阅读说明：本技术 餐具干燥机 (Tableware drying machine ) 是由 菊川智之 澁谷昌树 于 2019-07-04 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明提供一种餐具干燥机。餐具干燥机包含：清洗槽,其是用于收纳被清洗物的收纳库；干燥部,其包含送风风扇,用于使被清洗物干燥；静电雾化装置,其是用于产生带电微粒子水或离子的离子产生部；送风风扇,其是通过送风向清洗槽内供给由静电雾化装置产生的带电微粒子水或离子的离子导入装置；以及控制部,其用于执行干燥步骤和离子导入动作。控制部在离子导入动作和干燥步骤中以不同的风量从送风风扇送风。由此,在离子导入动作时,能够缓和臭味并且除菌等。另外,提供在干燥步骤时能够在短时间内干燥被清洗物的餐具干燥机。(The invention provides a tableware dryer. The tableware dryer includes: a cleaning tank which is a storage for storing the objects to be cleaned; a drying part including an air supply fan for drying the object to be cleaned; an electrostatic atomization device which is an ion generation unit for generating charged fine particulate water or ions; an air supply fan which is an ion introduction device for supplying charged corpuscle water or ions generated by the electrostatic atomization device into the cleaning tank by air supply; and a control unit for performing the drying step and the ion introduction operation. The control unit supplies air from the blower fan at different air volumes in the ion introduction operation and the drying step. This can alleviate odor and sterilize the ions during the ion implantation operation. Further, a dish dryer capable of drying the objects to be washed in a short time at the drying step is provided.)

1. A dish dryer in which, in a drying machine,

the dish dryer includes:

a storage for storing an object to be cleaned;

a drying unit including an air blowing device for drying the object to be cleaned;

an ion generating unit for generating charged corpuscle water or ions;

an ion introducing device configured to supply the charged fine particulate water or the ions generated by the ion generating unit into the storage compartment by air blowing; and

a control part for executing the drying step and the ion introduction action,

the control unit is configured to send the air volume of the ion introducing operation and the air volume of the drying step at different air volumes.

2. The dish dryer of claim 1,

the ion generating part includes a cooling part,

the control unit operates the ion introduction device after a predetermined time has elapsed after the operation of the ion generation unit.

3. The dish dryer of claim 1 or 2,

the control unit continuously or intermittently operates the ion generating unit when the ion introducing operation is performed.

4. The dish dryer of claim 1 or 2,

the ion introduction device includes the air blowing device so as to share the air blowing device included in the drying unit,

the control unit causes the air blowing device to blow air at different air volumes in the ion introducing operation and the drying step.

5. The dish dryer of claim 1 or 2,

the dish dryer includes an air flow detection unit for detecting the air flow rate of the ion introduction device,

the control unit controls at least one of the ion introduction device and the ion generation unit based on a detection result of the air flow detection unit.

Technical Field

The invention relates to a tableware dryer. More particularly, the present invention relates to a dish dryer including a device for sterilizing the objects to be washed and the inner surface of a washing tub.

Background

Conventionally, for example, japanese patent application laid-open No. 2008-237439 (hereinafter referred to as "patent document 1") proposes a dish washing machine having an ion generating section for sterilizing and deodorizing an object to be washed and an inner surface of a washing tub and a drying function.

The structure and operation of the conventional dish washing machine disclosed in patent document 1 will be described with reference to fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a side sectional view of a dishwasher including a conventional ion generating unit.

As shown in fig. 5, the dish washing machine includes a washing tub 102 inside a main body 101. Objects to be washed 108 such as dishes are stored inside washing tub 102, and objects to be washed 108 are washed with washing water sprayed from washing nozzle 107. At this time, water or hot water is supplied as washing water into washing tub 102 through a water supply valve (not shown). The cleaning tank 102 includes a drain hole 104 at the bottom. A washing pump 105 is installed in communication with the drain hole 104. Washing pump 105 is configured to circulate washing water inside washing tub 102. The drain hole 104 is provided with a residue filter 106 for collecting residue contained in the washing water.

In the above configuration, the washing water supplied to washing tub 102 circulates through the following path. First, when the washing pump 105 is driven, the washing water supplied into the washing tub 102 passes through the residue filter 106 and is sucked into the washing pump 105. The sucked washing water is supplied to washing nozzle 107 provided at the inner bottom of washing tub 102 by washing pump 105. The supplied washing water is ejected from the washing nozzle 107 to wash the object to be washed 108. After the washing, the washing water is returned to the drain hole 104 again. The washing water is circulated by the above path. At this time, the residue and the like detached from the object 108 to be cleaned flow into the residue filter 106 together with the cleaning water. The residue having a size that does not pass through the residue filter 106 is collected by the residue filter 106.

Heater 109 for heating the washing water is provided between washing nozzle 107 and the bottom of washing tub 102. Above the washing nozzles 107, a dish basket 110 configured to allow the objects to be washed 108 to be arranged in order is disposed.

The main body 101 includes a drain pump 111 therein, which communicates with the drain hole 104 via a drain hose 112. The drain pump 111 sucks the washing water in the washing tub 102 through the drain hose 112 and discharges the washing water to the outside of the machine.

Further, the dish washing machine includes a drying part inside the main body 101. The drying section sends hot air to the cleaning tank 102 to dry the object 108 to be cleaned. The dryer includes an air blowing fan 113 and a heater 116, and is provided in an air passage 115. When air blower fan 113 is driven, air in cleaning tub 102 is heated by heater 116 for drying. The heated air is again sent into the cleaning tank 102 and circulated. This accelerates the drying of the object 108 to be washed.

