JP2001300187A - Electric washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the operation sound of the claw clutch mechanism of an electric washing machine. SOLUTION: By PWM controlling a driving current to be supplied to an electromagnetic coil 47a in the claw clutch mechanism 47, the rise of the driving current is made gentle and the moving speed of a slider 47c is mitigated.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric washing machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a fully automatic electric washing machine, a washing and dewatering tub is rotatably installed in an outer tub suspended and supported by an anti-vibration support device in an outer frame, and further agitated at the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub. The blades are rotatably installed, and the washing and dewatering tub and the stirring blades are rotationally driven by a driving device attached to the outside of the bottom of the outer tub.

The driving device transmits the rotation of the electric motor to the stirring blade via a reduction gear mechanism, rotates the stirring blade forward and reverse at a low speed to perform a washing and rinsing process, and also performs a washing operation via a clutch mechanism. The washing and dewatering tub is transferred to the washing and dewatering tub at a high speed in one direction to perform a dewatering step.

[0004]

In such a fully automatic electric washing machine, the clutch mechanism in the driving device employs an electromagnetically operated meshing engagement mechanism, which supplies a driving current to the electromagnetic coil to mesh. When the slider of the engagement mechanism is electromagnetically operated, a hitting sound (operation sound) is generated. Also,
When the slider cannot be reliably electromagnetically operated, the transmission of the driving force cannot be reliably controlled intermittently, and the washing and dehydrating operations cannot be reliably performed.

One object of the present invention is to reduce the operating noise of an electromagnetically operated clutch mechanism.

Another object of the present invention is to enable the operation state of an electromagnetically operated clutch mechanism to be detected.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a washing and dewatering tub rotatably provided in an outer tub, a stirring blade rotatably provided inside the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub, A driving device installed outside the bottom to drive the washing and dewatering tub and the stirring blade, and a control device, wherein the driving device is an electromagnetically operated type that selectively drives the washing and dewatering tub and the stirring blade. In an electric washing machine having a clutch mechanism and an electric motor, the control device performs PWM control on a drive current supplied to an electromagnetic coil of the clutch mechanism so as to gradually increase the drive current to move the slider. It is characterized in that the speed is reduced.

Further, the control device is characterized in that the drive current supplied to the electromagnetic coil is reduced after a predetermined time from the start of the supply.

Further, the control device reduces the driving current supplied to the electromagnetic coil after a predetermined time from the start of the supply and operates the motor so that the locking protrusion of the attraction element of the slider is locked by the magnetic core. The washing and dewatering tub is prevented from rotating by being fitted into the groove.

Further, the present invention provides a washing and dewatering tub rotatably provided in an outer tub, a stirring blade rotatably provided inside the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub, and an outside of the bottom of the outer tub. A driving device installed in the washing and dewatering tub and the stirring blade, and a control device, wherein the driving device is an electromagnetically operated clutch mechanism and an electric motor for selectively driving the washing and dewatering tub and the stirring blade. In the electric washing machine including: the control device performs PWM control on a drive current supplied to the electromagnetic coil of the clutch mechanism, and detects an operating state of the slider based on a rise time of the drive current flowing through the electromagnetic coil. It is characterized by doing.

Further, the control device is characterized in that the operating state of the slider is detected based on the rise time of the driving current in the holding state where the driving current supplied to the electromagnetic coil is reduced.

[0012]

FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional side view schematically showing the basic structure of a fully automatic washing machine according to the present invention. 1 is a frame body including an internal mechanism. 2 is a washing and dewatering tub,
The fluid balancer 3 is provided at the upper edge portion, and the stirring blade 4 is rotatably provided inside the bottom portion. Numeral 5 is an outer tub that rotatably encloses the washing and dewatering tub 2. A driving device 6 is mounted on the outer side of the bottom through a steel plate mounting base 7, and the anti-vibration support is provided from the upper four corners of the outer frame 1. It is suspended by the device 8. The internal configuration of the driving device 6 will be described later.

