JP2004008275A - Washing and drying machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten drying time in a washing and drying machine by the hot air of heater heating. <P>SOLUTION: The washing and drying machine is provided with a current detection means for detecting a heater current value (currents other than the heater current are excluded from the entire current), a temperature detection means for detecting an ambient temperature, a power supply voltage detection means, and a rotation detection means for a blowing fan motor which is the drive source of a blowing means. Adjustment and control are executed by the rotation number (blowing amount) of the blowing fan motor to attain a predetermined heater current value from the ambient temperature at the time of starting an operation and a power supply voltage so as not to make an entire current value exceed 15(A). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a vertical washer / dryer in which drying time is reduced by finely controlling current consumption.
[0002]
[Prior art]
At present, since the AC voltage supplied to ordinary households is unified to 100 V, the easiest way to increase the power consumption of electrical equipment is to increase the current. However, with regard to this current, since outlets in ordinary households are standardized to those with a capacity of 15 amps (A), if more current is required, electrical work such as providing dedicated wiring is necessary. Will be. Therefore, the power consumption (in this case, the current value) of a general home electric appliance is suppressed to 15 A in order to avoid electric work. Household washing and drying machines also keep their power consumption within this capacity.
[0003]
In a thermal appliance such as a washer / dryer, since the power consumption (in this case, the current value) is directly reflected in the drying time, it is preferable to use the current that is the full limit of the capacity (increase in heat generation). From the viewpoint of shortening the drying time). However, the characteristics of the PTC heaters used in the washer / dryer have large variations among individual products (± 6% as shown in FIG. 10), and even with the same PTC heater, the characteristics vary depending on the use conditions. Greatly changes (0.06 A / ° C.). For example, the higher the temperature, the higher the resistance. Therefore, even if the power supply voltage (effective voltage) is the same, if the outside air temperature is low, the temperature of the heater itself is also low, and the current value is large. Even when the outside air temperature is constant, a larger current flows as the power supply voltage (effective voltage) is lower.
[0004]
For this reason, such variation must be taken into account in the design, and it is not possible to use the full amount of power in the design.
[0005]
For example, as shown in FIG. 10, a normal washing / drying machine is designed such that the power consumption is equal to or less than a predetermined value (1170 w) under the conditions of an outside air temperature of 20 ° C. and a power supply voltage of 100 v. This is determined from the viewpoint that the maximum current value within the assumed use conditions {outside air temperature 0 to 30 (° C.), power supply voltage 90 to 110 (v), PTC heater variation ± 6%} does not exceed 15A. Things. Note that the maximum current within the range of the assumed use conditions is obtained at an outside air temperature of 0 ° C. and a power supply voltage of 90 v.
[0006]
Also, in the drying of the vertical washing / drying machine, unlike the drum type, the washing and dewatering tub installed in the outer tub and the rotation speed of the rotating body installed at the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub are different from each other. Therefore, when controlling with full current, it is necessary to consider the maximum current of a different rotation speed, and the power consumption (1170 w) is further reduced by 1 amp (A) 100 w under the conditions of the outside air temperature of 20 ° C. and the power supply voltage of 100 v. It must be lowered (1070w). Therefore, if current control is not performed, the drying time is long under the conditions of the most frequently used outside temperature of 20 ° C. and the power supply voltage of 100 V.
[0007]
Note that a PTC heater (Positive Temperature Coefficient) is an oxide semiconductor ceramic containing barium titanate (BaTiO3) as a main component, and can have a Curie point (rapid change temperature) at an arbitrary temperature depending on the material composition. . At present, it is widely used for constant temperature heating elements, current control elements, temperature sensors, and the like.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the above prior art, the drying time is long under the conditions of frequently used outside air temperature of 20 ° C. and power supply voltage of 100 V. Therefore, it is important to shorten the drying time in a frequently used area (around 20 ° C. outside air), and a new drying method has been required.
[0009]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a vertical washer / dryer in which the drying time is reduced by finely controlling the current.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention provides a driving device that rotationally drives a washing / dewatering / drying tub and a rotating body that store a material to be dried, a heating unit that sends hot air heated by a heater into the washing / dewatering tub and heats air, In a vertical washing / drying machine having a blowing means for sending air heated by the heating means to the washing / dehydrating / drying tub, a current detecting means for detecting a heater current value (excluding the heater current from the total current), and an ambient temperature Temperature detection means, power supply voltage detection means, and rotation detection means of a blower fan motor, which is a driving source of the blower means, for detecting the ambient temperature at the start of operation so that the total current value does not exceed 15 (A). The number of rotations (blowing amount) of the blowing fan motor is controlled so that a predetermined heater current value is obtained from the power supply voltage.
[0011]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a vertical section of a washing and drying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0012]
Reference numeral 1 denotes a frame constituting an outer shell. Reference numeral 2 denotes a washing and dewatering tub, which has a water passage hole 2a on its peripheral wall, a fluid balancer 3 on its upper edge, and a rotatable body 4 installed rotatably inside the bottom. The rotating body 4 has a large diameter (preferably 90% or more of the diameter of the washing and dewatering tub 2) and is curved so as to raise a peripheral edge, and a water passage hole 4a is provided in a lower region. Reference numeral 5 denotes an outer tub that contains the washing and dewatering tub 2. A driving device 6 is attached to the outside of the bottom by a steel plate-attached base 7, and a vibration isolating support device 8 is provided from four corners at the upper end of the outer frame 1. Support to be suspended.
[0013]
The driving device 6 incorporates a driving motor, an electrically operated clutch mechanism, and a planetary gear reduction mechanism, rotates the rotating body 4 (stirring mode) with the washing and dewatering tub 2 stationary, and rotates with the washing and dewatering tub 2. It has a selective drive function of rotating the bodies 4 in opposite directions (washing mode) and rotating the washing / dewatering tub 2 and the rotating body 4 integrally in the same direction (dehydration / drying mode).