The control unit 117 is disposed inside the main body 101. The controller 117 controls electrical components such as the water supply valve, the washing pump 105, the drain pump 111, the heater 109, the blower fan 113, and the heater 116. Thus, the control unit 117 controls and executes a series of operations such as the washing step, the rinsing step, and the drying step.

The main body 101 includes an operation unit (not shown) on the front surface. When the user selects an operation program, the operation unit is operated.

In addition, the dish washing machine includes an ion generating part 118 at an inner top surface of the washing tub 102. The ion generating unit 118 generates ion particles to sterilize and deodorize the object 108 to be cleaned and the inner surface of the cleaning tank 102.

That is, the dish washing machine described in patent document 1 includes an electrostatic atomization device as the ion generation unit 118. The dishwasher starts the operation of the electrostatic atomization device before the washing step to generate the charged fine particulate water. The charged fine particulate water generated by the electrostatic atomization device is discharged to the cleaning tank 102. The discharged charged fine particulate water adheres to the object 108 to be cleaned before cleaning. This preliminarily cleans the object 108 to be cleaned, thereby improving the cleaning performance.

The dishwasher of patent document 1 is configured and operates as described above.

Next, the structure and operation of the electrostatic atomizing apparatus (ion generating unit 118) described in patent document 1 will be described with reference to fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a detailed view of the electrostatic atomization device (ion generation unit). In the following embodiments, reference will be made to the electrostatic atomizing apparatus shown in fig. 6 by changing the reference numerals of the constituent elements.

As shown in fig. 6, the electrostatic atomization device (ion generation unit 118) first cools moisture in the air by a cooling unit 118a formed of a peltier element or the like to generate dew condensation water. The generated dew water is supplied to the discharge electrode 118 b. Then, in a state where the dew water is supplied to the discharge electrode 118b, a high voltage is applied between the discharge electrode 118b and the counter electrode 118 c. At this time, the dew condensation water at the tip portion of the discharge electrode 118b receives a large energy (becomes a repulsive force of high-density electric charges). Thereby, a large amount of negatively charged nanometer-sized charged fine particulate water is produced. The generated charged fine particulate water is discharged to the outside of the electrostatic atomization device (ion generation unit 118), that is, to the inside of the cleaning tank 102.

The electrostatic atomizing apparatus of patent document 1 is configured and operated as described above.

Further, for example, japanese patent application laid-open No. 2004-351012 (hereinafter referred to as "patent document 2") proposes a dish washer-dryer including an ion generator as the ion generating section 118. The ion generator generates ions. The generated ions are supplied to the cleaning tank 102. This eliminates bacteria and odors from the object 108 to be cleaned and the inner surface of the cleaning tank 102.

That is, the dish washing machine described in patent document 1 has a simple structure including an electrostatic atomization device (ion generation unit 118) on the top surface inside washing tub 102. That is, the design is not achieved in which the charged fine particulate water generated by the electrostatic atomization device (ion generation unit 118) is distributed throughout the cleaning tank 2. Therefore, the charged corpuscle water may not sufficiently spread over all the objects to be washed 108 stored in the washing tank 102 and all the inner surfaces of the washing tank 102, and thus the sterilization and deodorization may be insufficient. Further, when the charged fine particulate water is generated and supplied to cleaning tank 102, it is likely to be affected by the environment inside cleaning tank 102. Therefore, the amount of the generated charged fine particulate water is unstable, and it is difficult to control the concentration of the generated charged fine particulate water.

Disclosure of Invention

The dish dryer of the present invention comprises: a storage for storing an object to be cleaned; a drying section including an air blowing device for drying the object to be cleaned; an ion generating unit for generating charged corpuscle water or ions; an ion introduction device that supplies charged fine particulate water or ions generated by the ion generation unit into the storage compartment by means of the air flow; and a control unit for performing the drying step and the ion introduction operation. The control unit is configured to convey the air volume of the ion introducing operation and the air volume of the drying step at different air volumes.

With this configuration, air is blown at appropriate air volumes different from each other in the ion introducing operation and the drying step. This enables generation of charged fine particulate water or ions in a stable state during the ion introduction operation. Further, the charged fine particulate water or ions can be supplied to various places in the cleaning tank, thereby reducing odor, bacteria, and the like. In addition, in the drying step, the object to be cleaned can be dried in a short time.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a side sectional view of a dish washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view of a main portion of an air duct of the dish washing machine.

Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a sequence of the above-described dishwasher in which the batch washing program is operated.

Fig. 4 is a time chart showing the operation of the ion introducing operation of the dishwasher.

Fig. 5 is a side sectional view of a dishwasher including a conventional ion generating unit.

Fig. 6 is a detailed view of the electrostatic atomization device (ion generation unit).

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, as an embodiment of the dish dryer of the present invention, a dish washing machine having a drying function will be described as an example with reference to the drawings. The present embodiment does not limit the present invention.

(embodiment mode)

Hereinafter, a dish washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to fig. 1.

Fig. 1 is a side sectional view of a dish washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in fig. 1, the dish washing machine of the present embodiment includes a main body 1, and a washing tub 2 and the like are provided inside the main body 1. In the case of the dish dryer, washing tub 2 corresponds to a storage. Objects 8 to be washed, such as dishes, are stored inside washing tub 2, and objects 8 to be washed are washed with washing water sprayed from washing nozzle 7 as a washing unit. Water or hot water is supplied as washing water into washing tub 2 through water supply unit 3. The wash bowl 2 includes a drain hole 4 at the bottom. A washing pump 5 is installed in communication with the drain hole 4. Washing pump 5 is configured to circulate washing water inside washing tub 2. A residue filter 6 for collecting residue contained in the washing water is provided in the drain hole 4.