Top cover 9 provided with clothing input opening 9a
Is fitted to the opening edge so as to cover the upper opening of the frame 1, and is attached to the frame 1 together with the front panel 10 and the back panel 11 by mounting screws (not shown).

A power switch 13, an input switch group 14, a display element group 15, and a water level signal corresponding to the water level in the outer tank 5 are generated in a front panel box 12 formed between the upper cover 9 and the front panel 10. Water level sensor 1
6 and a control unit 17 as a control device.

The back panel box 18 formed between the top cover 9 and the back panel 11 has a built-in water supply solenoid valve 21 having a water inlet connected to a faucet 19 and a water outlet connected to a water inlet 20. The water inlet 20 is formed so as to discharge water toward the opening of the washing and dewatering tub 2.

A clothing input opening 9a formed in the upper cover 9
Is opened and closed by a lid 22.

A drain port 5a formed at the bottom of the outer tub 5 is connected to a drain hose 24 via a drain solenoid valve 23, and the air trap 5b is connected to the water level sensor 16 via an air tube 25.

At the lower edge of the frame 1, a base 27 made of a synthetic resin having legs 26 attached at four corners is mounted.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional side view showing a specific structure of the fully automatic washing machine, and a part of the structure is shown in an expanded manner. Since this fully automatic washing machine has basically the same configuration as the fully automatic washing machine shown in FIG. 1, the same reference numerals as those corresponding to the components of the fully automatic washing machine shown in FIG. The same reference numerals are given and duplicate description is omitted.

FIGS. 3 to 6 show the internal structure of the driving device 6 in detail. FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional side view showing the entire driving device. FIG. 4 is a partial longitudinal sectional side view showing a state where the meshing coupling of the meshing clutch mechanism is released, and FIG.
FIG. 6 is a longitudinal side view showing a state in which meshing connection is performed;
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a meshing engagement portion between a slider and an electromagnetic core for locking an outer rotating shaft system.

The drive unit 6 has a structure in which a reduction gear mechanism, a meshing clutch mechanism, and a reversible rotary electric motor are concentrically arranged in series in the vertical direction with the drive rotation axes of the washing and spin-drying tub 2 and the stirring blade 4 as axes. It is.

The reduction gear mechanism has a double inner / outer structure driven by ball bearings 33a, 33b inside a split speed reduction mechanism outer case 32a, 32b mounted on the mounting base 7 with the mounting flange together with the coupling flange. The shaft system 34 is supported.

The drive rotating shaft system 34 includes a hollow outer rotating shaft system 35 and an inner rotating shaft system 36 disposed in the hollow.

The outer rotating shaft system 35 is a rotating shaft system for directly transmitting the rotation of the electric motor to the washing and spin-drying tub 2 to drive the washing and spin-drying tub 2. The outer rotating shaft system 35 extends outside the outer case 32a and extends outside the outer case 32a. 5
An outer output shaft portion 35a for connecting the washing and spin-drying tub 2 to a tip end penetrating the outer case 32b and a serration 35b for engaging with a clutch mechanism formed on a cylindrical portion extending outside the outer case 32b, and a flange 35c at an inner end. Are formed, and a gear case portion 35e which is located in the middle of the outer input shaft portion 35d and accommodates the planetary gear reduction mechanism. Gear case 35e
An annular gear 35f constituting a part of the planetary gear reduction mechanism is fixed to the inner periphery of the gear.

