EP2781640A1 - Drum-type washing machine - Google Patents
Drum-type washing machine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2781640A1 EP2781640A1 EP12850049.3A EP12850049A EP2781640A1 EP 2781640 A1 EP2781640 A1 EP 2781640A1 EP 12850049 A EP12850049 A EP 12850049A EP 2781640 A1 EP2781640 A1 EP 2781640A1
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- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- water
- circulation pump
- circulation
- motor
- drum
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F33/00—Control of operations performed in washing machines or washer-dryers
- D06F33/30—Control of washing machines characterised by the purpose or target of the control
- D06F33/32—Control of operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry
- D06F33/36—Control of operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry of washing
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F34/00—Details of control systems for washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F34/14—Arrangements for detecting or measuring specific parameters
- D06F34/18—Condition of the laundry, e.g. nature or weight
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2103/18—Washing liquid level
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2103/44—Current or voltage
- D06F2103/48—Current or voltage of the motor driving the pump
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2105/06—Recirculation of washing liquids, e.g. by pumps or diverting valves
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2105/46—Drum speed; Actuation of motors, e.g. starting or interrupting
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F34/00—Details of control systems for washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F34/10—Power supply arrangements, e.g. stand-by circuits
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00
- D06F39/08—Liquid supply or discharge arrangements
- D06F39/083—Liquid discharge or recirculation arrangements
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Control Of Washing Machine And Dryer (AREA)
- Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a drum-type washing machine which has means for circulating washing water.
- Conventionally, a drum-type washing machine which has a circulation function of circulating washing water in a water tub by means of a circulation pump is disclosed to enhance washing power (see, for example, Patent Literature 1).
- That is, the drum-type washing machine has the circulation pump as a driving source which sprays washing water on clothes in the water tub. The circulation pump is arranged in a circulation path through which washing water circulates, and the circulation pump is operated while a water level detector maintains a predetermined water level. With this configuration, it is possible to increase contacts between a processing target (laundry) and washing water, and efficiently wash the processing target.
- However, when most of the laundry loaded in a rotary drum is highly absorbent clothes, the clothes absorb washing water and a water level of washing water in the rotary drum lowers. In this regard, lowering of the water level of the washing water is determined in some cases as a fluctuation of the water level caused when the circulation pump is driven. Hence, the operation of the circulation pump is continued, and bubbles and air enter the circulation pump. As a result, there is a problem that, when bubbles and air enter the circulation pump, excessive bubbling and noise are caused.
- PTL 1: Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No.
2010-36016 - To solve the above problem, a drum-type washing machine according to the present invention includes: a rotary drum which is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape; a water tub which houses the rotary drum; a water circulation system which causes a circulation pump to circulate washing water in the water tub through a circulation path connected to the water tub; a water supply unit which supplies water into the rotary drum or the water tub; a motor which drives the rotary drum; a load detector which detects a load on the circulation pump; a controller which controls at least one of a washing step and a rinsing step. Further, the controller employs a configuration of, when the load detector detects a predetermined change in load of the circulation pump while the motor and the circulation pump are being driven, stopping driving the motor and stopping a function of the circulation pump.
- According to this configuration, even when the water level lowers due to the operation of rotating the rotary drum or driving the circulation pump, even if bubbles and air mix in the circulation pump through the circulation path, it is possible to detect that an output of the circulation pump lowers.
- Further, when the load detector detects the predetermined change in load of the circulation pump, the circulation pump is stopped and driving of the motor is stopped. By this means, it is possible to cancel an influence on the fluctuation of the water level caused when the rotary drum is rotated or the circulation pump is driven, recover the water level, and prevent bubbles and air from mixing in the circulation pump through the circulation path. As a result, it is possible to prevent excessive bubbling or noise in the circulation pump caused by the mixed-in bubbles and air.
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FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic structure of a drum-type washing machine according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of a circulation pump of the drum-type washing machine according to the first exemplary embodiment. -
FIG. 2B is a side view of the circulation pump of the drum-type washing machine according to the first exemplary embodiment. -
FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of a load detector of the drum-type washing machine according to the first exemplary embodiment. -
FIG. 4 is a time chart illustrating an operation of the drum-type washing machine according to the first exemplary embodiment. -
FIG. 5 is a time chart illustrating an operation of a drum-type washing machine according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. - Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, the present exemplary embodiments by no means limit the present invention. Further, in the following exemplary embodiments, washing water includes washing water in a washing step and rinse water in a rinsing step.
