DE112013002171T5 - Drum-type washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided are a drum (3) rotatably supported by a horizontal or inclined axis of rotation, a water trough (2) housing the drum (3), a ring housing (17) provided on the drum (3), and Rolling elements (8) which can move in the ring housing (17). Also provided are a drive motor (4) that rotatively drives the drum (3), a current detector that detects a current of the drive motor (4), a vibration detector (12) that detects the vibration of the water tub (2), and a controller (6) which controls the drive motor (4) and the like. When the drum (3) rotates at a rotational speed which is less than or equal to a resonance rotational speed and in which a centrifugal force acting on the laundry in the drum (3) is greater than a gravitational force acting on the laundry, the control means (6) detects vibration of the water tub (2) by means of the vibration detector (12), and when a vibration amount detected by the vibration detector (12) is less than a predetermined amount, the control unit (6) controls the rotation speed of the drum (3) to rotate the rolling elements (3); 8).

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

The present invention relates to a drum-type washing machine which includes a rotatable drum for receiving laundry in a spring-loaded water trough, and in which the laundry in the drum is washed, rinsed and spun-dried.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

In general, in a spin drying operation of a drum-type washing machine having a horizontal or inclined rotational axis, the laundry is often in an uneven state, in other words in an unbalanced state, in the drum. This causes an eccentric force to be exerted on the rotation axis during spin, producing vibration. An amplitude of the vibration increases in proportion to the square of a rotation number of the rotary drum. Because of the vibration, there arises a problem that the washing machine itself moves or that it is impossible to operate at a speed higher than or equal to a certain rotation speed due to intense noise.

In order to reduce the vibration due to imbalance of laundry, a ball balancer system using metal balls (hereinafter referred to as "rolling elements") is proposed. The ball balancer includes a plurality of rolling elements having a degree of freedom in a rotational direction (circumferential direction) in an annular housing disposed on an inner periphery of the drum. The ball balancer is a balancer that utilizes a mechanistic phenomenon in which the rolling elements automatically move to an opposite position with respect to an imbalance causing body that produces an eccentric load.

Further, in addition to a single ball balancer in which the ball balancer is provided only on a front side of the drum, a double ball balancer is known in which the ball balancers at two positions, the front and a bottom of the drums (see, for example, PTL 1 ) are provided.

The ball balancers mentioned above are identical in principle. That is, each of the ball balancers reacts at every moment to an amount of imbalance of laundry that changes over time in a spin cycle.

In PTL 1, a first rotational speed is less than or equal to a resonance rotational speed, and the rolling elements move to the position in phase with an eccentric load and maintain positions in phase for a predetermined period of time. Thereafter, the drum is gradually accelerated in this state to pass through the resonance rotation speed. In this mode of operation, the rolling elements move automatically in position due to a principle of automatic compensation, so that the vibration is reduced, which is opposite to the imbalance or imbalance.

In another conventional configuration, the drum is controlled so that the rotational speed of the drum is slightly changed to discrete rotational speeds, so that the rolling elements move in one direction to cancel out the imbalance (see PTL 2) after the rotation of the drum Drum has been increased once to an upper limit of a transient vibration speed region which is near the higher order side of the resonance rotational speed.

In still another conventional configuration, a relative position of the imbalance and the rolling elements is calculated from a beat signal to control a rotation operation of the ball balancer. That is, a control is performed so that the rolling elements and the imbalance are in opposite phases (see PTL 3) when the rotation of the drum reaches a natural vibration.

However, in the conventional configurations, there is a problem that the rolling elements of the ball balancer are in an unbalanced state to the contrary, when the imbalance due to the laundry in the drum is low or almost no load, whereby the rolling elements for Cause of increasing vibration and increasing noise when a spin cycle is initiated.

quote list

patent literature

• PTL 1: Untested Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-125083
• PTL 2: Untested Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-125401
• PTL 3: Japanese Patent No. 4805061

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A drum-type washing machine according to the present invention includes: a rotatable drum supported by a horizontal or inclined rotation axis; a water tub, which receives the drum or einhaust; an annular housing provided on the drum; Rolling elements that are movable in the annular housing; and a drive motor that rotatably drives the drum. The drum-type washing machine further includes a controller that controls the drive motor and the like, and for controlling a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a spin drying cycle. And the controller controls the rotation of the drive motor to distribute the rolling elements in the annular housing.

In this configuration, the rolling elements are distributed in the annular housing when the drum rotates at a rotation number less than or equal to the resonance rotation number. Thus, the rolling elements themselves can be prevented from becoming a cause of imbalance of the drum-type washing machine. In addition, the vibration at the resonance rotation speed can be controlled to be small by increasing the rotation number of the drum in this state; thus, the vibration of the drum at the time when the drum passes through the resonant rotation speed can be controlled to be minimum.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

1 Fig. 13 is a structural side view of a drum-type washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

2 FIG. 10 is a front view of a ball balancer system of the drum type washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

3 FIG. 10 is a control block diagram of the drum-type washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

4 Fig. 15 is a diagram showing a process of a rotational speed according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

5A Fig. 10 is a schematic operation diagram of the ball balancer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

5B Fig. 12 is a schematic operation diagram of the ball balancer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

6 Fig. 13 is a structural side view of a drum-type washing machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

7 FIG. 10 is a control block diagram of the drum-type washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

8A FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an imbalance condition of laundry in the drum-type washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

8B FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the unbalance state of the laundry in the drum-type washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

8C FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the unbalance state of the laundry in the drum-type washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

8D FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the unbalance state of the laundry in the drum-type washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

8E FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the unbalance state of the laundry in the drum-type washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

9 FIG. 15 is a turn-on sequence diagram when a distribution of turning on the drum-type washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention is performed.

10 Fig. 10 is a front view of a drum and a ball balancer of a drum-type washing machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

11 FIG. 10 is a control block diagram of the drum-type washing machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that these embodiments do not limit the present invention.

FIRST EMBODIMENT

First, a drum-type washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

A rotation number and acceleration shown below are set depending on the following combination: a configuration of a machine body; a resonance rotation number; a shape of a ball balancer as an annular housing or ring housing; Shapes, material, weight and surface treatment of rolling elements; and a volume of viscous liquid trapped therein. Thus, the number of rotations and acceleration are non-numerical limitations of the present invention.

