JP2003010586A - Electric washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve a higher quantity/quality of cloth detection accuracy. SOLUTION: A changeover clutch mechanism 62 is controlled to a driving pattern in which a spinning tub 2 is made free to rotate so that a driving force in the direction opposite to an agitation blade 4 is applied by a reaction force in the driving of the agitation blade and the agitation blade is driven to detect the amount of load thereby reducing effect on the changeover clutch mechanism.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an electric washing machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A washing / dehydrating tub rotatably installed in an outer tub, a stirring blade rotatably installed in the washing / dehydrating tub, and a drive for controlling the rotation of the washing / dehydrating tub and the stirring wing. An apparatus, a water supply / drainage means, and a drive device and a control device for controlling the water supply / drainage means, wherein the drive device freely rotates the washing / dehydrating tub and a stirring blade is driven by a reaction force of a stirring blade. There is proposed an electric washing machine configured to be switchable between a washing drive mode in which a stirring blade is rotationally driven in a state in which a driving force in the opposite direction is applied and a dehydration drive mode in which the washing / dehydrating tub is rotationally driven. Such a washing machine is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-29684.

[0003]

In such an electric washing machine, the drive unit is driven to rotate the stirring blade while the washing / dehydrating tub is kept stationary by engaging the washing / dehydrating tub with the stationary member. A first drive mode and a second drive mode in which the stirring vane is rotationally driven in a state in which the washing and dehydrating tub is freely rotated and a driving force in a direction opposite to the stirring vane is applied by a reaction force of the stirring vane drive; The washing / dehydrating tub and the stirring blade are configured to be switched to a third driving mode in which they are integrally rotationally driven, and by selectively executing these driving modes, more efficient washing and dewatering are performed. Will be able to.

In order to construct a drive device capable of switching to such three driving modes, it is desirable to provide a switching clutch mechanism which is switched by an operating motor.

Such an electric washing machine detects the amount of cloth and the quality of the cloth for detecting the amount and the quality of the laundry in order to execute the washing control according to the amount and the quality of the laundry. This detection is performed by detecting the load amount acting on the stirring blade based on the rotation speed of the drive motor (the rotation speed decreases as the load amount increases).

However, as described above, when the switching clutch mechanism is interposed in the drive system for rotating the stirring blade, the switching clutch mechanism is in the first drive mode in which the washing / dehydrating tub is stationary, and the locking member. If the engagement with and is in an unstable state, the change in the engagement state affects the load of the drive motor and reduces the detection accuracy.

Further, when the operation control for stabilizing the engagement of the switching clutch mechanism is performed, a time delay occurs for executing the control.

An object of the present invention is to provide an electric washing machine capable of detecting the quantity (cloth quantity) and / or quality (cloth quality) of laundry with high accuracy by reducing the influence of the switching clutch mechanism. To propose.

Another object of the present invention is the amount of laundry (laundry amount).
And / or to propose an electric washing machine capable of quickly performing high-precision detection of quality (cloth quality).

[0010]

According to the present invention, there is provided a washing / dehydrating tub rotatably installed in an outer tub, a stirring blade rotatably installed in the washing / dehydrating tub, the washing / dehydrating tub, and In an electric washing machine equipped with a drive device for rotating or stationary stirring blades, water supply / drainage means, and a control device for controlling the drive device and water supply / drainage means, wherein the drive device is the washing / dewatering tub. The first drive mode in which the stirring blade is rotationally driven in a stationary state, and the washing / dehydrating tub is freely rotated to give a driving force in a direction opposite to the stirring blade to the washing / dehydrating tub by a reaction force of the stirring blade drive. In this state, the stirring blade is rotationally driven in a second driving mode, and the washing / dehydrating tub and the stirring blade are integrally rotated in a third driving mode. Rotate the stirring blade with the device in the second drive mode It characterized by being configured to perform a dry cloth sensing and / or compress sensing to detect a load acting on the stirring 拌翼 by dynamic.

Further, the control device is configured to perform initialization control of the clutch operating electric motor so that the switching clutch mechanism is in the second drive mode when power is turned on.

[0012]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

The electric washing machine according to the embodiment described below is a washing / drying type electric washing machine capable of performing washing (washing and rinsing), dehydration and drying, which will be specifically described later. A washing / dehydrating tub rotatably installed in the outer tub, a stirring blade rotatably installed in the washing / dehydrating tub, a drive device for rotating or stationary the washing / dehydrating tub and the stirring wing, and water supply And a drainage means, a high-concentration detergent liquid generation / supply means for dissolving a powdered detergent to generate a high-concentration detergent liquid and falling on laundry, a warm air circulating / drying means, the drive device, and water supply / drainage means A high-concentration detergent liquid generation / supply means and a control device for controlling the warm air circulation drying means are provided.

The stirring blade has a large diameter (the outer diameter is 9 times the inner diameter of the washing / dehydrating tub, which covers most of the bottom of the washing / dehydrating tub).
(0% or more), it is bent upward so as to push up the peripheral portion to form a dish shape, and is configured to rotate while supporting the laundry.

The drive unit includes a drive motor, a speed reduction mechanism, a switching clutch mechanism, and a clutch operating motor. The speed reduction mechanism is composed of a planetary gear mechanism to reduce the rotation of the drive motor to rotate the stirring blade. The switching clutch mechanism is driven by the clutch operating electric motor to drive the stirring blade in reverse while the washing / dehydrating tub is kept stationary. A second drive mode in which the stirring blade and the washing / dehydrating tank are rotationally driven in a state in which the water tank is freely rotated and the driving force in the opposite direction to the stirring blade is applied to the washing / dehydrating tank by the reaction force of the stirring blade driving, The rotation of the electric motor is directly transmitted to the washing / dehydrating tub, and the washing / dehydrating tub and the stirring blade are switched to the third driving mode in which the driving electric motor integrally rotates.

The switching operation of each of the driving modes of the switching clutch mechanism is realized by swinging the clutch operating lever by the cam rotationally driven by the clutch operating motor, and the detection of each driving mode is performed by the cam. The position of the first drive form and the position of the third drive form are respectively detected by two position detection switches, and the second drive form is estimated by the rotational drive elapsed time from the state detected by the position detection switch. It is configured to be performed by doing.

Further, the high-concentration detergent liquid producing / supplying means applies a high-concentration detergent liquid having a detergent concentration of 5 to 30 times the detergent concentration of the washing water produced by dissolving the powder detergent in tap water onto the laundry. It is configured to be immersed.

The warm air circulating drying means is constructed such that the moist air in the outer tub is sucked out, dehumidified with water and then heated and blown into the washing / dehydrating tub.

Then, the control device executes the following control processing. First, when the power is turned on, the switching clutch mechanism initialization control for driving the clutch operating electric motor is performed so that the switching clutch mechanism is in the second drive mode. In the second driving form, the process to be executed thereafter is generally the same as the driving form for detecting the amount of laundry, so that a delay time in the progress of the process is reduced. This is an initialization state suitable for performing.

Next, when the start switch is pressed after the initial setting operation, if general automatic washing is set, the stirring blade is rotated with the switching clutch mechanism in the second drive mode. Detects the amount of laundry put in the washing / dehydrating tub (dry cloth sensing) and sets a suitable amount of water for washing (washing and rinsing), and generates wash water with a suitable detergent concentration according to this set amount of water. Set and display the amount of detergent (generally, the amount of powdered synthetic detergent to be added) to do so. In the detection of the amount of laundry in the second drive mode, it is possible to eliminate the influence of the unstable behavior of the switching clutch mechanism and realize highly accurate detection.