An inner rotating shaft system 36 provided inside the outer rotating shaft system 35 is a rotating shaft system for reducing the rotation of the electric motor and transmitting it to the stirring blades 4 to drive the stirring blades 4. A seal 37 and metal bearings 38a, 3 are provided in the shaft portion 35a.
8b and a retaining ring (push nut) 39 provided in a watertight and retaining state.
A mounting screw 36a is formed at the outer end portion of the washing / dewatering tub 2 protruding from the tip end of the a and into which the stirring blade 4 is mounted, and protrudes into the gear case portion 35e from the inner end to be coupled with the planetary gear reduction mechanism. An inner output shaft portion 36c having a serration 36b formed in a portion thereof, and an outer portion which is supported by ball bearings 40a and 40b inside the outer input shaft portion 35d, and extends in a cantilever state from the outer end of the outer input shaft portion 35d. An inner input shaft portion 36 in which a motor rotor fitting portion 36d and a set screw 36e are formed at an end portion, and a sun gear 36f is formed at an inner end portion extending into the gear case portion 35e.
g and a carrier 36h fitted in the serration 36b of the inner output shaft portion 36c in the gear case portion 35e.
And a planetary gear 36i that is rotatably engaged with the gears 35f and 36f and transmits the reduced rotational force to the carrier 36h.

The ball bearings 40a and 40b are mounted inside the outer input shaft portion 35d in a press-fitted state with respect to the outer input shaft portion 35d in order to support the inner input shaft portion 36g serving as the rotor shaft of the motor with high precision. As described later, the inner input shaft portion 36g supports the rotor of the electric motor in a cantilever state.
As the bearing for supporting the inner input shaft portion 36g, ball bearings 40a and 40b, which are typical of rolling bearings suitable for supporting a large load in the radial direction with small loss, are used. However, roller bearings may be used. .

In the motor, a plurality of motor housings 43, which are mounted in an insulated state by mounting screws 42 with an insulating member 41 interposed therebetween at the lower end surface of the outer case 32b, are opened downward, and a plurality of stators 44 are fitted from the open ends. Is fixed so as to be sandwiched between the notch projection 43a and the bent claw 43b. Specifically, the stator 44 is formed by winding a six-pole stator winding 44b around a stator core 44a so as to constitute a reversible rotary induction motor, and
a is fitted into the motor housing 43 and fixed,
Thereafter, the electric motor housing 43 is connected to the outer case 32b.
Attach to the lower end face of. The rotor 45 assembled to the stator 44 includes a rotor fitting portion 3 formed on the inner input shaft portion 36g.
6d and a set nut 4 screwed into a set screw 36e
Fix with 6.

The rotor 45 includes an outer iron core 45a1 and an inner iron core 45a2 which are laminated as a rotor iron core.
To the cage-shaped secondary conductor 4 by aluminum die casting
5b1 and the cooling blades 45b2, 45b3 are integrally formed,
Insulating resin is injected into the gap between the outer core 45a1 and the inner core 45a2 to form an insulating resin layer 45c1 for coupling the two, and extends to the lower end surface to form a rotating magnet receiving portion 45c2 for a rotation detecting sensor. Then, a permanent magnet 45d is fitted to the rotating magnet receiving portion 45c2. The insulating resin layer 45c1 extends to the upper end face of the rotor core, and forms a mating concave / convex portion 45c3 on the end face for engaging / disengaging a slider of a later-described meshing clutch mechanism.

The rotor 45 constructed in this manner is provided with a motor rotor fitting portion 36d formed on the inner input shaft portion 36g.
And fixed to the motor rotor fitting portion 36d by tightening the lock nut 46.

As shown in detail in FIGS. 4 to 6, a part of the meshing clutch mechanism 47 is connected to the outer rotating shaft system 35 by meshing engagement with the rotor 45 of the electric motor. The rotational force of the rotor 45 is transmitted to rotate the rotor 45, or the rotor 45 is disengaged and locked so as to prevent the outer rotary shaft system 35 from rotating.

In order to reduce the overall size of the driving device 6 in the axial direction, the meshing clutch mechanism 47 includes a ring-shaped electromagnetic core 47b containing a ring-shaped electromagnetic coil 47a inside the motor housing 43 by the mounting screw 42. The outer input shaft 35d is installed in the inner space surrounded by the end coil of the stator winding 44b. A slider 47c made of insulating resin, which is slidably engaged in the axial direction with a serration 35b formed in the outer input shaft portion 35d, is engaged with the meshing uneven portion 45c3 of the rotor 45 by a coil spring 47d. To the slider 47c against the pressing force of the coil spring 47d by the electromagnetic force of the electromagnetic coil 47a.
The meshing is released by raising the
Adsorb to 7b and stop.