In the above configuration, the washing water supplied to washing tub 2 circulates through the following path. First, when wash pump 5 is driven, wash water supplied into wash tub 2 is sucked into wash pump 5 through residue filter 6. The sucked washing water is supplied to washing nozzle 7 provided at the inner bottom of washing tub 2 by washing pump 5. The supplied washing water is sprayed from the washing nozzle 7 to wash the object 8 to be washed. After the washing, the washing water is returned to the drain hole 4 again. The washing water circulates through the above path. At this time, the residue and the like detached from the object 8 to be cleaned flow into the residue filter 6 together with the cleaning water. The residue having a size that does not pass through the residue filter 6 is collected by the residue filter 6.

A washing water heater 9 for heating washing water is disposed between washing nozzle 7 and the bottom of washing tub 2. Above the washing nozzles 7, a dish basket 10 is disposed, which is configured to allow the objects to be washed 8 to be arranged in order.

The main body 1 includes a drain pump 11 therein, which communicates with the drain hole 4 via a drain hose 12. Drain pump 11 drains the washing water in washing tub 2 to the outside of the machine through drain hose 12.

Further, the dish washing machine includes a drying part 21 inside the main body 1. The drying section 21 sends hot air into the cleaning tank 2 to dry the object 8 to be cleaned. The dryer 21 includes an air blowing fan 13 as an air blowing device and a heater 16 for heating air, and is provided in the air passage 20. One end 20aa of the air duct 20 communicates with the cleaning tub 2, and the other end 20ab of the air duct 20 constitutes the outside air inlet 14 and communicates with the outside of the main body 1. The filter 15 is disposed in the outside air intake port 14. The filter 15 collects dust and the like contained in the sucked external air. This causes clean air to be introduced into the air passage 20 from the outside air inlet 14.

Specifically, when the blower fan 13 is driven, air from which dust and the like are removed by the filter 15 is introduced into the air passage 20 from the outside air inlet 14. That is, the air passage 20 constitutes an intake air passage for taking in outside air and the like. The air introduced into the air passage 20 is heated by the heater 16. Subsequently, the heated air is sent into the cleaning tank 2 for drying the object to be cleaned 8 and the cleaning tank 2. Thereby, the air containing moisture in cleaning tub 2 is discharged from an exhaust port (not shown). The drying section may include a dehumidifying section, and the drying air may be circulated between the cleaning tank 2 and the dehumidifying section.

The main body 1 also includes a control unit 17 therein. The controller 17 controls electrical components such as the water supply unit 3, the washing pump 5, the drain pump 11, the washing water heater 9, the blower fan 13, and the heater 16. Thus, the control unit 17 controls a series of operations such as the preliminary cleaning step, the main cleaning step, the rinsing step, and the drying step to perform the cleaning operation.

The main body 1 includes an operation portion (not shown) on the front surface. The user operates the operation unit when setting an operation program or the like.

In addition, the dishwasher of the present embodiment includes an electrostatic atomization device 18 functioning as an ion generator in an air passage 20 (intake air passage). The electrostatic atomization device 18 generates negatively charged nano-sized charged fine particulate water. The generated charged fine particulate water is mixed with air that is sent into the cleaning tank 2 through the air duct 20 by the air sending fan 13 as an air sending means. The charged fine particulate water mixed with air is supplied into cleaning tank 2, and the objects to be cleaned 8 and the inner surface of cleaning tank 2 are sterilized and deodorized. In the present embodiment, the ion introducing device includes the electrostatic atomizing device 18 (ion generating unit), the air blowing fan 13 shared with the drying unit 21, and the air passage 20. With this configuration, the air blowing fan 13 for drying is used in common to supply charged fine particulate water or ions into the cleaning tank 2. Therefore, a dedicated air blower or air duct for supplying the charged fine particulate water or ions from the ion generating unit to the cleaning tank 2 is not required. Thus, an inexpensive dish washing machine can be provided.

Further, the air blower may not be shared between the ion introduction device and the drying unit 21, and a separate air blower and air passage may be provided. With this configuration, the control unit 17 can individually control each air blowing device with higher accuracy.

The electrostatic atomizer 18 is disposed downstream of the blower fan 13 in the air passage 20. The heater 16 is disposed downstream of the electrostatic atomizing device 18 in the air passage 20. The filter 15 is disposed in the outside air intake port 14.

The filter 15 may be disposed at any position as long as it is located upstream of the electrostatic atomizing device 18 in the air passage 20. Further, the air flow detector 23 for detecting the air flow rate may be disposed downstream of the heater 16 in the duct 20. The air flow detection unit 23 is not limited to an air flow meter that directly detects the air flow rate. The air blow detection unit 23 may be configured to detect the wind speed and estimate the air volume, for example. The air flow detection unit 23 may be configured to detect the temperature on the downstream side of the heater 16, for example, and estimate the air flow rate from the ratio of the cooling and heat generation of the heater 16.

The dish washing machine according to the present embodiment is configured as described above.

Next, the structure and operation of the air duct 20 of the dish washing machine according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a main part sectional view of the air duct (air duct 20) of the dish washing machine.