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FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic structure of a drum-type according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. - As illustrated in
FIG. 1 , the drum-type washing machine according to the present exemplary embodiment has at leastwater tub 3 which is swingably disposed inside washing machinemain body 2, rotary drum 4 which is rotatably disposed inwater tub 3,motor 6 which is attached to an outer side of a back surface ofwater tub 3,water supply system 7,drainage system 8,dry system 9, andwater circulation system 16. Rotary drum 4 is driven to rotate bymotor 6. In addition, the drum-type washing machine according to the present exemplary embodiment configures a so-called drum-type washing machine which has a function of executing at least a washing step, a rinsing step, a dewatering step and a drying step by automatic control according to mode setting and a control program. In this regard,dry system 9 may be removed. - Further,
water supply system 7 adequately supplies water intowater tub 3 as indicated by solid arrow A by opening and closing a water supply valve (not illustrated) configured by an electromagnetic valve. In this regard, a detergent in detergent accommodatingunit 7a is configured to be adequately loaded inwater tub 3 by using supplied water. - Further,
drainage system 8 discharges washing water by opening and closingdrain valve 19 along a path indicated by dashed-dotted line arrow B when necessary such as upon an end of the washing step or upon the end of the rinsing step. In this regard, the washing water is discharged to an outside of the drum-type washing machine throughdrainpipe 8a connected to a lower part ofwater tub 3 and along a path which passes throughdrainage filter 8b. In addition,drainage filter 8b captures lints and the like, and is configured to be detachable from an outside. - Further,
water circulation system 16 circulates the washing water inwater tub 3 by drivingcirculation pump 20 and repeatedly returning the washing water towater tub 3 through the following path, in a washing preparing step, the washing step or the rinsing step, when necessary. In this regard, the path ofwater circulation system 16 is configured bydrainpipe 8a connected to the lower part ofwater tub 3,drainage filter 8b,inflow side path 31a ofcirculation path 31 tocirculation pump 20,circulation pump 20, anddischarge side path 31b ofcirculation path 31 fromcirculation path 20. By this means, it is possible to prevent a detergent loaded inwater tub 3 from being blended earlier, prevent clothes from leaning to one side and improve functions of the washing step and the rinsing step. - Further,
operation panel 21 is provided on a front upper part side of washing machinemain body 2, and selection of a mode such as an operation course and various functions is inputted to an input setting unit ofoperation panel 21. In this regard,controller 22 displays input information on a display unit onoperation panel 21 based on the input information ofoperation panel 21 to notify to a user. Further, when start of an operation is set according to the input from the input setting unit ofoperation panel 21,controller 22 receives an input of data fromwater level detector 40 which detects a water level inwater tub 3 and starts driving the drum-type washing machine. Furthermore,controller 22 controls operations of thedrain valve 19 and the water supply valve, and executes washing by operations such as the washing step, the dewatering step, and the drying step. - Still further, rotary drum 4 and
water tub 3 are installed by inclining a rotary shaft direction of rotary shaft 4a downward at, for example, an inclined angle of θ = 20 ± 10 degrees from an opened front surface side (open-close door 5 side), to a back surface side (motor 6 side) with respect to a horizontal direction. In this case, rotary shaft 4a of rotary drum 4 is directly connected to a shaft ofmotor 6 provided in the back surface ofwater tub 3. By this means, even when rotary drum 4 is installed at the same height as when rotary shaft 4a of rotary drum 4 is installed in the horizontal direction, openings ofwater tub 3 and rotary drum 4 are directed obliquely upward. As a result, the user can easily put in and take out the laundry from rotary drum 4 without taking an unnatural posture such as squatting. Further, according to experiences of the inventors of the preset invention, by setting the inclined angle θ to 20 ± 10 degrees, it is possible to provide a state where a user who has a difference in height such as a child (except an infant) to a grown-up or a user of a wheelchair can most easily put in and take out the laundry. Furthermore, even when washing water stored on the back surface side of rotary drum 4 and supplied into rotary drum 4 is a little, it is possible to provide an advantage that a deep stored water state is achieved by inclining rotary drum 4. - Still further,
water tub 3 is provided near and along rotary drum 4 whilewater tub 3 is inclined in the same way as rotary drum 4 in order to cause supplied water to efficiently work on the laundry in rotary drum 4. - Moreover, open-
close door 5 is provided to washing machinemain body 2 so as to tightly seal opening 13 ofwater tub 3 via sealingmember 14 attached to a rim of open-close door 5, and open opening 13 ofwater tub 3. - A behavior and an effect of the rotary drum upon a washing operation of the drum-type washing machine according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described below.