The slider 47c is provided with an iron adsorber 47e, which is attracted by the electromagnetic iron core 47b, integrally formed by resin molding, and an engaging projection 47f which is fitted into and meshes with the engaging concave / convex portion 45c3 by resin molding. It is formed.

The slider 47e of the slider 47c is connected to the electromagnetic core 4
As shown in detail in FIG. 6, in order to lock the slider 47c and prevent it from rotating when attracted to the magnetic core 47b,
A plurality of radial locking grooves 47b1 are formed on the suction surface of b, and a plurality of radial locking protrusions 47e1 that fit into the locking grooves 47b1 are formed on the adsorber 47e. Locking groove 4
7b1 is formed so that the side wall surface for locking the locking ridge 47e1 is widened at an angle of 1 to 2 degrees in the depth direction.
1 is formed so that the side surface abutting on the side wall surface of the locking groove 47b1 spreads at an angle of 1 to 2 degrees in the tip direction,
A component force in the retaining direction is generated when the meshing engagement is performed.

The lower end of the motor housing 43 is
8 is fitted and covered. Then, a rotation detecting element (magnetic sensing element) 49 of the rotation detecting sensor is attached to the cover 48,
The rotation detecting element 49 is connected to the permanent magnet 45 of the rotor 45.
It is installed facing the rotation orbit of d.

In such a driving device 6, the mounting base 7 is mounted on the outside of the bottom of the outer tub 5 by the mounting screw 50. The outside of the driving device 6 is covered with an outer cover 51 attached together with the driving device 6 by the mounting screw 50.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the fully automatic washing machine.

The control unit 17 is composed mainly of a microcomputer 17a.
And a power supply relay 17c, a water supply solenoid valve 21, a drain solenoid valve 23, and a semiconductor switching element group for controlling power supply to an electromagnetic coil 47a of a clutch mechanism and a stator winding 44b of an electric motor, an auxiliary power supply circuit, and the like. Drive circuit 17
d.

The power supply circuit 17b generates a low-voltage DC voltage for a control circuit.

The drive circuit 17d includes a stator winding 4 of the electric motor.
4b, two semiconductor AC switching elements (FLS) 17d1, 17 for reversible rotation control are provided.
d2. FLS17d1 is a semiconductor AC switching element for forward rotation power supply control, and FLS17d2 is a semiconductor AC switching element for reverse rotation power supply control. Also,
Regarding the power supply control to the electromagnetic coil 47a,
At the initial stage of sucking e, a large current is required because a large electromagnetic force is required, and after the suction, control is performed so as to reduce the current to reduce heat generation. Details will be described later.

The microcomputer 17a takes in input signals from the power switch 13, the input switch group 14, the water level sensor 16 and the rotation detecting element 49 in accordance with a control processing program incorporated in advance, and the display element group 15 and the power relay. 17c and the drive circuit 17d.

When the power switch 13 is turned on, the microcomputer 17a of the control unit 17
The power supply relay 17c is turned on to enter a standby state.

When the start of washing is instructed from the input switch group 14, the washing / dehydrating mode set by the input switch group 14 is confirmed, and the washing / dehydrating process of the set washing / dehydrating mode is started.

FIG. 8 shows a control process executed by the microcomputer 17a in the basic washing / dewatering mode.

Step 1701 The electromagnetic water supply valve 21 is opened to supply water to the outer tub 5 to a predetermined water level. This predetermined water level is a water level suitable for detecting the amount of cloth in the next step.
It monitors and monitors the water level detection signal output from.