As shown in fig. 2, the duct 20 constituting the intake duct includes a main duct 20a and an auxiliary duct 20 b. The sub-air passage 20b is provided in parallel with a part of the main air passage 20a so as to branch from the main air passage 20a at the branch portion 20d and merge with the main air passage 20a again at the merging portion 20 c. The electrostatic atomizer 18 is disposed in the sub-air passage 20 b. Thus, a part of the air introduced into the air passage 20 by the blower fan 13 is branched from the main air passage 20a by the branch portion 20d and flows into the sub air passage 20 b. The air flowing in passes through the electrostatic atomization device 18 disposed in the sub-duct 20 b. Subsequently, the passing air merges again with the main air passage 20a via the merging portion 20 c.

At this time, the cross-sectional area of the sub air passage 20b (cross-sectional area in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the flowing air) is formed to be smaller at a predetermined ratio with respect to the cross-sectional area of the main air passage 20 a. Specifically, the inlet and the outlet of the sub duct 20b are formed with a cross-sectional area of about 3% to 10% of the main duct, for example. This reduces the amount of wind passing through the sub-wind path 20 b. The flow velocity of the air passing through the electrostatic atomizing device 18 is smaller (slower) than the flow velocity of the air passing through the main air passage 20 a.

Further, a wall surface 22 is disposed at the merging portion 20c returning from the sub air passage 20b to the main air passage 20a so as to protrude inward from the inner peripheral wall of the main air passage 20 a. The wall surface 22 is formed to incline inward from the inner wall surface of the main airflow path 20a of the merging portion 20c from the upstream side to the downstream side. That is, the blower fan 13 side of the merging portion 20c is covered with the wall surface 22. On the other hand, the washing tank 2 side of the merging section 20c is opened by the wall surface 22 disposed obliquely. That is, the main air passage 20a is configured to be locally narrowed (reduced in cross-sectional area) by the portion of the wall surface 22 formed.

The electrostatic atomization device 18 of the present embodiment is configured similarly to the electrostatic atomization device (ion generation unit 118) described in the background art.

Then, the electrostatic atomizing device 18 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 6, except for the reference numerals of the elements.

As shown in fig. 6, the electrostatic atomization device 18 (ion generation unit) first cools moisture in the air by a cooling unit 18a formed of a peltier element or the like to generate dew condensation water. The generated dew water is supplied to the discharge electrode 18 b. In this case, the discharge electrode 18b may be directly cooled, and moisture in the air may be directly condensed on the discharge electrode 18 b.

Then, in a state where the dew condensation water is supplied to the discharge electrode 18b, a high voltage is applied between the discharge electrode 18b and the counter electrode 18 c. At this time, the dew condensation water at the tip portion of the discharge electrode 18b receives a large energy (repulsive force that becomes a high density electric charge). Thereby, negatively charged nano-sized charged fine particulate water is generated and discharged. The discharged charged particulate water is introduced from the sub-duct 20b into the cleaning tank 2 through the merging portion 20c of the main duct 20 a.

The electrostatic atomization device 18 of the dish washing machine is configured as described above.

Next, the operation and action of the dishwasher of the present embodiment in the case of washing the objects to be washed with the charged fine particle water generated by the electrostatic atomization device 18 will be described.

First, when the blower fan 13 is operated, air from the outside (outside air) is introduced into the main body 1 through the outside air inlet 14. At this time, the introduced external air passes through the filter 15 to be removed of dust and the like. Then, the outside air passes through an air duct 20 as an air inlet duct and is introduced into the washing tub 2. With this configuration, dust is prevented from adhering to the discharge electrode 18b, the counter electrode 18c, and the like of the electrostatic atomization device 18. Thus, the electrostatic atomization device 18 can stably and efficiently generate charged fine particulate water or ions.

At this time, as described above, the cross-sectional area of the sub air passage 20b branched from the main air passage 20a is formed smaller than the cross-sectional area of the main air passage 20 a. Therefore, the amount of wind flowing through the sub-wind path 20b is reduced relative to the amount of wind flowing through the main wind path 20 a. The flow velocity of the wind flowing through the sub-wind path 20b is smaller (slower) than the flow velocity of the wind flowing through the main wind path 20 a. Accordingly, the air having a small amount and a low flow velocity flowing through the sub-air passage 20b passes through the electrostatic atomization device 18 disposed in the sub-air passage 20 b.

The flow rate of the air passing through the electrostatic atomization device 18 is reduced (slowed) by the structure. Thereby, the influence of the flow velocity on the wind is greatly suppressed when the electrostatic atomization device 18 operates. Therefore, an appropriate amount of dew condensation water can be generated by the cooling unit 18a such as the peltier unit. Further, the two air passages are branched into the main air passage 20a and the sub air passage 20b, and the speed of the air passing through the electrostatic atomizing device 18 can be arbitrarily adjusted by changing the ratio of the cross-sectional areas of the two air passages. This enables dew condensation water to be produced in a stable amount. Therefore, a stable amount of dew condensation water can be supplied to the discharge electrode 18 b. As a result, a stable amount of charged fine particulate water or ions can be generated by the electrostatic atomization device 18.

In addition, it is preferable that the dish washing machine reliably adhere charged corpuscle water or ions to all the objects 8 to be washed placed in washing tub 2 and the entire inner surface of washing tub 2. In the present embodiment, the branched structure of the air passage suppresses the influence of the amount and flow velocity of the air passing through the electrostatic atomizing device 18, and generates a predetermined amount of charged fine particulate water or ions. This can more reliably alleviate the odor in the cleaning tank 2, and suppress the propagation of bacteria, bacteria removal, and the like.

As described above, the object to be cleaned can be cleaned using the charged fine particle water generated by the electrostatic atomization device 18.