- First, rotary drum 4 is driven in a forward and reverse arc rotary drive mode and in a forward and reverse continuous rotary drive mode upon a washing operation. Meanwhile, the forward and reverse arc rotary drive mode refers to a drive mode of alternately repeating rapid forward arc rotation of driving rotary drum 4 at 90 degrees or more and 180 degrees or less, and rapid reverse arc rotation. Further, the forward and reverse continuous rotary drive mode refers to a drive mode of alternately repeating forward and reverse continuous rotations of rotary drum 4 at a rotation speed at which the laundry lifted up by rotation of rotary drum 4 makes a behavior of dropping from a height at which the weight of the laundry overweighs.
- Furthermore, the forward and reverse arc rotary drive mode and the forward and reverse continuous rotary drive mode of rotary drum 4 are alternately executed in the washing step or in the washing step and the rinsing step. By this means, the laundry is lifted up at 90 degrees or more and 180 degrees or less at maximum due to arc rotation and rapid braking at a rapid speed at 90 degrees or more and 180 degrees or less of rotary drum 4. Further, it is possible to separate the laundry from the inner surface of rotary drum 4 by using the inertia and the weight of the laundry by performing rapid braking at a final stage of lifting up the laundry, and reliably drop the laundry to a side with the left and the right opposite to those of the side on which the laundry is lifted up by using the weight of the laundry. As a result, it is possible to apply a particularly high disentangling function (unraveling function) to the laundry which absorbs washing water, sufficiently swells, loosens and is in a slippery state.
- Further, it is possible to apply a mechanical function such as dropping to the laundry and enhance washing performance.
- Furthermore, according to the forward and reverse arc rotary drive mode of alternately repeating rapid forward arc rotation in a forward direction and rapid reverse arc rotation in a reverse direction of arc rotary drive, it is possible to alternately switch the left and the right of a lift-up position and a drop position of the laundry by alternate forward and reverse rapid arc rotary drive per arc rotary drive. Consequently, it is possible to more effectively prevent the laundry from entangling, and further enhance the disentangling function. Further, it is possible to enhance the washing performance by increasing the number of times to apply the mechanical function such as dropping to the laundry.
- Furthermore, according to the high disentangling function, it is possible to prevent entanglement of the laundry caused when the washing step and the rinsing step proceed. As a result, it is possible to continuously execute effective beat washing in the forward and reverse arc rotary mode, and enhance a washing effect and a rinsing effect.
- In addition, although it is possible to reduce entanglement, twists and wrinkles of the laundry only in the forward and reverse arc rotary drive mode, a position of the laundry in upper and lower directions is hardly switched and the laundry at the bottom part of rotary drum 4 hardly moves, and therefore uneven washing is likely to occur. Hence, the position of the laundry in the upper and lower directions is switched by using the forward and reverse arc rotary drive mode and the forward and reverse continuous rotary drive mode in combination. Consequently, it is possible to reduce entanglement, twists and wrinkles of the laundry in the forward and reverse continuous rotary drive mode, and reduce an unbalance caused when a mechanical function is applied to the laundry in the forward and reverse arc rotary drive mode. As a result, it is possible to achieve a behavior of stable hand washing while reducing entanglement, twists and wrinkles of the laundry in the forward and reverse arc rotary drive mode. Further, it is possible to achieve an even washing behavior which washes the laundry while reducing uneven washing by continuously moving the laundry in the forward and reverse continuous rotary drive mode and which is effective with respect to stubborn stains.
