upper end of the bar 48. When the bar 48 rises and the upper end approaches the switch 49, the water level detector 45 is turned on. When the water level detector 45 is turned on, the water supply valve 41 is closed, whereby the water supply to the cleaning tank 14 is completed. The water level (normal water level 54) when the water level detector 45 is turned on and the water supply to the cleaning tank 14 is finished is slightly higher than that of the heater 30.

When the water supply valve 41 is closed, the pump 27 is cleaned and the heater 30 is turned on. Here, the cleaning operation of the pump 27 means that the impeller 28 of the pump 27 rotates in one direction, sucks cleaning water from the suction recess 24 via the suction passage 25, and the sucked cleaning water enters the nozzle 31. It means the operating state that is sent. As described above, the middle of the drainage path 36 communicates with the cleaning tank 14 by the air vent path 37. For this reason, when the pump 27 is performing a cleaning operation, air enters the drainage passage 36. A part of the drainage channel 36 is formed in an inverted U shape. For this reason, the pump 27 performing the cleaning operation is prevented from sucking the waste water through the drain passage 36.
The washing water sent to the nozzle 31 is ejected vigorously from the ejection port 32. The nozzle 31 rotates by the action of a rotational moment generated by the jetting of the cleaning water. The tableware 22 is washed by the washing water jetted from the jet port 32. The washing water that has washed the tableware 22 is again sucked into the pump 27 from the suction recess 24. In this way, the wash water sucked into the pump 27 is jetted from the jet port 32 of the nozzle 31 and the circulation sucked into the pump 27 again is repeated. The leftovers washed away from the tableware 22 are filtered out by the leftovers filter 17.
When the heater 30 is turned on, the temperature of the cleaning water increases. The temperature of the washing water is detected by the thermistor 55. On the basis of the temperature detected by the thermistor 55, the heater 30 is on / off controlled, and the washing water temperature is maintained within a predetermined range (for example, 45 to 60 ° C.).

  When a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) elapses after the cleaning water temperature is maintained within a predetermined range, the heater 30 is turned off and the pump 27 is drained. Here, the drainage operation of the pump 27 means that the impeller 28 of the pump 27 rotates in the other direction, thereby sucking wash water from the suction recess 24 via the suction passage 25, and discharging the sucked wash water to the drain passage 36. And an operation state of discharging to the outside via the drain hose 34. The drainage operation of the pump 27 ends when a predetermined time (for example, 40 seconds) elapses. The predetermined time is set as a time sufficient to drain all the cleaning water from the cleaning tank 14.

  In the rinsing process, the water supply valve 41 is opened, and the rinsing water is supplied to the cleaning tank 14. When rinse water is supplied to the cleaning tank 14 and the water level detector 45 is turned on, the water supply valve 41 is closed, the pump 27 is cleaned, and the heater 30 is turned on. When the pump 27 is washed, rinsing water is jetted from the jet port 32 of the nozzle 31 and the tableware 22 is rinsed. The heater 30 that is turned on heats the rinse water to warm water. When a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) elapses after the cleaning operation (rinsing operation) of the pump 27 is started, the pump 27 stops. Then, the rinsing water is drained from the cleaning tank 14 by performing the drainage operation of the pump 27. The rinsing process is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 5 times). For example, when the rinsing process is repeated five times, the heater 30 may be turned off and rinsed with cold water up to the fourth time, and the heater 30 may be turned on and rinsed with warm water up to the fifth time.

In the drying process, the drying fan 52 is operated and the heater 30 is turned on. When the drying fan 52 is operated, external air is sent into the cleaning tank 14 via the drying path 53. The sent air passes through the cleaning tank 14 and is exhausted to the outside from the exhaust path 18. When the heater 30 is turned on, the air temperature in the cleaning tank 14 increases. External air is fed into the cleaning tank 14 and the temperature of the air in the cleaning tank 14 is increased, whereby the tableware is dried.
When water leaks from the washing tank 14 and the water leak detection sensor 59 is turned on, an alarm sound is emitted from a buzzer (not shown) and the power of the dishwasher 10 is turned off.

