JP2000288289A - Washing machine and device provided with rotating container - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable the detection of the amount of load as well as the water level with a simple and inexpensive structure. SOLUTION: A pressure sensor 1 is provided for a suspension rod receiving metal fixture 24 to fix a suspension rod 12 to suspend and support an outer tub 11. The pressure sensor 1 comprises a structure in which a coil is wound on the circumference of an ultra magnetostrictive element of which magnetic characteristics are largely changed at the reception of expansion, contraction, and twist due to external load and generates a signal of oscillation frequency corresponding to the inductance of the coil to detect load received by the pressure sensor 1. By detecting weight corresponding to the water level of water supplied into the outer tub 11 at the time of feeding water in addition to the amount of laundry housed in a washing/dehydration tub 13, it is possible to substitute the function of a water level sensor.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a washing machine and an apparatus provided with a rotating container.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a washing machine, a load amount detecting means for detecting the weight of laundry stored in a washing tub, a water level sensor for measuring a water level in the washing tub, and a washing and dewatering tub when the laundry is biased. Various sensors and detection means such as a vibration detection sensor for detecting abnormal vibration when the spinning is performed are used.

[0003]

For example, as a conventional load amount detection method, a method described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-206283 is known. That is, after turning on the motor for rotating the pulsator provided at the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub for a predetermined time, the motor is turned off, and immediately after the motor is turned off, a pulse signal synchronized with the rotation of the motor is counted, and the motor stops rotating due to inertia. The load amount is determined based on the count value of the pulse signal. Since the pulsator stops faster as the load increases, it can be determined that the load increases as the count value decreases. However, in the load amount detection method using the rotation of the pulsator as described above, it is difficult to increase the accuracy because the detection value varies depending on the quality of the laundry and the state of the laundry. Another problem is that the pulsator and the laundry are strongly rubbed against each other, so that the cloth is easily damaged.

[0004] On the other hand, there has been proposed an apparatus using a weight sensor for directly measuring the weight of laundry stored in a washing tub, instead of indirectly estimating a load amount. For example, in the washing machine disclosed by the present applicant in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-84382, a weight sensor having a spring, a coil, a core, and the like is provided on a hanging rod for suspending a washing tub.
In this configuration, when the load applied to the suspension rod changes and the suspension rod moves up and down, the length of the core inserted into the fixed-position coil changes, thereby changing the inductance of the coil. ing.

However, since the spring used in such a weight sensor has a natural frequency, there is a possibility that the weight sensor itself may amplify the vibration of the outer tub or the like. In addition, since the weight sensor has a large shape, it occupies a large space in the machine frame of the washing machine, which hinders a reduction in the size and capacity of the washing machine. Also, with the aging change such as spring deterioration,
The detection accuracy decreases.

Further, there is the following problem. Such a weight sensor can structurally measure not only the weight of the laundry stored in the washing and dewatering tub but also the weight of water supplied and stored in the outer tub. However, while the load is several kg at most, the weight of the stored water is more than ten times that of the load, and is much larger. Therefore, if the weight sensor is configured to secure a wide detection range so that the weight of water can be measured, the detection accuracy of the load amount becomes very low. Conversely, if the weight sensor is configured to ensure sufficient accuracy for load detection, it will not be possible to cover the detection range of the weight of water.

The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and its main object is to provide:
An object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine having a small and highly accurate load amount sensor. It is another object of the present invention to use this sensor not only for detecting the load amount but also for detecting the weight of water so that the sensor can also function as a water level sensor.

[0008]

Means for Solving the Problems, Embodiments and Effects of the Invention A washing machine according to the present invention, which has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, has a load, water weight,
A pressure sensor using a magnetostrictive element is provided at a portion that receives an eccentric load or an external force due to vibration during operation.

Here, the external force refers to a force applied by compression, extension, twist, or the like caused by each of the above factors.
The load is the weight of the laundry stored in the washing dehydration tub,
The weight of water is the weight of water stored in the outer tub inside the washing and dewatering tub, the eccentric load is the load caused by the imbalance in the distribution of laundry around the rotating shaft in the washing and dewatering tub, and the vibration is washing and rinsing. And mechanical vibration during the dehydration operation.