1 Fig. 13 is a structural side view of the drum-type washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The washing machine of the drum type 1 has a water tub inside 2 a, which has a lower-side cylindrical shape and the shape of the underside of a cylinder. The water tub 2 becomes springy from the spring 10 and the damper 5 held. The water tub 2 The drum is inside 3 one, which has an underside cylindrical shape. On the front of the drum-type washing machine 1 is an opening 3a provided with an interior of the drum 3 through the opening 2a the water tub 2 communicated. On the drum 3 is the rotation axis or the rotation shaft 3b for rotatable or rotating bearings or holding the drum 3 arranged so that it or he is inclined downwards from the front towards a bottom. The water tub 2 is arranged so that it is along the drum 3 with the opening 2a is inclined as a front. Because the axis of rotation 3b can be inclined, the opening on a front of the water pan 2 be arranged on a top, whereby a user laundry 13 in the drum 3 can take out without greatly bending his or her body. Further, one may compare with a case in which the axis of rotation 3b arranged in a horizontal direction, even lower amount of water realize a deep water storage condition, because water, the water tub 2 is fed, stored or stored on a back. In other words, even a small amount of water can do the laundry 13 Allow water to absorb. Note that the rotation axis 3b can be arranged horizontally, if the ease of removal of laundry 13 or a water supply amount is not considered.

Are baffles or Leitteile 16 provided the laundry 13 can lift and drop. By the drum 3 is driven in rotation, laundry is 13 from the leading parts 16 lifted and beats from an upper part of the drum 3 on a water surface; thus the laundry becomes 13 cleaned by beating washing (mechanical force). The drum 3 is further with a plurality of through holes 15 Mistake. Through these through holes 15 can water and air from the water tub 2 in the drum 3 happen.

The opening 3a is with a door 7 provided that can be opened. The opening 2a the water tub 2 has an annular sealing material (not shown) attached to an edge of the opening. A front side of the sealing material is in sealing contact with a rear side of the door 7 ; thus airtightness is maintained, even if the opening 2a the water tub 2 which oscillates vertically, horizontally and moves forward and backward because the sealing material deforms and against the back of the door 7 is pressed.

On the front of the drum 3 is a ball balancer or a ball compensation system or compensation ball system 30 intended. 2 is a front view of the ball balancer 30 , The ball balancer 30 has an annular ring housing 17 on the front of the drum 3 is provided, rolling elements 8th made of metal balls, which are in the ring housing 17 are movable, manufactured, and a viscous fluid 18 that in the ring housing 17 is stored. The ring housing 17 is arranged so that it is the same axis as the drum 3 Has. To the movement of the rolling elements 8th to control, becomes viscous fluid 18 in the ring housing 17 stored or stored. As a viscous fluid 18 In the present embodiment, silicone waste is used. Because a viscous liquid such. For example, engine oil and other solutions have the same effects is the viscous fluid 18 not on oils such. B. silicone oil limited.

Inside the drum-type washing machine 1 and below the water tub 2 is a drive motor 4 for rotating the drum 3 arranged. The rotary driving or rotary drive of the rotary motor 4 gets on the drum pulley 24 over the tape or the belt 23 which is provided so that it is the same axis as the drum 3 Has. With this arrangement drives the drive motor 4 the drum 3 turning on.

On an upper part of the drum-type washing machine 1 is the water supply valve 11 intended. Water from the water supply valve 11 flows into the detergent reservoir 9 and becomes the water tub 2 supplied, wherein cleaning agent is dissolved therein. In a rinse water is through the detergent reservoir 9 fed, but because no detergent or detergent in the detergent reservoir or detergent reservoir 9 is stored, rinse water containing no detergent components is supplied. On a lower part of the drum-type washing machine 1 is a suction pump 19 provided, and by the suction pump 19 is driven, wash water and rinse water in the water tank 2 through the drainpipe 22 sucked or removed. In the present embodiment, the suction pump or drainage pump 19 used to wash the washing water and the rinse water in the water tub 2 suck. However, a drain valve or suction valve can be used instead.

Next, referring to 3 the controller 6 described the drive motor 4 and the like controls and processes such. As washing, rinsing and spinning controls. 3 FIG. 10 is a control block diagram of the drum-type washing machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. The control device 6 gives instructions to the water supply valve 11 , the drain pump 19 and the drive motor 4 drive. In addition, the controller is 6 equipped with a system that uses a timer to control all inputs / outputs including outputs from various sensors such. B. a vibration detector 12 and a water level sensor 21 can manage. And the controller 6 can know a period of time required for each operating state and timing.

The vibration detector 12 for detecting by an imbalance of the drum and the ball balancer 30 caused vibration is on the top on the back of the water pan 2 as in 1 arranged. Because the vibration detector 12 the same effects even if the vibration detector 12 on the top on the front of the water pan 2 is arranged, is a mounting position for the vibration detector 12 not limited to the back. Alternatively, the vibration detector 12 be attached to any other positions, as long as the vibration of a vibration system such. B. the drum 3 and the drive motor 4 can be detected.

The vibration detector 12 is for detecting the vibration of the water pan 2 in a series of processes or processes such. As washing, rinsing and spinning. After the control device 6 analyzes a vibration value in each of the operations, the controller gives 6 an instruction to the drive motor 4 so that the motor is properly controlled. The vibration detector 12 has at least one acceleration sensor and detects the vibration of the water pan 2 in at least one of a vertical direction, a horizontal direction and a front-rear direction. As acceleration sensor for the vibration detector 12 For example, any of a semiconductor acceleration sensor, a piezoelectric acceleration sensor, and the like may be used, and a multiaxial (bi-axial or tri-axial) acceleration sensor may be used.

The current detector 20 detects a value of a current flowing to the drive motor 4 is created. The control device 6 detects a dispersion state or distributed state of the rolling elements 8th in the ring housing 17 based on that of the current detector 20 detected current and performs a determination. The control device 6 is an electrical circuit containing a CPU, a memory and a drive circuit and the like as hardware components and peripheral devices such. B. the drive motor 4 caused, according to one in the memory in the control device 6 stored program to work.

The operation of the spin operation of the drum-type washing machine configured as described above will be described below with reference to FIG 4 . 5A and 5B described. 4 FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a first process of a rotational speed of the drum-type washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5A and 5B are schematic operation diagrams and operation diagrams of the ball balancer according to the first embodiment of the present invention, 5A shows the state of the ball balancer in an imbalance amount detection process and 5B shows the state of the ball balancer in a rolling element dispersion process. Note that the direction of rotation of the drum 3 a clockwise direction is when the drum 3 and the ball balancer 30 be viewed from the front.

If the washing machine of the drum type 1 after completion of water performs spin drying, a drive voltage to the drive motor 4 by an instruction from the controller 6 created after draining. The control device 6 leaves the drive motor 4 from a low rotational speed to a high rotational speed to the rotational speed of the drum 3 gradually increase. At this time, a rotor position of the drive motor 4 detected because of the drive motor 4 a permanent magnet synchronous motor is. This mode of operation avoids loss of synchronization of the drive motor 4 , whereby the rotational speed can be increased safely and quickly.