Step 1702: The amount of the cloth is detected. This cloth amount detection is performed based on the magnitude of the resistance of the laundry when the stirring blade 4 is rotated, as in the related art. For this purpose, the slider 47c is pulled up against the coil spring 47d by urging the electromagnetic coil 47a of the meshing clutch mechanism 47 to electromagnetically attract the adsorber 47e, and the meshing projection 47f of the slider 47c is moved by the electric motor. Of the rotor 45 is separated from the engaging concave / convex portion 45c3, the adsorber 47e is adsorbed to the electromagnetic core 47b, and the engaging ridge 47e1 of the adsorber 47e is engaged with the engaging groove 4 of the electromagnetic iron 47b.
By engaging with 7b1, the outer rotating shaft system 35 (the washing and dewatering tub 2) is locked so as to suppress the rotation thereof. In this state, the stator coil 44b of the motor is urged to rotate the rotor 45.
Is rotated through the planetary gear 36i from the inner input shaft portion 36g, and then transmitted to the inner output shaft portion 36c to rotate the stirring blade 4. Then, the inertial rotation speed when the driving is stopped is detected based on a signal from the rotation detection element 49, and the cloth amount is detected based on the attenuation characteristic. By performing this detection process while changing the water level, it is possible to detect the cloth.

Step 1703 The washing water level is determined in accordance with the laundry amount and the cloth quality, and water is supplied up to the washing water level. Step 1704 A washing step is executed according to the cloth amount and the cloth quality. This washing step is performed by rotating the agitating blade 4 in the normal and reverse directions, and by washing the washing and dewatering tub 2 in the normal and reverse directions.
Can be selectively executed by continuously rotating in one direction.

The washing method performed by rotating the stirring blade 4 forward and backward is as follows.
For example, it is suitable for washing laundry such as cotton underwear and socks with strong agitation. Further, the washing method in which the washing and dewatering tub 2 is rotated in the normal and reverse directions is suitable, for example, for washing large laundry such as sheets and bath towels so as to reduce entanglement and uneven washing. The washing method in which the washing and dewatering tub 2 is continuously rotated in one direction is suitable for washing laundry such as dry mark clothing so as not to lose its shape.

To wash the stirring blade 4 in the normal or reverse direction, the electromagnetic coil 47a of the meshing clutch mechanism 47 is urged to lift the slider 47c to disengage the slider 47c from the rotor 45. The adsorber 47e is attracted to the electromagnetic core 47b, the locking ridge 47e1 is engaged with the locking groove 47b1, the outer input shaft 35d is prevented from rotating, the washing and dewatering tub 2 is brought into a stationary state, and the rotor 45 is The rotation is transmitted to the stirring blade 4 via the inner input shaft portion 36g, the planetary gear 36i, and the inner output shaft portion 36c by urging the stator coil 44 to rotate forward and backward.

The washing method for rotating the washing and dewatering tub 2 forward and backward is performed by deenergizing the electromagnetic coil 47a of the meshing clutch mechanism 47 and pushing down the slider 47c by the coil spring 47d to thereby engage the meshing projection 47f of the slider 47c. The rotor 45
By engaging and engaging the concave and convex portions 45c3 of the electric motor to establish a connection with the rotor 45, and by urging the stator coil 44b so as to rotate the rotor 45 of the electric motor forward and reverse,
This rotation is applied to the outer input shaft 35d, the gear case 35e,
This is performed by transmitting to the washing and dewatering tub 2 via the outer output shaft portion 35a. At this time, since the planetary gear mechanism loses the speed reduction function, the stirring blade 4 rotates integrally with the washing and dewatering tub 2 in synchronism.

In the washing method in which the washing and spin-drying tub 2 is continuously rotated in one direction, the water level is set low, and the motor is continuously rotated in one direction in a connected state in which the meshing clutch mechanism 47 is meshed. As the stator coil 44
This is realized by energizing b.

The selection of these three washing methods is determined by the microcomputer 17a in accordance with the amount of cloth and the type of cloth or the washing mode set by the input switch group 14, and the electromagnetic coil 47a of the meshing clutch mechanism 47 is set. This is performed by controlling the engaged / disengaged state of the meshing clutch mechanism 47. If necessary, a washing method combining these can be used.

Step 1705 A rinsing step is performed. This rinsing step is preferably performed in combination with shower dehydration rinsing and pool rinsing. How to combine, first perform a shower dehydration rinse,
After that, it is advisable to perform a pool rinse.

In the shower dehydration rinsing, the drainage electromagnetic valve 23 is opened to drain the water, the stirring blade 4 and the washing and dewatering tub 2 are rotated at a high speed to perform the dewatering operation, and the water supply electromagnetic valve 21 is opened to wash and dewater the water. This is performed by pouring water into the water tank 2.

At this time, in the dehydration in which the washing and dewatering tub 2 is rotated at a high speed, the meshing clutch mechanism 47 deenergizes the electromagnetic coil 47a in the same manner as in the washing method in which the washing and dewatering tub 2 is rotated. This is realized by connecting the slider 47d to the rotor 45 of the electric motor and rotating the electric motor at a high speed in a predetermined direction.

In the rinsing of the reservoir, the stirring blade 4 and the washing and dewatering tub 2 are kept stationary, the drainage electromagnetic valve 23 is opened to drain the washing water in the outer tub 5, and the washing and dewatering tub 2 is rotated at a high speed to dehydrate. Then, the drainage electromagnetic valve 23 is closed and the water supply electromagnetic valve 21 is opened to pour water into the washing and dewatering tub 2 to store rinsing water in the outer tub 5 and rotate the stirring blade 4 or the washing and dewatering tub 2. The operation of stirring the laundry is repeated.

Step 1706 The dehydration step is executed. This dehydration step is performed in the same manner as the dehydration in the rinsing step described above.

In each of these steps, the microcomputer 17a displays the set state and the process progress state by controlling the display element group 15, and sounds a buzzer 17h when an abnormality occurs or when washing is completed. To do.

In such an electric washing machine, when the washing and dewatering tub 2 and the stirring blade 4 are rotated to perform dehydration, the driving current of the electromagnetic coil 47a of the meshing clutch mechanism 47 in the driving device 6 is cut off to allow the slider to rotate. 47c is a spring 47d
To engage with the rotor 45 of the motor,
When washing by rotating the stirring blade 4, the electromagnetic coil 47 is used.
A drive current is supplied to a, and the slider 47c is pulled up by an electromagnetic force to release the engagement with the rotor 45 and to be attracted to the electromagnetic core 47b, thereby performing a pulling-up control for preventing the washing and dewatering tub 2 from rotating. . In this raising control,
The drive current supplied to the electromagnetic coil 47a is PWM-controlled to change the average value (magnitude) of the drive current, thereby adjusting the electromagnetic force for driving the slider 47c.

The control of the drive current of the electromagnetic coil 47a is executed by the drive circuit 17de based on a command from the microcomputer 17a.

FIG. 9 shows a partial configuration of a drive circuit 17d for performing PWM control of a drive current supplied to the electromagnetic coil 47a based on a command from the microcomputer 17a, and FIG. 10 shows operation characteristics. .

The driving current supplied to the electromagnetic coil 47a is P
In order to perform the WM control, the drive circuit 17d detects the magnitude of the drive current supplied from the auxiliary power supply circuit 17d3 to the electromagnetic coil 47a by the voltage drop of the supply current detection resistor 17d4,
The terminal voltage of the supply current detection resistor 17d4 is taken into the differential amplifier 17d61 of the PWM control circuit 17d6 via the filter circuit 17d5, and a difference from a current command value given from the microcomputer 17a is amplified to generate a control signal. This control signal and the triangular wave generator 17d62
The comparator 17d63 compares the triangular-wave signals output from the comparator 17d63 to output a PWM signal, and the switching element 17d7 is intermittently controlled by the PWM signal. When the switching element 17d7 is cut off, the drive current flowing through the electromagnetic coil 47a is attenuated while returning through the return diode 17d8. Then, the drive current flowing through the electromagnetic coil 47a pulsates, and the average value thereof follows the current command value given from the microcomputer 17a.