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Water circulation system 16 of the drum-type washing machine according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described below with reference toFIG. 1 , andFigs. 2A and 2B . -
FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the circulation pump of the drum-type washing machine according to the present exemplary embodiment.FIG. 2B is a side view of the circulation pump of the drum-type washing machine according to the present exemplary embodiment. - First, as illustrated in
FIG. 1 ,circulation pump 20 is fixed and disposed onbase plate 2a which is the bottom part of washing machinemain body 2. - Further, as illustrated in
Figs. 2A and 2B ,circulation pump 20 is configured byresin pump casing 20b which accommodatesimpeller 20a fitted toresin mounting seat 35, andmetal motor casing 20d ofcirculation motor 20c. In this regard, an opening side ofpump casing 20b is fitted to mountingseat 35 such that the opening side is in contact with and integrated with bearing partition wall 20d1 at a front end ofmotor casing 20d. By this means,impeller 20a is directly connected tomotor shaft 20e ofcirculation motor 20c. Further,circulation pump 20 is fixed tobase plate 2a of washing machinemain body 2 by, for example, bolts through mountingpieces 35a ofattachment base 35. - Furthermore,
discharge side path 31b ofcirculation path 31 connected todrainage connector 20g ofcirculation pump 20 is connected, from the outer surface side, to sprayport 51 provided at the lowermost part offront end wall 3h around opening 13 ofwater tub 3 as illustrated inFIG. 1 . Still further, as indicated by arrow a inFIG. 1 , washing water fromdischarge side path 31b is sprayed between the back surface offront end wall 3h ofwater tub 3 and the top surface offront end wall 4b of rotary drum 4 corresponding tofront end wall 3h. By this means, washing water is discharged in rotary drum 4 bycirculation pump 20 throughflow path 52 formed between the back surface offront end wall 3h ofwater tub 3 and the top surface offront end wall 4b of rotary drum 4. Meanwhile,inflow connector 20f ofcirculation pump 20 is connected toinflow side path 31a ofcirculation path 31, and the washing water inwater tub 3 is poured incirculation pump 20 throughdrainpipe 8a provided at the lower part ofwater tub 3 by the driving ofcirculation pump 20. -
Circulation pump 20 ofwater circulation system 16 configured as described above is controlled bycontroller 22 described below. In this regard,controller 22controls circulation pump 20 by means ofcurrent detector 30 which is described below with reference toFIG. 3 ,current detector 30 being a load detector which detects a change in load ofcirculation motor 20c. - A method of controlling
circulation motor 20c ofcirculation pump 20 will be described below with reference toFigs. 3 and4 . -
FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram for explaining the load detector of the drum-type washing machine according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 4 is a time chart illustrating an operation of the drum-type washing machine according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. - That is, as illustrated in
FIG. 3 ,controller 22 hascurrent detector 30 that measures a change in load ofcirculation motor 20c ofcirculation pump 20 as a drive current value or a drive power amount ofcirculation motor 20c in at least the washing step. In this regard, a control method of controllingcirculation motor 20c which is generally used in recent years ascurrent detector 30 by way of inverter control is applied and used. In addition, the drive current value ofcirculation motor 20c will be described below as an example of the change in load ofcirculation motor 20c. - Further, as described below with reference to
FIG. 4 , value W of a load oncirculation motor 20c measured bycurrent detector 30 and value WO of an initial load oncirculation motor 20c in the washing step are compared with each other to detect a change in load ofcirculation motor 20c. In addition, a value obtained by calculating a time average when the number of rotations ofcirculation motor 20c is in a stationary state is preferably used as value WO of the initial load oncirculation motor 20c. However, the value is not limited to this, and only needs to enable detection of a change in load. - First, the load detector which detects the change in load of
circulation motor 20c ofcirculation pump 20 will be described with reference toFIG. 3 . - As illustrated in
FIG. 3 ,circulation motor 20c is driven bycontroller 22 which controlsinverter circuit 27 based on signals from alternating-current power source 25,rectifier circuit 26,inverter circuit 27, andload detector 30.Rectifier circuit 26 converts alternating-current power from alternating-current power source 25 into direct-current power. Meanwhile,rectifier circuit 26 is configured by full-wave rectifier circuit 28 and a direct-current voltage doubler circuit. The direct-current voltage doubler circuit is configured by connectingcapacitors 29a and 29b connected in series to a direct-current output terminal of full-wave rectifier circuit 28 and a connection point ofcapacitors 29a and 29b to one terminal of inputs of the alternating-current power source, and increases a voltage applied toinverter circuit 27.Inverter circuit 27 drivescirculation motor 20c by converting the direct-current power converted byrectifier circuit 26 into three-phase alternating-current powers. The current detector which isload detector 30 is connected to a negative voltage side ofinverter circuit 27, and detects currents flowing in lower arms of three phases of a U phase, a V phase, and a W phase ofinverter circuit 27 by, for example, measuring voltages at both ends of a resistor. By this means, it is possible to detect an output current ofinverter circuit 27, that is, a drive current value which is a phase current supplied to the U phase, the V phase, and the W phase ofcirculation motor 20c. - Further,