Next, referring to 4 . 5A and 5B describes how the rolling elements are distributed when the imbalance is low. The control device 6 leaves the drum 3 rotate at a rotational speed at which the to the laundry 13 and the rolling elements 8th applied gravity is less than a centrifugal force due to the rotation of the drum 3 , To the vibration of the water tank by means of the vibration detector 12 to detect is a rotation speed in the laundry 13 on the inner wall of the drum 3 sticks, most preferably. When the drum 3 rotated at this rotational speed, it is easy to realize a state in which the laundry 13 adheres, and it is possible, the vibration due to an imbalance within a revolution (one period) of the drum 3 to detect. In the imbalance amount detection process according to the present embodiment, the rotational speed of the drum becomes 3 set to 80 rpm.

Next, a description will be given of the operation when the imbalance amount detected in the imbalance amount detection process is small. If the imbalance amount is small, the imbalance can not be successfully corrected even if the rolling elements are positioned in a phase opposite to the imbalance as in conventional examples. The reason is that a specific weight of the rolling elements 8th is large and the correction force of the rolling elements 8th correspondingly larger than the imbalance of the laundry 13 , In other words, the imbalance amount and the correction force of the rolling elements are suitable 8th not to each other. Thus, at the time when a high speed is introduced, it does not cause the unbalanced loading of the laundry but the rolling elements 8th an imbalance, which increases the vibration and noise. To deal with this follows in the present embodiment, a rolling element dispersion process or Rollelementverteilungsprozess for evenly distributing the rolling elements 8th on the detection of imbalance. This arrangement can prevent vibration and noise at the time when a high speed is initiated.

The following is a description of how the rolling elements 8th can be distributed. In the unbalance amount detection process, the rolling elements rotate 8th as a body or at a rotation period, which is different from that of the imbalance of the laundry 13 differs (see 5A ). Next is the drum 3 from the rotational speed of the drum 3 from 80 rpm in the imbalance amount detection process to an equilibrium rotational speed (first rotational speed) slowed down at the laundry 13 acting weight and the rolling elements 8th substantially in equilibrium with the centrifugal force due to the rotation of the drum 3 stand. The rotation speed at this time depends on a larger drum 3 , the amount of textiles and the textile material and is set in the present embodiment to 67 U / min (see 4 ). The lower limit of the rotation speed at this time is a rotation speed at which the laundry 13 not in the drum 3 falls down and at the rolling elements 8th Relative to the laundry in the ring housing 17 can move. If the rotational speed of the drum is too low, the weight force dominates; thus, the centrifugal force for moving the rolling elements 8th less than the weight force, causing the rolling elements 8th not in the ring housing 17 can move. Alternatively, the centrifugal force is dominant in comparison to the weight force when the rotational speed of the drum 3 is too high; thus, the rolling elements can 8th not relative to the drum 3 , ie relative to the position A of the imbalance in the drum 3 , move.

Next is the drum 3 accelerated back to the rotational speed at which the on the laundry 13 and the rolling elements 8th the gravitational force is less than the centrifugal force due to the rotation of the drum 3 After maintaining the rotation number 67 rpm for 6 seconds (first predetermined time period). In the present embodiment, the rotational speed of the drum 3 set to 80 rpm (second rotation speed) (see 4 ). After this rotation speed is maintained for one second (second predetermined period of time), the drum becomes 3 braked to 67 rpm (first rotational speed). Note that a similar effect can be obtained when the rotational speed of the drum 3 at this time is a rotation speed lower than a first resonance rotation speed. However, the rolling elements remain 8th still to a certain extent in the state of the one body (single body), if this operation or this operation is performed only once. As in a ball dispersion process or ball distribution process according to 4 shown, the repetition of acceleration and deceleration of the rotation operation causes the rolling elements 8th to a certain extent in relation to the low Imbalance amount as in 5B be shown distributed.

Furthermore, the body of the rolling elements 8th which has not yet been distributed, are distributed by setting the second predetermined period of time shorter than the first predetermined period of time, in other words by accelerating only for a short period after deceleration, by a force (inertial force) on the rolling elements 8th exercise. One must remember that the rotation of the drum 3 at the increased rotational speed (second rotational speed) must be maintained for a short period of time after the drum 3 is accelerated. In the present embodiment, the increased rotational speed is 80 rpm and the drum 3 Further, at the second rotational speed, the second predetermined period of time is allowed to rotate. When the second predetermined period of time is set longer than the period of time (first predetermined period) after the acceleration, a centrifugal force is applied to the rolling elements 8th due to the rotation of the drum 3 exercised, causing the rolling elements 8th can aggregate through an automatic balancing effect or collect spatially. For this reason, it is preferable that the rotational speed (second rotational speed) is set short after the acceleration. In the present embodiment, the time period after the acceleration is set to 6 seconds, and the time period after the acceleration is set to one second; however, the present invention is not limited thereto.

As described above, the rotational speed of the drum 3 once reduced to a rotational speed at which the imbalance of the laundry 13 not lost, so the rolling elements 8th and after this rotation speed is maintained for a certain period of time, the drum becomes 3 accelerates to force on the rolling elements 8th exercise that have not been distributed. In addition, a momentary force can be exerted, whereby the rolling elements are efficient and uniform with respect to the imbalance of the laundry 13 can be distributed because the time after the acceleration is set shorter than the time after braking. Thus, the vibration of the drum 3 controlled to be minimal by the time the drum passes through the resonant rotation speed.

After the rolling element dispersion process, which in 5B is performed, a vibration determination process is performed to re-vibration the water trough by means of the vibration detector 12 to detect (because the positions of the rolling elements of those in 5A differ) at the equilibrium rotational speed at which the on the laundry 13 and the rolling elements 8th acting gravity the centrifugal force due to the rotation of the drum 3 balances. When an amount of vibration becomes lower than a previously set threshold value in the vibration determination process, it is determined that it is in the state where the rolling elements are substantially equal to the imbalance, that is, in the state where the rolling elements 8th are distributed; and then the rotation speed can be increased without causing any problem. Thus, by the controller 6 an instruction or command provided to the engine 4 to accelerate all at once to a rotation speed higher than a resonance rotation region. Because the drum 3 is accelerated to the high rotational speed after the vibration detector 12 confirms that the vibration is low, the vibration of the drum 3 certainly at the time when it passes through the resonant rotation speed, are controlled.