If the driving current supplied to the electromagnetic coil 47a to attract and lift the slider 47c is increased from the beginning, the electromagnetic force acting on the adsorber 47e of the slider 47c becomes excessive, and When the adsorber 47e is attracted to the electromagnetic core 47b due to an excessive lifting speed of 47c, a loud hitting sound is generated.

In this embodiment, in order to reduce the hitting sound, the microcomputer 17a gradually increases the current command value (soft start) and gradually averages the drive current supplied to the electromagnetic coil 47a. , The electromagnetic force acting on the adsorber 47e is gradually increased, so that the lifting speed of the slider 47c is slowed to reduce the hitting sound.

The electromagnetic force for holding the adsorber 47e adsorbed on the electromagnetic core 47b has a small driving current (holding current).
The power consumption and the heat generation can be reduced by reducing the driving current.

The microcomputer 17a reduces the current command value so as to reduce the drive current supplied a predetermined time after the start of the supply of the drive current, and operates the motor in the state where the drive current is reduced to operate the stirring blade 4. By rotating, the rotating force of the stirring blade 4 acts on the washing and dewatering tub 2 through the laundry to rotate the washing and dewatering tub 2 gently, so that the slider 47c also rotates gently. The engaging protrusion 47e1 of the adsorber 47e of the slider 47c is fitted into the engaging groove 47b1 of the electromagnetic core 47b, and the washing and dewatering tub 2 is fitted.
To stop. Since the electromagnetic force at this time reduces the supply driving current, the contact surface between the adsorber 47e and the electromagnetic core 47b is relatively slippery, and the locking protrusion 47e is provided.
It is easily slid and fitted until the 1 and the locking groove 47b1 are fitted and fitted. After that, the fitted state is held by the holding drive current.

When the slider 47c is completely pulled up and the adsorber 47e is attracted to the electromagnetic core 47b, the electromagnetic coil 47a comes into contact with the adsorber 47e to increase the magnetic permeability of the magnetic circuit. And the rising of the supplied drive current becomes slow. But,
If the slider 47c is not sufficiently lifted and the electromagnetic core 47b and the adsorber 47e are separated from each other, the magnetic permeability of the magnetic circuit remains small (or cannot be increased sufficiently), so that the inductance of the electromagnetic coil 47a remains small. Therefore, the supplied drive current rises sharply. FIG.
Indicates such a state.

The microcomputer 17a observes the rise time of the supplied drive current and determines whether or not the slider 47c operates normally. That is, the microcomputer 17a takes in the terminal voltage of the supply current detection resistor 17d4 via the waveform shaping circuit 17d9, compares the time width t with the reference time t0, and determines the operation state of the slider 47c. The rise time t of the supply drive current in the normal state where the locking ridge 47e1 of the adsorber 47e is fitted in the lock groove 47b1 of the electromagnetic core 47b is defined as t1, and the rise time t of the supply drive current in the abnormal state where the engagement is not performed. t2
By setting the reference time t0 in the meantime, by comparing the reference time t0 with the rise time t, it is determined whether the slider 47 operates normally.

When the slider 47 does not operate normally, the lifting control is performed again.

In the clutch mechanism in the above-described embodiment, the slider is directly operated by generating an electromagnetic force by supplying a drive current to the electromagnetic coil, but is operated indirectly. Such a clutch mechanism may be used.

[0070]

According to the present invention, since the drive current supplied to the electromagnetic coil in the electromagnetically operated clutch mechanism is gradually increased by PWM control, the operating noise of the slider can be reduced. . Further, since the operating state of the clutch mechanism is detected by observing the rise time of the drive current controlled by the PWM control, it is possible to avoid a malfunction due to a malfunction.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional side view schematically showing a basic configuration of a fully automatic electric washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional side view showing a specific configuration of the fully automatic washing machine shown in FIG. 1, and a part of the configuration is shown in an expanded manner.

FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional side view showing an internal configuration of a driving device in the fully automatic electric washing machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional side view showing an operating state of a dog clutch mechanism in the drive device shown in FIG. 3, showing a stirring blade driving state.

FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional side view showing an operating state of a dog clutch mechanism in the drive device shown in FIG. 3, showing a washing and dehydrating tub driving state.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional side view of a fitting portion between an electromagnetic core and an attraction element in the meshing clutch mechanism of the drive device shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a control unit of the fully automatic washing machine shown in FIG.

8 shows a control process executed by a microcomputer in the fully automatic washing machine shown in FIG.

9 is a block diagram showing a control system of an electromagnetic coil of a clutch mechanism in the control unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a drive current control signal waveform diagram in the electromagnetic coil control system shown in FIG. 9;

11 is an operation state detection signal waveform diagram in the electromagnetic coil control system shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

2 ... Washing and dewatering tub, 4 ... Agitating blade, 5 ... Outer tub, 6 ... Driver, 17 ... Control unit, 17a ... Microcomputer, 17d ... Drive circuit, 17d4 ... Supply current detection resistor, 17d6 ... PWM control circuit, 17d61
... differential amplifier, 17d62 ... triangular wave generator, 17d63 ... comparator, 17d7 ... switching element, 17d9 ... waveform shaping circuit, 45 ... rotor, 45c ... meshing uneven plate, 45c
3 contact surface, 45f cushioning rod, 45f1 large diameter part, 47
Meshing clutch mechanism, 47a ... electromagnetic coil, 47b ...
Electromagnetic core, 47b1 ... locking groove, 47c ... slider, 47e
... adsorber, 47e1 ... locking projection, 47f ... meshing projection.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Atsushi Hosokawa 1-1-1, Higashitaga-cho, Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture Inside Hitachi Taga Electronics Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Ken Ogura 1-1-1, Higashitaga-cho, Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture No. 1 Inside Hitachi Taga Electronics Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Shoichi Ito 1-1-1 Higashi Taga-cho, Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture Inside Hitachi Taga Technology Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Nobuyuki Hanawa One Higashi Taga-machi, Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture 1-1-1 Citachi Taga Technology Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 3B155 BA03 BB19 HB19 KA31 KB03 KB08 KB27 KB28 LA02 LB00 LC12 LC28 MA01 MA02 MA07 MA08 MA09

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A washing and dewatering tub rotatably provided in an outer tub, a stirring blade rotatably provided inside a bottom of the washing and dewatering tub, and a washing and dehydrating tub installed outside the bottom of the outer tub. An electric drive including an electromagnetically operated clutch mechanism and an electric motor for selectively driving the washing and dewatering tub and the stirring blades; In the washing machine, the control device may control the drive current supplied to the electromagnetic coil of the clutch mechanism by PWM so as to gradually increase the drive current to reduce the moving speed of the slider. An electric washing machine characterized by the following. 2. The electric washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the control device reduces the drive current supplied to the electromagnetic coil a predetermined time after the start of the supply. 3. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control device reduces the drive current supplied to the electromagnetic coil after a predetermined time from the start of supply and operates the electric motor so as to reduce the locking protrusion of the adsorber of the slider. An electric washing machine characterized in that the washing and dewatering tub is prevented from rotating by being fitted into a locking groove of an electromagnetic core. 4. A washing and dewatering tub rotatably provided in an outer tub, a stirring blade rotatably provided inside a bottom of the washing and dewatering tub, and a washing and dehydrating tub installed outside the bottom of the outer tub. An electric drive including an electromagnetically operated clutch mechanism and an electric motor for selectively driving the washing and dewatering tub and the stirring blades; In the washing machine, the control device performs PWM control on a drive current supplied to an electromagnetic coil of the clutch mechanism, and detects an operation state of the slider based on a rise time of the drive current flowing through the electromagnetic coil. An electric washing machine characterized by the above-mentioned. 5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control device detects the operating state of the slider based on a rise time of the drive current in a holding state in which the drive current supplied to the electromagnetic coil is reduced. Electric washing machine characterized.