[0010] In the washing machine of the present invention, the pressure sensor includes a magnetostrictive element that receives an external force, and a coil that detects a change in magnetic characteristics of the magnetostrictive element as a change in inductance. The change in the inductance of the coil can be detected as a change in the oscillation frequency in, for example, an LC oscillator including the coil.

The above pressure sensor is characterized in that it is small and lightweight, and has a wide detection range. Therefore, even if it is attached to any part in the washing machine, it does not occupy a large space and does not hinder the downsizing and large capacity of the washing machine. Further, since a movable member such as a spring is not used, the movable member does not itself cause vibration, and there is no decrease in detection accuracy due to deterioration with time of the movable member.

In the washing machine according to the present invention, the same pressure sensor may detect two or more of the load, the weight of the water, the eccentric load, and the vibration. The pressure sensor is capable of detecting an external force (external load) over a wide range, and has a characteristic that the smaller the external force, the higher the detection sensitivity. Therefore, it is particularly suitable for detecting the load amount and the weight of water with the same pressure sensor. According to this, the load amount can be detected with high sensitivity, and when the weight of water is further added to the load amount, the large weight can be accurately detected. Since the weight of water can be converted to the water level in the outer tank, the pressure sensor has a function of detecting the water level, and the water level sensor conventionally including a pressure hose or the like is not required.

Further, when detecting a change in inductance with a coil in the pressure sensor, the inductance depends on the number of turns of the coil, and when the number of turns is changed, the amount of change in the inductance changes. Therefore, if a configuration is provided in which a plurality of different coils are switchably provided, it is possible to obtain detection sensitivity according to the detection target. Specifically, when the load and the weight of water are detected by the same pressure sensor as described above, the load may be detected with high sensitivity, and the weight of water may be detected with reduced sensitivity. it can.

In the washing machine according to the present invention, the pressure sensor can be provided at various parts in the washing machine.
For example, the washing machine may be provided on a hanging bar support for receiving a hanging bar for hanging an outer tub in which a washing and dewatering tub is installed, or on a leg for supporting the washing machine on a floor surface. Since each of these parts is a part that directly receives an external load due to the load amount or the weight of water, it is particularly suitable for detecting the load amount and the weight of water.

Since a plurality of hanging rod bearings and legs are provided, the pressure sensors can be provided on all of the plurality of hanging rod bearings and legs. Since a plurality of suspension rod bearings and legs support the external load in a distributed manner, all of them are equipped with pressure sensors, and by obtaining the external load from the detected value, high detection accuracy can be achieved. it can.

Further, a pressure sensor is not provided on all of the plurality of hanging rod bearings or legs, but a pressure sensor is provided on at least one location, and the load amount, the weight of water, It is good also as a structure which estimates an eccentric load or vibration. According to this configuration, the number of pressure sensors to be installed can be reduced, so that the cost can be reduced.

In this case, the pressure sensor performs a plurality of detections while rotating the washing / dewatering tub at a low speed, and the load amount, the weight of the water, the eccentric load or the vibration is estimated based on the detected values. Is preferred. According to this configuration, even if the pressure sensor is not installed in each of the hanging bar bearings or the legs, the influence of the bias of the load such as the distribution of the laundry is eliminated, and high detection accuracy can be achieved. .

Further, in the washing machine according to the present invention, when only the eccentric load and the vibration are to be detected, it is preferable to provide the pressure sensor in a portion where the vibration generated during the washing, rinsing or dehydrating operation is large. Specifically, for example, the pressure sensor can be attached to the machine frame so that the vibration of the machine frame is converted into an external force and detected by the pressure sensor.

Further, in the washing machine according to the present invention, when the pressure sensor detects a vibration equal to or more than a predetermined value during the washing operation or the rinsing operation, a control means for controlling the rotation speed of the pulsator to weaken the water flow is provided. A configuration may be provided. According to this configuration, vibration can be reduced, and water can be prevented from scattering around the washing machine.