As described above, the rolling elements 8th as needed depending on the imbalance of the laundry 13 be controlled by the vibration of the water pan 2 using the vibration detector 12 is detected, and then the unbalanced or unbalanced state of the laundry 13 is determined based on the detection result and the rotation pattern of the drum 3 be changed when the imbalance amount is low. As described above, in the drum type washing machine using the ball balancing system, the resonant rotation speed starting operation can be performed, the vibration being controlled by controlling the rolling elements 8th is kept low, even if the imbalance of the laundry 13 is low. Thus, the vibration of the drum 3 be controlled to be minimal at the time the resonant rotation speed is passed.

SECOND EMBODIMENT

Next, description will be made for a drum-type washing machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

The rotation number shown below and the acceleration shown below are appropriately set depending on: a configuration of a machine body; a resonance rotation number; a shape of a ball balancer as a ring housing; Shapes, material, weight and surface treatment of the rolling elements; and a volume of viscous liquid therein or inside is included. Thus, the number of rotations and acceleration are non-numerical limitations of the present invention.

6 FIG. 13 is a structural side view of the drum-type washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7 FIG. 10 is a control block diagram of the drum-type washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention and FIG 8A to 8E Fig. 10 are diagrams showing an imbalanced state of the laundry in the drum-type washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

More precisely, that is 8A a front view of the drum 3 in which an imbalance position A is caused in the laundry 13 on the inner wall of the drum 3 sticks or sticks. 8B is a side view of the drum 3 and shows a front-side imbalance position where the imbalance position A is on a front side (front side). 8C is a side view of the drum 3 and shows a rearward imbalance position in which the imbalance position A is on a back side. 8D is a side view of the drum 3 and shows a mean imbalance position in which the imbalance position A is in a middle position of the drum. 8E is a side view of the drum 3 and shows a diagonal imbalance position in which the imbalance position A is on the diagonal of the drum. 9 FIG. 12 is a turn-on sequence diagram when scattering of the drum-type washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention is performed.

With reference to 6 , has the drum-type washing machine 101 a drum 103 for housing or picking up laundry 113 , a water tub 102 that inside the drum 103 einhaust, and a damper 105 who has the water tub 102 holds. On the inner wall of the drum 103 are guiding parts 116 (in this case three parts) for lifting and mixing the laundry 113 when the drum 103 rotated, provided. On the side of an opening 103a on the front of the drum 103 , through which the laundry is introduced, is a ball balancer 130 intended.

The ball balancer 130 has a ring housing 117 , and the ring housing 117 includes in its interior a plurality of rolling elements 108 made of steel balls, for example, and a viscous fluid (not shown) having a predetermined viscosity. The ball balancer 130 rotates together with the drum 103 and the viscous fluid contained therein allows it to be on a straight line within the ball balancer 103 arranged rolling elements 8th to move freely in a direction of rotation. As the viscous fluid, silicone oil is used in the present embodiment. Because a viscous liquid such. As machine oil and other solutions can provide the same effect, the viscous fluid is not limited to oils such. B. silicone oil limited.

Further, on the top of the front of the water pan 102 the vibration detector (multi-axis vibration sensor) 112 intended. The vibration detector 112 feels a vibration in a horizontal offset, an offset towards the front and back and a vertical offset of the top of the front (front) of the water pan 102 and the controller 106 controls the number of rotations of the drum 103 increase, stop or maintain as soon as it receives a signal dependent on an amount of offset from the vibration detector 112 receives.

In addition, on the back of the drum 103 the drum pulley 124 so provided that it is the same axis as the drum 103 having. The drum 103 is set up by driving the drive motor 104 that of the pulley 124 over the belt 123 is transmitted to be turned.

On the drive motor 104 is the rotor position detector 114 for detecting a rotor position of the drive motor 104 intended. The rotor position detector 114 it is that detects the rotor position and the control device 106 caused the drive motor 104 to control. Because the drive motor 104 is a permanent magnet synchronous motor, the rotor position of the drive motor 104 through the rotor position detector 114 detected and in the control device 106 entered; thus the drive motor rotates 104 without loss of its synchronization.

With reference to 7 has the controller 106 for performing the drive control for the drum-type washing machine 101 a determination unit 160 and a rotation control unit 162 , The determination unit 160 contains a current detector 160e for detecting one by the engine 104 flowing electricity. The determination unit 160 further includes: a rotation position detector 160d for detecting the imbalance position in a circumferential direction in the drum 103 due to the unevenness of the laundry 113 ; and an imbalance amount calculation unit 160a for detecting the imbalance amount of the laundry 113 in the drum 103 on which the ball balancer 130 is mounted on the vibration displacement of the vibration detector 112 , The determining unit 160 also includes an imbalance position calculation unit 160b for calculating the imbalance positions of the laundry 113 in a depth direction of the drum 103 and a clothing amount determination unit 160c for detecting the volume of laundry 113 in the drum 103 ,

The rotation control unit 162 contains in itself a drive unit 162a to drive the engine 104 , The drive unit 162a drives the engine synchronously 104 based on the rotor position signal of the rotor position detector 114 for detecting the rotor position of the engine 104 at. The motor 104 the drum rotates 103 over the drum pulley 124 and the belt 123 as the speed reduction mechanism and the vibration offset of the water pan 102 , which vibrates due to the rotation, is from that on the top of the front (front) of the water pan 102 mounted vibration detector 112 detected.

Next, rotate with reference to 8A the imbalance position A on the circumference of the drum 103 if you look at it from the front of the drum 103 considered, and 8A shows how the rolling elements 108 a rotation control device (a ball balancer 130 ), on the front of the drum 103 is provided unevenly distributed on the lower part. The rotation number of the drum 103 , in the 8A is greater than or equal to a minimum number of rotations in the wash 113 in the drum 103 adheres to the inner wall, and is less than or equal to a maximum rotation number at which the rolling elements 8th unevenly distributed on the lower part and not together with the drum 103 due to the predetermined viscous fluid in the ball balancer 103 rotate. Here, the minimum rotation number of the present embodiment is a rotation number at which the gravity acting on the laundry is in balance with the centrifugal force of the drum 103 is and is z. B. about 95 U / min. The maximum rotation number is z. B. about 135 rpm. These numbers of rotations vary slightly depending on a change in viscosity of the viscous fluid, the diameter of the drum 103 and the same. With a rotation number of more than 135 rpm, the rolling elements move 108 rotating asynchronously with the rotation of the drum 103 ,

As in 8B to 8E As shown, an imbalance position A becomes complex depending on the position of the laundry 113 , in the 8A shown is generated. The imbalance position A is mainly classified into four different cases. In each of these cases, the imbalance position A (1) is on the front part of the drum 103 ( 8B ), (2) on the back of the drum 103 ( 8C ), (3) in the middle position of the drum 103 ( 8D ) and (4) at diagonal positions (180 degrees), which are the front and the back of the drum 103 (are) ( 8E ) in the depth direction of the drum 103 ,

Next, a description will be made with reference to FIG 9 offered to a case in which a distribution start of the rolling elements 108 is carried out. First, the engine 104 started, the number of rotations of the drum 103 of about 120 rpm is maintained. The rotation number at this time is a rotation number in which rolling elements 108 unevenly on the lower part in the ball balancer 103 are distributed and do not rotate. Laundry 113 is rotated in a state in which it rests against the inner wall of the drum 103 liable. In this state, a switch-on determination of the drum 103 during the time period T1.