controller 22 controls driving and rotation ofcirculation motor 20c by computing the drive current value ofinverter circuit 27 based on the output signal ofcurrent detector 30, and applying a predetermined frequency or a predetermined voltage matching the set number of rotations. In this regard, by controllingcirculation motor 20c to provide a drive current phase or a reactive current with respect to the output voltage outputted to each phase ofinverter circuit 27 according to the load oncirculation motor 20c, it is possible to drive and rotatecirculation motor 20c at a set synchronous speed (the set number of rotations). - That is, it is possible to detect a load state of
circulation motor 20c at all times by using abovecurrent detector 30. - An operation of executing the washing step by driving rotary drum 4 and
circulation pump 20 will be described below with reference toFIG. 1 andFIG. 4 . - First, the user puts the laundry in rotary drum 4, and operates
operation panel 21 and starts the operation. By this means,controller 22 opens the electromagnetic valve ofwater supply system 7, and then water which is washing water is supplied intowater tub 3. - Next, when
water level detector 40 which is provided on a lower side of the back surface ofwater tub 3 detects that water is supplied to a predetermined water level,controller 22 closes the electromagnetic valve, stops water supply and starts rotating rotary drum 4. In this case,controller 22drives circulation pump 20 while rotating rotary drum 4. By this means, it is possible to increase a contact time of the laundry and the washing water, and enhance washing performance. - However, when rotary drum 4 is rotated and
circulation pump 20 is driven, the water level inwater tub 3 lowers. Further, when there are a lot of highly absorbent fibers among the laundry such as cotton in rotary drum 4, the water level inwater tub 3 lowers. Furthermore, when the laundry clothes absorb water and therefore the water level of washing water lowers too much, beat washing performance for the laundry lowers. - However, even if
water level detector 40 detects the water level inwater tub 3, it is difficult to determine whether the water level is fluctuated because rotary drum 4 is rotated andcirculation pump 20 is driven or the water level lowers because the laundry clothes absorb water. Hence, when bubbles and air mix incirculation path 31 and entercirculation pump 20 in a state where the water level inwater tub 3 cannot be accurately detected, an output to circulate the washing water incirculation pump 20 lowers. Further, when bubbles and air mix incirculation pump 20,circulation pump 20 causes excessive bubbling or noise in some cases. - Meanwhile, when
circulation pump 20 is driven in a state where the amount of water inwater tub 3 decreases and the water level lowers,circulation pump 20 is operated while the air mixes incirculation pump 20, that is,circulation pump 20 is driven in an air entrainment state. - Further, when
circulation pump 20 is driven in the air entrainment state, the load oncirculation pump 20 decreases as illustrated inFIG. 4 , and therefore the load oncirculation motor 20c also decreases. That is, it is possible to detect a state ofcirculation pump 20 based on the change in load ofcirculation motor 20c. - Hence, in the present exemplary embodiment, when the water level in the water tub significantly lowers and more air mixes in, air entrainment of
circulation pump 20 is detected by using change in load ofcirculation motor 20c. - More specifically, as illustrated in
FIG. 4 , predetermined threshold Wd is set to a load oncirculation motor 20c detected by the load detector. Further, when the load oncirculation motor 20c is smaller than predetermined threshold Wd and change in load A which is (WO - Wd) or more compared to value WO of the load oncirculation motor 20c in the stationary state, it is determined thatcirculation pump 20 causes air entrainment. - Furthermore, when
current detector 30 detects air entrainment ofcirculation pump 20 as the change in load ofcirculation motor 20c,controller 22 controls the number of rotations ofcirculation motor 20c to stop the function ofcirculation pump 20. More specifically, rotation ofcirculation motor 20c is stopped orcirculation motor 20c is driven by lowering the number of rotations to such a degree thatcirculation pump 20 cannot function. Further, the function ofcirculation pump 20 is stopped to prevent in advance the water level inwater tub 3 from lowering or prevent bubbles and air from mixing incirculation path 31 and enteringcirculation pump 20. Consequently, it is possible to prevent excessive bubbling caused upon breakup of bubbles and air mixing incirculation pump 20, and noise caused upon breakup. - Next,
controller 22stops driving motor 6, and stops rotating rotary drum 4. - Next, while rotation of rotary drum 4 is stopped and in a state where the water level is stabilized by stopping driving
circulation pump 20,water level detector 40 detects the water level inwater tub 3. Further, whenwater level detector 40 detects that the water level is the predetermined water level or more, driving of rotary drum 4 andcirculation pump 20 is started again. In this regard, when lowering of the water level inwater tub 3 is caused when rotary drum 4 is rotated orcirculation pump 20 is driven, washing water in the clothes andwater tub 3 is reflected to the water level while rotation of rotary drum 4 is stopped and driving ofcirculation pump 20 is stopped, and the water level inwater tub 3 is recovered. Hence, even whencirculation pump 20 is driven again, the water level is recovered, so that bubbles and air are prevented from mixing incirculation path 31. As a result, it is possible to prevent lowering of an output ofcirculation pump 20, excessive bubbling and noise caused upon breakup. - Meanwhile, when