Further, in the washing machine according to the present invention, when the pressure sensor detects a vibration equal to or more than a predetermined value during the spin-drying operation, an imbalance correction operation for rearranging the laundry in the spin-drying tub is executed. A configuration including a control unit for performing control can be adopted. According to this configuration, it is possible to reliably avoid occurrence of abnormal vibration or abnormal noise during dehydration.

Further, the present invention can be widely applied to other than the washing machine. That is, in a device that includes a container that is rotatable about a vertical axis or a horizontal axis similarly to a washing machine, and that accommodates an object in the container and rotates the container, a load applied to the container or generated when the container is rotated. A configuration in which a pressure sensor using a magnetostrictive element is provided at a portion that receives an external force due to vibration may be employed. Specifically, by applying the present invention to a dryer or the like having a rotating drum, it is possible to detect the weight of the laundry stored in the drum and to detect vibration during operation. be able to.

[0022]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a plurality of embodiments of a washing machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, a pressure sensor used in a washing machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an example of this pressure sensor. The pressure sensor 1 includes a columnar giant magnetostrictive element 2,
A coil 3 wound around a giant magnetostrictive element 2;
And a pressure-receiving part 5 provided in close contact with one end face of the giant magnetostrictive element 2 and protruding from an opening end face of the case 4.

The giant magnetostrictive element 2 is an element whose magnetic properties change according to the speed and magnitude of the force when deformed by receiving an external load such as mechanical compression, elongation and torsion. That is, in the pressure sensor 1, for example, as shown in FIG.
When pressure is applied to the upper end surface of the coil 3, the self-inductance of the coil 3 changes. FIG. 2 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the magnitude of the external load and the inductance in the pressure sensor 1. As is clear from FIG. 2, the pressure sensor 1 has such a characteristic that the smaller the area of the external load, the larger the change in inductance with respect to the same external load change, that is, the higher the detection sensitivity. Further, in the case of the same giant magnetostrictive element 2, since the inductance increases as the number of turns of the coil 3 increases, the slope of a curve showing the characteristic becomes steep as shown in FIG.

Next, a washing machine according to a first embodiment (hereinafter referred to as "embodiment 1") using the pressure sensor 1 will be described in detail. FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing the configuration of the washing machine of the first embodiment. Inside the machine frame 10 of the washing machine, an outer tub 11 is suspended and supported by four hanging rods 12 (only two are visible in FIG. 3). A washing dewatering tub 13 having a dewatering hole is rotatably supported about a main shaft 15. A pulsator 14 for stirring the laundry is disposed at the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub 13. The rotational power of a motor 16 attached to the lower surface of the outer tub 11 is a motor pulley 17, a V-belt 18, a main pulley 19 and a power. Washing / dewatering tub 13 and pulsator 14 via switching mechanism 20
And transmitted to.

The mounting structure of the hanging rod 12 will be described in more detail. The lower end of the hanging rod 12 penetrates a mounting piece 21 projecting outward from the bottom wall of the outer tub 11, and a compression coil spring is provided at the tip. A vibration isolator 22 is provided. The upper end of the coil spring is fixed to the mounting piece 21 and the outer tub 11
Is applied to the vibration isolator 22 via the mounting piece 21, the coil spring expands and contracts to absorb the vibration of the outer tub 11. on the other hand,
The upper end of the hanging bar 12 is vertically movably held by a hanging bar receiving member 24 fixed to a mounting piece 23 projecting inward from the machine frame 10. The pressure sensor 1 is provided to receive a load applied to the pressure sensor 12. The pressure sensor 1 is provided on each hanging rod receiving bracket 24 that supports the four hanging rods 12. Since the load of the outer tub 11 is applied to the four hanging rod receiving members 24 in a distributed manner, the four pressure sensors 1 receive the dispersed loads as external loads.