Next, the controller drives 106 the engine 104 even faster at the rotational speed of the drum 103 increase after the time period T1 has elapsed and when the control device 106 determines that the imbalance amount of the laundry 113 is low and the rotation of the drum 103 with distributed rolling elements 108 will cause less vibration. To the rolling elements 108 to distribute is the acceleration of the drum 103 increases and decreases.

For example, the rotation number of the drum 103 is increased while the increasing acceleration is varied every predetermined period of time as described below. The acceleration of the drum 103 is increased and decreased in the order of the order of acceleration S1, acceleration S2, acceleration S1, acceleration S3, acceleration S4, and acceleration S1, where S1>S4>S3> S2. While the acceleration is increased and decreased as described above and the rotation number of the drum 103 is increased, the rolling elements 108 distributed.

The following describes the operation and effect of the drum-type washing machine configured as described above.

First, the controller operates 106 the drum-type washing machine 101 the drum 103 , before a wash and determines the amount of laundry 113 that in the drum 103 is contained by means of the clothing quantity determination unit 160c , At this time, a washing time and a detergent amount are calculated, and the unbalance state before the spin drying cycle is detected.

Next, the wash water in the water tub 102 drained after the wash and rinse are completed, and spin drying is performed. In the spin drying, it does not happen often that the laundry 113 uniform in the drum 103 is placed and normally the imbalance condition is caused.

Thus, in general, the drum becomes 103 rotated slowly after deflation to eliminate the imbalance condition, and the imbalance condition is as much as possible by loosening up the wash 113 extinguished. However, even in that state, the imbalance state or imbalance state remains and the spin cycle is started in that state.

In general, the drum vibrates 103 strong during the spin cycle at the time when the number of rotations of the drum 103 the resonant rotation number (in this case, for example, in the range of 220 rpm to 400 rpm) passes through. When the displacement caused by the vibration is larger than a predetermined vibration displacement, the rotation of the drum becomes 103 stopped. After stopping, the loosening process is carried out again and the spinning is restarted.

However, the above operation is repeated when the rotation initiation 103 is unsuccessful, reducing the spin time in which the vibration as much as possible at the resonant rotation number of the drum 103 is suppressed, the probability of a successful centrifugal discharge is increased, whereby the spin time can be shortened.

In the present embodiment, a control is performed such that a balance at a rotation number lower than the resonance rotation number of the drum 103 is achieved. That is, the imbalance amount and the imbalance position A of the laundry 113 are based on the vibration offset of the on the front upper part of the drum 103 mounted vibration detector 112 detected. If the imbalance is large, a suitable control of the ball balancer becomes 103 started in that state and then a control is performed so that the rotation number of the drum 103 passes through the resonance rotation number in the equilibrium state. This operation may control the vibration within a region of the resonance rotation number. A detailed operation will be described below.

In the spin cycle, the rotation control unit commands 162 the control unit 106 the drive unit 162a , a drive voltage to the motor 104 to apply. This brings the engine 104 to progressively work from a low speed rotation to a high speed rotation, thereby increasing the rotational speed of the drum 103 is gradually increased.

Next, the rotation control unit controls 162 the engine 104 so that the rotation number of the drum 103 is about 120 rpm and the rotation number is maintained. In this state, the rotation control unit detects 162 the horizontal offset and the offset forward and backward by the vibration detector 112 (Multiaxial vibration sensor or multi-axis vibration sensor), which on the front upper part of the drum 103 is attached is used. Here, the rotation number is less than or equal to the resonance rotation number and wash 113 adheres to the inner wall of the drum 103 ; thus, the vibration displacement in the unbalance state can be stably detected.

If the rotation number is less than or equal to about 120 rpm, the rolling elements remain 108 inside the ball balancer 103 in the same place near the lower part of the ring housing 117 due to the viscous fluid (in this case, silicone oil or a low-viscosity liquid can be used). In this arrangement, the rolling elements move 108 not when the drum 103 rotates. Thus, the vibration becomes only due to the imbalance state of the laundry 113 causing, causing the vibration detector 112 the vibration offset in the unbalance state stable and without being influenced by the movement of the rolling elements 108 in the ring housing 117 can detect.

As a result, the imbalance state of the laundry 113 from the obtained vibration offset by means of the imbalance amount calculator 160a and the imbalance position calculator 160b be recorded.

When the imbalance condition is any of the cases that occur in 8B to 8E and the amount of imbalance is less than or equal to the predetermined imbalance amount, the rolling elements can 108 (Rolling elements) in the ball balancer 130 an imbalance that is the imbalance due to the laundry 113 increased. That is, the rolling elements may cause an imbalance when the imbalance amount of the laundry 113 less than the total weight of the rolling elements 108 , Thus, the rolling elements 8th in the ring housing 117 of the ball balancer 130 in the case where the situation satisfies such conditions, controlled so that they are distributed, so that the effect of the rolling elements 108 caused vibration is suppressed. Thus, the vibration becomes only from the imbalance state of the laundry 113 caused. As a result, the vibration is prevented by the rolling elements 108 is reinforced.

In addition, the rolling elements 108 by gradually varying the increasing acceleration up to the target rotation number, rather than the drive of the motor 104 is increased with a constant acceleration. For example, in the present embodiment, the accelerations (eg, 10 rpm, 20 rpm, 30 rpm, and the like) are used alternately for respective periods when the rotation number is from 120 rpm to 400 ° RPM is increased.

First, the rotation number is increased from 120 rpm to 150 rpm with the acceleration S1 (for example, 30 rpm). Next, the rotation number is increased with the acceleration S2 (for example, 4 rpm to 5 rpm), satisfying the relationship: S1> S2. Thereafter, the rotation number is increased to 180 rpm with the acceleration S1. Thereafter, the rotation number is increased to 200 rpm with the acceleration S3 (for example, 10 rpm), which satisfies the condition: S1>S3> S2. Next, the rotation number is increased to 300 rpm with the acceleration S4, which satisfies the condition: S1>S4> S3. Thereafter, the rotation number is increased to 400 rpm with the acceleration S1. As described above, the rotation number of the drum 103 increased to the spin rotation number, while the accelerations are increased and decreased.