[0014]
The upper surface cover 9 having the clothing input opening 9a is fitted to the opening edge so as to cover the upper opening of the frame 1, and is attached to the frame 1 together with the front panel 10 and the back panel 11 by mounting screws.
[0015]
A front panel box 12 formed between the top cover 9 and the front panel 10 includes a power switch 13, an operation panel 14 having an input switch group and a display element group, and a water level signal corresponding to the water level in the outer tank 5. And a control unit 16 for generating a water level sensor. These constitute a control device.
[0016]
In a back panel box 17 formed between the top cover 9 and the back panel 11, a washing water supply means and a high-concentration detergent liquid generating means are incorporated so as to be arranged side by side.
[0017]
The washing water supply means is constituted by a main water supply solenoid valve 20 having an inlet side connected to the faucet connection port 18 and an outlet side connected to the water inlet 19.
[0018]
The high-concentration detergent liquid generating / supplying means supplies a small amount of detergent dissolving water to the detergent dissolving container 21 from the auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 22 and agitates the powder synthetic detergent charged in the detergent dissolving container 21 while stirring the detergent. Dissolve in dissolving water to produce high concentration detergent solution. The detergent dissolving container 21 has an overflow portion (not shown) connected to the water supply port 19, and the generated high-concentration detergent solution is diluted with further water supply (diluted water supply) to increase the amount thereof, thereby causing the overflow from the overflow portion. It is supplied to the water inlet 19. The detergent-dissolved water for producing the high-concentration detergent solution is set to such a small amount as not to overflow from the overflow portion of the detergent-dissolved container 21, and at the time of dilution water supply, it is diluted to a detergent concentration preferable for being immersed in laundry. Then, the main water supply solenoid valve 20 is also opened to supply the additional dilution water to the water inlet 19.
[0019]
When a detergent dispenser is attached to the detergent dissolving container 21, an auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 22a for discharging the finish is provided.
[0020]
As shown in FIG. 1, the hot air supply means heats the air sucked from the lower portion 5 a of the outer tank 2 through the duct 27 by the heater 29 and blows out the air from the outlet 30.
[0021]
The hot air circulating drying means is formed so as to extend vertically upward along the outer wall surface on the rear side of the outer tub 5 from a suction port 5a formed on a side wall near the bottom of the outer tub 5. A water-cooling dehumidification duct 23 for blocking the infiltration of the washing water, a cooling water sprinkling part 24 located at an upper part in the water-cooling dehumidification duct 23 and supplying cooling water to the duct, and a water level of the outer tub 5 in the washing operation. And a descending air duct 25 extending vertically along the outer wall surface of the outer tub 5 toward the lower side of the outer tub 5 and the lower air duct 25 disposed in a space below the outer tub 5. A circulating fan 26 that draws air from the air duct 25 to generate circulating air; an ascending air duct 27 that extends vertically upward from the discharge port of the circulating fan 26 along the outer wall surface of the outer tub 5; Installed on the outer tank upper cover 28 A heater (PTC heater) 29 for heating the circulated air to be fed from the serial rising air duct 27 comprises the outlet 30 blows toward the inside the washing and dewatering tank 2 a circulation air heated by the heater 29.
[0022]
A humidity sensor 40 and a first temperature sensor 41 as humidity detecting means are installed in the descending air duct 25, and a second temperature sensor 42 is installed in an air duct downstream of the heater 29. Is provided with a third temperature sensor 66.
[0023]
In addition, a lint collecting filter (not shown) is provided at a folded portion from the upper part of the water-cooled dehumidifying duct 23 to the descending air duct 25.
[0024]
The water-cooled dehumidifying duct 23, the descending air duct 25, and the rising air duct 27 are mounted side by side in the circumferential direction of the outer tub 5 on the outer wall surface on the rear side of the outer tub 5.
[0025]
Then, the warm air circulation drying means drains the washing water in the outer tub 5 after washing, spins the washing and dewatering tub 2 at a high speed, and then spins the first half at a high speed and the middle stage at a low speed. By operating the circulation fan 26 while stirring in the latter half, the humid air in the outer tub 5 and the washing and dewatering tub 3 is sucked out from the suction port 5a, and the cooling water sprinkler 24 From the cooling water supplied into the water-cooled dehumidifying duct 23 for dehumidification. Thereafter, the cooled and dehumidified air is drawn down the descending air duct 25 and is sucked into the circulation fan 26, sent from the circulation fan 26 to the outlet 30 through the ascending air duct 27 and the heater 29, heated by the heater 29, and washed. The washing and dewatering tub 2 is blown in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the washing and dewatering tub 2 toward the vicinity of the inner wall surface. The circulating air blown into the washing and dewatering tub 2 as described above touches the laundry 38 in the washing and dewatering tub 2 to dry the laundry 38.
[0026]
The clothing input opening 9a formed in the top cover 9 is configured to be openably and closably covered by an outer lid 31, and the opening 28a formed in the outer tub upper cover 28 is configured to be opened and closed by an inner lid 32.
[0027]
A drain port 5 b formed at the bottom of the outer tub 5 is connected to a drain hose 34 via a drain solenoid valve 33. The air trap 5c is connected to the water level sensor 15 via an air tube 35. A base 37 formed of a synthetic resin having legs 36 attached to four corners is attached to the lower edge of the frame 1.
[0028]
Reference numeral 38 denotes the laundry put into the washing and dewatering tub 2.
[0029]
FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional side view showing a specific configuration of the washing and drying machine described above. A description overlapping with the description of FIG. 1 is partially omitted.
[0030]
The drive device 6 includes a drive motor 61, an electric operation clutch mechanism 62, a planetary gear reduction mechanism 63, a center output shaft 64 and an outer output shaft 65, and is integrally assembled on a lower surface of the steel plate mounting base 7. The base 7 is attached to the bottom surface of the outer tank 5 by screwing.