FIG. 4 is an electrical configuration diagram of a main part of the washing machine. The coils 3 of the four pressure sensors 1 provided on the respective hanging rod receiving brackets 24 are provided with separate LC oscillators 31 (FIG. 4).
Only one system is shown), and the LC oscillator 3
Numeral 1 causes an oscillation having a frequency corresponding to the inductance L1 due to resonance or the like of the inductance L1 of the coil 3 and the capacitor, and the frequency detection unit 32 detects the frequency of the oscillation waveform, and inputs the result to the control unit 30. I do. Therefore, a detection signal corresponding to the inductance of the coil 3 of each pressure sensor 1 is input to the control unit 30.
The control unit 30 includes a CPU and the like, receives an operation signal from the operation unit 33, and operates the motor 16
The opening and closing operations of the water supply valve 34 and the drain valve 35 are controlled.

The control unit 30 performs the addition processing or other arithmetic processing on the detection signals obtained from the four frequency detection units 32 to detect various parameters as described later. Specifically, when detecting the load amount and the weight of water, each detection value is added. Therefore, when the purpose is to detect only such parameters, the inductances of the four coils 3 are added by connecting the coils 3 of the four pressure sensors 1 in series, and only one LC oscillator is used. Thus, oscillation of a frequency corresponding to the added inductance may be caused.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the washing machine. The operation from the start of washing to the start of washing operation will be described with reference to FIG.

When the user puts laundry into the washing / dewatering tub 13 and instructs the start of washing by the operation unit 33, the control unit 3
0 first executes a load amount detection process (step S
1). That is, when the laundry is put into the washing / dewatering tub 13, the weight applied to the hanging bar 12 increases by the weight of the laundry, so that the external load received by the pressure receiving unit 5 of the pressure sensor 1 increases. Then, the inductance L1 changes and LC
The oscillation frequency of the oscillator 31 changes. The control unit 30 reads the oscillation frequency from the frequency detection unit 32 and calculates the load amount with reference to, for example, a table indicating the relationship between the frequency and the load amount. Such a table can be experimentally checked in advance and stored in a memory.

The control unit 30 determines the washing water level and the strength of the water flow according to the detected load amount (step S2), opens the water supply valve 34, and starts water supply into the outer tub 11 (step S3). . When water accumulates in the outer tank 11, the external load applied to the pressure receiving portion 5 of the pressure sensor 1 further increases due to the weight of the water. When the oscillation frequency read from the frequency detection unit 32 becomes a frequency corresponding to the weight of water corresponding to the washing water level (“Y” in step S4), the control unit 30 closes the water supply valve 34 to supply water. Is stopped (step S5). Then, the motor 16 is rotated so as to have a rotation speed corresponding to the water flow determined as described above, and the pulsator 14 is rotated to start washing (step S6).

As described above, in this washing machine, the load amount is detected by using the pressure sensor 1 and the water level is detected by converting the water amount into the weight. Therefore, the mounting of the water level sensor is unnecessary. It is.

Usually, the load of laundry is at most about 7 to 8 kg. However, when the washing water level is high, the amount of water is several tens of liters, so that the weight of water is at most several tens of kg. Therefore, the required detection range is much larger than the load amount. Although the detection accuracy of the weight of the water may be coarse, the detection accuracy of the load amount is required to be as high as about 0.5 to 1.0 kg. As shown in FIG. 2, the characteristics of the pressure sensor 1 have higher detection sensitivity as the external load is smaller. That is, high sensitivity is obtained when detecting the load amount, and the detection sensitivity is low when detecting the water level. Therefore, the above-described requirements are met, and the pressure sensor 1 detects the load amount and the water level. It can be seen that this is suitable for

When the load amount and the weight of water are to be detected with the above configuration, the frequency change range of the LC oscillator 31 is widened, and the circuit for frequency detection may be complicated. Conversely, if an attempt is made to narrow the change range of the frequency, the detection sensitivity decreases, and there is a possibility that sufficient sensitivity may not be ensured particularly in detecting the load amount. In the following manner, the range of frequency change can be narrowed while securing sufficient detection sensitivity. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the inductance depends on the number of turns of the coil. Therefore, two types (or further different types) of coils each having a different number of turns are wound around the giant magnetostrictive element 2 of the pressure sensor 1, and the number of turns of the coil when the oscillation is performed by the LC oscillator 31 as necessary. change. As described above, the required detection range for the weight of water is much wider than the required detection range for the load amount. However, in the external load region for detecting the weight of water, the same external load can be obtained by reducing the number of turns of the coil. The amount of change in inductance with respect to the amount of change is made small, so that the range of change in inductance is relatively narrow even over a wide external load range. In this case, the detection sensitivity is low, but there is no problem because the sensitivity of water weight detection may be low. On the other hand, in an external load region for detecting a load amount, a high detection sensitivity is ensured by increasing the number of turns of the coil. A specific example of the coil switching control method will be described later in a third embodiment.