Because the different gravity accelerations depend on the positions of the rolling elements 108 applied, this mode of operation causes some rolling elements 108 to move faster in the direction of rotation, but other rolling elements 108 not to do it. This will make the rolling elements 108 in the ring housing 117 distributed. The initiation of spin in this state can reduce the vibration.

Here, measures are taken as described below in the case where the imbalance state of the laundry 113 in the rear part of the drum 103 as in 8C is shown. In particular, the rolling elements 108 in the ball balancer 130 on the front of the drum 103 are placed so as to be distributed independently of the imbalance amount; thus, the imbalance condition becomes on the front side of the drum 103 minimized, whereby the vibration can be suppressed to a minimum.

Alternatively, measures are taken in the case where the imbalance state of the laundry is as described below 113 in the front part of the drum 103 as in 8B is shown. In particular, the rolling elements 108 so controlled that a compensation amount due to the rolling elements 108 of the ball balancer 130 in equilibrium with the imbalance state of the laundry 113 device; thus, the vibration of the drum 103 be suppressed at the time of initiation of the spin. In this case, the rolling elements 108 either controlled to be unevenly distributed at the same position to achieve balance or to be distributed depending on the imbalance amount of the laundry 113 ; Thus, the vibration can be suppressed so that it becomes minimal.

Alternatively, the imbalance condition is intermediate at the middle position 8B and 8C in the case where the imbalance state of the laundry 113 on the middle part of the drum 103 as in 8D is shown.

Alternatively, measures are taken in the case where the imbalance state of the laundry is as described below 113 at diagonal positions in the drum 103 as in 8E shown is located. In particular, the rolling elements 108 so controlled that they are distributed when the imbalance condition in the front part of the drum 103 is less than or equal to a certain amount; thus the vibration can be suppressed. Alternatively, the rolling elements 108 so controlled that the imbalance state of the laundry 113 is extinguished when the imbalance condition in the front part of the drum 103 is greater than or equal to a certain amount; thus the vibration can be suppressed.

THIRD EMBODIMENT

Next, a drum-type washing machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

The rotation number and acceleration shown below are set depending on a combination of: a configuration of a machine body; a resonance rotation number; a shape of a ball balancer as a ring housing; Shapes, material, weight and surface treatment of the rolling elements; and a volume of viscous fluid trapped inside. Thus, the number of rotations and acceleration are non-numerical limitations of the present invention.

10 10 shows a front configuration view of a drum of the drum-type washing machine and a ball balancer (ring housing) according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 11 FIG. 10 is a control block diagram of the drum-type washing machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

10 shows the configuration of the drum-type washing machine when viewed from the front, with the drum 203 is provided in the middle or central part. Inside the drum 203 is a guiding part 216 provided at three positions for lifting the laundry and there is an imbalance position A of the laundry.

In addition, a structure is designed so that the ball balancer 230 to adjust the balance or balance on the front of the drum 203 is placed with the drum 203 to rotate. In the ring housing 217 that the ball balancer 230 are a variety of movable spherical or spherical rolling elements 208 made of a magnetic material such. As steel balls are prepared, and further includes a viscous fluid in the ring housing 217 locked in.

Furthermore, a water tub 240 provided the drum 203 contains and wash water stored at the time of washing. On the front part of the water pan 240 are magnetic field generator 240a equidistant or arranged at equal intervals along the circumference. The part on which the magnetic field generators 240a the water tub 240 are arranged on the circumference of the ball balancer 230 placed so that the part is parallel to the circumference of the ball balancer 230 on the drum 203 is arranged, is parallel and a constant clearance to the circumference of the ball balancer 230 having.

As in 11 shown is the control unit 106 with the magnetic field control 163 for controlling the magnetic field generators 240a provided for generating magnetic fields. The other structural components are the same as those of the second embodiment of the present invention, and the components will not be described again.

Hereinafter, an operation and an effect of the drum-type washing machine configured as above will be described.

First, the control unit operates 106 the drum-type washing machine the drum 203 before the wash and determines the in the drum 203 included amount of laundry by means of clothes quantity determination unit 106c , A washing time and a detergent amount are calculated by this operation, and the determined laundry amount is used to detect the unbalance state before the spin cycle.

Next, the wash water in the water tub is drained after the wash cycle and the rinse are finished, and the spin is then performed. When spinning it does not often happen that the laundry evenly or uniformly in the drum 203 is placed and normally the imbalance condition is caused.

Thus, in general, the drum becomes 203 is slowly rotated after draining the water to eliminate the equilibrium state, and the imbalance state is eliminated as much as possible by loosening the laundry. However, and even in that state the imbalance state remains, the spin cycle is started in that state.

First, the rotation of the drum 203 during the spin cycle, when the water tub of the drum-type washing machine at the time the number of rotations of the water pan exceeds the resonance rotation number (in the present embodiment, for example, the range of 220 rpm to 400 rpm) of the drum 203 passes through and when the vibration exceeds a predetermined vibration offset accordingly. After stopping the loosening process is carried out again and the spin is initiated again.

However, the following operation mode may be performed to successfully initiate the spin by suppressing the vibration as much as possible when the drum 203 rotated with the resonance rotation number. The imbalance amount and the unbalance position of the laundry are based on the vibration displacement of the vibration detector 112 standing on the front shell of the drum 203 is mounted, detected when the rotation number is less than the resonance rotation number of the drum 203 is; the control of the ball balancer 230 is started in this state; and the rotation number is caused by the resonance rotation number in this state of the ball balancer 203 pass. The operation will be described below.

In the spin cycle, the rotation controller commands 162 the control device 106 the drive unit 162a , a drive voltage to the motor 104 to apply. This brings the engine 104 to do so, gradually from a rotation with less Speed to run at a high speed or operated, whereby the rotational speed of the drum 203 is gradually increased.

Next, the rotation controller controls 162 the engine 104 , so that the rotation number of the drum 203 is about 120 rpm and the rotation number is maintained. In this state, the rotation control detects 162 the horizontal offset and the offset forward and backward by the vibration detector 112 (Multi-axis vibration sensor) located on the front upper part of the drum 203 is arranged is used. Here, the rotation number is smaller than or equal to the resonance rotation number, and thus the stable vibration displacement can be detected. However, the rolling elements are 208 in the annular housing of the ball balancer 230 Unevenly distributed at the same position due to the viscous fluid (in this case, silicone oil or a low viscosity liquid can be used) and they rotate asynchronously with the rotation number of the drum 203 at a certain rotation number, different from that of the drum 203 different. It follows that the imbalance state or imbalance state of the laundry from the determined vibration offset by means of the imbalance amount calculator 160a and the imbalance position calculator 160b can be detected.