water level detector 40 detects that the water level does not satisfy the predetermined water level,controller 22 determines that the laundry absorbs water and therefore the water level inwater tub 3 lowers. Then,controller 22 opens the electromagnetic valve ofwater supply system 7, and supplies water to the predetermined water level inwater tub 3 again. Subsequently,controller 22 drives motor 6, rotates rotary drum 4 and furtherdrives circulation pump 20. As a result, it is possible to prevent excessive bubbling or noise ofcirculation pump 20, and execute the washing step without lowering the washing performance. - As described above, according to the present exemplary embodiment,
current detector 30 detects a predetermined change in load ofcirculation motor 20c ofcirculation pump 20, so that, during the operation ofcirculation pump 20, it is possible to detect at all times based on the change in load ofcirculation motor 20c that bubbles and air mix incirculation pump 20. As a result, it is possible to prevent excessive bubbling caused upon breakup of bubbles and air mixing incirculation pump 20, or noise caused upon breakup by stopping drivingcirculation pump 20. - Further, by stopping driving
circulation pump 20, washing water returns to the clothes and the water tub and is reflected to the water level inwater tub 3, and the water level is recovered. Consequently, whencirculation pump 20 is activated again, it is possible to prevent bubbles and air from mixing in the circulation path. As a result, it is possible to prevent lowering of an output ofcirculation pump 20, excessive bubbling and noise caused upon breakup of air. - A drum-type washing machine according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to
FIG. 5 . -
FIG. 5 is a time chart illustrating an operation of the drum-type washing machine according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. - Further, as illustrated in
FIG. 5 , the drum-type washing machine according to the present exemplary embodiment differs from that of the first exemplary embodiment in stopping driving a motor and a function of a circulation pump, and detecting and controlling a water level by means of a water level detector after a predetermined time passes. The other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first exemplary embodiment, and will be described by employing the components and the operations of the first exemplary embodiment. By this means, it is possible to prevent error detection. - That is, as illustrated in
FIG. 5 , the drum-type washing machine according to the present exemplary embodiment detects value W of a change in load ofcirculation motor 20c as a drive current value by means ofload detector 30 while rotary drum 4 andcirculation pump 20 are driven. Further, when a load ofcirculation motor 20c is smaller than predetermined threshold Wd andload detector 30 detects the change in load A which is (WO - Wd) or more compared to value WO of the load oncirculation motor 20c in a stationary state, a function ofcirculation pump 20 is stopped, that is, the number of rotations ofcirculation pump 20 is lowered orcirculation pump 20 is stopped. - Next,
controller 22stops driving motor 6 and stops rotating rotary drum 4. - Next, the function of
circulation pump 20 is stopped andcontroller 22 detects a water level inwater tub 3 by means ofwater level detector 40 after predetermined time t1 has passed, in order to avoid error detection ofload detector 30. In this case, when the detected water level is a predetermined water level or less, it is determined that the amount of water absorbed by clothes is great depending on a material and thus the water level lowers, and therefore bubbles and air mix incirculation path 31. In this case,controller 22 executes the washing step again after opening an electromagnetic valve ofwater supply system 7 and supplying water to a predetermined water level or supplying water for a predetermined time. By this means, the water level of washing water is detected aftercirculation pump 20 is stopped and predetermined time t1 passes, so that it is possible to accurately detect the water level inwater tub 3. As a result, it is possible to supply an adequate amount of water according to the amount of water absorbed by clothes, the amount differing depending on a material, thereby washing the laundry with stable and high washing power. - In addition, although an example has been described with each of the above embodiments where a circulation pump is controlled based on a change in load of a circulation motor in the washing step, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the circulation pump may be controlled in the rinsing step. By this means, it is possible to further enhance rinsing performance.
- Further, although an example has been described with each of the above embodiments where a load detector detects a change in load as a drive current value of a circulation motor, the present invention is not limited to this. When, for example, driving is performed according to a driving method such as constant power amount control by using the circulation pump which is driven by inverter control, the load detector may detect and control a change in load such as a drive power amount or the number of rotations of the circulation motor. By this means, it is possible to provide the same effect.
- Further, although an example has been described with each of the above embodiments where the load detector detects three-phase drive current values of the circulation motor, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the load detector may be configured to detect one-phase or two-phase drive current values of three-phases of the circulation motor. By this means, it is possible to simplify the configuration of the load detector.
- Further, although an example has been described with each of the above embodiments where a drive current value of the circulation motor is detected according to voltages at both ends of the resistor, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a current sensor which is required for inverter drive may be configured to detect a drive current value. By this means, it is possible to achieve a low-cost and compact load detector.