Next, the drying step and the ion introduction operation of the object to be washed 8 in the dish washing machine of the present embodiment will be described. In the following description, the object 8 to be washed is referred to as "tableware".

Here, in order to dry the dishes, heat required to dry the dishes and efficient evaporation of moisture caused by wind flowing on the surface of the dishes are required. That is, when the dishes are dried, a relatively large amount of air is required.

On the other hand, the ion introduction operation is an operation for supplying charged fine particulate water or ions to the cleaning tank 2 before the main cleaning step or after the drying step to perform deodorization and sterilization. Therefore, a large air volume to the same extent as in the drying step is not required.

That is, in order to realize a relatively slow wind speed necessary for the ion introduction operation, the entire wind volume introduced into cleaning tank 2 needs to be reduced in each step. However, the suppression of the air volume is not beneficial to the drying of the dishes. In order to avoid this, a configuration may be considered in which a dedicated fan is provided in the electrostatic atomization device 18. However, if a dedicated fan is separately provided to the electrostatic atomization device 18 independently of the blower fan 13, the volume inside the cleaning tank 2 is reduced. Further, the control operation of the control unit 17 is complicated. That is, the above-described structure is not an effective measure such as making the dish washing machine expensive.

Therefore, it is desirable that control unit 17 supplies air to cleaning tub 2 at different air volumes in the ion introduction operation and the drying step. In this way, the dishwasher of the present embodiment controls to change the air volume so that air is supplied with an appropriate air volume at each operation. That is, the control unit 17 controls the air volume suitable for generating the air of the charged fine particulate water in the electrostatic atomization device 18 during the ion introduction operation. On the other hand, the controller 17 controls the amount of air in the drying step to efficiently exhibit the drying performance of the dishes. Thus, the charged fine particulate water or ions can be generated in a stable state during the ion introduction operation. As a result, the charged fine particulate water or ions can be supplied to all positions in washing tub 2, and odor, bacteria, and the like can be more reliably alleviated. In addition, in the drying step, the tableware can be efficiently dried in a short time by increasing the air volume or the flow rate of the air.

As described above, in the dish washing machine according to the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 2, the sub-duct 20b is branched from the main duct 20a and is provided in parallel with the main duct 20a in the duct 20 serving as the introduction duct. The sub-air passage 20b is provided with an electrostatic atomizing device 18. The control unit 17 controls, for example, the rotational speed of the blower fan 13 so that the air volume becomes an air volume suitable for the ion introduction operation by the electrostatic atomization device 18. With this configuration, a predetermined volume of air passes through the electrostatic atomizing device 18 in the sub-duct 20b branched from the main duct 20 a. Then, the air containing the charged corpuscle water generated by the electrostatic atomization device 18 is merged with the air flowing through the main air passage 20a at the merging portion 20c, and thereby the charged corpuscle water is supplied into the cleaning tank 2 while riding on the air flow of the air flowing through the main air passage 20a at a high flow velocity. That is, a sufficient amount of charged fine particulate water can be stably generated by the electrostatic atomizing device 18 in the sub-air passage 20 b. The generated charged fine particulate water can be efficiently supplied into the cleaning tank 2 by the air blowing fan 13.

Further, a wall surface 22 inclined toward the downstream side is disposed at the merging portion 20c returning from the sub-air passage 20b to the main air passage 20 a. Wall surface 22 is provided to close blower fan 13 side as merging portion 20c and open toward washing tub 2 side. Thereby, the main air passage 20a is configured to have a locally narrowed cross-sectional area in the vicinity of the merging portion 20 c. At this time, a pressure loss (pressure loss) may occur in main air passage 20a on the downstream side of wall surface 22 from cleaning tank 2. In this case, too, a so-called venturi effect is generated in the main duct 20a by the air flow of the air having a large flow rate and a high flow speed. Therefore, the air in the auxiliary air passage 20b is drawn into the main air passage 20a from the merging portion 20c by the venturi effect. This prevents the air in the sub-air passage 20b from flowing backward in the direction of the electrostatic atomizing device 18 (from the downstream side to the upstream side). As a result, the charged fine particulate water generated by the electrostatic atomization device 18 can be supplied into the cleaning tank 2 in a stable amount.

In the present embodiment, the drying heater 16 is controlled not to operate during the ion introduction operation by the electrostatic atomization device 18. The heater 16 is disposed downstream of the electrostatic atomizing device 18 in the main air passage 20a from a position downstream of the merging portion 20c returning from the sub air passage 20b to the main air passage 20 a. Therefore, when the heater 16 is operated, the air in the sub-air passage 20b is forcibly sucked through the merging portion 20 c. That is, the suction is performed by a "positive pressure" which is a pushing force generated by the driving of the blower fan 13. Then, the controller 17 controls the heater 16 not to operate during the ion implantation operation. This can stably maintain the state (amount, etc.) of the charged fine particulate water generated by the electrostatic atomization device 18.

In the present embodiment, a blast detection unit 23 for detecting the air volume is disposed downstream of the electrostatic atomizing device 18. The controller 17 measures the volume of air passing through the duct 20 based on the detection result of the blowing detector 23. In particular, during the ion implantation operation, the control unit 17 controls the blower fan 13 so that the air volume in the sub-duct 20b becomes a predetermined air volume. Further, the control unit 17 controls the operation of the electrostatic atomization device 18 so that the ion concentration becomes a predetermined value during the ion introduction operation. This allows the concentration of the charged corpuscle water supplied into washing tub 2 to be appropriately controlled, thereby effectively reducing odor and removing bacteria.

As a specific method for adjusting the ion concentration of the charged fine particulate water, for example, the amount of ions generated by the electrostatic atomization device 18 may be changed with respect to the air volume of the blower fan 13.

Further, as the control of the air volume during the ion introduction operation, the following method may be used: the control unit 17 estimates the air volume during the ion introducing operation based on the air volume during the drying step, for example, and controls the blower fan 13 to adjust the air volume. That is, the blowing air detecting unit 23 measures the blowing air amount using the cooling state of the heater 16 energized at the time of the drying step. Specifically, in the drying step, while the heater 16 is used, the rise in temperature of the air passing through the heater 16 is measured. At this time, when the rise in the temperature of the air is small relative to the amount of heat input to the heater 16, the cooling effect is high because the air volume is considered to be large. Conversely, when the temperature of the air increases greatly, the cooling effect is low because the air volume is considered to be small. That is, the air volume in the drying step can be estimated based on the relationship between the input heat amount of the heater 16 and the air volume.

Further, the control unit 17 can estimate the air volume from the characteristics of the rotation speed and the air volume by detecting the rotation speed of the blower fan 13. That is, the control unit 17 controls the blower fan 13 so that the air volume is suitable for the ion introducing operation by using the characteristics of the rotation speed and the air volume. For example, if the filter 15 provided in the outside air inlet 14 is clogged, the volume of outside air sucked by the blower fan 13 decreases. Then, the control unit 17 measures the air volume at each drying step. Thus, the control unit 17 can easily grasp even a change in the air volume due to clogging of the filter 15 or the like. At this time, the state of clogging of the filter 15 does not change abruptly and largely. Therefore, the control unit 17 can control the blower fan 13 using the state of the air volume at the drying step during the ion introducing operation, and thus the control unit 17 can blow air with an accurate air volume during the ion introducing operation.

The drying step and the ion introduction operation of the object 8 to be washed are performed as described above.

Next, the operation and action of the electrostatic atomizing device 18 during the program operation of the dishwasher according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 3.

Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a sequence of operations of the dish washing machine according to the present embodiment in the batch washing program.

As shown in fig. 3, first, the user places object to be washed 8 such as dishes in dish basket 10 and stores dish basket 10 in washing tub 2 (step S1). At this time, in the following state, the user operates the operation unit to select the batch cleaning program (step S2). Specifically, the following is the case: after the object to be cleaned 8 is temporarily set in step S1, the object to be cleaned 8 is further added, and after the additional setting, batch cleaning is performed. Or the main cleaning is carried out according to convenience or not.

Next, when the batch cleaning program is selected, the control unit 17 performs a preliminary cleaning step on the set object to be cleaned 8. The preliminary cleaning step includes a preliminary cleaning operation (step S3) and an ion-introducing operation (step S4). The preliminary washing operation is a washing operation for washing the object 8 to be washed with the washing water sprayed from the washing nozzle 7. The charged fine particulate water introducing operation is an operation of supplying charged fine particulate water into the cleaning tank 2 by operating the electrostatic atomizing device 18.

Specifically, the control unit 17 performs the preliminary cleaning operation for a predetermined time (step S3).

Next, the control unit 17 performs a charged corpuscle water introducing operation (step S4). Specifically, the control unit 17 operates the electrostatic atomization device 18 and the blower fan 13. The electrostatic atomization device 18 generates charged fine particulate water. The generated charged fine particulate water is supplied into the cleaning tank 2 by the air blowing fan 13. This can suppress the generation of odor and the proliferation of bacteria caused by food residues adhering to the object 8 to be washed stored in the washing tub 2.

At this time, the electrostatic atomization device 18 is continuously or intermittently operated to supply the charged fine particulate water into the cleaning tank 2. The operation time for supplying the charged particulate water is not particularly limited. For example, the supply of the charged corpuscle water may be performed only for a predetermined time. Further, the supply of the charged fine particulate water may be continuously performed before the next main washing step is started. Here, the continuous or intermittent operation of the electrostatic atomization device 18 as the ion generating unit may be set in consideration of the balance between the performance and the lifetime of the ion generating unit during operation. This enables the ion generating unit to operate stably for a long period of time while maintaining performance.

Next, in the case of the batch washing program, it is determined whether or not the objects to be washed 8 are additionally set in the dish basket 10 (step S5). At this time, when the laundry 8 is additionally set (yes in step S5), the user additionally sets the laundry 8 in the dish basket 10 and stores the laundry in the washing tub 2 before the main washing step is started. In this case, the preliminary cleaning step of steps S3 to S4 is executed again each time controller 17 detects that object to be cleaned 8 is accommodated in cleaning tank 2 and set. That is, the object 8 to be cleaned is placed in the cleaning tank 2 a plurality of times before the main cleaning step. Then, every time the object 8 to be cleaned is set, as a preliminary cleaning step, a preliminary cleaning operation and an operation of introducing charged corpuscle water as an ion introduction operation are performed. Thus, every time the object to be cleaned 8 is newly set, the object to be cleaned 8 and the inner surface of the cleaning tank 2 can be sterilized and deodorized. As a result, the main washing step performed after the preliminary washing step can be efficiently performed with a high washing effect.

On the other hand, when the setting of the last object to be cleaned 8 is completed and the time when the main cleaning step can be performed is reached after the setting (no in step S5), the user performs the setting completion operation via the operation unit (step S6). This operation becomes an instruction to enter the next step.

Thereby, the control unit 17 executes the main washing step, the rinsing step, and the drying step (step S7).

When all the steps of the batch washing program are completed, the control unit 17 ends the washing operation of the objects to be washed 8 in the dishwasher.

At this time, even if the drying step is ended in step S7, the ion introducing operation may be repeatedly performed for a short time at predetermined intervals during the period until the objects 8 to be washed are taken out from the washing tank 2 (step S8). Thereby, charged fine particulate water or ions are appropriately supplied into cleaning tank 2. As a result, the odor reduction and sterilization operations in the cleaning tank 2 are continuously maintained. That is, step S8 is not necessarily performed as long as step S8 is performed as necessary.

The dish washing machine of the present embodiment executes the washing operation of the batch washing program as described above.

Here, the operation of the electrostatic atomizing device 18 will be described with reference to fig. 4.

Fig. 4 is a timing chart showing the operation of the electrostatic atomizing device 18 and the blower fan 13 when the dishwasher of the present embodiment performs the ion introducing operation. The structure of the electrostatic atomizing apparatus 18 is the same as that of the conventional one except for the reference numerals of the elements, and therefore, the description will be given with reference to fig. 6.

As shown in fig. 4, the control unit 17 starts the operation of the blower fan 13 later than the start of the operation of the electrostatic atomization device 18 by a predetermined time T (for example, about 3 minutes). At this time, the electrostatic atomization device 18 cools ambient air by the cooling unit 18a formed of a peltier unit or the like to generate dew condensation water. The electrostatic atomizing device 18 of the present embodiment is configured to cool the discharge electrode 18b by, for example, the cooling unit 18 a. Thereby, dew condensation water is directly generated and supplied to the discharge electrode 18 b. At this time, the control unit 17 controls the blower fan 13 to be not operated in the initial state of the electrostatic atomization device 18 as described above. This can stabilize the condensation state of the discharge electrode 18b, and can efficiently generate condensation water.

By the control, the cooling unit 18a can rapidly cool the discharge electrode 18b to accelerate the generation of dew condensation water. That is, the cooling unit 18a continuously cools the same air existing in the vicinity of the discharge electrode 18b while including it. Therefore, the cooling unit 18a can efficiently cool the vicinity of the discharge electrode 18b, as compared with a case where the air continuously replaced with new air by the operation of the blower fan 13 is contained and cooled. When the discharge electrode 18b is cooled and dew condensation water starts to be generated, dew condensation water is continuously and stably generated. When this stage is reached, dew condensation water is sufficiently supplied to the discharge electrode 18 b. Thereby, the generation of the charged fine particulate water by the electric discharge is started. That is, dew condensation water is continuously generated at a timing after, for example, a predetermined time T shown in fig. 4, and charged corpuscle water is generated.

Then, control unit 17 starts the operation of air blowing fan 13 at the above timing to supply the charged fine particulate water into cleaning tank 2. Thus, the electrostatic atomization device 18 can rapidly cool the cooling portion 18a until the predetermined time T elapses, thereby accelerating the generation of the dew condensation water. As a result, the charged fine particulate water can be generated in a short time.

The length of the predetermined time T before the operation of the electrostatic atomization device 18 is started and the operation of the blower fan 13 is started is not particularly limited. For example, even when the time from the stop of the electrostatic atomization device 18 to the start of the next operation is short, the charged fine particulate water may be stably generated immediately while maintaining the dew condensation state. In this case, the predetermined time T may be determined and set appropriately according to the interval of the time when the operation of the electrostatic atomization device 18 is stopped.

In addition, the time for dew condensation to occur varies depending on the humidity of the air to be cooled. In this case, for example, a humidity detection unit or the like may be provided near the discharge electrode 18b of the electrostatic atomization device 18 to detect the generation state of dew condensation water, and the predetermined time T may be determined and set.

In the above, the washing operation of the dish washing machine according to the present embodiment is described by taking the batch washing program as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the ion introduction operation may be performed after the rinsing step, after the drying step, or after the cleaning operation is completed. Therefore, the above description is also effective when the electrostatic atomization device 18 that performs the ion introduction operation is operated in each step.

As described above, the dish washing machine of the present embodiment includes: a cleaning tank 2 for storing an object 8 to be cleaned; a drying section including an air blowing fan 13 for drying the object 8 to be washed; an electrostatic atomization device 18 which is an ion generation unit that generates charged fine particulate water or ions; an ion introduction device for supplying charged fine particulate water or ions generated by the electrostatic atomization device 18 into the cleaning tank 2 by air blowing; and a control unit 17 for performing a drying step and an ion introduction operation. The control unit 17 is configured to blow the air volume of the ion introducing operation and the air volume of the drying step at different air volumes.

With this configuration, air is blown at appropriate air volumes different from each other in the ion introducing operation and the drying step. Thus, the charged fine particulate water or ions can be generated in a stable state during the ion introduction operation. Further, charged fine particulate water or ions can be reliably supplied to all positions in washing tub 2, and odor, bacteria removal, and the like can be alleviated. In addition, the object 8 to be washed can be dried in a short time in the drying step.

The electrostatic atomization device 18 as the ion generation unit includes a cooling unit 18a, and the control unit 17 operates the ion introduction device after a predetermined time T has elapsed after the electrostatic atomization device 18 is operated. With this configuration, the electrostatic atomization device 18 can rapidly cool the cooling section 18a to accelerate the generation of dew condensation water. This enables efficient generation of charged fine particulate water in a short time.

In addition, the electrostatic atomization device 18 is operated continuously or intermittently during the ion introduction operation for supplying the charged fine particulate water. This can balance the performance and the lifetime of the device of the electrostatic atomization apparatus 18 during operation, and can stably operate the electrostatic atomization apparatus 18 for a long period of time while maintaining the performance.

The ion introduction device includes an air blower 13 so as to share the air blower 13 included in the drying unit that performs the drying step, and the control unit 17 causes the air blower 13 to blow air at different air volumes in the ion introduction operation and the drying step. With this configuration, the air blowing fan 13 for drying can be used in common and the ion introduction device can be used to supply charged fine particulate water or ions into the cleaning tank 2. This eliminates the need for the dedicated blower fan 13 and air duct 20 from the electrostatic atomizer 18 to the cleaning tank 2. As a result, an inexpensive dish washing machine can be provided.

Further, air is blown at appropriate air flow rates different from each other in each of the ion introduction operation and the drying step. Thus, during the ion introduction operation, charged fine particulate water or ions can be generated in a stable state and can be reliably supplied to all positions in cleaning tank 2. As a result, odor, bacteria, and the like can be efficiently alleviated. In addition, the object 8 to be washed can be dried in a short time in the drying step.

The dish dryer includes an air blow detection unit 23 for detecting the air volume of the air blow fan 13, and the control unit 17 controls at least one of the air blow fan 13 and the electrostatic atomization device 18 based on the detection result of the air blow detection unit 23. With this configuration, the control unit 17 can appropriately control the concentration of the charged corpuscle water supplied into the cleaning tank 2, and effectively alleviate the odor and remove bacteria.

Further, the dish dryer is provided with an air outlet duct (not shown) through which air flows out of washing tub 2 and an air inlet duct (not shown) through which air flows into washing tub 2. The outlet air passage and the inlet air passage are connected to form a circulation air passage (not shown) independent of the air passage 20. Further, the circulation air duct may be provided with a plasma generator of the electrostatic atomizer 18 and a plasma introducing device of the blower fan 13. With this configuration, the charged fine particulate water or ions supplied into cleaning tank 2 are circulated and not released to the outside. Therefore, more charged fine particulate water or ions can be supplied into cleaning tank 2.

In the above-described embodiment, the description has been given of the example in which the electrostatic atomization device 18 automatically operates as a standard in the batch cleaning process, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the configuration in which the operation is automatically performed may be set as a selection function, that is, the configuration in which the electrostatic atomization device 18 is automatically operated as needed at the discretion of the user.

In the present embodiment, the electrostatic atomizing device 18 is described as an example of the ion generating unit, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the ion generator may generate ions to sterilize and deodorize the object to be cleaned and the inner surface of the cleaning tank. In this case, the same effect as that of the electrostatic atomizing device 18 can be obtained.

In the present embodiment, the configuration in which charged fine particulate water or ions are generated from the electrostatic atomization device 18 is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. A small amount of ozone is also generated from the electrostatic atomization device 18. Therefore, the electrostatic atomization device 18 may be configured to generate charged fine particulate water, ions, or ozone, for example. This can further promote the odor-reducing and bacteria-removing effects.

As described above, the dish dryer of the present invention includes: a storage for storing an object to be cleaned; a drying section including an air blowing device for drying the object to be cleaned; an ion generating unit for generating charged corpuscle water or ions; an ion introduction device that supplies charged fine particulate water or ions generated by the ion generation unit into the storage compartment by means of the air flow; and a control unit for performing the drying step and the ion introduction operation. The control unit is configured to convey the air volume of the ion introducing operation and the air volume of the drying step at different air volumes.

With this configuration, air is blown at appropriate air volumes different from each other in the ion introducing operation and the drying step. This enables generation of charged fine particulate water or ions in a stable state during the ion introduction operation. Further, the charged fine particulate water or ions can be supplied to various places in the cleaning tank, thereby reducing odor, bacteria, and the like. In addition, in the drying step, the object to be cleaned can be dried in a short time.

Preferably, the ion generating unit of the dish drying machine according to the present invention includes a cooling unit, and the control unit operates the ion introducing unit after a predetermined time has elapsed after the ion generating unit is operated. With this configuration, the ion generating unit can rapidly cool the cooling unit to accelerate the generation of the condensed water. This enables efficient generation of charged fine particulate water in a short time.

In addition, it is preferable that the control unit of the dish drying machine according to the present invention is configured to operate the ion generating unit continuously or intermittently during the ion introducing operation. With this configuration, the ion generating unit can be operated for a long period of time while maintaining performance by balancing performance and lifetime of the device of the ion generating unit during operation.

In addition, it is preferable that the ion introduction device of the dish dryer of the present invention includes an air blowing device so as to share the air blowing device included in the drying unit, and the control unit causes the air blowing device to blow air at different air volumes in the ion introduction operation and the drying step. With this configuration, the air blowing device for drying can be used in common and the ion introduction device can be used to supply the charged fine particulate water or ions into the cleaning tank. Thus, a dedicated air blower and air passage from the ion generator to the cleaning tank are not required. As a result, an inexpensive dish washing machine can be provided.

Further, air is blown at appropriate air flow rates different from each other in each of the ion introduction operation and the drying step. Thus, during the ion introduction operation, charged fine particulate water or ions can be generated in a stable state and can be reliably supplied to all positions in the cleaning tank. As a result, odor, bacteria, and the like can be efficiently alleviated. In addition, the object to be washed can be dried in a short time in the drying step.

Further, it is preferable that the dish dryer of the present invention includes an air flow detection unit for detecting an air flow rate of the ion introduction device, and the control unit controls at least one of the ion introduction device and the ion generation unit based on a detection result of the air flow detection unit. With this configuration, the control unit can appropriately control the concentration of the charged corpuscle water supplied into the cleaning tank, thereby effectively alleviating odor and sterilizing.