Next, the case will be described in which the laundry has a certain amount of imbalance or less, and in which the rolling elements 208 in the ball balancer 230 may be an unbalance or an imbalance that increases the imbalance condition due to the laundry. In such a case, in which the rolling elements 208 in the ball balancer 230 Controlled so that they are distributed, prevents the imbalance condition due to the laundry deteriorates.

First, as in 10 shown maintaining a state in which the drum 203 and rolling elements 208 both rotate asynchronously with one another at rotational speeds that are less than or equal to the resonant rotation number and by the number of rotations of the rolling elements 208 slightly smaller than that of the drum 203 , Subsequently, the control device causes 106 the magnetic field control device 163 in addition, the magnetic field generators 240a standing in the water tub 240 are arranged to generate magnetic fields as the number of rotations is incrementally increased, thereby increasing the speed of the rolling elements 208 increases and decreases to produce a distributed state.

The imbalance position A of garments due to the laundry in the drum 203 and the rolling elements 208 rotate asynchronously when the drum 203 and the rolling elements 208 both rotate; Thus, the control device 106 a relative position of the rolling elements 208 and the unbalance position A of the laundry from the vibration displacement of the multi-axis vibration detector 112 receive. Thus, also the position of the rolling elements 208 are detected because the imbalance position A of the laundry from the current detector 160e of the motor 104 can be detected.

Here is the magnetic field generators 240a caused to generate magnetic fields while the position of the rolling elements 208 is detected, and the strength of the magnetic fields is varied to the rolling elements 208 to accelerate and decelerate, whereby the state is obtained, in which the rolling elements are gradually distributed. After the distributed state of the vibration detector 112 has been detected, becomes the drum 203 rotated at a constant acceleration to cause the rotation number to pass through the resonance rotation number; thus, the initiation of the spin can be performed by suppressing the vibration without the unbalance condition due to the rolling elements 208 is worsened.

Here, measures as described below are taken in the case where the unbalance state of the laundry on the rear part of the drum 203 as in 8C is shown. In particular, the rolling elements 208 in the ball balancer 230 that are on the front 203 are so controlled that they are distributed independently of the imbalance, so that the unbalance condition on the front of the drum 203 is minimized; thus the vibration can be suppressed to a minimum.

Alternatively, as described below, measures are taken in the state where the unbalance state of the laundry is in the front part of the drum 203 as in 8B is shown. In particular, the rolling elements 208 so controlled that a compensation amount due to the rolling elements 208 of the ball balancer 230 in balance with the unbalance state of the laundry device; thus, the vibration at the time when the spin is initiated can be suppressed. In this state, depending on the imbalance amount of the laundry, the rolling elements are controlled so as to be either unevenly distributed at the same position to achieve balance or to be distributed; thus the vibration can be suppressed to a minimum.

Alternatively, the state is in a middle state between 8B and 8C in the case where the unbalance state of the laundry is as in 8D shown on the middle part of the drum 203 is; thus the vibration can be suppressed in the same way as in the case of 8B is controlled.

Alternatively, measures as described below are taken in the case where the unbalance state of the laundry is at diagonal positions as in the drum 203 as in 8E is shown. In particular, the rolling elements are controlled to disperse when the imbalance condition in the front of the drum 203 is less than or equal to a certain amount. And if the unbalance condition in the front of the drum 203 is greater than or equal to a certain amount, the rolling elements are controlled so that the imbalance state of the laundry is extinguished, whereby the vibration can be suppressed.

As described above, a drum-type washing machine according to the present invention includes: a drum rotatably supported by a horizontal or inclined rotation axis; a water tub that houses the drum; an annular housing provided on the drum; Rolling elements that can move in the annular housing; and a drive motor that rotatively drives the drum. The drum-type washing machine further includes a controller that controls the drive motor and the like, and the control unit causes the rolling elements to disperse in the annular housing.

With this configuration, in the present invention, the rolling elements in the annular housing naturally move to the position which is at a high rotational speed (a constant rotational number for spinning) against the imbalance, so that they are in equilibrium device, and are distributed in the annular housing at a rotation number that is less than or equal to the resonance rotation number. This operation eliminates the imbalance of the drum due to the rolling elements even at the time when a high rotation number is introduced, whereby the vibration of the drum at the time of initiation can be suppressed.

The present invention further includes a vibration detector for detecting vibration of the water tub, wherein the vibration detector detects the vibration of the water tub, and when a vibration amount detected by the vibration detector is less than a predetermined amount, the control unit controls to distribute the rolling elements in the annular housing become.

With this configuration, in the present invention, in the case where the vibration amount of the water tub of the drum-type washing machine is less than a predetermined amount, it is distributed so that the rolling elements can not form an imbalance in the drum; thus, the drum is raised in a state where the amount of vibration is small, whereby the vibration can be suppressed even at the time of start-up.

Further, in the present invention, the control means causes the drum to rotate at a rotation number smaller than or equal to a resonance rotation number and at which the centrifugal force acting on the laundry in the drum is greater than the gravity, and the control means controls that the rolling elements are distributed in the annular housing.

With this configuration, in the present invention, the unbalance state in the drum due to the rolling elements can be eliminated before the vibration becomes large by distributing the rolling elements in the annular housing at a rotation number smaller than or equal to the resonance rotation number, whereby the vibration can be suppressed at the time of startup.

Further, in the present invention, the controller controls the drive motor to increase or decrease the acceleration of the drum to disperse the rolling elements in the annular housing.

With this configuration, the rolling elements can be distributed in the annular housing by increasing the rotational speed of the drum to a high speed at the time of starting the spinning. Thus, the rolling elements can be distributed efficiently, whereby an extension of the spinning time is prevented.

Further, in the present invention, the control unit controls so that the rolling elements are distributed in the annular housing by controlling the drive motor so as to increase or decrease the rotation number of the drum.

With this configuration, in the present invention, the rolling elements in the annular housing are accelerated so that the rolling elements located forward in the rotational direction are further moved forward, and rolling elements located rearward in the rotational direction are further moved rearward ; Thus, a plurality of rolling elements can be distributed and the rolling elements can be distributed by repeating this operation.