In the washing machine of the first embodiment, the pressure sensor 1
The eccentric load and the vibration at the time of the dehydration operation can be detected by utilizing the above. If the laundry stored in the washing dewatering tub 13 is not evenly distributed around the rotation axis before the dehydration is started,
External loads are unevenly applied to the four pressure sensors 1. Therefore, for example, the difference between the maximum weight and the minimum weight of the weight of the wet laundry detected by the four pressure sensors 1 is calculated,
When the difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it is determined that the eccentric load is large. Then, in that case, in order to correct the imbalance, once an appropriate amount of water is supplied into the outer tank 11,
The pulsator 14 is rotated. As a result, the laundry is loosened and the distribution changes, so that the eccentric load may be determined again.

Further, even if the eccentric load is small before the dehydrating operation is started, the eccentric load may increase as the spin-drying tub is rotated at a high speed and the dehydration proceeds, and vibration may occur. If the vibration becomes too large, the outer tub 11 may collide with the inner wall of the machine frame 10 and cause abnormal noise, or an abnormal load may be applied to the main shaft 15 to cause a failure. Therefore, the difference between the values detected by the four pressure sensors 1 may be obtained in the same manner even after the start of the dehydration operation, and when the difference exceeds a predetermined value, it may be determined that abnormal vibration has occurred.

Next, a description will be given of a washing machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "Example 2"). FIG. 7 is a side sectional view showing the configuration of the washing machine according to the second embodiment, and FIG.
It is an enlarged view of a part. In the washing machine of the first embodiment, the pressure sensors are provided on the four hanging bar receiving brackets. In the washing machine of the second embodiment, the legs 25 provided at the four corners on the bottom surface of the machine frame 10 are provided.
Is provided with a pressure sensor 1. The leg portion 25 is made of an elastic body such as rubber to prevent the vibration of the machine frame 10 from being transmitted to the floor surface, and the pressure sensor 1 is configured such that the hemispherical pressure receiving portion 5 faces downward (toward the floor surface side). It is buried in the leg 25. 4
Since the legs 25 distribute and support the load of the entire washing machine, the four pressure sensors 1 receive an external load corresponding thereto. Therefore, the only difference from the washing machine of the first embodiment is whether or not the load includes a load other than the portion supported by the hanging bar 12, and in the same manner as described above, the load amount detection, the water level detection, Eccentric load detection and vibration detection during dehydration can be performed.

Next, a description will be given of a washing machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "Embodiment 3"). In the washing machine according to the first embodiment, four sensors are required because each hanging bar receiving bracket 24 includes the pressure sensor 1. In the washing machine of the third embodiment, the pressure sensor 1 is provided only in one of the hanging bar receiving members 24, and the load and the water level are detected by using the detection value of the pressure sensor 1.

FIG. 6 is an electrical configuration diagram of a main part of the washing machine of the third embodiment. In the pressure sensor 1 of this washing machine, the coil 3 is divided into two by 300 turns so that the detection sensitivity can be changed as described above. 60 connected in series
When turned to the b side, only one coil is used to make a 300-turn coil. As shown in FIG. 2, when the number of turns of the coil is small, the amount of change in inductance becomes small as a whole, and thus the detection sensitivity is suppressed.