[0031]
The drive motor 61 is a reversible rotation type motor having a plurality of or continuously variable speeds. In this embodiment, the rotation speed at which the rotator 4 is rotated while the washing and dewatering tub 2 is stationary at the time of detection, and the rotation speed at which the washing and dehydration tub 2 and the rotator 4 are integrally rotated during wet water supply. And a rotation speed at which the washing and dewatering tub 2 and / or the rotating body 4 are repeatedly rotated forward and backward when the high-concentration detergent liquid is lowered and immersed in the laundry. The rotation speed at which the gears are rotated, the rotation speed at which the washing and dewatering tub 2 and the rotating body 4 are integrally rotated at 950 rpm during dehydration, and the washing and dewatering tub 2 and the rotating body 4 are integrally rotated at 700 rpm during hot air drying. Rotation was performed at 330 rpm, 100 rpm, and 35 rpm, and the rotation speed at which the rotating body 4 was independently rotated was set.
[0032]
The planetary gear reduction mechanism 63 has a configuration in which the carrier supporting the planetary gears is connected to the center output shaft 64, the internal gear is connected to the outer output shaft 65, and the sun gear is directly connected to the drive motor 61.
[0033]
The electric operation clutch mechanism 62 selectively sets the stirring mode, the washing mode, and the dehydration / drying mode by operating the operation lever 62b with the electric operation device 62a. In the agitation mode, the internal gear of the planetary gear reduction mechanism 63 is engaged with the stationary member to apply a static force to the washing and spin-drying tub 2 so that the rotational force of the drive motor 61 is output to the central output of the planetary gear reduction mechanism 63 and the central output. The rotation is transmitted to the rotating body 4 via the shaft 64, and the rotating body 4 is rotated to execute the cloth amount detection and the cloth quality detection based on the load amount acting on the rotating body 4. In the washing mode, the rotational force of the drive motor 61 is applied to both the center output shaft 64 and the outer output shaft 65 by rotating the sun gear by the drive motor 61 with the internal gear of the planetary gear reduction mechanism 63 being freely rotatable. The washing is performed by rotating the washing / dewatering tub 2 and the rotating body 4 in the opposite direction repeatedly forward and backward in the opposite direction. In the dehydration / drying mode, the internal gear of the planetary gear reduction mechanism 62 is connected to the drive motor 61, and the sun gear and the internal gear are integrally driven to rotate by the drive motor 61. 65 is rotated in the same direction, the washing and dewatering tub 2 and the rotating body 4 are rotated at a low speed in the same direction to perform wet water supply, and are rotated at a high speed to perform centrifugal dehydration, and are rotated at various speeds to generate warm air. This is a configuration for performing drying.
[0034]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the vertical washing and drying machine.
[0035]
The control unit 16 that receives power via the power switch 13 is configured around a microcomputer 16a, and includes a power supply circuit 16b, a driving device 6, a main water supply solenoid valve 20, an auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 22, a detergent stirring motor 39, A drive circuit 16c having a group of semiconductor AC switching elements (FLS) for controlling power supply to the electromagnetic valve 33, the circulation fan 26, the heater 29, and the cooling watering electromagnetic valve 24a is provided.
[0036]
The drive motor 61 of the drive device 6 has a stator winding 61a and a rotation sensor 61b, and the electric operation clutch mechanism 62 has an electric operation machine 62a and a position sensor 62c for detecting an operation position.
[0037]
The drive circuit 16c includes two semiconductor AC switching elements (FLS) 16c1 and 16c2 for forward and reverse rotation control with respect to power supply control to the stator winding 61a of the drive motor 61 in the drive device 6. FLS16c1 is a semiconductor switching element for forward rotation power supply control, and FLS16c2 is a semiconductor AC switching element for reverse rotation power supply control. In this embodiment, the rotational speed of the drive motor 61 is controlled by controlling the phase of the stator winding 61a by the FLSs 16c1 and 16c2. However, an inverter-driven brushless motor is used. The configuration can be configured to be performed by PWM control or PAM control. Further, an FLS 16c3 for controlling power supply of the electric operation clutch mechanism 62 of the driving device 6 to the electric operation device 62a is provided.
[0038]
The drive circuit 16c includes FLSs 16c4 to 16c10 that control power supply to the main water supply solenoid valve 20, the water supply solenoid valve 22, the detergent stirring motor 39, the drainage solenoid valve 33, the circulation fan 26, the heater 29, and the cooling water spray solenoid valve 24aa. Prepare. The drive circuit 16c controls the conduction state of the FLS 16c1 to the FLS 16c10 in accordance with an instruction from the microcomputer 16a to perform power supply control to a dependent load.
[0039]
The microcomputer 16a further includes a rotation sensor 61b of the drive motor 61, a position sensor 62c of the electric operation clutch mechanism 62, a water level sensor 15 for detecting a washing water level in the outer tub 5, a humidity sensor 40, a first, a second, and a second. By connecting to the third temperature sensors 41, 42, 66, the unbalance detection sensor 43, and the operation panel 14 and executing a control processing program incorporated in advance, the input switch group 14 a of the operation panel 14, the water level sensor 15, By taking in signals from the sensor 61b, the position sensor 62c, the humidity sensor 39, the first, second, and third temperature sensors 41, 42, 66, and the unbalance detection sensor 43 and controlling the drive circuit 16c, detection and high detection are performed. Concentrated detergent liquid generation, laundry wet, high concentration detergent liquid generation / supply (immersion), washing, rinsing, dehydration and hot air drying Run the operation and displays the progress by controlling the display element group 14b of the operation panel 14. Here, the unbalance detection sensor 43 detects that the washing and dewatering tub 2 (outer tub 5) is unbalanced when the washing and dehydrating tub 2 is rotated and the distribution of the laundry 38 in the washing and dewatering tub 2 is unbalanced. This is a sensor that detects a large swing that exceeds a predetermined value.
[0040]
The input switch group 14a of the operation panel 14 includes a course setting switch for setting the type of operation (washing / drying) to be performed and a mode setting switch for setting a washing and drying execution method according to the laundry (drying). . The course setting switch is provided with a setting switch for selectively setting a washing / drying course, a washing course, and a drying course. The mode setting switch is provided with a standard mode, a shirt mode, a blanket mode, a fresh drying mode, a dry mode, and a finishing mode. A switch for selectively setting the mode and the accessory drying mode is provided.