- As described above, a drum-type washing machine according to the present invention includes: a rotary drum which is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape; a water tub which houses the rotary drum; a water circulation system which causes a circulation pump to circulate washing water in the water tub through a circulation path connected to the water tub; a water supply unit which supplies water into the rotary drum or the water tub; a motor which drives the rotary drum; a load detector which detects a load on the circulation pump; and a controller which controls at least one of a washing step and a rinsing step. Further, the controller is configured to, when the load detector detects a predetermined change in load of the circulation pump while the motor and the circulation pump are being driven, stop driving the motor and stop a function of the circulation pump.
- According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent lowering of a water level in a water tub caused when the rotary drum is rotated, the circulation pump is driven or the laundry absorbs water, and prevent bubbles and air from mixing in the circulation path and entering the circulation pump. As a result, it is possible to prevent excessive bubbling in the circulation pump caused by the mixed-in bubbles and air, or noise caused upon breakup of air. Further, when the water level in the water tub lowers, washing water in clothes or the water tub is reflected to the water level and recovered while driving of the rotary drum and the function of the circulation pump are stopped. Consequently, even when the circulation pump is activated again, the water level is recovered, so that it is possible to prevent bubbles and air from mixing in the circulation path. By this means, it is possible to prevent lowering of an output of the circulation pump caused by air entrainment, and prevent lowering of washing power of the drum-type washing machine.
- Further, the drum-type washing machine according to the present invention further has a water level detector which detects a water level of washing water, and the controller employs a configuration in which, when the water level detected by the water level detector is a predetermined water level or less after driving of the motor and a function of the circulation pump are stopped, the circulation pump is driven after the water supply unit supplies the additional amount of water.
- According to this configuration, even when the water level lowers due to a great amount of water absorbed by clothes, it is possible to detect that bubbles and air mix in the circulation path by means of the load detector and the water level detector, thereby supplying the additional amount of water. Consequently, it is possible to stabilize the output of the circulation pump, and prevent excessive bubbling and noise caused upon breakup. Further, the output of the circulation pump is stabilized, so that it is possible to stably circulate washing water and pour the washing water on the laundry. As a result, it is possible to realize the drum-type washing machine which can further enhance washing performance and rinsing performance.
- Further, the load detector of the drum-type washing machine according to the present invention employs a configuration of detecting a drive current value of the circulation motor of the circulation pump. According to this configuration, particularly when a circulation pump driven by an inverter is used, a current sensor which is required for inverter drive can configure the load detector. Consequently, it is possible to achieve a low-cost load detector.
- Further, the load detector of the drum-type washing machine according to the present invention is configured to detect a drive power amount of the circulation motor of the circulation pump. According to this configuration, it is possible to use and drive the circulation pump driven by inverter control according to a driving method such as constant power amount control. As a result, it is possible to easily detect a change in load by means of the load detector and enhance precision.
- A drum-type washing machine according to the present invention is useful in a technical field of a drum-type washing machine which prevents lowering of an output of a circulation pump, and washes the laundry accommodated in a rotary drum with high washing performance.
-
- 2
- washing machine main body
- 2a
- base plate
- 3
- water tub
- 3h
- front end wall
- 4
- rotary drum
- 4a
- rotary shaft
- 4b
- front end wall
- 5
- open-close door
- 6
- motor
- 7
- water supply system
- 7a
- detergent accommodating unit
- 8
- drainage system
- 8a
- drainpipe
- 8b
- drainage filter
- 9
- dry system
- 13
- opening
- 14
- sealing member
- 16
- water circulation system
- 19
- drain valve
- 20
- circulation pump
- 20a
- impeller
- 20b
- pump casing
- 20c
- circulation motor
- 20d
- motor casing
- 20d1
- bearing partition wall
- 20e
- motor shaft
- 20f
- inflow connector
- 20g
- drainage connector
- 21
- operation panel
- 22
- controller
- 25
- alternating-current source
- 26
- rectifier circuit
- 27
- inverter circuit
- 28
- full-wave rectifier circuit
- 29a
- capacitor
- 30
- current detector (load detector)
- 31
- circulation path
- 31a
- inflow side path
- 31b
- discharge side path
- 35
- mounting seat
- 35a
- mounting piece
- 40
- water level detector
- 51
- spray port
- 52
- flow path
Claims (4)
- A drum-type washing machine comprising:a rotary drum which is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape;a water tub which houses the rotary drum;a water circulation system which causes a circulation pump to circulate washing water in the water tub through a circulation path connected to the water tub;a water supply unit which supplies water into the rotary drum or the water tub;a motor which drives the rotary drum;a load detector which detects a load on the circulation pump; anda controller which controls at least one of a washing step and a rinsing step,wherein, when the load detector detects a predetermined change in load of the circulation pump while the motor and the circulation pump are being driven, the controller stops driving the motor and stops a function of the circulation pump.