FIG. 9 is a control flowchart of the operation from the start of washing to the start of the washing process in the washing machine of the third embodiment. When the start of the washing operation is instructed, the control unit 30 moves the changeover switch 36 to the side a so that the number of turns of the coil 3 of the pressure sensor 1 becomes 600 turns (step S11). Further, the motor 16 is rotated to rotate the washing / dewatering tub 13 at 30 rpm (step S1).
2). Thereby, the washing / dewatering tub 13 makes one rotation in about 2 seconds. The control unit 30 reads the frequency from the frequency detection unit 32 four times every 0.5 seconds, that is, every time the washing and dewatering tub 13 rotates about 90 °, and obtains an average value of the four detection values (step S13). Then, the load amount is determined based on the average value (step S14).

The washing water level and the water flow according to the load amount are determined (step S15), and the changeover switch 36 is turned to the b side so that the number of turns of the coil 3 of the pressure sensor 1 becomes 300 turns (step S16). . This lowers the detection sensitivity of the pressure sensor 1 as described above. afterwards,
Steps S17 to S17 similar to steps S3 to S5 in FIG.
By the processing of S19, the water supply up to the washing water level is executed to start the washing operation. As described above, the value detected by the pressure sensor 1 is obtained while rotating the washing / dewatering tub 13, and the load amount and the water amount are determined from the average value.
Even if there is only one, the effect of uneven distribution of the laundry is reduced and accurate weight detection is possible.

FIG. 10 is a control flowchart at the time of the spin-drying process in the washing machine of the third embodiment. When the washing and rinsing are completed and the dehydration is started, the control unit 30 moves the changeover switch 36 to the side a so that the number of turns of the coil of the pressure sensor 1 becomes 600 turns (step S21). Further, the motor 16 is driven to rotate so that the washing and dewatering tub 13 is
Rotate at pm (step S22). Thereby, the washing / dewatering tub 13 makes one rotation in about one second. The control unit 30
10 times every 0.1 second, that is, the washing and dewatering tub 13 is about 36 °
Each time the motor rotates, the frequency is read from the frequency detector 32, and the maximum value fmax and the minimum value fm among the ten detection values are read.
in is obtained (step S23). And the maximum value fma
The difference between x and the minimum value fmin is calculated, and it is determined whether the difference is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value (step S24). The greater the eccentric load due to the uneven distribution of the laundry, the greater the fluctuation in the detection value of the pressure sensor 1 during one rotation of the washing / dewatering tub 13. If the difference is equal to or greater than the predetermined value in step S <b> 24, It is determined that the load is abnormally large, and the operation proceeds to the imbalance correction operation (step S29).

In step S24, the maximum value fmax and the minimum value fm
If the difference in is less than the first predetermined value, the control unit 30
Further increases the rotation speed of the washing and dewatering tub 13 (step S25). Then, in accordance with the rotation speed, the frequency is read from the frequency detection unit 32 four times during one rotation of the washing / dewatering tub 13 (that is, each time the laundry tub 13 rotates about 90 °)
The maximum value fmax and the minimum value fmin are obtained from the four detection values (step S26). Since the rotation speed of the washing and dewatering tub 13 gradually increases, the time interval for reading the frequency is controlled so as to be narrowed accordingly. And
The difference between the maximum value fmax and the minimum value fmin is calculated, and it is determined whether or not the difference is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value (Step S).
27). If the vibration of the outer tub 11 increases while the rotation speed of the washing and dewatering tub 13 increases, the
Since the fluctuation of the detection value of the pressure sensor 1 during rotation increases, if the difference is equal to or larger than the second predetermined value in step S27, it is determined that the vibration is large and the operation proceeds to the imbalance correction operation (step S29). ).

In step S27, the maximum value fmax and the minimum value fm
If the difference in is less than the predetermined value, it is determined whether the predetermined dehydration time has ended (step S28), and the process returns to step S26 until the dehydration time ends. The dehydration ends (step S30).

As described above, the unbalance correction operation is for loosening and rearranging the laundry. The rotation of the washing / dewatering tub 13 is temporarily stopped, and an appropriate amount of water is supplied into the outer tub 11. Then, the pulsator 14 may be rotated. Of course, any other method may be used as long as the unevenly distributed laundry can be rearranged. In this way, even with one pressure sensor 1, it is possible to detect an eccentric load and vibration caused by uneven distribution of the laundry.