[0041]
Here, the washing / drying course is a course for consistently executing the operation from washing to drying, the washing course is a course for executing the operation from washing to centrifugal dehydration, and the drying course is the washing and dehydrating. This is a course for executing only the drying operation of the laundry. In addition, the standard mode is a mode in which the driving of each course is performed in a standard manner, and the shirt mode is a mode in which each course is performed for laundry that is easily wrinkled like a shirt or a blouse. The mode is a mode for executing each course for a bulky laundry such as a blanket, and the fresh drying mode is a mode for executing a course up to drying for a short time to extend the washing wrinkles of the laundry, The dry mode is a mode in which each course is executed for laundry with a dry mark, the finishing mode is a mode in which a finishing drying course is executed for freshly dried laundry, and the accessory drying mode is In this mode, a drying course is executed for laundry that is concerned about its shape, such as a hook and a hat.
[0042]
Next, each operation will be described.
[0043]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of each of the operations performed by the microcomputer 16a in the control unit 16.
[0044]
When the power switch 13 is turned on, the microcomputer 16a executes the following control processing.
[0045]
Step 401
The laundry clothing 38 is put into the washing and dewatering tub 2, the input switch group 14a of the operation panel 14 is operated to perform initial setting, and when the washing / drying start button switch is pressed, the automatic control processing of each operation is started. .
[0046]
In the initial setting, the course and the mode are selected and set. Here, laundry. The operation control when the drying course is set is illustrated.
[0047]
Step 402
Perform pre-processing of drying operation control. An outside air temperature is detected by the third temperature sensor 66, and a power supply voltage (not shown) is detected and stored in the microcomputer 16a until a drying step is started.
[0048]
Thereafter, drying control is performed using this data. For example, taking the case of the detected outside air temperature (20 ° C.) and the power supply voltage (100 V) as an example, as shown in FIG. 9, for 10 minutes from the start of the drying operation, the circulation fan 26 rotates at a constant rotation control of 4000 rpm. Enters the current control region, and as shown in FIGS. 7 and 13, based on the heater current limit of 13.3 amps (A), the current limit taking into account the offset current shown in FIG. Is done. The rotation range is controlled within an upper limit of 4750 rpm and a lower limit of 3200 rpm in FIG.
[0049]
Step 403
A detection control process of the laundry amount of the laundry 38 is performed. This cloth amount detection is performed in a dry cloth state before water supply by controlling the electric operation clutch mechanism 62 of the driving device 6 to the stirring mode, energizing the driving electric motor 61 for a short time to rotationally drive the rotating body 4, and Is detected on the basis of the deceleration characteristic in the inertial rotation of. The amount of washing water and the amount of detergent for generating the washing water having a preferable detergent concentration are calculated and determined based on the detection result (the amount of laundry), and this amount of detergent is displayed on the display element group 14b and corresponds. An amount of the powdered synthetic detergent is charged into the detergent dissolving container 21.
[0050]
Step 404
The main operation electromagnetic valve 20 is opened while the electric motor operating clutch mechanism 62 of the driving device 6 is controlled to the dewatering / drying mode, the driving motor 61 is operated at a low speed, and the washing and dewatering tub 2 and the rotating body 4 are rotated at a low speed. Is supplied directly to the water inlet 19 to spray the tap water on the laundry 38 in the washing and dewatering tub 2. The laundry 38 absorbs the sprayed tap water and becomes moist, and the bulk is reduced. The spray amount of tap water at this time is controlled in accordance with the amount of the laundry 38 detected by the detection operation, and is controlled so as to decrease when the amount of the laundry 38 is small and to increase as the amount of the laundry 38 increases. The amount of tap water sprayed on the laundry 38 is, for example, about 4 L (liter) when the amount of the laundry 38 is less than 4 kg, and 10 L when the amount of the laundry 38 is 4 kg to 8 kg. This amount of water supply is controlled by the opening time of the main water supply solenoid valve 20.
[0051]
Then, if necessary, the tap water is left standing for a predetermined time so that the tap water sufficiently penetrates into the laundry 38. The stationary time is controlled according to the amount of the laundry 38 and the amount of the tap water sprayed. The washing and dewatering tub 2 may be in a stopped state during the stationary time for sufficiently permeating the sprayed tap water into the laundry 38. It is good to rotate at speed.
[0052]
Step 405
Auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 22 is opened to supply a small amount of tap water (detergent dissolving water) that does not flood the detergent dissolving container 21, and the powder in the detergent dissolving container 21 charged to generate washing water having a preferable detergent concentration. A high-concentration detergent solution is produced by dissolving a synthetic detergent with a small amount of detergent-dissolving water while stirring with a rotating body. The amount of the detergent dissolving water is set to an amount suitable for sufficiently dissolving the powder synthetic detergent while the powder synthetic detergent is stirred by the rotating body without overflowing from the overflow portion of the detergent dissolving container 21.
[0053]
Step 406
The auxiliary operation water supply electromagnetic valve 22 is opened while controlling the electric operation clutch mechanism 62 of the driving device 6 to the dehydration / drying mode and operating the driving electric motor 61 at a low speed to rotate the washing and dewatering tub 2 and the rotating body 4 at a low speed. The high-concentration detergent solution is diluted by supplying diluted water to the detergent dissolving container 21 and is fed to the water inlet 19 by overflowing from the overflow portion, and the main water supply solenoid valve 20 is opened to supply water to the water inlet 19 to dilute the high-concentration detergent solution. Is diluted into a preferable high-concentration detergent solution, descends to the laundry 38 in the washing and dewatering tub 2, and is immersed in the laundry 38.
[0054]
The high-concentration detergent liquid immersed in the laundry 38 increases its detergency by applying its chemically high detergency to the laundry 38, thereby reducing the mechanical force acting on the laundry 38 in the washing operation. It is possible to reduce cloth damage and cloth entanglement.