Next, the washing / dehydrating tub and / or the stirring blades are rotated to drop water on the laundry to wet it and reduce its bulk, and it is suitable for descending a high-concentration detergent solution to be immersed therein. State.

When the set amount of the powdered detergent is put into the detergent inputting means, the powdered detergent in an amount suitable for this washing is dissolved with a small amount of detergent-dissolving water to produce a high-concentration detergent liquid. The high chemical washing power of the high-concentration detergent liquid acts on the dirt by sinking it into the laundry and immersing it, and the subsequent mechanical washing power (acts on the laundry by the stirring blade and the washing / dehydrating tank). By reducing the mechanical force to be applied, it is possible to reduce the damage to the cloth and the entanglement of the cloth while maintaining the required cleaning power. The detergent concentration of the high-concentration detergent liquid that sinks into and sinks into the laundry is 5 to 30 times the detergent concentration in the wash water. Considering variations in detergent liquid generation and supply, set the target value at about 10 times. It is convenient to do this.

Next, water is supplied up to the amount of water (water level) set to a preferable value for washing. During this water supply process, the stirring blades are driven to rotate to detect the amount of laundry (wet pack sensing), and based on the results of dry cloth and wet cloth sensing, the quality of the laundry is estimated and the reverse drive on / off time limit is set. Settings, washing time, correction of set water level, etc. The on-time limit of the inversion drive is set so that it becomes longer as the amount of laundry increases.

When the water supply up to the set water level is completed, the stirring impeller and the washing / dehydrating tub are reversely driven to perform washing and stirring control for exerting a mechanical force on the laundry. This washing agitation control operates the switching clutch mechanism in the first or second driving mode according to the amount of laundry, and also controls the on / off time limit of the inversion drive set according to the amount and quality of laundry. Perform according to the wash time. When the amount of laundry is less than a predetermined amount (80% of the rated load in this embodiment), the switching clutch mechanism is set to the second driving form so that the stirring blade and the washing / dehydrating tub rotate in opposite directions. The washing and stirring is performed by the reversal drive that gives the driving force. When the amount exceeds a predetermined amount, first, the switching clutch mechanism is set to the second drive mode, and the reversal drive that gives the rotational driving force in the opposite direction to the stirring blade and the washing and dewatering tank Washing and stirring is performed, and then, the switching clutch mechanism is set to the first drive mode, and the washing and stirring is performed by inverting the stirring blade while the washing / dehydrating tub is stationary. In washing and stirring with a predetermined amount or more, the on-time limit of the first drive mode is set shorter than the on-time period of the second drive mode to prevent an excessive stirring force.

Here, the reversal drive means repetition of forward rotation drive of the stirring blade → pause → reverse rotation drive → pause → forward rotation drive, and the ON time is forward or reverse rotation drive. Of one time (power-on time to the drive motor), and the off-time means rest time.

In such a washing process, since the chemical washing power of the high-concentration detergent liquid is effectively utilized, stains can be sufficiently removed with a small stirring force (mechanical force), and the cloth entanglement and Reduces fabric damage.

When the washing is completed, the washing water is drained, and the switching clutch mechanism is operated in the second driving mode to integrally rotate the stirring blade and the washing / dehydrating tub in one direction at a high speed to include the washing in the laundry. Centrifuge the existing wash water.

Next, water is supplied up to the amount of water (water level) set to a preferable value for rinsing, and reverse driving for rinsing and stirring is executed. As the reversal drive for rinsing and stirring, the reversal drive according to the second drive mode is adopted when the amount of laundry is less than a predetermined value, and the reversal drive according to the first drive mode is adopted when the amount of laundry is greater than the predetermined value.

When the set rinsing and stirring is completed, the rinsing water is drained, and the switching clutch mechanism is operated in the third driving mode to integrally rotate the stirring blade and the washing / dehydrating tank in one direction at a high speed. Centrifuge the rinse water contained in the laundry.

This rinsing and stirring, drainage and centrifugal dehydration are repeated as many times as necessary, and the final dehydration is carried out until a dehydration state suitable for the subsequent drying step is reached.

When the dehydrated laundry is dried in the washing / dehydrating tub, the warm air circulating / drying means is operated while slowly rotating the washing / dehydrating tub to suck out the air in the washing / dehydrating tub to dehumidify it. By heating and blowing it into the washing / dehydrating tank, the laundry is exposed to the circulating air and dried. As described above, the washing performed by reducing the mechanical force by effectively utilizing the chemical cleaning power of the high-concentration detergent liquid reduces the entanglement of the laundry, so that the circulating air is evenly distributed over the laundry. It is effective in touching and increasing the drying efficiency.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the overall construction of an electric washing machine which is an embodiment of the present invention.

Reference numeral 1 is a frame body forming an outer shell. 2 is
It is a washing and dehydrating tub, which has a water passage hole 2a in its peripheral wall, a fluid balancer 3 at its upper edge portion, and a stirring blade 4 rotatably installed inside the bottom portion. The stirring blade 4 has a large diameter (90% or more of the inner diameter of the washing / dewatering tub 2 is desirable) and is a dish-like shape that is bent upward so as to push up the peripheral portion, and has a water passage hole 4a in the lower region. Set up. Reference numeral 5 denotes an outer tub containing the washing / dehydrating tub 2, and a drive device 6 is attached to the outside of the bottom of the tub 2 by a steel plate mounting base 7, and the vibration isolation support device 8 is provided from the four corners of the upper end of the outer frame 1. Support to hang by.

The drive device 6, which will be described in detail later, has a speed reduction mechanism using a drive motor, a switching clutch mechanism of an electric motor operating system, and a planetary gear mechanism, and the stirring blade while the washing and dehydrating tub 2 is stationary. 4, a first drive mode in which the washing / dehydrating tub 2 and the stirring blade 4 are integrated, and a second drive mode in which rotational driving forces in opposite directions are applied to the washing / dehydrating tub 2 and the stirring blade 4, respectively. The third driving mode for rotating the same direction can be selectively executed.

A top cover 9 having a clothing insertion opening 9a
Is fitted into the opening edge so as to cover the upper opening of the frame body 1, and is attached to the frame body 1 together with the front panel 10 and the back panel 11 by mounting screws.

A front panel box 12 formed between the top cover 9 and the front panel 10 includes a power switch 13, an operation panel 14 having an input switch group and a display element group, and a water level in the outer tub 5. A water level sensor 15 for generating a water level signal and a control unit 16 are incorporated. These constitute a control device.

In the back panel box 17 formed between the top cover 9 and the back panel 11, the washing water supply means and the high-concentration detergent liquid generating / supplying means are installed so as to be installed side by side.

The washing water supply means has a water tap connection port 1 on the water inlet side.
8 and the main water supply solenoid valve 20 is connected to the water inlet side to the water inlet 19.

The high-concentration detergent liquid generating / supplying means supplies a small amount of detergent-dissolving water to the detergent-dissolving container 21 from the auxiliary water-supply solenoid valve 22 and agitates the powder synthetic detergent put in the detergent-dissolving container 21. While being dissolved in the detergent-dissolving water, a high-concentration detergent solution is produced. The detergent dissolving container 21 has a water supply port 19
And a high-concentration detergent liquid generated is diluted with further feed water (diluted water supply) to increase the amount of the detergent liquid, so that the high-concentration detergent liquid is overflowed from the overflow portion and supplied to the water injection port 19. Detergent-dissolving water for producing a high-concentration detergent solution is
It is set to a small amount so that it does not overflow from the overflow portion of the detergent dissolving container 21, and at the time of dilution water supply, the main water supply solenoid valve 20 is also opened to dilute the water so that the detergent concentration is suitable for immersion in laundry. It is configured to supply water to the water inlet 19.

When a finishing agent feeder is attached to the detergent dissolving container 21, an auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 2 for flowing out the finishing agent is provided.
2a is provided.

The warm air circulation drying means is formed so as to extend vertically upward along the outer wall surface on the rear side of the outer tub 5 from the suction port 5a formed on the side wall near the bottom of the outer tub 5. A water-cooling dehumidification duct 23 for blocking the wash water that has entered from the suction port 5a, and a cooling sprinkling unit 2 located at an upper part of the water-cooling dehumidification duct 23 and supplying cooling water into the duct.
4, a downward air passage duct 25 that folds back at a position higher than the water level of the outer tub 5 in a washing operation and extends vertically along the outer wall surface of the outer tub 5 toward the lower side of the outer tub 5, A circulation fan 26 that is arranged in the space below 5 and that sucks air from the downdraft duct 25 to generate circulation air;
An ascending air duct 27 extending vertically from the outlet of the circulation fan 26 along the outer wall surface of the outer tub 5, and an ascending air duct 27 installed on the outer tub upper cover 28.
A heater (PTC heater) 29 for heating the circulating air fed from the heater 29 and an outlet 30 for blowing the circulating air heated by the heater 29 into the washing / dehydrating tub 2 are provided.

A humidity sensor 40 as a humidity detecting means and a first temperature sensor 41 are installed in the descending air duct 25, and a second temperature sensor 42 is installed in the air passage downstream of the heater 29.

In addition, a yarn waste collecting filter (not shown) is installed at the folded portion from the upper portion of the water cooling / dehumidifying duct 23 to the descending air duct 25.

The water cooling / dehumidifying duct 23, the descending air passage duct 25 and the ascending air passage duct 27 are mounted on the outer wall surface on the rear side of the outer tub 5 side by side in the circumferential direction of the outer tub 5.

The warm air circulating drying means operates the circulation fan 26 while draining the washing water in the outer tub 5 after washing, rotating the washing / dehydrating tub 2 at a high speed to spin it off, and then rotating it at a low speed. By this, the moist air in the outer tub 5 and the washing / dehydrating tub 3 is sucked out from the suction port 5a, and in the process of raising the inside of the water cooling / dehumidifying duct 23, the cooling water supplied from the cooling sprinkling section 24 into the water cooling / dehumidifying duct 23. Cool and dehumidify by. Thereafter, the air that has been cooled and dehumidified descends the descending air duct 25 and is sucked into the circulation fan 26.
Then, it is sent to the outlet 30 through the heater 29, heated by the heater 29, and blown in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the washing / dehydrating tub 2 toward the vicinity of the inner wall surface in the washing / dehydrating tub 2. The circulating air thus blown into the washing / dehydrating tub 2 touches the laundry in the washing / dehydrating tub 2 to dry the laundry.

Clothing insertion opening 9a formed in the top cover 9
Is covered with an outer lid 31 so as to be openable and closable, and the outer tank upper cover 2
The opening 28a formed in 8 is configured to be opened and closed by the inner lid 32.

The drain port 5b formed at the bottom of the outer tub 5 is connected to the drain hose 34 via the drain solenoid valve 33. The air trap 5c is connected to the water level sensor 15 via an air tube 35. A base 37, which is made of synthetic resin and has legs 36 attached to the four corners, is attached to the lower edge of the frame 1.

The reference numeral 38 indicates a laundry put in the washing / dehydrating tub 2.

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional side view showing a specific structure of the electric washing machine described above. A part of the description overlapping with the description of FIG. 1 will be omitted.

The drive device 6 is provided with a drive motor 61, a switching clutch mechanism 62, a speed reduction mechanism 63, a central output shaft 64 and an outer output shaft 65, and is integrally assembled on the lower surface of a steel plate mounting base 7, and this mounting is performed. The base 7 is attached to the bottom surface of the outer tank 5 by screwing.

The drive motor 61 is a reversible rotation type motor having a plurality of steps or continuously variable speed. In order to rotatably drive the stirring blade 4 and the washing / dehydrating tank 2 at various rotational speeds that are suitable for detecting the amount of cloth (cloth quality), descending the high-concentration detergent liquid, washing, rinsing, dehydrating, and drying, an inverter-driven brushless It is desirable to use an electric motor.

The speed reduction mechanism 63 is a planetary gear type speed reduction mechanism, and the carrier that supports the planetary gears is the central output shaft 64.
, The inner gear is connected to the outer output shaft 65, and the sun gear is directly connected to the drive motor 61.

The switching clutch mechanism 62 includes a cam 62b rotated by a clutch operating electric motor 62a.
By operating the clutch operating lever 62f with, the first drive mode, the second drive mode, and the third drive mode are selectively set. In the first drive mode, the drive motor 61 is operated in a state where a stationary force is applied to the washing / dehydrating tub 2 by engaging the internal gear of the reduction mechanism 63 with a stationary member.
Is transmitted to the stirring blade 4 via the speed reduction mechanism 63 and the central output shaft 64 to rotate the stirring blade 4 to execute washing stirring. In the second drive mode, the sun gear is rotated by the drive motor 61 in a state where the internal gear of the reduction mechanism 63 is freely rotated, so that the rotational force of the drive motor 61 is applied to both the central output shaft 64 and the outer output shaft 65. In the opposite direction, the washing / dehydrating tub 2 and the stirring blade 4 are rotationally driven in opposite directions to detect the amount of cloth (cloth quality) and to stir the laundry. Then, in the third drive mode, the internal gear of the reduction mechanism 62 is connected to the drive motor 61 to set the drive motor 61.
The sun gear and the internal gear are integrally rotated by the above, and the central output shaft 64 and the outer output shaft 65 are rotated in the same direction to rotate the washing / dehydrating tub 2 and the stirring blade 4 in the same direction to supply wet water. In this configuration, the high-concentration detergent liquid is dropped, centrifugal dehydration is performed, and hot air drying is performed.

3 and 4 show the relationship between the washing / dehydrating tub 2 and the stirring blade 4 and the form of the stirring blade 4 in this embodiment. FIG. 3 shows the washing / dehydrating tub 2 and stirring. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal side view of the blade 4, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the stirring blade 4.

The stirring blade 4 in this embodiment is formed so that the outer diameter dimension thereof is 90% or more of the inner diameter dimension of the washing / dehydrating tank 2 so as to cover most of the bottom portion of the washing / dehydrating tank 2. To configure. Further, the stirring blade 4 is formed in a dish shape in which the stirring blade 4 is bent upward so that the peripheral edge portion is pushed up and radial stirring ribs 4b are provided on the upper surface, and is rotated while supporting the laundry. To do. The bulge of the central portion is for forming the boss 4c into which the central output shaft 64 is fitted on the back side (lower surface side) thereof.

FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional side view showing the internal structure of the drive unit 6 in detail, in which the switching clutch mechanism 62 is the first.
2 shows the state in the driving form of FIG. FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional side view showing a part of the switching clutch mechanism 62 in an enlarged manner.

The drive unit 6 includes a speed change mechanism 63, a switching clutch mechanism 62 and a drive motor 61 that mesh with each other in the vertical direction with output shafts 64 and 65 connecting the washing / dehydrating tub 2 and the stirring blades 4 as axes. This is a configuration in which they are concentrically arranged in series and attached to a steel plate center base 7 which is a mounting strength member.

The reduction gear mechanism 63 is driven and rotated in a double structure inside and outside by ball bearings 63d and 63e inside the split reduction gear mechanism outer cases 63b and 63c which are attached to the center base 7 by attaching the fitting flanges to the center base 7. The shaft system 63f is supported.

The drive rotary shaft system 63f includes a hollow outer output shaft 65 system and a central output shaft 64 system disposed inside the hollow outer output shaft 65 system.

The outer output shaft 65 system is a rotary shaft system for directly transmitting the rotation of the drive motor 61 to the washing / dehydrating tub 2 to drive the washing / dehydrating tub 2, and extends outside the outer case 63b. The outer output shaft 65 that connects the washing / dehydrating tub 2 to the tip end that penetrates the outer tub 5 and the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion that extends to the outside of the outer case 63c engage the slider of the switching clutch mechanism 62. An outer input shaft portion 63h having a serration 63g formed therein and a flange formed at an inner end thereof, and a gear case portion 63h positioned in the middle thereof to accommodate the planetary gear reduction mechanism are provided. An annular internal gear 63j forming a part of the planetary gear reduction mechanism is fixed to the inner periphery of the gear case portion 63i.

The central output shaft 64 system provided inside the outer output shaft 65 system is a rotary shaft system for decelerating the rotation of the drive motor 61 and transmitting it to the stirring blade 4 to drive the stirring blade 4.
The outer output shaft 65 is provided with metal bearings 67a and 67b and a seal ring (not shown) in a watertight and retaining state, and protrudes from the tip of the outer output shaft 65 into the washing / dehydrating tub 2 to which the stirring blade 4 is attached. A stirring blade attachment portion (not shown) is formed, and the gear case portion 63i is formed from the inner end.
The central output shaft 64 having serrations formed on the inner end portion projecting inward and coupled to the planetary gear reduction mechanism, and the ball bearings 63k, 6 inside the outer input shaft portion 63h.
A motor rotor fitting portion 63n and a set screw portion 63p are formed on the outer end portion of the outer input shaft portion 63h which extends in a cantilever state from the outer end portion of the outer input shaft portion 63h and extends into the gear case portion 63i. An inner input shaft portion 63r having a sun gear 63q formed on an inner end side portion thereof and a carrier 63s fitted to the serration of the inner end portion of the central output shaft 64 in the gear case portion 63i are pivotally supported by the gear 63j. , 6
A planetary gear 63t that rotates while meshing with 3q and transmits the decelerated rotational force to the carrier 63s is provided.

The drive motor 51 has a motor housing 6 which is mounted in an insulated state by a mounting screw (not shown) with an insulating member 61c interposed on the lower end surface of the outer case 63c.
1d is opened downward, and a stator 61e is inserted from the opening end and fixed so as to be sandwiched by a plurality of cut-out projections and bending claws. Specifically, the stator 6
1e winds a stator winding 61a having a 6-pole structure around a stator iron core 61f so as to form a reversible rotation type electric motor, and fits and fixes an outer peripheral surface of the stator iron core 61f into an electric motor housing 61d. Then, the electric motor housing 61d is attached to the lower end surface of the outer case 63c. This stator 61
The rotor 61h assembled to e is fitted to the rotor fitting portion 63n formed on the inner input shaft 63r, and is fixed by tightening with the set nut 61i screwed to the set screw portion 63p.
Then, the lower opening of the electric motor housing 61d is fitted and covered with the electric motor cover 61j.

Rotor 61h when an induction motor is used
Is an outer iron core 61k and an inner iron core 61m as rotor iron cores.
Are laminated in a concentric state, and the cage-shaped secondary conductor 61n and the cooling blade 6 are formed on the outer iron core 61k by aluminum die casting.
1p is integrally molded to form an outer core 61k and an inner core 61
Insulating resin is injected into the gap between m to form an insulating resin layer 61q that connects the two. In addition, this insulating resin layer 61q
Forms a meshing concavo-convex portion 61r that extends to the upper end surface of the rotor 61h and engages / releasably engages a slider of a switching clutch mechanism 62 described later with the end surface.

When a brushless electric motor (synchronous electric motor) driven by an inverter is used, the rotor 61h has a structure in which magnetic poles are formed on the outer circumference of the rotor core.

As shown in detail in FIG. 6, a part of the switching clutch mechanism 62 is engaged with a rotor 61h of a drive motor 61 by meshing engagement and is connected to an outer output shaft 65 system of the rotor 61h. The rotational force is transmitted to rotate (third drive mode), the meshing engagement with the rotor 61h is released to set the outer output shaft 65 in a free state (second drive state), and the stationary member is used. A slider 62d is provided which functions to mesh with a certain steel plate base 62c to prevent the outer output shaft 65 from rotating (stationary) (third drive mode).

In the switching clutch mechanism 62, in order to reduce the overall size of the drive unit 6 in the axial direction, an annular steel plate base 62c which is a stationary member and a strength member is provided inside the motor housing 61d.
1d is attached to the outer case 63c of the reduction mechanism by tightening together with a mounting screw, and the stator winding 61a
The outer input shaft portion 63h is installed so as to surround the inner space surrounded by the end coil.

A slider 62d made of insulating resin (PPS) axially slidably engaged with a serration 63g formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer input shaft portion 63h has a coil spring 62e for the rotor 62d. 61h meshing uneven portion 61h
A pushing-down force is applied so as to engage with r, and a clutch operating lever 62f attached to the steel plate base 62c counters the pushing-down force of the coil spring 62e to cause the slider 6 to move.
By pulling up 2d, the engagement with the rotor 61h is released, the outer input shaft portion 63h is freed, and the outer input shaft portion 63h is engaged with the steel plate base 62c to stop the rotation.

The slider 62d is provided with serrations 62g on its inner peripheral surface that mesh with the serrations 63g on the outer peripheral surface of the outer input shaft portion 63h, and its bottom edge engages with the meshing irregularities 61r of the rotor 61h. A flange portion 62 provided with a protrusion 62h for contacting the clutch operating lever 62f.
i is formed by resin molding so as to integrally provide an engaging member 52m made of a steel plate having an engaging projection 62k that engages with a locking projection 62j formed on the steel plate base 62c. .

The steel plate base 62c has the locking projection 62j.
Are arranged in an annular shape and the outer peripheral edge is cut and raised to raise the operation lever attachment arm 62n.

The clutch operating lever 62f is a steel plate member having a bifurcated front end, and the mounting arm 62n is inserted into a mounting hole 62p formed in an intermediate portion to mount the clutch, and the operating motor 62a is connected to the base end. Connection hole 62q
The front end of the bifurcation is formed on a portion curved so as to circumvent both sides of the slider 62d.
A sliding piece 62s formed of resin (Duracon) having a semi-cylindrical abutting portion that comes into contact with i in a line contact state is placed and screwed and fixed by a mounting screw 62t. In addition, a mounting hole 62p for the clutch operating lever 62f
The lower surface on both sides is provided with a recess for engaging the hemispherical projection of the retainer 62v.

The operating electric motor 62a decelerates the rotation of a synchronous electric motor such as a reluctance electric motor to rotate the cam 62b, and thereby the operating member 62y is brought into contact with the cam 62b.
Is configured to reciprocate linearly, and the mounting screw 62
It is attached to the center base 7 by z, and the operator 6
2y is inserted into the connecting hole 62q of the clutch operating lever 62f to be connected to swing the clutch operating lever 62f. As a position detection switch 62w described later, a lower limit position of the counterclockwise turning angle for the operator 62y to bring the clutch operating lever 62f into the first driving form and a clockwise turning angle for bringing the clutch driving lever 62f into the third driving form. Two position detection switches are provided so as to detect that the upper limit position has been reached. The rotation angle position of the clutch operating lever 62f for the second drive mode is configured to be estimated (detected) based on the rotation amount of the synchronous motor.

The switching clutch mechanism 62 has a state in which a coil spring 62e is interposed below the steel plate base 62c which is tightened and mounted inside the motor housing 61d so as to be compressed between the coil spring 62e and the inner ring of the ball bearing 63e. Position the slider 62d on the clutch operation lever 62f
Operation window 6 whose base end is formed in a motor housing 61d
The mounting hole 62p of the clutch operating lever 62f is fitted to the operating lever mounting arm 62n of the steel plate base 62c in such a posture that it penetrates 1s and is led out to the outside of the electric motor housing 61d, and the retaining device 62v is provided on the outside thereof. By fitting and pushing out the tip of the operation lever mounting arm 62n to prevent it from coming off, it is swingably mounted. As a result, the flange 62i of the slider 62d pushed down by the coil spring 62e has the clutch operating lever 6d.
The sliding piece 62s attached to 2f is brought into line contact with the contact portion.

In the drive device 6 thus constructed, the operating electric motor 62a of the switching clutch mechanism 62 is controlled to reciprocate the operating element 62y to swing the clutch operating lever 62f so that the slider 62d is moved to the outside. Input shaft 6
Slide along 63g of serration for 3h.

In the first drive mode, as shown in FIG. 4, the operating electric motor 62a rotates the clutch operating lever 62f counterclockwise to the maximum angle to slide the slider 62d.
The coil spring 62e is compressed and lifted to release the engagement protrusion 62h of the slider 62d from meshing with the rotor 61h, and the engagement protrusion 62k is separated from the steel plate base 62c.
Of the washing / dehydrating tub 2 by engaging with the locking projection 62j of FIG.
Apply a static force to. In this state, the drive motor 61
The rotation of the rotor 61h is transmitted from the inner input shaft portion 63r to the central output shaft 64 via the sun gear 63q, the planetary gear 63t, and the carrier 63s to rotate the stirring blade 4.

In the second drive mode, the operating motor 6
The clutch operating lever 62f is rotated clockwise from the first driving mode by the 2a to move the slider 62d to the coil spring 6a.
The slider 62 is lowered by the extension force of 2e.
The engaging protrusion 62k of d is replaced with the engaging protrusion 62 of the steel plate base 62c.
It is released from the meshing engagement with j, and is stopped at an intermediate position before the engagement projection 62h engages with the meshing uneven portion 61r of the rotor 61h to make a free rotation state. In this free rotation state, the rotation of the rotor 61h of the drive motor 61 is decelerated from the inner input shaft portion 63r through the sun gear 63q, the planetary gear 63t, and the carrier 63r and transmitted to the central output shaft 64, and the stirring blade 4 To rotate. At this time, the planet gear 63t
Rotation causes a reaction force to act on the internal gear 63j, the gear case 63i to which the internal gear 63j is fixed has the central output shaft 6 together with the slider 62d released to the free rotation state.
4, the washing / dehydrating tub 2 is rotated in the opposite direction to the stirring blade 4 via the outer output shaft 65.

In the third drive mode, the clutch electric operating lever 62f is further rotated clockwise from the second drive mode by the operating electric motor 62a to lower the slider 62d by the extension force of the coil spring 62e. The engagement protrusion 62h of the slider 62d is engaged with the meshing uneven portion 61r of the rotor 61h. In this state, the drive motor 6
The rotation of the rotor 61h of No. 1 is integrally transmitted to the outer input shaft portion 63h and the inner input shaft portion 63r, and the washing / dehydrating tub 2 and the stirring blade 4 are integrated through the central output shaft 64 and the outer output shaft 65. To rotate.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the electrical construction of this electric washing machine.

The control unit 16 which receives power via the power switch 13 is mainly composed of a microcomputer 16a, and has a power circuit 16b, a drive device 6, a main water supply solenoid valve 20, an auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 22 and a detergent stirring motor. 39, a drainage solenoid valve 33, a circulation fan 26, a heater 29, and a drive circuit 1 having a semiconductor AC switching element (FLS) group for controlling power supply to the cooling and sprinkling solenoid valve 24a.
6c.

The drive motor 61 of the drive device 6 has a stator winding 61a and a rotation sensor 61b, and the switching clutch mechanism 62 has a rotational position of the operation motor 62a (first drive mode and third drive mode). It has two position detection switches 62w for detecting the rotational position of the cam 62b corresponding to

The drive circuit 16c controls two power supply switching elements (FLS) 16c1 and 16c2 for forward / reverse rotation control with respect to the power supply control to the stator winding 61a of the drive motor 61 in the drive device 6. Equipped with. The FLS 16c1 is a semiconductor switching element for forward rotation power supply control, and the FLS 16c2 is a semiconductor AC switching element for reverse rotation power supply control. In this embodiment, the rotation speed control of the drive motor 61 is performed by the stator winding 6
The power supply to 1a is configured to be performed by controlling the phase by the FLS 16c1 and 16c2, but in the configuration using the brushless motor driven by the inverter, it can be configured to be performed by the PWM control or the PAM control. Further, the drive device 6 is provided with an FLS 16c3 for controlling power supply to the operation electric motor 62a of the switching clutch mechanism 62.

Further, the drive circuit 16c includes the main water supply solenoid valve 2
0, water supply solenoid valve 22, detergent stirring motor 39, drainage solenoid valve 33, circulation fan 26, heater 29, cooling water spray solenoid valve 2
FLSs 16c4 to 16c10 for controlling power supply to 4aa are provided. Then, the drive circuit 16c is operated by the FLSs 16c1 to
The conduction state of the LS16c10 is controlled to control power supply to the dependent load.

The microcomputer 16a further includes a rotation sensor 61b of the drive motor 61, a position detection switch 62w of the switching clutch mechanism 62, a water level sensor 15 for detecting the washing water level in the outer tub 5, a humidity sensor 40, a first sensor The operation panel 1 is connected to the second temperature sensors 41 and 42, the unbalance detection sensor 43, and the operation panel 14 by executing a control processing program installed in advance.
No. 4 input switch group 14a, water level sensor 15, rotation sensor 61b, position detection switch 62w, humidity sensor 40, first and second temperature sensors 41, 42, and imbalance detection sensor 43, and drive circuit 16c is loaded. By performing control, operation control of detection, laundry wetting, high-concentration detergent liquid generation / supply (immersion), washing, rinsing, dehydration, and warm air drying is executed, and the display element group 14 of the operation panel 14 is executed.
The progress is displayed by controlling b. Here, the unbalance detection sensor 43 is used for the washing / dehydrating tank 2
This is a sensor that detects when the washing / dehydrating tub 2 (outer tub 5) is largely shaken by a predetermined value or more due to an imbalance in the distribution of the laundry 38 in the washing / dehydrating tub 2 when it is rotated.

Input switch group 14a of the operation panel 14
Is provided with a course setting switch for setting the type of operation (washing / drying) to be executed and a mode setting switch for setting the execution method of washing and drying according to the laundry (dry matter). The course setting switch is provided with a setting switch for selectively setting the washing / drying course, the washing course, and the drying course. The mode setting switch includes the standard mode, the shirt mode, the blanket mode, the dry drying mode, the dry mode,
A switch is provided to selectively set the finishing mode and small item drying mode.

Here, the washing / drying course is a course for consistently performing the operation from washing to drying, the washing course is a course for performing the operation from washing to centrifugal dehydration, and the drying course is In this course, only the drying operation of the laundry that has been washed and dehydrated is executed. In addition, the standard mode is a mode in which driving of each course is executed as standard, and the shirt mode is a mode in which each course is executed for laundry that tends to wrinkle, such as a shirt or blouse. The mode is a mode in which each course is performed for a bulky laundry such as a blanket, and the raw drying mode is a mode in which a course is performed for a short time to the extent that laundry wrinkles are extended, Dry mode is a mode to execute each course for laundry of dry mark, finishing mode is a mode to execute a drying course of finishing for laundry of raw dry, small item drying mode, In this mode, the drying course is executed for laundry items such as clothes and hats that are worried about losing their shape.

Next, the washing / dehydrating / drying operation will be described.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of each operation control executed by the microcomputer 16a in the control unit 16.

When the power switch 13 is turned on, the microcomputer 16a executes the following control processing.

Step 801 When the power is turned on, the clutch mechanism initialization control process for driving the clutch operating motor 62a so that the switching clutch mechanism 62 is in the second drive mode after the initialization process of the control processing system is performed. I do.

This clutch mechanism initialization control processing is shown in FIG.
As shown in the flowchart of FIG.
a is activated (step 801a). Then, by observing the position detection signals from the two position detection switches 62w to confirm that the operating electric motor 62a has reached the position corresponding to the first or third drive mode (step 801b), any position detection is performed. When the signal is confirmed, the time required to move from there to the intermediate position (second drive form) is set. Since this required time is affected by the state of the cam drive section, the required time from the first drive mode to the intermediate position and the required time from the third drive mode to the intermediate position are set individually ( Step 801c). After that, the operating electric motor 62a is operated and stopped until the set required time elapses (steps 801d and 801e). The stop position of the operating electric motor 62a corresponds to the cam rotation position where the switching clutch mechanism 62 is in the second drive mode.

Step 802 Put the laundry clothes 38 into the washing / dehydrating tub 2 and operate the operation panel 1
4 input switch group 14a is operated to perform initial setting,
When the start button switch is pressed, the automatic control process for each operation is started.

In the initial setting, the course and mode are selected and set. Here, the operation control when the washing / drying course is set is illustrated.

Step 803 The detection control process of the laundry amount of the laundry 38 is performed. The amount of cloth is detected by maintaining the switching clutch mechanism 62 of the drive device 6 in the second drive mode in a dry cloth state before water supply.
The drive motor 61 is energized for a short time to drive the stirring blade 4 to rotate, and detection is performed based on the reached rotation speed at that time. This rotation speed is detected based on the detection signal of the rotation sensor 61b. Based on the detection result of the laundry amount, the wash water amount and the detergent amount for producing wash water having a preferable detergent concentration are calculated and determined, and the detergent amount is displayed.
A corresponding amount of the powdered synthetic detergent indicated by is put into the detergent dissolving container 21.

Step 804 The switching clutch mechanism 62 of the drive unit 6 is maintained in the second drive form or controlled to the third drive form, and the drive motor 61 is operated at a low speed to wash and dewater the tub 2 and the stirring blades 4. While rotating at a low speed, the main water supply solenoid valve 20 is opened to supply tap water directly to the water inlet 19, and the tap water is sprayed onto the laundry 38 in the washing / dehydrating tank 2. The laundry 38 absorbs the tap water that has been sprayed and becomes wet, so that the bulk is reduced. The amount of tap water sprayed at this time is controlled according to the amount of laundry 38 detected by the detection operation, and is controlled to be small when the amount of laundry 38 is small and to increase as the amount of laundry 38 increases. This water supply amount is controlled by the opening time of the main water supply solenoid valve 20.

Step 805: The auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 22 is opened to supply a small amount of tap water (detergent-dissolved water) to the detergent-dissolving container 21 so that the detergent-dissolving container 21 does not overflow. A high-concentration detergent liquid is generated by dissolving the powdered synthetic detergent in the container 21 with the detergent-dissolving water while operating the detergent stirring electric motor 39 and stirring. The amount of the detergent-dissolved water is set to an amount suitable for sufficiently dissolving the powder synthetic detergent while stirring without overflowing from the overflow portion of the detergent-dissolving container 21.

Step 806 The switching clutch mechanism 62 of the drive unit 6 is maintained in the second drive form or controlled to the third drive form, and the drive motor 61 is operated at a low speed to wash and dewater the tub 2 and the stirring blades 4. While rotating at a low speed, the auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 22 is opened to dilute and supply the detergent dissolving container 21 to dilute the high-concentration detergent liquid to overflow from the overflow portion, thereby sending the water to the water injection port 19 and the main water supply solenoid valve. 20 is opened and water is supplied to the water injection port 19 to dilute the high-concentration detergent liquid to a preferable high-concentration detergent liquid (detergent concentration of 5 to 30 times the detergent concentration of the wash water), and the laundry 38 in the washing / dehydrating tank 2 And then submerge it in the laundry 38.

The high-concentration detergent liquid submerged in the laundry 38 acts on the laundry 38 by its chemical high cleaning power to enhance the cleaning power, so that the mechanical force acting on the laundry 38 in the washing operation is increased. It is possible to reduce the damage and the entanglement of the cloth.

In washing water produced by dissolving the powder synthetic detergent in a large amount of tap water, the amount of zeolite contained in the detergent is insufficient, and the effective surfactant is greatly reduced.
However, since the high-concentration detergent liquid produced by dissolving the powder synthetic detergent with a small amount of tap water (detergent-dissolved water) (for example, detergent concentration 10 times the detergent concentration of washing water) has a small amount of metal ions. , The zeolite functions sufficiently and the reduction of the effective surfactant can be suppressed to an extremely small amount (about 2%). Therefore, when such a high-concentration detergent liquid is dropped on and immersed in the laundry, the detergent liquid permeates into the laundry (dirty clothes) at a high speed (about four times the speed of the wash water) and quickly becomes dirty. The surface active agent promotes emulsification and dispersion of dirt, the alkaline material promotes swelling and saponification of oil dirt, and the enzyme exerts detergency to decompose dirt of fat and protein.

Step 807 This is the time for promoting the penetration and immersion of the high-concentration detergent liquid that has fallen on the laundry 38 into the laundry 38, and may be omitted.

Step 808 The main water supply solenoid valve 20 and the auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 22 are opened to start the supply of tap water (wash water). This wash water is supplied up to the amount of water determined in step 803,
During the water supply, the process is interrupted to detect the amount of cloth (a compress value) and the quality of the laundry 38. This interrupted water level is a water level that is preset in the microcomputer 16a and is suitable for detecting the amount of compress and detecting (estimating) the cloth quality.

Step 809 The amount of compress and the quality of the cloth are detected to correct the amount of water supplied for washing and to determine the control constants in the washing, rinsing, dehydrating and drying operations.
In order to detect the amount of compress, the water supply is interrupted at a predetermined low water level, the switching clutch mechanism 62 of the drive device 6 is controlled to the second drive mode, and the drive motor 61 is energized for a short time to rotationally drive the stirring blade 4. Then, the first compress amount is detected based on the reached rotation speed at that time (this rotation speed is detected based on the detection signal of the rotation sensor 61b), and then water supply is restarted to wash to a predetermined high water level. After supplying water, the water supply is interrupted, and the drive motor 61 of the drive device 6 is urged for a short time to detect the second amount of compresses based on the reached rotation speed when the stirring blade 4 is rotationally driven. To do. Then, the cloth quality of the laundry 38 is detected (estimated) based on the difference between the first compress amount and the second compress amount. This cloth quality detection control is omitted when it becomes unnecessary due to the initial setting. Then, depending on the amount and quality of cloth, the water flow in the washing and rinsing operations (mechanical agitation strength = on-off time limit) and the operating time and the control constants in the drying operation are determined.

Step 810 Supply tap water up to the amount of water determined in step 803.
By this water supply, the wash water becomes a detergent concentration suitable for stirring and washing by further diluting the high-concentration detergent liquid. As a result, the laundry 38 is immersed in washing water having a predetermined detergent concentration in the washing / dehydrating tank 2, and the washing / dehydrating tank 2 and the stirring blades 4 are rotated to mechanically wash the laundry 38. The state becomes suitable for applying (stirring).

Step 811 The drive unit 6 is controlled so as to perform the washing process of the washing water flow and washing time set in Step 809. In this washing process, the drive device 6 changes the drive mode of the switching clutch mechanism 62 according to the amount of the laundry 38 and the stirring blade 4 is changed.
Is reversed (washing and stirring).

Specifically, as shown in the flow chart of FIG. 10, the laundry amount of the laundry 38 is set to a predetermined value (in this embodiment, the rated load amount is 8 kg and 80% thereof is set to a predetermined value). The drive device 6 is compared depending on the comparison.
The control is branched so as to change the driving mode of the (switching clutch mechanism 62) (step 811a).

When the amount of laundry 38 is less than the predetermined value,
The operation electric motor 62a is controlled so that the switching clutch mechanism 62 of the drive device 6 is set to the second drive mode (step 811b). Then, the drive motor 61 is operated so as to reversely drive the stirring blade 4 (step 811c). In this state, the rotational driving force of the drive motor 61 is equal to the speed reduction mechanism 63.
Is transmitted to the stirring blade 4 after being decelerated via the deceleration mechanism 6
The reaction force acting on the internal gear 63j of the planetary gear mechanism at 3 gives the washing / dehydrating tub 2 a rotational driving force in the direction opposite to the stirring blade 4. Therefore, by repeating the forward / reverse operation of the drive motor 6, the washing / dehydrating tub 2 and the stirring blade 4 are repeatedly rotated in opposite directions, and a mechanical washing force is applied to the laundry 38. The mechanical (stirring) force applied to the laundry 38 is adjusted by adjusting the on / off time limit in the forward / reverse operation of the drive motor 61 for inverting and driving the washing / dehydrating tub 2 and the stirring blades 4, and by adjusting the rotation speed. Alternatively, it can be controlled by adjusting the washing (stirring) time. For example, the on-off time is set to 0.6 to 1.9 seconds and the off time is set to 0.4 to 0.7 seconds according to the amount of the laundry 38.

When the amount of laundry 38 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value,
Reversing drive in which the switching clutch mechanism 62 is in the second drive mode (first half) and inversion drive in which it is the first drive mode (second half).
To execute. First, the operation electric motor 62a is controlled so that the switching clutch mechanism 62 of the drive device 6 is set to the second drive mode (step 811d). Then, the drive motor 61 is operated in the forward and reverse directions so as to drive the stirring blade 4 in the reverse direction (step 811e). In this state, as described above, the stirring is performed by the inversion drive that applies the inversion drive force in the opposite direction to the stirring blade 4 and the washing / dehydrating tub 2. After that, the operation electric motor 62a is controlled so that the switching clutch mechanism 62 of the driving device 6 is set to the first driving mode (step 811).
f). Then, the drive motor 61 is operated in the forward and reverse directions so as to drive the stirring blade 4 in the reverse direction (step 811g). This first
In the drive mode of No. 3, the switching clutch mechanism 62 has the engagement projection 62k of the slider 62d engages with the locking projection 62j of the steel plate base 62c to lock the outer input shaft portion 63h, and the internal gear of the speed reduction mechanism 63. By locking 63j, a static force is applied to the washing / dehydrating tub 2, and the drive motor 6
The rotational force of No. 1 is transmitted to the stirring blade 4 via the reduction mechanism 63 and the central output shaft 64, and the stirring blade 4 is rotated to perform the inversion drive. The on-off time limit is set, for example, to 2.0 seconds (on) -0.5 seconds (off) in the reverse driving in the second driving mode in the first half, and in the reverse driving in the first driving mode in the second half, for example. , 1.5 seconds (on) -0.7 seconds (off).

Since this electric washing machine utilizes the high chemical washing power of the high-concentration detergent solution, the laundry 38 is more easily cleaned than the conventional washing method even with a small mechanical (agitation) force. As a result, the damage and entanglement of the laundry 38 can be reduced.

Step 812: The drainage solenoid valve 33 is opened to drain the wash water out of the machine. In this drainage operation, after the drainage is completed or in the final stage, the switching clutch mechanism 62 is operated in the second drive mode to integrally rotate the stirring blade 4 and the washing / dehydrating tub 2 in one direction at a high speed to wash the laundry 38. The drive device 6 is controlled so as to centrifugally dehydrate the wash water contained in the. In this centrifugal dehydration,
When the outer tub 5 is largely shaken by the deviation of the laundry 38 and the unbalance detection sensor 43 operates, the high-speed rotation drive is interrupted and the uniform operation control of the laundry 38 is executed.

Step 813 The main water supply solenoid valve 20 and the auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 22 are opened to supply rinsing water (tap water) up to the set water amount. If necessary, the auxiliary water supply solenoid valve 22a is opened to mix the finishing agent.

Step 814 The drive unit 6 is controlled to execute the rinsing operation. In this rinsing operation, the agitating blade 4 is reversely driven (rinse agitation driving) by changing the drive mode of the switching clutch mechanism 62 according to the amount of the laundry 38.

Specifically, as shown in the flow chart of FIG. 11, the laundry amount of the laundry 38 is compared with a predetermined value (80% of the rated load amount in this embodiment), and the switching clutch is changed depending on the amount. The control is branched so as to change the driving mode of the mechanism 62 (step 814a).

When the amount of laundry 38 is less than the predetermined value,
The operation electric motor 62a is controlled so that the switching clutch mechanism 62 of the drive device 6 is set to the second drive mode (step 814b). Then, the drive motor 61 is operated so as to reversely drive the stirring blade 4 (step 814c). In this state, the rotational driving force of the drive motor 61 is decelerated and transmitted to the stirring blade 4 via the planetary gear reduction mechanism 63, but the reaction force acting on the internal gear 63j in the planetary gear reduction mechanism 63 is used for washing. A rotation driving force in the opposite direction to the stirring blade 4 is applied to the dehydration tank 2. Therefore, by repeating the forward / reverse operation of the drive motor 6, the washing / dehydrating tub 2 and the stirring blade 4 are repeatedly rotated in opposite directions, and a mechanical rinsing force is applied to the laundry 38. The mechanical (rinse agitation) force applied to the laundry 38 is used to adjust the on-time in the forward / reverse operation of the drive motor 61 for inverting and driving the washing / dehydrating tub 2 and the stirring blades 4,
It can be controlled by adjusting the number of rotations or adjusting the rinsing (stirring) time. The on-off time is, for example, according to the amount of laundry 38, and the on-time is
It is set to 0.4 to 1.6 seconds, and the off time is set to 0.4 to 0.7 seconds.

When the amount of laundry 38 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value,
Inversion drive (rinse agitation drive) in which the switching clutch mechanism 62 is in the first drive mode is executed. First, the operation electric motor 62a is controlled so that the switching clutch mechanism 62 of the drive device 6 is set to the first drive mode (step 814d).
Then, the drive motor 61 is driven so as to reversely drive the stirring blade 4.
Is operated in the reverse direction (step 814e). In the first drive mode, the switching clutch mechanism 62 includes the slider 62d.
Of the engaging projection 62k is a locking projection 62j of the steel plate base 62c.
To lock the outer input shaft portion 63h,
By washing the internal gear 63j of the washing and dewatering tank 2
A static force is applied to the drive motor 61, and the rotational force of the drive motor 61 passes through the speed reduction mechanism 63 and the central output shaft 64.
Is transmitted to the rotor to rotate the agitating blade 4 to perform the inversion drive. The on-off time period is set to, for example, 1.5 seconds (on) and 0.7 seconds (off).

Step 815 The drainage solenoid valve 33 is opened to drain the rinse water out of the machine. Then, after the drainage is completed or in the final stage, the switching clutch mechanism 6
2 is operated in a second drive mode so that the stirring blade 4 and the washing / dehydrating tub 2 are integrally rotated at a high speed in one direction to centrifugally dewater the wash water contained in the laundry 38. Control 6 Even in this centrifugal dehydration, the laundry 3
When the outer tub 5 is largely shaken by the deviation of 8 and the unbalance detection sensor 43 operates, the high-speed rotation drive is interrupted and the laundry 38 is leveled.

Water supply, stirring, drainage, and centrifugal dehydration in this rinsing are repeated a plurality of times as necessary. Centrifugal dehydration in the final rinse is the next dehydration operation.

Step 816 With the drainage electromagnetic valve 33 kept open, the switching clutch mechanism 62 of the drive unit 6 is controlled to the third drive mode, and the drive motor 61 is operated at high speed to wash and dewater the tub 2 and the stirring blades. By rotating 4 integrally at a high speed, the water contained in the laundry 38 is centrifugally dehydrated. Also in this centrifugal dehydration, when the outer tub 5 is largely shaken due to the deviation of the laundry 38 and the unbalance detection sensor 43 operates, the high-speed rotation drive is interrupted and the uniform operation control of the laundry 38 is executed. With this final centrifugal dehydration completed,
The laundry 38 is in a state of being pressed against the side wall of the washing / dehydrating tub 2 and attached to the side wall surface.

Step 817 With the switching clutch mechanism 62 of the drive unit 6 maintained in the third drive mode, the drive motor 61 is operated to operate the circulation fan 26 while rotating the washing / dehydrating tub 2 and the stirring blade 4. Then, the air in the outer tub 5 is sucked out from the outlet 5a, and when passing through the water-cooling dehumidification duct 23, it is cooled and dehumidified by the cooling water supplied from the cooling sprinkler 24 into the water-cooling dehumidification duct 23, and the descending air passage duct. 25 to the circulation fan 26, and from the circulation fan 26 to the outlet 31 through the ascending air duct 27 and the heater 29, and heating by the heater 29 toward the vicinity of the inner wall surface in the washing / dehydrating tub 2 Circulating air blown in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the dehydration tub 2 is generated to dry the laundry in the washing / dehydration tub 2.

In the warm air drying operation, basically, according to a predetermined time schedule set in advance, the circulation fan 26 is operated while rotating the washing / dehydrating tub 2 and the stirring blade 4, and the washing / dehydrating tub 2 is operated. Air in the (outer tank 5) is ducted 2
3, 25 and 27 are circulated, and water is cooled and dehumidified by spraying water from the cooling water sprinkling unit 24, and the circulating air that has been water-cooled and dehumidified is heated by the heater 29.
The set mode, the amount of laundry 38, the humidity of the circulating air (the detection signal of the humidity sensor 40) and the temperature (the temperature sensor 4
1, 42) and unbalance (detection signal of the unbalance detection sensor 43) detection results, rotation control of the washing / dehydrating tub 2 and the stirring blade 4, operation control of the circulation fan 26, and heat generation of the heater 29. Control and sprinkling control of the cooling sprinkling unit 24 are executed.

Such an electric washing machine can be embodied as an electric washing machine which executes washing to dehydration by omitting the warm air circulating drying means and its control processing.

[0119]

According to the present invention, the washing / dehydrating tub is freely rotated, and the stirring vane is rotated to drive the stirring / dehydrating tub in a state in which a driving force in a direction opposite to the stirring blade is applied to the washing / dehydrating tub by the reaction force of the stirring vane drive. Switching the clutch mechanism to control the amount of laundry (amount of laundry)
Since it is configured to detect the quality and / or quality (cloth quality), highly accurate detection can be realized.

Further, since the switching clutch mechanism is initialized to the driving state, it is possible to quickly and accurately detect the amount (cloth amount) and / or quality (cloth quality) of the laundry. .

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of an electric washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional side view showing a specific configuration of the electric washing machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional side view of a washing / dehydrating tub and a stirring blade in the electric washing machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a stirring blade in the electric washing machine shown in FIG.

5 is a vertical cross-sectional side view showing in detail the internal configuration of a drive unit in the electric washing machine shown in FIG.

6 is a vertical cross-sectional side view showing an enlarged part of a switching clutch mechanism in the drive system shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the electric washing machine shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of operation control executed by a control unit in the electric washing machine shown in FIGS. 1 and 7.

9 is a flowchart of a clutch mechanism initialization control process in the operation control shown in FIG.

10 is a flowchart of a washing control process in the operation control shown in FIG.

11 is a flowchart of a rinse control process in the operation control shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

2 ... Washing / dehydrating tank, 4 ... Stirring blade, 5 ... Outer tank, 6 ... Drive device, 16 ... Control unit, 20 ... Main water supply solenoid valve, 22, 22a ... Auxiliary water supply solenoid valve, 21 ... Detergent dissolving container, 33 ... Drainage solenoid valve, 61 ... Drive motor, 62 ... Switching clutch mechanism, 62a ... Clutch operation motor, 62
b ... Cam, 62d ... Slider, 62f ... Clutch operating lever, 63 ... Reduction mechanism, 63j ... Internal gear, 63q ... Sun gear, 63s ... Carrier, 63t ... Planetary gear.

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Mitsuru Watanabe             1-1-1 Higashitaga-cho, Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture             Inside the ceremony company Hitachi Taga Electronics F-term (reference) 3B155 AA10 BB08 BB09 BB10 CA06                       CB06 HB19 KA02 LA02 LA11                       LB26 MA01 MA02 MA06

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A washing / dehydrating tank rotatably installed in an outer tub, a stirring blade rotatably installed in the washing / dehydrating tank, and a drive for rotating or stopping the washing / dehydrating tank and the stirring blade. In an electric washing machine comprising a device, a water supply / drainage means, and a drive device and a control device for controlling the water supply / drainage means, the drive device includes a stirring blade in a state in which the washing / dehydrating tub is stationary. The first drive mode in which the washing / dehydrating tank is rotated, and the stirring blade is rotated in a state in which the washing / dehydrating tank is freely rotated and a driving force in a direction opposite to the stirring blade is applied to the washing / dehydrating tank by the reaction force of the stirring blade driving. It is configured to switch to a second drive mode and a third drive mode in which the washing / dehydrating tub and the stirring blade are integrally driven to rotate, and the control device sets the drive device to the second drive mode. By rotating the stirring blade Electric washing machine which is characterized by being configured to perform the sensing to detect a load acting on. 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control device is configured to perform initialization control of the clutch operating motor such that the switching clutch mechanism is in a second drive mode when power is turned on. Electric washing machine. 3. The electric washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sensing is performed in a dry cloth state where laundry is dry. 4. The electric washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the sensing is performed in a state of a compress provided with wash water.