Further, in the present invention, the vibration of the water pan is detected by the vibration detector and the unbalance state of the Washing is determined based on the detection result; thus, the rotational patterns of the drum are correspondingly varied when the imbalance amount is small, whereby the rolling elements can be controlled as needed depending on the unbalance state of the laundry. As described above, the rolling elements are also controlled when the imbalance of the laundry is low; thus, the rotation is increased to the resonance rotational speed while the vibration is kept low, whereby the vibration of the drum at the time when the resonance rotational speed is passed can be suppressed to a minimum.

Further, in the present invention, the controller reduces the rotational speed of the drum to a first rotational speed at which the centrifugal force is approximately in equilibrium with the gravity of the laundry, then the controller increases the rotational speed to a second rotational speed at which the centrifugal force of the laundry is greater than gravity is.

With this configuration, in the present invention, the drum rotates at a rotational speed at which the gravity acting on the laundry is less than the centrifugal force when the rotational speed is increased to the second rotational speed; thus, the rolling elements move in the annular housing while being unevenly distributed. In this mode of operation, the rolling elements move slightly slower than the laundry because the imbalance of the laundry changes its position asynchronously with the rolling elements. In addition, the rotational speed is reduced to a rotational speed at which the imbalance of the laundry is not lost - in other words, it is reduced to a rotational speed at which the centrifugal force and the gravity are approximately in equilibrium with the laundry. Thus, the rolling elements can not maintain the unevenly distributed state, and the rolling elements move at a speed slower than the speed of the unbalance state of the laundry, thereby distributing the rolling elements.

Repeating the acceleration and deceleration can further distribute the rolling elements. Thus, the equilibrium state is maintained even if the imbalance amount is small. As a result, the vibration of the drum at the time when the resonance rotational speed is passed can be suppressed to a minimum.

Further, in the present invention, the control means maintains the rotational speed of the drum at the first rotational speed for a first predetermined period of time and then maintains the second rotational speed for a second predetermined period of time, the first predetermined period of time being set longer or longer than that second predetermined period of time.

With this configuration, in the present invention, the rotational speed of the drum is once reduced to a rotational speed at which the imbalance of the laundry is not lost, so that the rolling elements are dispersed, and after this rotational speed is maintained for a certain period of time accelerates the drum, whereby force is applied to the rolling elements, which have not been distributed. In addition, a momentary force may be exerted because the time period after the acceleration is set to be shorter or shorter than the time period after the braking operation, whereby the rolling elements can be efficiently evenly distributed with respect to the imbalance of the laundry. As a result, the vibration of the drum can be suppressed to a minimum at the time when the resonance rotational speed is passed.

Further, the present invention includes a vibration detector for detecting the vibration of the water tub, and the controller causes the vibration detector to detect the vibration of the water tub after the drum is decelerated and accelerated, and the controller accelerates the drum to a rotation speed higher than the resonance rotational speed is when a vibration amount detected by the vibration detector is less than a predetermined value.

With this configuration, in the present invention, the rolling elements are distributed so as to be in balance with the unbalance of the laundry after the braking operation and the accelerating operation are repeated. Thus, the drum is raised to a high rotational speed after the vibration detector confirms that the vibration is low; thus, the vibration of the drum can be surely suppressed at the time when the resonant rotation speed is passed.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

In the washing machine according to the present invention, the rolling elements can always be positioned at the most suitable position with respect to the imbalance of the laundry regardless of the imbalance amount of the laundry. Thus, the rolling elements generate a correction force, so that the imbalance of the laundry can be further reduced and the vibration at the time of starting can be suppressed. Thus, the washing machine according to the present invention can be used as a drum-type washing machine and a cleaning device for household and business applications.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1, 101

Drum-type washing machine

2, 102, 240

water trough

2a, 3a, 103a

opening

3, 103, 203

drum

3b

Rotation axis or rotation shaft

4, 104

Engine (drive motor)

5, 105

damper

6, 106

control device

7

door

8, 108, 208

rolling element

9

detergent reservoir

10

feather

11

Water supply valve

12, 112

vibration detector

13, 113

Laundry

14, 114

Rotor position detector

15

Through Hole

16, 116, 216

louver

17, 117, 217

annular housing

18

viscous fluid

19

drain pump

20

current detector

21

Water level sensor or water level sensor

22

waste pipe

13, 123

belt

24, 124

drum pulley

30, 130, 230

ball balancers

160

determining unit

160a

Unbalance amount calculator or unbalance amount calculation unit

160b

Unbalance position calculator or unbalance position calculation unit

160c

Laundry amount determining unit

160d

Rotary position detector

160e

current detector

162

Rotation control device

162a

drive unit

163

Magnetic controller

240a

magnetic field generator

Claims (8)

Drum-type washing machine containing a drum rotatably supported by a horizontal or inclined axis of rotation; a water tub, which houses the drum; an annular housing provided on the drum; Rolling elements that can move in the ring housing; a drive motor that rotatively drives the drum; a control device that controls the drive motor, wherein the control device controls the rotation of the drive motor so that the rolling elements are distributed in the ring housing. A drum-type washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a vibration detector that detects the vibration of the water pan, wherein the control means detects the vibration of the water tub by means of the vibration detector and the control unit controls the drive motor so as to distribute the rolling elements in the annular casing when a vibration amount detected by the vibration detector is less than a predetermined amount. The drum type washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the control means causes the drum to rotate at a rotation number smaller than or equal to a resonance rotation number, and a centrifugal force acting on the laundry in the drum is larger than a laundry acting on the laundry Gravity, and wherein the control means controls the drive motor so that the rolling elements are distributed in the ring housing. The drum type washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls the drive motor so as to increase or decrease an acceleration of the drum to disperse the rolling elements in the annular housing. The drum type washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls the drive motor to increase and decrease the rotation number of the drum to distribute the rolling elements in the annular housing. A drum-type washing machine according to claim 5, wherein the number of rotations of the drum is greater between a first rotation number at which the laundry-acting centrifugal force and gravity acting on the laundry are balanced, and a second rotation number at which the centrifugal force acting on the laundry increases is as the gravity acting on the laundry, increased and decreased. The drum type washing machine according to claim 6, wherein the control means causes the drum to be driven between a first rotation number for a first predetermined period of time and then causes the drum to be driven at a second rotation number for a second predetermined period of time the controller sets the first predetermined period of time longer than the second predetermined period of time. A drum-type washing machine according to any one of claims 5 to 7, comprising: a vibration detector that detects the vibration of the water pan, wherein the control means performs control such that the vibration detector detects the vibration of the water tub after the drum is braked and accelerated, and when an amount of vibration detected by the vibration detector is less than a predetermined amount, the control means accelerates the drum to a rotation speed which is higher than a resonance rotation speed.

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