[0055]
The powdered synthetic detergent contains a surfactant that removes dirt, builders such as alkaline agents, zeolites, enzymes, and anti-redeposition agents that assist the activator, and additives such as a fluorescent whitening agent. Zeolite functions to reduce the amount of effective surfactant in the wash water by removing (softening) metal ions contained in tap water and suppressing the production of metal soap. In washing water produced by dissolving a powdered synthetic detergent in a large amount of tap water, the amount of zeolite is insufficient and the amount of effective surfactant is greatly reduced. However, a high-concentration detergent solution formed by dissolving a powdered synthetic detergent with a small amount of tap water (detergent-dissolved water) (for example, a detergent concentration 10 times the detergent concentration of the wash water) has a small amount of metal ions. In addition, the zeolite functions sufficiently and the reduction of the effective surfactant can be suppressed to a very small amount (about 2%). Therefore, the detergent liquid having such a high concentration falls on the laundry and is immersed in the laundry, so that the detergent liquid permeates the laundry (dirty clothing) at a high speed (about four times as fast as the washing water) and quickly becomes dirty. , The surfactant promotes emulsification and dispersion of dirt, the alkali material promotes swelling and saponification of oily dirt, and the enzyme exerts detergency to decompose fat and protein dirt.
[0056]
Step 407
This is a time for promoting the high-concentration detergent liquid that has fallen on the laundry 38 to permeate and sink into the laundry 38, and may be omitted.
[0057]
Step 408
The main water supply solenoid valve 20 and the auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 22 are opened to start supplying tap water (wash water). The supply of the wash water is performed up to the amount of water determined in step 402, but the supply of the wash water is interrupted during the supply of water to detect the amount of cloth (the value of the compress) and the quality of the laundry 38. The suspended water level is a water level suitable for detecting the amount of compress and the quality of the cloth set in the microcomputer 16a in advance.
[0058]
Step 409
The amount of the compress and the quality of the cloth are detected to correct the amount of water supplied to the washing water and to determine the control constants in the washing, rinsing, dehydrating and drying operations. In this cloth detection, the water supply is interrupted at a predetermined low water level, the electric operation clutch mechanism 62 of the driving device 6 is controlled to the detection mode, the driving motor 61 is energized for a short time, and the rotating body 4 is rotationally driven. The first deceleration characteristic (amount of compress cloth) in the inertia rotation at the time of deenergization is detected, and then the water supply is resumed, the washing water is replenished to a predetermined high water level, the water supply is interrupted, and the drive motor of the drive device 6 is stopped. 61 is energized for a short time to rotate the rotating body 4 to detect a second deceleration characteristic in inertia rotation at the time of deenergization, and to perform washing based on a difference between the first attenuation characteristic and the second attenuation characteristic. The cloth of the object 38 is detected. This cloth quality detection control is omitted when it becomes unnecessary by the initial setting. Then, a time and a water flow (intensity of mechanical stirring) in the washing and rinsing operations and a control constant in the drying operation are determined in accordance with the cloth quality.
[0059]
Step 410
Tap water is supplied up to the amount of water determined in step 402. By this water supply, the washing water has a preferable detergent concentration for washing by further diluting the high-concentration detergent solution. As a result, the laundry 38 is immersed in the washing water having a predetermined detergent concentration in the washing / dehydrating tub 2, and the washing / dehydrating tub 2 and the rotating body 4 are rotated to give the laundry 38 a mechanical detergency. It is in a state suitable for acting.
[0060]
Step 411
The driving device 6 is controlled so that the washing operation with the washing water flow and the washing time set in step 408 is performed. In this washing operation, the drive device 6 controls the electric operation clutch mechanism 62 to the washing mode, and repeats the forward / reverse operation of the drive motor 61, thereby repeatedly repeating the washing / dewatering tub 2 and the rotating body 4 in the opposite directions. By rotating, the laundry 38 exerts a mechanical detergency. The mechanical (stirring) force applied to the laundry 38 adjusts the ON / OFF time of the forward / reverse rotation of the washing / dewatering tub 2 and the rotating body 4, adjusts the number of rotations, and adjusts the washing (stirring) time. Can be controlled.
[0061]
Since this washing and drying machine utilizes the chemically high washing power of the high-concentration detergent solution, even with a small mechanical (stirring) power, the stains on the laundry 38 can be removed better than in the conventional washing method. Therefore, the damage and entanglement of the laundry 38 can be reduced.
[0062]
Step 412
The drainage solenoid valve 33 is opened to drain the washing water out of the machine.
[0063]
Step 413
The main water supply electromagnetic valve 20 and the auxiliary water supply electromagnetic valve 22 are opened to supply rinsing water (tap water) to a set water amount. If necessary, the auxiliary water supply electromagnetic valve 22a is opened to mix the finishing agent.
[0064]
Step 414
The rinsing operation is executed by controlling the driving device 6.
[0065]
Step 415
The drainage solenoid valve 33 is opened to drain the rinse water out of the machine.
[0066]
Step 416
With the drain solenoid valve 33 kept open, the electric operation clutch mechanism 62 of the driving device 6 is controlled to the dehydration / drying mode, and the driving motor 61 is operated at a high speed so that the washing and dewatering tub 2 and the rotating body 4 are integrally formed. The water in the laundry 38 is centrifugally dehydrated by rotating at a high speed of 950 rpm. In a state where the centrifugal spin-drying is completed, the laundry 38 is pressed against the side wall of the washing and spin-drying tub 2 and is attached to the side wall surface.
[0067]
Step 417
The electric operation clutch mechanism 62 of the driving device 6 is controlled to a dehydration / drying mode, and the circulation fan 26 is operated while operating the driving motor 61 to rotate the washing / dehydration tub 2 and the rotating body 4 so as to operate the circulation fan 26 in the outer tub 5. The air is sucked out from the suction port 5a, cooled and dehumidified by cooling water supplied from the cooling water sprinkling section 24 into the water-cooled dehumidifying duct 23 when passing through the water-cooled dehumidifying duct 23, and sucked into the circulation fan 26 through the descending air duct 25. Then, the air is sent from the circulation fan 26 to the outlet 30 through the rising air duct 27 and the heater 29, heated by the heater 29, and moved toward the vicinity of the inner wall surface of the washing and dewatering tub 2 in the rotation direction of the washing and dewatering tub 2. The circulating air blown in the opposite direction is generated to dry the laundry in the washing and dewatering tub 2.
[0068]
This hot air drying operation will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.
[0069]
In this hot air drying operation, the washing and spin-drying tub 2 and the rotating body 4 are rotated in accordance with a predetermined time schedule set in advance based on the outside air temperature and the power supply voltage detected in step 402 which is the operation start. By operating the circulation fan 26, the air in the washing and dewatering tub 2 (outer tub 5) is circulated through the ducts 23, 25 and 27, water is sprinkled from the cooling water sprinkling section 24, and the circulating air is dehumidified with water. The operation is performed by heating the dehumidified circulating air by the heater 29, depending on the set mode, the amount of the laundry 38, the humidity of the circulating air (the degree of drying of the laundry 38), the temperature, and the unbalance detection result. It controls the rotation of the washing and spin-drying tub 2 and the rotating body 4, the operation control of the circulation fan 26, the heat generation control of the heater 29, and the water sprinkling control of the cooling water sprinkling section 24.
[0070]
The rotation of the washing and dewatering tub 2 in the hot air drying operation is set at 700 rpm as a high-speed rotation speed, 300 rpm at a semi-high speed, 100 rpm as a low-speed rotation speed, and 35 rpm as an ultra-low-speed rotation speed. The specific value of each of these rotation speeds is not limited to this value, and can be changed as needed. For example, it is preferable to change according to the cloth amount and the cloth quality.
The first drying operation in which the washing and spin-drying tub 2 is rotated at a high rotational speed is suitable for promoting the centrifugal dehydration and heat drying of the laundry 38 in the initial heating stage at the beginning of the drying operation. In this initial heating stage, the water-cooled dehumidification of the circulating air is not performed. In the second drying operation in which the washing and spin-drying tub 2 is rotated at a sub-high speed, the circulating air is uniformly blown into the washing and spin-drying tub 2 and touches the laundry 38 in the subsequent water-cooled dehumidifying and drying step. It is suitable for The rotation of the washing and dewatering tub 2 at an extremely low rotation speed is suitable for drying by blowing circulating air while rotating the laundry 38 slowly in a shirt mode, blanket mode, dry mode, or accessory drying mode. . The run-out of the washing and spin-drying tub 2 (outer tub 5) due to the imbalance of the laundry 38 increases as the rotation speed of the washing and spin-drying tub 2 becomes higher. By performing speed control to change the rotation speed to an ultra-low rotation speed when a shake is detected during low-speed rotation, warm-air drying is continued while reducing inconvenience (vibration and noise) due to the shake. When the rotation speed is reduced by detecting the runout, the drying time is extended to a required degree of drying by extending the drying time.
[0071]
If clogging occurs in the hot air circulation path (especially the lint collecting filter), the air volume of the circulating air decreases, and the drying efficiency decreases. The clogging is detected by monitoring the temperature difference between the circulating air before and after the heater 29 (the temperature detected by the first and second temperature sensors 41 and 42) or by monitoring the amount of current consumed by the heater 29. I do. The temperature difference of the circulating air increases when the lint collecting filter is clogged and the air volume of the circulating air decreases, and the current consumption of the heater 29 is reduced by using the PTC heater. The degree of clogging of the lint collecting filter is detected by monitoring the temperature difference of the circulating air or the magnitude of the current consumption of the heater 29 because the amount of the circulating air decreases as the air volume of the circulating air decreases due to clogging. Can be.
[0072]
If the temperature of the air in the washing and dewatering tub 2 is excessively increased, the components of the laundry 38 and the washer / dryer, especially the resin molded components, may be overheated and damaged. In order to prevent such overheating, when the temperature of the circulating air (the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 41) blown into the washing and dewatering tub 2 from the outlet 30 reaches 106 ° C., the amount of power supplied to the heater 29 is reduced. Control so that
[0073]
In addition, while the hot air is being dried, the hot air keeps hitting the laundry 38 in a state where the laundry 38 is biased, thereby promoting local (surface) drying of the laundry 38 to prevent the temperature of the laundry 38 from locally rising. In order to do this, it is desirable that the laundry 38 be replaced (reversed) or unraveled in accordance with the degree of progress of drying so that warm air evenly touches the laundry 38. It is desirable that the agitation for replacement (reversal) and unraveling of the laundry 38 be performed with a stirring force according to the amount of the laundry 38 and the progress of drying (dryness and elapsed operating time). The strength of the stirring force can be changed according to the rotation speed and rotation time of the rotating body 4.
[0074]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the hot air drying control in the standard mode, and shows a first control routine.
[0075]
Step 501
When the hot air drying operation is started, an operation timer for executing a time schedule is started.
[0076]
Step 502
The process branches to a control routine corresponding to the amount of laundry in the laundry 38. Here, the laundry amount of the laundry 38 adopts the laundry amount detected at the time of washing, and branches depending on whether or not the laundry amount is 2 kg or more, which is a reference value for determining the amount of laundry. When the amount of cloth is large, the process proceeds to step 503.
[0077]
Step 503
While monitoring the detection signal of the rotation sensor 26a, the circulation fan 26 is controlled (turned on) to rotate at 4000 rpm.
[0078]
Step 504
The heater 29 is powered (turned on) so as to generate heat in the strong heat generation mode, and is heated while circulating the air in the washing and dewatering tub 2.
[0079]
Step 505
The driving device 6 is controlled (turned on) so as to rotate the washing / dewatering tub 2 and the rotating body 4 at a high rotation speed of 700 rpm.
[0080]
Step 506
The detection signal of the humidity sensor 40 is monitored to detect a predetermined reference degree of dryness (here, a state where the resistance value of the humidity sensor 40 is 20 kΩ = corresponding to a state where the degree of dryness of the laundry 38 has advanced to 95%). Branch control.
[0081]
Step 507
If the degree of drying of the laundry 38 has not reached the reference degree of drying, the drying operation is performed for a predetermined time (for rotating the washing / dewatering tub 2 at a high rotation speed to promote centrifugal dehydration and heating and drying of the laundry 38). The present time is a suitable time, and here, the present condition is continued until elapse of 10 minutes from the start of the drying operation.
Step 508
When the drying operation time has passed 10 minutes, the washing and dewatering tub 2 is stopped and stopped, and the rotating body 4 is repeatedly rotated in the forward and reverse directions to stir and replace the laundry 38 (reversal). The driving device 6 is controlled so that ON for 6 seconds and OFF for 2 seconds are performed several times. The stirring force by the rotating body 4 for this replacement is set according to the amount of cloth of the laundry 38, and in this control routine, the stirring force by the rotating body 4 is made relatively strong because the amount of cloth is large.
[0082]
Step 509
The circulation fan 26 is rotated within an upper limit of 4750 rpm and a lower limit of 3200 rpm shown in FIG. 6 based on the outside air temperature (example 20 ° C.) and the power supply voltage (example 100 v) detected in step 402. As shown in FIG. 7, the heater current limit is 13.3 amps (A). Therefore, here, once, lower the lower limit 3200 rpm and turn.
[0083]
Step 510
Since the washing and dewatering tub 2 is rotated at a high speed of 700 rpm from step 508 to step 519, the current sensor 29a is set so that the heater current reaches the heater current limit of 12.3 amps (A) in consideration of the offset current of 1 amp (A) from FIG. The rotation of the circulating fan 26 is controlled while monitoring with.
[0084]
Step 511
The driving device 6 is controlled so that the washing / dewatering tub 2 and the rotating body 4 are rotated at a high rotation speed of 700 rpm.
[0085]
Step 512
The detection signal of the humidity sensor 40 is monitored to detect a predetermined reference degree of dryness (here, a state where the resistance value of the humidity sensor 40 is 20 kΩ = corresponding to a state where the degree of dryness of the laundry 38 has advanced to 95%). Branch control.
[0086]
Step 513
It is determined whether the drying operation has passed a predetermined time (15 minutes).
[0087]
Step 514
After a predetermined time (15 minutes) has elapsed in the drying operation, a cooling water sprinkling solenoid valve is provided so that cooling water is supplied from the cooling water sprinkling section 24 into the water cooling dehumidification duct 23 to start water cooling dehumidification (water cooling dehumidification drying) of the circulating air. 24a is opened (on).
[0088]
Step 515
Similarly to step 508, the driving device 6 is controlled so that the laundry 38 is stirred and replaced (reversed) ON for 0.6 seconds and OFF for 2 seconds several times.
[0089]
Step 516
Similar to step 510, since the high-speed rotation speed of the washing and spin-drying tub 2 is 700 rpm, the upper limit of the circulation fan 26 is set so that the heater current limit becomes 12.3 amps (A) in consideration of the offset current 1 amp (A) from FIG. The rotation is controlled within a range of 4750 rpm and a lower limit of 3200 rpm.
[0090]
Step 517
Similarly to step 511, the driving device 6 is controlled so that the washing / dewatering tub 2 and the rotating body 4 are rotated at a high rotation speed of 700 rpm.
[0091]
Step 518
Similarly to step 512, the detection signal of the humidity sensor 40 is monitored, and a predetermined reference drying degree (here, the state where the resistance value of the humidity sensor 40 is 20 kΩ = the state where the drying degree of the laundry 38 has advanced to 95%) is used. Is detected) and control branches.
[0092]
Step 519
It is determined whether the drying operation has passed a predetermined time (20 minutes).
[0093]
Step 520
Similarly to step 515, the driving device 6 is controlled so that the laundry 38 is stirred and replaced (reversed) ON for 0.6 seconds and OFF for 2 seconds several times.
[0094]
Step 521
The driving device 6 is controlled so that the washing / dewatering tub 2 and the rotating body 4 are rotated at a speed of 300 rpm, which is a semi-high speed.
[0095]
Step 522
From step 521 to step 525, the washing and dewatering tub 2 rotates at a quasi-high rotation speed of 300 rpm. Therefore, considering the offset current of 0 amps (A), the circulation fan 26 sets the heater current limit to 13.3 amps (A) from FIG. The rotation is controlled.
[0096]
Step 523
Similarly to step 518, the detection signal of the humidity sensor 40 is monitored and a predetermined reference drying degree (here, the resistance value of the humidity sensor 40 is 20 kΩ = the state where the drying degree of the laundry 38 has advanced to 95%) Is detected) and control branches.
[0097]
Step 524
Stirring and rotation of the washing / dewatering tub are repeated every four minutes after the stirring in step 520, and the elapse of 80 minutes from the sensor resistance detection in step 522 or the start of operation is waited.
[0098]
Step 525
It is determined whether 80 minutes have elapsed from the start of operation.
[0099]
Step 526
From here on, continuous stirring is repeated. With the washing and spin-drying tub 2 stationary, the rotating body 4 is turned ON (stirring mode) for 0.6 seconds, and the stop is repeated for 1.5 seconds.
[0100]
Step 527
In order to repeat the continuous stirring from step 526, considering the offset current of 0.3 amps (A) from FIG. 8, the circulation fan 26 sets the heater current limit to 13.0 amps (A) within the upper limit of 4750 rpm and the lower limit of 3200 rpm. The rotation is controlled by.
[0101]
Step 528
The detection signal of the humidity sensor 40 is monitored to detect a predetermined reference degree of dryness (here, a state where the resistance value of the humidity sensor 40 is 30 kΩ = corresponding to a state where the degree of dryness of the laundry 38 has advanced to 105%). Branch control.
[0102]
Step 529
This predetermined time is a time when water-cooled dehumidification drying is desirable, and is set here to 240 minutes.
[0103]
Step 530
At step 528, it is detected that the drying degree has advanced to the reference drying degree, or when the drying operation at step 529 has passed a predetermined time (240 minutes), the end operation is executed. In this end operation, the driving device 6 is controlled so that the heat generation of the heater 29 is stopped (turned off), and the replacement (reversal) and unraveling of the laundry 38 is repeated for a predetermined time (here, 10 minutes is set). After that, the driving device 6, the circulation fan 26, and the cooling water sprinkling electromagnetic valve 24a are stopped (turned off), and the process ends.
[0104]
【The invention's effect】
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it becomes possible to use a power consumption (current value in this case) capacity as much as possible, and can provide the vertical washing-drying machine whose drying time was shortened 50% compared with before.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a washing and drying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention in a longitudinal section.
FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional side view showing a specific configuration of the washing / drying machine shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the washing and drying machine shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a washing / dehydrating and drying operation executed by a microcomputer in the control unit shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a control routine of hot air drying control in a standard mode.
FIG. 6 shows the upper limit and the lower limit of the number of rotations of the circulating fan during the current control of the drying operation based on the outside air temperature and the power supply voltage when the power is turned on.
FIG. 7 shows a limit current value at the time of current control in the drying operation based on the outside air temperature and the power supply voltage when the power is turned on.
FIG. 8 shows an offset current value (a current corresponding to the operation of the washing / dewatering tub 2 and the rotating body 4 of the driving device 6 from the outside air temperature at the time of turning on the power supply and the power supply voltage to the limit current value at the time of the current control of the drying operation). A negative offset is provided in the limit diagram 7).
FIG. 9 is a time chart showing constant rotation control until 10 minutes from the start of drying and constant current control after 10 minutes.
FIG. 10 shows a maximum heater capacity when a current control or the like by rotation control of a blower is not employed in a vertical washing / drying machine using a PTC heater (20 ° C., 100 v: 900 w).
FIG. 11 shows the maximum heater capacity when a vertical washing / drying machine using a PTC heater employs an offset current of 1 A (100 w) for the washing / drying tub and the rotating body (at 20 ° C., 100 v: 1000 w).
FIG. 12 shows a maximum washing capacity of a vertical washing / drying machine using a PTC heater when a current control by rotation control of a blower and an offset current of 1 A (100 w) between a washing / dewatering tub and a rotating body are employed (20). ° C, 100v: 1330w).
FIG. 13 shows a relationship between a heater limit current and an offset current at the time of rotating and drying the washing and dewatering tub.
[Explanation of symbols]
2 ... Washing / dewatering tub, 4 ... Rotating body, 6 ... Driver, 23 ... Water-cooled dehumidifying duct, 24 ... Cooling sprinkling section, 24a ... Cooling sprinkling electromagnetic valve, 26 ... Circulation fan, 26a ... Rotation sensor, 29 ... Heater 29a: current sensor, 40: humidity sensor, 41, 42, 66: temperature sensor, 61: drive motor.

Claims (4)

A washing and dewatering tub installed in the outer tub, a rotating body installed at the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub, a driving device for rotating the washing and dewatering tub and the rotating body, and a hot air heated by a heater A washing / drying machine provided with drying means for feeding an object to be dried in the washing and dewatering tub by feeding into the washing and dewatering tub,
The heater is a PTC heater whose resistance value changes according to the amount of air sent by the air blowing means, and at least the washing and dewatering tub and the rotating body of a total current applied to the washing and drying machine when the washing and drying machine is dried. A current detecting device that detects a current value excluding a current of a driving device that rotationally drives the device, and controls a rotation speed of a power device of the blowing unit so that all current values fall within a specified range. Wash dryer. A washing and dewatering tub installed in the outer tub, a rotating body installed at the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub, a driving device for rotating the washing and dewatering tub and the rotating body, and a hot air heated by a heater A washing / drying machine provided with drying means for feeding an object to be dried in the washing and dewatering tub by feeding into the washing and dewatering tub,
The heater is a PTC heater having a resistance value that changes in accordance with the amount of air sent by an air blowing unit. The heater includes a heater current detection device, and rotates the washing and dewatering tub so that all current values fall within a specified range. At least a plurality of heater current specified values according to the number and the on / off time of the rotating body are set, and the number of rotations of the power unit of the blower is controlled so that the total current value falls within a specified range. And vertical washing and drying machine. A washing and dewatering tub installed in the outer tub, a rotating body installed at the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub, a driving device for rotating the washing and dewatering tub and the rotating body, and a hot air heated by a heater A washing / drying machine provided with drying means for feeding into the washing and dewatering tub and drying the object to be dried in the washing and dewatering tub,
The heater is a PTC heater having a resistance value that changes in accordance with the amount of wind sent by the blowing unit, and includes a heater current detection device that detects a heater current value applied to the washing and drying machine when the washing and drying machine is dried. A vertical washer / dryer characterized in that heater current specified values for high-speed rotation drive drying and low-speed rotation drive drying of the washing and dewatering tub are different so that the total current value falls within a specified range. A washing and dewatering tub installed in the outer tub, a rotating body installed at the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub, a driving device for rotating the washing and dewatering tub and the rotating body, and a hot air heated by a heater A washing / drying machine provided with drying means for feeding an object to be dried in the washing and dewatering tub by feeding into the washing and dewatering tub,
The heater is a PTC heater having a resistance value that changes in accordance with the amount of wind sent by the blowing unit, and includes a heater current detection device that detects a heater current value applied to the washing and drying machine when the washing and drying machine is dried. A vertical washing / drying machine characterized in that the heater current specified value is different between the washing and dewatering tub rotating drive drying and the rotating body drive drying so that the total current value falls within a specified range.

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