Next, a description will be given of a washing machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "Embodiment 4"). Example 4
Is an example in which the pressure sensor 1 is used only for detecting an eccentric load, abnormal vibration, or the like. FIG. 11 is a side sectional view showing the configuration of the washing machine, and FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of a portion B in the figure. The electric system configuration of the washing machine of the fourth embodiment is the same as that of FIG. 4 or FIG.

The pressure sensor 1 is embedded in an elastic member 42 such as rubber, and is provided between the holding plate 40 and the side plate of the machine frame 10. The holding plate 40 and the machine frame 10 are fixed via an elastic member 43 by bolts 41 penetrating both. Even if the machine casing 10 vibrates, the pressure sensor 1 does not vibrate in the same phase and the same amplitude, and thus an external load is applied to the pressure receiving portion 5 of the pressure sensor 1. Since the external load increases as the vibration of the machine frame 10 increases, the inductance of the coil 3 changes according to the magnitude of the vibration.

The machine frame 10 is used both when the pulsator 14 rotates only when washing and rinsing, and when the pulsator 14 and the washing and dewatering tub 13 rotate integrally as in a spin-drying operation. Vibrate.

FIG. 13 is a control flowchart at the time of the washing operation in the washing machine of the fourth embodiment. When the washing operation is started and the pulsator 14 is driven to rotate at a predetermined rotation speed (step S41), a water flow is generated in the washing and dewatering tub 13 and the laundry is rotated in the horizontal direction on the water flow while the water flows. Swaps vertically. Until the predetermined washing time has elapsed (until “Y” in step S42), the control unit 30 obtains the fluctuation range of the detection frequency from the frequency detection unit 32, and if the fluctuation width exceeds a predetermined value. ("Y" in step S43), the rotational speed of the motor 16 is reduced (step S44). As a result, the rotation speed of the pulsator 14 decreases, and the water flow weakens. As a result, the machine frame 10
Vibration is reduced. If the fluctuation width is equal to or smaller than the predetermined value in step S43, it is determined that abnormal vibration has not occurred, and the process returns to step S42. When the predetermined washing time has ended, the rotation of the pulsator 14 is stopped to end the washing operation (step S45).

FIG. 14 is a control flowchart at the time of the spin-drying operation in the washing machine of the fourth embodiment. When the dehydration operation is started and the motor 16 is started, the rotation speed of the washing dehydration tub 13 is gradually increased (Step S51). Until the predetermined dehydration time elapses (until “Y” in step S52), the control unit 30 obtains the fluctuation range of the detection frequency from the frequency detection unit 32, and when the fluctuation width exceeds the predetermined value, ("Y" in step S53), the operation shifts to the previously described imbalance correction operation (step S54). After the execution of the imbalance correction operation, the process returns to step S51, and the dehydration is started again. If the fluctuation width is equal to or smaller than the predetermined value in step S53, it is determined that no abnormal vibration has occurred, and the process returns to step S52. When the predetermined dehydration time is over,
The rotation of the washing and dewatering tub 13 is stopped, and the dehydrating operation is ended (step S55).

As described above, in the washing machine according to the present invention, in order to detect the load, the weight of water, the eccentric load, or the vibration, the pressure sensors using the giant magnetostrictive elements are used in various parts of the washing machine. Can be attached to In addition,
The above embodiments are merely examples, and it is apparent that changes and modifications can be made as appropriate within the scope of the present invention. For example, in each of the above embodiments, the present invention was applied to a spiral type fully automatic washing machine in which a washing and dewatering tub was rotatably arranged about a vertical axis, but the drum was rotated about a horizontal axis. Obviously, the present invention can be applied to a freely disposed drum type washing machine. It is also apparent that the present invention is applicable to a drum type drier having a similar structure.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an example of a pressure sensor used in a washing machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a graph showing the relationship between the magnitude of an external load applied to a pressure sensor and inductance.