The water supply valve 41 may become unable to close when the water supply valve 41 itself fails or a foreign object enters inside. The dishwasher 10 according to the present embodiment can detect that the water level of the cleaning water has risen abnormally due to the inability to close the water supply valve 41 and can take countermeasures thereto. The specific contents will be described in detail below.
2 and 3 are flowcharts of the water supply abnormality detection process S10 executed during the cleaning process. The graph of FIG. 4 shows an average water level change when the water supply valve 41 cannot be closed. The horizontal axis in FIG. 4 corresponds to time, and the vertical axis corresponds to the water level of washing water. In addition, this water supply abnormality detection process S10 is applicable also to a rinse process.
When the cleaning process is started, the water supply valve 41 is opened to supply water to the cleaning tank 14. As shown in FIG. 4, when water is supplied to the cleaning tank 14, the water level of the purified water rises. Then, the normal water level 54 is reached at the timing of “A”, and the water level detector 45 is turned on. When the water level detector 45 is turned on, the water supply valve 41 is closed and the pump 27 is cleaned. When the pump 27 is operated for cleaning, cleaning water is fed into the nozzle 31 and sprayed from the injection port 32. For this reason, the water level of washing water falls.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the first process S12 of the water supply abnormality detection process S10, it is determined whether or not 6 seconds have passed since the cleaning operation of the pump 27 was started. If it is determined in S12 that 6 seconds have passed since the cleaning operation of the pump 27 was started (in the case of YES), S14 is executed. If it is determined in S12 that 6 seconds have not elapsed since the cleaning operation of the pump 27 was started (in the case of NO), the process waits as it is. This 6 seconds is set in consideration of the time from when the cleaning operation of the pump 27 is started until the water level of the cleaning water drops. This is because, when the cleaning operation of the pump 27 is started, the water level of the cleaning water fluctuates, so that the water level abnormality is erroneously detected unless the time until the water level is lowered is taken into consideration.
When the water supply valve 41 is normally closed after the water supply, the water level that is lowered after the cleaning operation of the pump 27 is started maintains that state. When the water supply valve 51 cannot be closed, as shown in FIG. 4, the water level temporarily decreases and then increases.
In S14 following S12, it is determined whether or not the water level detector 45 is on (this timing is shown as “B” in FIG. 4). When it is determined in S14 that the water level detector 45 is on (in the case of YES), the process proceeds to S16. When it is determined in S14 that the water level detector 45 is not on (in the case of NO), the process waits as it is.

In S16, it is determined whether or not 1 second has elapsed since the water level detector 45 was turned on (this timing is shown as “C” in FIG. 4). When it is determined in S16 that one second has elapsed since the water level detector 45 is turned on (in the case of YES), S18 is executed. If it is determined in S16 that one second has not elapsed since the water level detector 45 was turned on (in the case of NO), the process waits as it is.
In S18, it is determined again whether or not the water level detector 45 is on. If it is determined in S18 that the water level detector 45 is ON (in the case of YES), the process proceeds to S20. If it is determined in S18 that the water level detector 45 is not on (in the case of NO), the process returns to S14. That is, it is determined twice by the processing of S14 to S18 whether the water level detector 45 is turned on at intervals of 1 second.
When S20 is executed, the cleaning operation of the pump 27 is stopped. In the subsequent S22, the pump 27 is drained. As shown in FIG. 4, when the pump 27 is drained, the water level of the cleaning water is lowered. Then, S24 is performed.

When the pump 27 is in the cleaning operation, the water level of the cleaning water always fluctuates. For this reason, even if the water supply valve 41 cannot be closed and the water level does not rise abnormally, the water level detector 45 may be turned on. Therefore, even if the water level detector 45 is turned on, it cannot be reliably determined that the water level is abnormal. However, if it is determined that the water level is abnormal when the water level detector 45 is turned on for a predetermined time, the predetermined time must be set longer. This is because if the water level detector 45 is turned on for a short time, it is determined that the water level is abnormal. In particular, in a dishwasher that has been used for a long time, the movement of the float 47 of the water level detector 45 is not smooth (may be caught), so even if the water level detector 45 continues to be on for a short time, the water level is abnormal. It cannot be judged. For this reason, if it is determined that the water level is abnormal when the water level detector 45 is turned on for a predetermined time, the predetermined time must be set longer, and the determination timing is delayed.
If the water level detector 45 is turned on and then turned on after 1 second, the water level of the cleaning water may have risen abnormally. Of course, since the water level of the washing water is fluctuating, there is a possibility that the water level is not abnormal. However, since the water level detector 45 is turned on twice at intervals of 1 second, there is a high possibility that the water level is abnormal. Therefore, the dishwasher 10 of the present embodiment temporarily determines that the water level is abnormal when the water level detector 45 is turned on twice at intervals of 1 second, and drains the washing water.
The provisional determination that the water level is abnormal may be performed when the water level detector 45 is turned on continuously for a short time (for example, 1 second) or when the water level detector 45 is turned on only once. it can.

In S24, it is determined whether or not the water level detector 45 is off. If it is determined in S24 that the water level detector 45 is OFF (in the case of YES), the process proceeds to S28. If it is determined in S24 that the water level detector 45 is not OFF (NO), S26 is performed. The timing at which S24 is executed and the water level detector 45 is turned off is shown as “D” in FIG.
In S26, it is determined whether or not two minutes have elapsed since the drainage operation of the pump 27 was started. This “2 minutes” is the continuous operation time allowed for the pump 27. If the pump 27 is continuously operated for 2 minutes or more, the internal temperature may rise and cause a malfunction. If it is determined in S26 that two minutes have elapsed since the drainage operation of the pump 27 was started (in the case of YES), S42 (see FIG. 3) is executed. When S42 is executed, the drainage operation of the pump 27 is stopped and the abnormality of the water supply valve 41 is notified. In this notification, an alarm sound is emitted from the buzzer and a number corresponding to the abnormality of the water supply valve 41 is displayed on the time display portion of the operation panel 16.
In S28, the drainage operation of the pump 27 is stopped. In the next S30, the pump 27 is operated for cleaning. S28 and S30 are executed when it is determined in S24 that the water level detector 45 is off. That is, the drainage operation (S22) of the pump 27 is performed by temporarily determining that the water level is abnormal in the determination of S14 to S18. However, since the water level detector 45 is turned off in S24, the water level is abnormal. The determination is temporarily canceled, the drainage operation of the pump 27 is stopped, and the cleaning operation is performed.

In S32 following S30, it is determined whether or not the water level detector 45 is on. If it is determined in S32 that the water level detector 45 is not on (in the case of NO), the cleaning operation of the pump 27 is continued. Therefore, the cleaning process is performed to the end. If it is determined in S32 that the water level detector 45 is ON (in the case of YES), the process proceeds to S34 (see FIG. 3) and the cleaning operation of the pump 27 is stopped. The timing at which S32 is executed and the water level detector 45 is turned on is shown as “E” in FIG. If it is determined that the water level is abnormal by the determination of S14 to S18, and if it is determined that the water level detector 45 is on in S32, it is finally determined that the water level is abnormal.
In S36, the pump 27 is drained. As shown in FIG. 4, when the pump 27 is drained, the water level of the cleaning water decreases.
In S38 following S36, it is determined whether or not the water level detector 45 is off. If it is determined in S38 that the water level detector 45 is not OFF (NO), S40 is executed.
In S40, it is determined whether or not two minutes have elapsed since the drainage operation of the pump 27 was started. If it is determined in S40 that two minutes have not elapsed since the drainage operation of the pump 27 was started (in the case of NO), S38 is executed again. If it is determined in S40 that 2 minutes have passed since the drainage operation of the pump 27 was started (in the case of YES), S42 is executed. When S42 is executed, the drainage operation of the pump 27 is stopped and the abnormality of the water supply valve 41 is notified. On the other hand, when it is determined in S38 that the water level detector 45 is off (in the case of YES), the drain operation of the pump 27 is stopped and the abnormality of the water supply valve 41 is notified by executing S42. The Then, the process proceeds to the constant monitoring process S50.
The tableware washing machine 10 of the present embodiment performs the water level detection when supplying water to the washing tub 14 and the detection of the abnormal water level by one water level detector 45, but each may be performed by separate water level detectors. it can.

As shown in FIG. 5, in S51 of the constant monitoring process S50, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the pump 27 was stopped. This predetermined time is set as a time during which the internal temperature of the pump 27 decreases until it can be operated again. If it is determined in S51 that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the pump 27 stopped (in the case of NO), the process waits as it is. If it is determined in S51 that the predetermined time has elapsed since the pump 27 was stopped (in the case of YES), S52 is executed.
In S52, it is determined whether or not the water level detector 45 is on. If it is determined in S52 that the water level detector 45 is on (YES), S54 is executed. If it is determined in S52 that the water level detector 45 is not on (in the case of NO), the process waits as it is.
When S54 is executed, the pump 27 is drained. Then, the process proceeds to S60.
In S60, it is determined whether or not two minutes have elapsed since the drainage operation of the pump 27 was started. If it is determined in S60 that two minutes have not elapsed since the start of the drain operation of the pump 27 (in the case of NO), the state is continued as it is. If it is determined in S60 that 2 minutes have passed since the start of the drainage operation of the pump 27 (YES), S62 is performed. In S62, the drainage operation of the pump 27 is stopped. By the processing of S60 and S62, the pump 27 is operated beyond the allowable continuous operation time of 2 minutes, thereby preventing malfunctions.
In S64 following S62, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the pump 27 was stopped. If it is determined in S64 that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the pump 27 was stopped (in the case of NO), the process waits as it is. If it is determined in S64 that the predetermined time has elapsed since the pump 27 was stopped (in the case of YES), S52 is executed again.

FIG. 6 shows a water supply abnormality detection process S70 executed when the dishwasher 10 is temporarily stopped. The dishwasher 10 is paused when the pause button on the operation panel 16 is pressed.
In S72, which is the first process of the water supply abnormality detection process S70, it is determined whether or not the cleaning process (including the rinsing process) is in progress. If it is determined in S72 that the cleaning process is not in progress (in the case of NO), the process waits as it is. If it is determined in S72 that the cleaning process is being performed (YES), the process proceeds to S74.
In S74, it is determined whether or not it is in a pause state. If it is determined in S74 that the vehicle is not in the paused state (in the case of NO), it waits as it is. If it is determined in S74 that the vehicle is in the paused state (in the case of YES), S76 is performed.
In S76, it is determined whether or not 15 minutes have elapsed since the temporary stop state. If it is determined in S76 that 15 minutes have not elapsed since the temporary stop state is reached (in the case of NO), the process waits as it is. If it is determined in S76 that 15 minutes have passed since the temporary stop state is reached (in the case of YES), the process proceeds to S80.

In S80, it is determined whether or not the water level detector 45 is on. When it is determined in S80 that the water level detector 45 is not on (in the case of NO), the process waits as it is. If it is determined in S80 that the water level detector 45 is on (YES), S82 is executed.
By providing S76, it is not determined whether or not the water level detector 45 in S80 is ON until 15 minutes have elapsed since the dishwasher 10 was temporarily stopped. This is because when the dishwasher 10 is temporarily stopped, the washing tub 14 is pulled out of the storage position and further stored in the storage position in order to add additional dishes. Because there are many. When the washing tank 14 is pulled out or stored, the water level detector 45 is turned on due to the fluctuation of the water level even though the water level of the washing water is not abnormal. For this reason, S80 for determining whether or not the water level detector 45 is on is not executed for 15 minutes during which the washing tank 14 will be pulled out or stored. Even if it is not a washing tank drawer type dishwasher, the water level of the washing tank fluctuates due to a shock when the door is opened and closed, so it is effective to provide the process of S76. If the water level rises abnormally when the dishwasher 10 is in a paused state, the wash water leaks from the water level chamber 46 of the water level detector 45 to the outside. The washing water leaked to the outside enters the recess 58 formed in the bottom surface 57 of the main body 12. When cleaning water enters the recess 58, the water leak detection sensor 59 is turned on. When the water leak detection sensor 59 is turned on, a water leak is notified by the buzzer and the pump 27 is drained. Therefore, even if a water level abnormality occurs when the dishwasher 10 is in a paused state and the determination as to whether the water level detector 45 is on has not been performed for 15 minutes, the pump 27 Drainage is performed by drainage operation.

In S82, the drainage operation of the pump 27 is stopped and a water level abnormality is notified. In this notification, an alarm sound is emitted from the buzzer and a number corresponding to the water level abnormality is displayed on the time display portion of the operation panel 16. Unlike the water supply abnormality detection process S10 (FIGS. 2 and 3) executed during the cleaning process already described informing the abnormality of the water supply valve 41, the abnormality in the water level is in a temporarily stopped state. This is because there is a possibility that the water level detector 45 is turned on when the washing tank 14 is pulled out or accommodated after 15 minutes have passed. That is, since the water level detector 45 is turned on by the user's operation, not the abnormality of the water supply valve 41 but the abnormality of the water level is notified.
In S84 following S82, it is determined whether or not two minutes have elapsed from the start of the drainage operation of the pump 27. If it is determined in S84 that 2 minutes have not elapsed since the start of the drainage operation of the pump 27 (in the case of NO), the state is continued as it is. If it is determined in S84 that two minutes have elapsed since the start of the drain operation of the pump 27 (in the case of YES), S86 is executed to stop the drain operation of the pump 27. Then, the process proceeds to the constant monitoring process S50.

FIG. 7 shows a water supply abnormality detection process S90 that is executed when the dishwasher 10 is in the operation stop state. When the dishwasher 10 is in a stopped state, the controller 20 is in a monitoring state.
In S92 which is the first process of the water supply abnormality detection process S90, it is determined whether or not the dishwasher 10 is in an operation stop state. When it is determined in S92 that the dishwasher 10 is not in the operation stop state (in the case of NO), it waits as it is. When it is determined in S92 that the dishwasher 10 is in the operation stop state (in the case of YES), the process proceeds to S94.
In S94, it is determined whether or not the water level detector 45 is on. When it is determined in S94 that the water level detector 45 is not on (in the case of NO), the process waits as it is. If it is determined in S94 that the water level detector 45 is ON (in the case of YES), the pump 27 is drained by executing S96. Thus, when the dishwasher 10 is in the operation stop state, the pump 27 is drained when the water level of the washing water rises abnormally and the water level detector 45 is turned on.
In S98 following S96, it is determined whether or not two minutes have elapsed since the drainage operation of the pump 27 was started. If it is determined in S98 that two minutes have not elapsed since the pump 27 started the drain operation (in the case of NO), the state is continued as it is. When it is determined in S98 that 2 minutes have elapsed since the start of the drainage operation of the pump 27 (in the case of YES), S100 is executed. In S100, the drainage operation of the pump 27 is stopped and an abnormality of the water supply valve 41 is notified. Then, the process proceeds to the constant monitoring process S50.
Even when the water level abnormality is detected during the drying process, and the water level abnormality is detected, the drainage operation of the pump 27 and the notification regarding the water level abnormality can also be performed.

  The main cause of the water level abnormality is that foreign matter bites into the sealing surface (valve seat) of the water supply valve 41 (so-called “dust biting”). The foreign matter enters the water supply hose 40 and the water pipe when the dishwasher 10 is installed or when the water pipe is disposed. When dust biting occurs in the water supply valve 41, the water supply valve 41 cannot be closed, and water is supplied to the cleaning tank 14, thereby causing a water level abnormality. Even if dust bites occur in the water supply valve 41 and a water level abnormality occurs, if a user operates the dishwasher 10 again or a service person goes out and operates the water supply valve 41, the foreign matter will be in the water supply valve 41. It often flows away from the seal surface and abnormal water supply is not reproduced. Therefore, when an abnormal water level is detected, it is preferable not only to perform drainage operation of the pump 27 but also to open and close the water supply valve 41. In this case, it is desirable to open and close the water supply valve 41 a plurality of times. When the water supply valve 41 is opened and closed, there is a high possibility that the foreign matter biting into the sealing surface of the water supply valve 41 will flow out. Therefore, the abnormality of the water supply valve 41 is not notified, and the frequency that the service person goes to the service decreases.

Specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, but these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes of the specific examples illustrated above.
In addition, the technical elements described in the present specification or drawings exhibit technical usefulness alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technology illustrated in the present specification or the drawings achieves a plurality of objects at the same time, and has technical utility by achieving one of the objects.

The typical block diagram of a dishwasher. The flowchart of a water supply abnormality detection process (at the time of washing | cleaning). The flowchart of a water supply abnormality detection process (at the time of washing | cleaning). The graph which shows the water level change of washing water. The flowchart of a continuous monitoring process. The flowchart of a water supply abnormality detection process (at the time of a temporary stop). The flowchart of a water supply abnormality detection process (at the time of a driving | operation stop).

Explanation of symbols

10: tableware washing machine 12: main body 14: washing tank 15: door 16: operation panel 17: leftover filter 18: exhaust path 20: controller 21: tableware basket 24: suction recess 25: suction path 26: bottom surface 27: pump 28 : Impeller 29: 1st discharge port 30: Heater 31: Nozzle 32: Injection port 33: Back wall 34: Drain hose 35: 2nd discharge port 36: Drainage path 37: Air vent path 38: Drainage check valve 39: Outlet 40: water supply hose 41: water supply valve 42: first water supply path 43: second water supply path 44: inlet 45: water level detector 46: water level chamber 47: float 48: bar 49: switch 50: water level path 51: rear wall 52 : Drying fan 53: Drying path 54: Normal water level 55: Thermistor 56: Seal lid 57: Bottom surface 58: Recess 59: Water leak detection sensor 60: Fan

Claims (5)

A washing tank for storing tableware;
A water supply means for supplying cleaning water to the cleaning tank;
Cleaning means for injecting cleaning water into the cleaning tank;
Drainage means for draining wash water from the wash tank;
Water level detection means for detecting whether or not the level of the cleaning water in the cleaning tank is equal to or higher than a predetermined height ;
A controller connected to the water supply means, the cleaning means, the drainage means and the water level detection means ;
A dishwasher that performs a washing operation in which washing water is injected into the washing tank by the washing means while washing water is stored in the washing tank and the water supply means and the drainage means are stopped. Yes,
The controller has the following control procedure:
(1) The water level detection means indicates that the water level has risen while the cleaning operation is being performed in a state where the water level is less than a predetermined height, and that the water level has increased from less than the predetermined height to more than the predetermined height. If detected, a first control procedure for lowering the water level below a predetermined height by stopping the cleaning means and operating the drainage means;
(2) a second control procedure for executing the cleaning operation by stopping the drainage unit and operating the cleaning unit;
(3) While the water level detecting means detects the water level of less than the predetermined height continues cleaning operation, the water level detecting means that said level rises above a predetermined height from less than the predetermined height is detected result A third control procedure for stopping the cleaning means and operating the drainage means and notifying information relating to abnormal water supply;
A dishwasher characterized by sequentially executing.
The controller, in the first control procedure, when the water level detection means detects the water level above the predetermined height a plurality of times at predetermined time intervals, or when the water level detection means continuously detects the water level above the predetermined height for a predetermined time, Stop the cleaning means and operate the drainage means,
2. The dishwashing according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined time interval and the predetermined time are set to be shorter than a time during which the water level detection means can determine that the water supply is abnormal by detecting a water level higher than a predetermined height. Machine. The dishwasher according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the controller performs the first control procedure after a specific period has elapsed since the start of the cleaning operation .
  4. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the water level detection means is also used for water level detection when the water supply means supplies water to the washing tank. The water supply means has a water supply path and a water supply valve interposed in the water supply path,
3. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the controller opens and closes the water supply valve at least once when the washing means is stopped and the drainage means is operated in the first control procedure.

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