- The drum-type washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a water level detector which detects a water level of the washing water,
wherein, when the water level detected by the water level detector is a predetermined water level or less after driving of the motor and the function of the circulation pump are stopped and a predetermined time passes, the controller drives the circulation pump after the water supply unit supplies an additional amount of water. - The drum-type washing machine according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the load detector detects a drive current value of a circulation motor of the circulation pump.
- The drum-type washing machine according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the load detector detects a drive power amount of a circulation motor of the circulation pump.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2011248318 | 2011-11-14 | ||
PCT/JP2012/007178 WO2013073140A1 (en) | 2011-11-14 | 2012-11-08 | Drum-type washing machine |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2781640A1 true EP2781640A1 (en) | 2014-09-24 |
EP2781640A4 EP2781640A4 (en) | 2015-02-25 |
Family
ID=48429238
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP12850049.3A Withdrawn EP2781640A4 (en) | 2011-11-14 | 2012-11-08 | Drum-type washing machine |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP2781640A4 (en) |
JP (1) | JPWO2013073140A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN103930609B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2013073140A1 (en) |
Cited By (9)
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WO2018007149A1 (en) * | 2016-07-08 | 2018-01-11 | BSH Hausgeräte GmbH | Laundry-care appliance having a controller |
WO2018007144A1 (en) * | 2016-07-08 | 2018-01-11 | BSH Hausgeräte GmbH | Laundry care appliance having a controller |
EP3214218A4 (en) * | 2014-10-27 | 2018-07-18 | LG Electronics Inc. | Laundry treating apparatus and control method thereof |
WO2020009530A1 (en) * | 2018-07-06 | 2020-01-09 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Laundry handling apparatus |
US10541607B2 (en) | 2017-05-23 | 2020-01-21 | Whirlpool Corporation | Voltage doubling circuit for laundry treating appliance with high power variable frequency drive |
US20210087734A1 (en) * | 2018-02-22 | 2021-03-25 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Washing apparatus and method for controlling same |
US20210277562A1 (en) * | 2018-07-06 | 2021-09-09 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Drain pump driving apparatus and laundry treatment machine including the same |
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KR101756408B1 (en) * | 2016-04-18 | 2017-07-11 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Drain pump driving apparatus and laundry treatment machine including the same |
CN110396801A (en) * | 2018-01-27 | 2019-11-01 | 张太平 | A kind of foam-resistant spilling washing machine |
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JPH08309074A (en) * | 1995-05-18 | 1996-11-26 | Sharp Corp | Fully automatic washing machine |
JPH09239188A (en) * | 1996-03-12 | 1997-09-16 | Sharp Corp | Drum type washing device |
JP4179952B2 (en) * | 2003-09-17 | 2008-11-12 | 株式会社東芝 | Drum washing machine |
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JP2009261673A (en) * | 2008-04-25 | 2009-11-12 | Toshiba Corp | Drum washing machine |
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JP5489328B2 (en) * | 2009-08-24 | 2014-05-14 | 株式会社東芝 | Drum washing machine |
JP2011206140A (en) * | 2010-03-29 | 2011-10-20 | Panasonic Corp | Drum washing machine |
JP2011250848A (en) * | 2010-05-31 | 2011-12-15 | Sharp Corp | Washing machine |
-
2012
- 2012-11-08 JP JP2013544115A patent/JPWO2013073140A1/en active Pending
- 2012-11-08 CN CN201280055632.7A patent/CN103930609B/en active Active
- 2012-11-08 EP EP12850049.3A patent/EP2781640A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2012-11-08 WO PCT/JP2012/007178 patent/WO2013073140A1/en active Application Filing
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WO2018007144A1 (en) * | 2016-07-08 | 2018-01-11 | BSH Hausgeräte GmbH | Laundry care appliance having a controller |
RU2701256C1 (en) * | 2016-07-08 | 2019-09-25 | Бсх Хаусгерете Гмбх | Home appliance for care of linen with control system |
WO2018007149A1 (en) * | 2016-07-08 | 2018-01-11 | BSH Hausgeräte GmbH | Laundry-care appliance having a controller |
US11578447B2 (en) | 2017-05-23 | 2023-02-14 | Whirlpool Corporation | Voltage doubling circuit for laundry treating appliance with high power variable frequency drive |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN103930609A (en) | 2014-07-16 |
EP2781640A4 (en) | 2015-02-25 |
JPWO2013073140A1 (en) | 2015-04-02 |
WO2013073140A1 (en) | 2013-05-23 |
CN103930609B (en) | 2016-01-06 |
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