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing the configuration of the washing machine according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an electrical configuration diagram of a main part of the washing machine according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation from the start of washing to the start of a washing process in the washing machine of the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an electrical configuration diagram of a main part of a washing machine according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a side sectional view showing a configuration of a washing machine according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a portion A in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation from the start of washing to the start of the washing process in the washing machine of the third embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation during a spin-drying process in the washing machine according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a side sectional view showing a configuration of a washing machine according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of a portion B in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an operation during a washing operation in the washing machine according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the washing machine of the fourth embodiment during the spin-drying process.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pressure sensor 2 ... Giant magnetostrictive element 3 ... Coil 4 ... Case 5 ... Pressure receiving part 10 ... Machine frame 11 ... Outer tub 12 ... Hanging bar 13 ... Washing dehydration tub 16 ... Motor 24 ... Hanging bar receiving bracket 25 ... Leg 30 ... Control unit 31 ... LC oscillator 32 ... Frequency detection unit 33 ... Operation unit 36 ... Switch

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) D06F 37/12 D06F 37/12 Z 39/00 39/00 F G01L 1/12 G01L 1/12 (72) Inventor Takao Kuraseko 2-5-5 Keihanhondori, Moriguchi-shi, Osaka Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yuka Yoshida 2-5-2-5 Keihanhondori, Moriguchi-shi, Osaka Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. F term (reference) 3B155 AA01 AA03 AA06 BA03 BA04 BA26 CA06 CB06 DA13 KA18 KA28 KA32 KA35 KB10 LA11 LB18 LB27 LB35 MA01 MA02 MA05 MA06 MA09

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A washing machine, wherein a pressure sensor using a magnetostrictive element is provided in a portion of the washing machine that receives an external force due to a load, water weight, eccentric load, or vibration during operation. 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the pressure sensor includes a magnetostrictive element that receives the external force, and a coil that detects a change in magnetic characteristics of the magnetostrictive element as a change in inductance. Machine. 3. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein two or more of the load, the weight of water, the eccentric load, and the vibration are detected by the same pressure sensor. 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein at least the load and the weight of water are detected by the same pressure sensor.
A washing machine according to claim 1. 5. The pressure sensor according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of coils having different numbers of turns are switchably provided.
Or the washing machine according to 4. 6. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the pressure sensor is provided at a portion where a load based on a load amount and the weight of water is applied. 7. The pressure sensor is provided on a suspension rod support portion for receiving a suspension rod for suspending an outer tub having a washing and dewatering tub therein, and a load applied to the suspension rod is detected by the pressure sensor. The washing machine according to claim 6. 8. The washing machine according to claim 6, wherein the pressure sensor is provided on a leg for supporting the washing machine on a floor, and a load applied to the leg is detected by the pressure sensor. Machine. 9. The washing machine according to claim 7, wherein the pressure sensors are provided on all of the plurality of hanging rod bearings or legs. 10. The washing machine according to claim 7, wherein the pressure sensor is provided in at least one, but not all, of the plurality of hanging rod bearings or legs. 11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the detection by the pressure sensor is performed a plurality of times while rotating the washing and dewatering tub at a low speed, and a load amount, a weight of water, an eccentric load or vibration is estimated based on the detected value. Item 11. The washing machine according to item 10. 12. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the pressure sensor is provided in a portion where vibration generated during a washing, rinsing or dehydrating operation is large. 13. The washing machine according to claim 12, wherein the pressure sensor is attached to the machine frame so that the vibration of the machine frame of the washing machine is converted into an external force and detected by the pressure sensor. 14. A control means for performing control to reduce the rotation speed of a pulsator to weaken a water flow when vibrations equal to or more than a predetermined value are detected by the pressure sensor during a washing operation or a rinsing operation. Item 14. The washing machine according to any one of Items 1 to 13. 15. A control means for performing a control for executing an imbalance correction operation for rearranging laundry in the washing / dewatering tub when vibrations equal to or more than a predetermined value are detected by the pressure sensor during the dehydration operation. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein
4. The washing machine according to any one of 3. 16. A pressure sensor using a magnetostrictive element at a portion receiving an external force due to a load applied to the container or a vibration generated during the rotational movement in an apparatus for rotating an object by housing the object in a rotatable container. An apparatus provided with a rotating container, characterized by comprising: