JP2010042186A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To properly install a washing machine body so as to be horizontal to a floor surface to reduce vibration and noise. <P>SOLUTION: The washing machine includes a water receiving tank 3 containing a rotary drum 1 therein, a two-axle or three-axle acceleration detecting means 15 attached to the water receiving tank 3, an input set means 18, a display means 19, and a control means 17 for controlling a series of washing operation, the control means 17 is configured so as to be able to set the special operation action for confirming whether the washing machine is properly installed, detects whether the washing machine body 9 is set horizontal by the detected value detected by the acceleration detecting means 15, vibration and noise during dehydration can be reduced by an installer or a user adjusting the washing machine body 9 horizontal, by informing that the washing machine is not set horizontal by the display means 19, in the case it is determined that the set condition is out of an allowable range. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing machine that performs washing, rinsing, and dewatering in a rotating drum having a rotation center axis in a horizontal direction or an inclination direction.

  Conventionally, this type of washing machine has a rotating drum enclosed in a water receiving tub, and the water receiving tub is swingably supported in the washing machine main body to absorb vibrations during washing and dehydrating operations. (For example, see Patent Document 1).

  FIG. 11 shows a longitudinal section of a conventional washing machine described in Patent Document 1, which is a rotatable rotating drum that houses laundry and has a large number of water passage holes 202 around the horizontal axis. 201 is enclosed in a water receiving tank 221, and a clothing entrance 217 is formed on the front side of the water receiving tank 221 so as to be opened and closed by a door 218, and laundry is put into the rotating drum 201 from the clothing entrance 217. By controlling the water injection and drainage into the water receiving tank 221 and the rotation of the rotary drum 201, the washing, rinsing and dehydration processes are performed.

  The water receiving tank 221 is suspended from above the washing machine main body 210 by a suspension 211 and is supported by a damping damper 212 so as to be swingable from a bottom surface.

  A control device 220 that controls a series of washing operations such as washing, rinsing, and dehydration is provided on the upper portion of the main body with display means, input means, and the like.

  The rotation of the motor 206 fixed to the outer bottom portion of the water receiving tank 221 is transmitted to the rotation of the rotating drum 201 by the drum shaft 204 through the driving pulley 209, the belt 208, and the driven pulley 205.

In the dehydration process, centrifugal force dehydration is performed by rotating the rotary drum 201 at a high speed, and the suspension 211 absorbs an imbalance due to the bias of the internal clothing, and the vibration damper of the water receiving tank 221 is attenuated by the damping damper 212. .
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-21393

  However, in the conventional configuration, when the floor surface on which the washing machine is installed is not horizontal and inclined, even if the laundry is slightly biased, the water receiving tank 221 is swung around and the inner wall of the washing machine body 210 There was a problem that vibration and noise during dehydration increased.

  The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, and detects the inclination of the floor surface on which the washing machine is installed by a simple operation, and informs the installer or the user of this fact, so that the inclination of the washing machine body can be reduced. The aim is to reduce vibration and noise during dehydration by encouraging correction and driving in a horizontal state.

In order to achieve the above object, the washing machine of the present invention includes a water receiving tub that encloses a rotating drum that is elastically supported in the washing machine body, an acceleration detecting means attached to the water receiving tub, and an input. Comprising a setting means and a display means, and a control means for controlling a series of washing operations, wherein the control means is configured to be able to set a special operation operation for confirming whether the washing machine is correctly installed, Based on the detection value detected by the acceleration detection means, it is detected whether the washing machine main body is installed horizontally, and if the installation state is determined to be outside the allowable range, the display means is controlled to notify the installation abnormality. It is a thing.

  Thereby, the inclination of the floor surface on which the washing machine is installed can be detected, and the installer or the user can be notified of this fact and can be urged to adjust the inclination of the washing machine. In response to this prompt, the installation person or user can adjust the washing machine body horizontally to reduce vibration and noise during dehydration.

  The washing machine of the present invention can inform the installer or user of the inclination of the floor on which the washing machine is installed, and can operate the washing machine without tilting, so that vibration and noise during dehydration can be achieved. Can be reduced.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rotary drum having a rotary shaft in a substantially horizontal direction or a direction inclined from the horizontal, a water receiving tank containing the rotary drum elastically supported in a washing machine body, and the rotary drum being driven to rotate. A drum drive motor that can detect acceleration of two or three axes orthogonal to each other, an acceleration detection means attached to the water receiving tub or the washing machine body, an input setting means for setting a driving course, and the driving situation And a control means for controlling a series of washing operations, and the control means sets a special operation operation for confirming whether the washing machine is correctly installed by the input setting means. When the special setting operation is set by the input setting means, the washing machine main body is installed horizontally according to the detection value detected by the acceleration detection means. When it is determined that the installation state is outside the allowable range, it is possible to inform the installer or user of the inclination of the installation floor by controlling the display means to notify the installation abnormality, It can be urged to adjust the inclination of the washing machine. As a result, the washing machine can be operated while being level with respect to the floor surface, so that vibration and noise during dehydration can be reduced.

  According to a second aspect of the invention, in particular, in the first aspect of the invention, there is provided a storage means for storing a detection value of the acceleration detection means, and the control means is installed on the horizontal surface of the washing machine in an inspection process after the washing machine is manufactured in the factory. At this time, the 2-axis or 3-axis detection value detected by the acceleration detection means is stored in the storage means, and the stored value and the input setting means are used to check whether the washing machine is set correctly. When the special driving operation is set, the detected value detected by the acceleration detecting means is compared to detect whether the washing machine body is installed horizontally, and the installation state is determined to be out of the allowable range. Since the display means is controlled so as to notify the installation abnormality, the detection variation in the manufacturing stage of the acceleration detecting means main body can be corrected. It is possible to detect whether by location.

According to a third aspect of the invention, in particular, in the first or second aspect of the invention, one or two height adjusting means capable of adjusting the height of the washing machine at a bottom surface portion where the washing machine main body and the floor surface are in contact with each other. And the control means sets the washing machine main body according to a detection value detected by the acceleration detection means when the input setting means is set to a special driving operation for confirming whether the washing machine main body is correctly installed. If the installation state is determined to be out of the permissible range, the display means informs how much the height adjustment means should be adjusted and the washing machine body to become horizontal. Thus, the installer or the user can easily and accurately install the washing machine main body horizontally. As a result, the probability that the washing machine can be operated in a horizontal state with respect to the floor surface becomes higher, and vibration and noise during dehydration can be reduced .

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram in which a control circuit of the washing machine is partially blocked, and FIG. 3 is an input setting of the washing machine. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the operation of the washing machine, FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of acceleration detection means of the washing machine, and FIG. 6A is a case of horizontal installation of the washing machine. FIG. 6B is a gravity distribution diagram to the acceleration detection means in the left-right direction when viewed from the front when the washing machine is horizontally installed, FIG. (A) is a gravity distribution diagram to the acceleration detection means in the front-rear direction when viewed from the side when the washing machine is installed at an angle, and FIG. 7 (b) is viewed from the front when the washing machine is installed at an angle. It is a gravity distribution map to the acceleration detection means in the left-right direction.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the rotating drum 1 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape, and a large number of water passage holes 2 are provided on the entire outer periphery thereof, and are rotatably disposed in the water receiving tank 3. A rotating shaft 4 is provided in a substantially inclined direction at the rotation center of the rotating drum 1, and the axial center direction of the rotating drum 1 is inclined downward from the front side toward the back side, and clothes are taken in and out from the front lid body 7. The so-called oblique drum configuration is easy.

  A motor 5 attached to the back surface of the water receiving tank 3 is connected to the rotating shaft 4 to drive the rotating drum 1 to rotate in the forward and reverse directions. An opening provided in the upward inclined surface on the front side of the water receiving tub 3 is covered with a lid 7 so as to be freely opened and closed. The lid 7 is opened, and laundry is put into and out of the rotary drum 1 through a clothing entrance 8.

  The water receiving tub 3 is supported by a spring body (not shown) so as to be able to swing and sway from the washing machine main body 9. One end of the drainage path 10 is connected to the lower part of the water receiving tub 3. The end is connected to the drain valve 11 so that the washing water in the water receiving tub 3 is drained. A water supply valve 12 above the washing machine body 9 supplies water into the water receiving tank 3 through a water supply path 13.

  The control device 16 includes a control means (detailed configuration will be described later) for driving a motor 5, a water supply valve 12, a drain valve 11 and the like to control a series of washing steps such as washing, rinsing and dehydration. An information signal is transmitted to an input means 18 for setting an operation course and the like disposed on the upper part of the machine main body 9 and a display means 19 for informing a driving situation.

  Two height adjustment functions 14 are attached to both front lower ends of the substantially square-shaped washing machine main body 9, and a screw 14 a is formed on the shaft portion of the washing machine main body 9 to move the washing machine main body 9 up and down. Thus, the height can be adjusted.

  The acceleration detecting means 15 is configured to detect acceleration in the three axial directions (three dimensions) of the water receiving tank 3 in the front-rear direction (X-axis), the left-right direction (Y-axis), and the vertical direction (Z-axis). It adheres to the upper part of the tank 3 and mainly detects the vibration of the water receiving tank 3 or the washing machine main body 9 during the dehydration process.

  The control device 16 or the like has a control means 17 composed of a microcomputer as shown in a partial block diagram of the control circuit in FIG. 2, and the control means 17 is an input setting for setting an operation course and the like. The information from the means 18 is input and displayed on the display means 19 based on the information to notify the user. When the operation start is set by the input setting means 18, switching is performed via the switching means drive circuit 20. The means 21 is controlled, the operations of the drain valve 11 and the water supply valve 12 are controlled, and the washing operation and the like are controlled.

  At this time, the control means 17 variably controls the rotational speed of the motor 5 via the inverter drive circuit 23 based on information from the position detection means 22a, 22b, 22c for detecting the position of the rotor of the motor 5. .

  The storage means 30 is composed of a non-volatile memory or the like in which the stored contents are not lost even if power is not supplied, and can store operation setting contents, the number of operations, and the like.

  The position detectors 22a, 22b, and 22c detect the position of the rotor of the motor 5, and output a plurality of pulses during one rotation of the rotating drum 1, that is, the motor 5, by the rotation of the rotor. It functions as a rotation detecting means for detecting the rotation state of the rotary drum 1 or the motor 5.

  Further, as shown in the front view of FIG. 3, the input setting means 18 includes a washing time setting switch 18a for setting the washing time, a rinsing frequency setting switch 18b for setting the rinsing frequency, and a dehydration time setting switch 18c for setting the dehydration time. , A course setting switch 18d, a start / pause switch 18e, a power-on switch 18f, and a power-off switch 18g.

  As shown in the front view of FIG. 3, the display means 19 is also composed of a washing time display section 19a, a number of times of rinsing display section 19b, a dehydration time display section 19c, a course setting display section 19d, and numbers composed of LEDs, liquid crystal members, etc. And a character display portion 19f.

  The control device 16 is configured to be set to the special operation mode when the input setting means 18 makes an input different from normal. Normally, when the power switch 18f is initially turned on when the washing machine is used, the power switch 18f is pressed alone.

  In the special operation mode, when another switch (for example, the washing time setting switch 18a) is pressed in advance when the power-on switch 18f is turned on, in the installation work when the washing machine is purchased, The configuration is set to a special operation mode for checking an installation state for determining whether the washing machine is correctly installed or a special operation mode for product inspection in a factory.

  The special operation mode for checking the installation state is, for example, whether tap water is supplied to the water supply valve 12 from a water tap (the water supply valve 12 with the water tap is correctly connected via the water supply hose). In the operation to confirm whether the drain valve 11 can be drained correctly through the hose for drainage, etc. This is a special operation mode that is performed when a washing machine is purchased and installed.

  In the present application, an operation mode for confirming whether the washing machine main body is installed horizontally is provided in the special operation mode.

  In the above operation mode, it is detected whether the washing machine main body 9 is placed horizontally by the acceleration in the triaxial directions detected by the acceleration detection means 15, and if it is detected that the washing machine body 9 is not placed horizontally, the display means 19 etc. In such a configuration, this is displayed.

  The operation of the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the operation is started at step 60 in FIG. 4 and the power-on switch 18f is turned on at step 61, the washing switch (washing time setting switch) 18a is previously turned on at step 62 (YES) and step 63 is started. The operation mode for installation confirmation is set.

  The operation mode for confirming the installation is a special operation mode that is performed when the water supply state, the drainage state, the installation state, etc. are normal, when the washing machine is purchased and installed for the first time.

  If it is determined in step 62 that the washing switch 18a has not been pressed (NO), the routine proceeds to step 71 and a normal washing operation is performed.

  After setting to the operation mode for installation confirmation in step 63 (YES), which operation in the operation mode for installation confirmation is set in step 64. For example, by pressing the rinse number setting switch 18b, it is selected which installation state is to be detected.

  Next, in step 65, by pressing the start / pause switch 18e (YES), the selected operation mode, that is, the operation in the horizontal installation confirmation mode of the present application in step 66 is started.

  In step 66, if it is determined that the operation mode for confirming whether the washing machine main body is set to be horizontal is selected (YES), the process proceeds to step 67 and the subsequent steps are performed.

  If it is determined in step 66 that another operation mode has been selected (NO), the process proceeds to step 72, and other operation modes for confirming installation, such as a water supply state, a drainage state, etc., are mainly washed. Confirm that the water supply and drainage treatment is correct when purchasing and installing the machine.

  In the operation mode for checking whether the washing machine body is installed horizontally in step 67, the acceleration data g1x, g1y, g1z detected by the acceleration detection means 15 is input to the control means 17. In step 68, the acceleration data is compared with a predetermined set value, and in step 69, it is determined whether or not the washing machine main body is installed horizontally based on whether or not the value is within a predetermined range. (NO) That is, if it is detected that the installed inclination is too large, in step 73, the display unit 19 or the like is notified as an abnormal state display to the user or the installer such as “please install horizontally”.

  Here, details of installation detection by the acceleration detection means 15 will be described below.

  The acceleration detecting means 15 is composed of, for example, a semiconductor acceleration sensor, and its basic functions are as shown in FIG. 5, which are orthogonal to the front-rear direction (X axis), left-right direction (Y axis), vertical direction (Z axis), The X axis is the longitudinal direction of the water receiving tank 3, the Y axis is the left and right direction of the water receiving tank 3, and the Z axis is perpendicular to the water receiving tank 3. Detect direction acceleration.

  When the washing machine main body is installed horizontally with respect to the ground (that is, the floor surface), the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis have accelerations as shown in FIG. Is detected respectively.

That is, since the gravitational acceleration 9.8 m / s ² acts in the vertical direction, when the rotary drum 1 and water tub 3 in an oblique drum arrangement, for example, to 20 ° inclined disposed is the Z-axis direction, 9.8 × cos 20 of ° m / ^{s 2} acceleration, the X-axis direction, acting acceleration of ^{9.8 × sin20 ° m / s 2} . Since the Y axis is perpendicular to the gravitational acceleration, the acceleration is zero.

  When the washing machine body is installed tilted in the front-rear direction or the left-right direction with respect to the ground (that is, the floor surface), the acceleration different from the above acts on each of the three axes. Can do.

  As shown in FIG. 7, for example, α ° is tilted in the front-rear direction (when the front side is higher than the back side and tilted by α °), and β ° in the left-right direction (right side is the left side when viewed from the front side) The detected accelerations in the X axis, Y axis, and Z axis directions are gx1, gy1, and gz1, respectively.

  Here, for the front-rear direction (X axis, Z axis),

  About the left-right direction (Y-axis)

The relationship holds.

  In equations 1 and 2, the accelerations gx1, gy1, and gz1 detected by the acceleration detector 15 are known, so that the longitudinal inclination α ° and the horizontal inclination β ° of the washing machine body can be obtained.

  Here, if the angle of the front-rear direction inclination α ° or the left-right direction inclination β ° that can be obtained is within the horizontal allowable range angle, it is determined that the object is placed horizontally.

  The permissible range angle is, for example, an angle that is ± 1 ° and does not affect dehydration vibration if the tilt is within the range. If the dehydration operation is performed in a state of being inclined more than the allowable range, the gap between the water receiving tub 3 and the washing machine main body 9 becomes narrow, and even with some vibrations, the water receiving tub 3 and the washing machine main body 9 collide. May cause abnormal noise. Further, the position of the center of gravity of the water receiving tank 3 or the like is shifted, the balance is deteriorated, and the dehydration vibration may be increased.

  Therefore, if the front-rear direction and the left-right direction are both within the allowable angle (YES) in step 69 in FIG. 4, there is no problem, the process proceeds to step 70, and the operation mode for installation confirmation is terminated.

  If either the front-rear direction or the left-right direction is outside the permissible range (NO), it is determined that the apparatus is not installed in a horizontal state, and the process proceeds to step 73. Inform them of “Please install horizontally”.

  In the present embodiment, the rotation shaft 4 is provided in a substantially inclined direction at the rotation center of the rotary drum 1 and the axial center direction of the rotary drum 1 is inclined downward from the front side to the back side. However, even if the rotation shaft 4 is provided in the substantially horizontal direction at the rotation center of the rotating drum 1 and the axial center direction of the rotating drum 1 is disposed in the substantially horizontal direction, the detection can be similarly performed.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 8 is an operation flowchart of the washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  8, step 80 to step 86 are the same as step 60 to step 66 of FIG. 4 shown in the first embodiment, and are omitted, and the acceleration data detected by the acceleration detection unit 15 of step 87 is controlled by the control unit. It will be explained from the stage after input.

  In step 87, X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis acceleration data g2x, g2y, and g2z detected by the acceleration detection means 15 are input to the control means 17, and in step 88, a special operation mode for product inspection in the factory is performed. Then, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis acceleration data gfx, gfy, and gfz that are memory data stored in the storage unit 30 are read.

  In the next step 89, the detected acceleration data and the allowable value stored in the storage means 30 are compared. In step 89, whether or not the value is within the allowable range, it is determined whether the washing machine body is installed horizontally. If it is determined (NO), that is, if the installed inclination is too large, the display means 19 or the like is notified to the user or the installer in step 94.

  Here, the acceleration of the memory data stored in the storage means 30 and details of the allowable value setting will be described below.

  In general, in individual mass-produced products, the detected acceleration does not become ideal horizontal installation data even if installed horizontally due to variations in the body of the acceleration detection means 15 and the mounting accuracy to the water receiving tank 3. Variation may occur. In order to offset this difference in data, data to be detected when placed horizontally is stored, and when this data is detected, the variation factor can be canceled if it is in a horizontal state. .

  Therefore, in the factory inspection process of the washing machine production process, a place where the floor surface is horizontal is prepared in advance, and the X axis, Y axis, and Z axis detected by the acceleration detection means 15 of each product are detected in this place. Data is stored in the storage means 30 and stored as memory data. Since the floor surface is horizontal, the washing machine body 9 is also installed horizontally, and the X axis, Y axis, and Z axis detection data detected by the acceleration detection means 15 is also detected data detected in the horizontal state.

  In step 89, the reference inclination αf ° in the front-rear direction and the reference inclination βf ° in the left-right direction are obtained from the acceleration data gfx, gfy, gfz of the stored memory data, and this data and detected in step 87. The inclination α2 ° in the front-rear direction obtained from the acceleration data g2x, g2y, g2z in the operation mode at the time of installation is compared with the inclination β2 ° in the left-right direction.

  If the values of the front-rear direction inclination α2 ° and the left-right direction inclination β2 ° are within the allowable range angle with respect to the front-rear direction reference inclination αf ° and the left-right direction reference inclination βf °, the washing machine Is installed horizontally.

  That is, when the allowable angle is ± 1 °, the front-rear direction is

  The horizontal direction is

Assume that the washing machine is installed horizontally when the above relationship holds.

In Step 90, if the above Formula 3 and Formula 4 satisfy both the front-rear direction and the left-right direction are within the allowable angle (YES), it is determined that there is no problem, and the process proceeds to Step 91 and the operation mode for installation confirmation Exit. If either the front-rear direction or the left-right direction is outside the allowable range (NO), it is determined that the unit is not installed in a horizontal state, and the process proceeds to step 94.
Inform the installer or user that the installation is in an abnormal state.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 9 is an operation flowchart of the washing machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  9, step 100 to step 106 are the same as step 60 to step 66 of FIG. 4 shown in the first embodiment and step 80 to step 86 of FIG. A description will be given from the stage after the acceleration data detected by the acceleration detection means 15 in step 107 is input to the control means.

  In step 107, the acceleration data g3x, g3y, g3z detected by the acceleration detection means 15 is input to the control means 15, and in step 108, a special operation mode for product inspection in the factory is entered. Then, acceleration data gfx, gfy, and gfz, which are memory data of the X axis, Y axis, and Z axis, stored in the storage unit 30, are read.

  In the next step 109, the detected acceleration data is compared with the allowable value stored in the storage means 30, and it is determined whether or not the washing machine body is installed horizontally by checking whether the value is within the allowable range. If the determination in step 110 is NO (that is, the installed inclination is too large), the “correction degree” is notified to the user or the installer by the display means 19 or the like in step 114.

  Here, the details of the setting of the allowable acceleration value and the setting of the correction level, which are memory data stored in the storage means 30, will be described below.

  In the case where the horizontal installation is not performed, unless the contents are specifically notified to the installer or the user, the correction to the effective horizontal installation is not performed. Propose.

  In the factory inspection process of the washing machine production process, a place where the floor is horizontal is prepared in advance, and the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis data detected by the acceleration detection means 15 of each product are obtained at this place. The data is stored in the storage means 30 and stored as memory data. Since the floor surface is horizontal, the washing machine body 9 is also installed horizontally, and the X axis, Y axis, and Z axis detection data detected by the acceleration detection means 15 is also detected data detected in the horizontal state.

  In step 109, a reference inclination αf ° in the front-rear direction and a reference inclination βf ° in the left-right direction are obtained from the stored acceleration data gfx, gfy, gfz, and this data and the acceleration data g3x detected in step 107 are obtained. , G3y, and g3z, and the inclination α3 ° in the front-rear direction and the inclination β3 ° in the left-right direction are compared.

  The height adjustment function 14 at the lower part of the washing machine main body 9 in FIG. 1 includes a screw 14a. When the clockwise rotation is performed, the washing machine main body 9 can be raised, and when the counterclockwise rotation is performed. Can be lowered.

  At this time, if it is understood that, for example, 1 degree of inclination can be changed by rotating once, the reference inclination αf ° in the front-rear direction, the reference inclination βf ° in the left-right direction, and the inclination α3 ° in the front-rear direction, From the value of the inclination β3 ° in the left-right direction, it can be seen that if the two height adjustment functions 14 are rotated in which direction and how many times, the washing machine main body 9 is brought into a horizontal state.

That is, assuming that (αf−α3) ° is increased in the front-rear direction, since the two height adjustment functions 14 are both rotated by 1 °, when rotated and rotated (αf−α3) counterclockwise, There is no tilt in the front-rear direction.

  Further, if the right side is higher by (βf−β3) ° in the left-right direction, the right side height adjustment function 14 is 1 ° per rotation, so (βf−β3) rotation and rotation in the counterclockwise direction. If you do, there will be no tilt in the left-right direction.

  If it is determined in step 110 that it is within the allowable range (YES), if the inclination is within the allowable range, there is no need to correct the inclination, so the process proceeds to step 111 and the operation is terminated.

  If it is determined in step 110 that it is out of the allowable range (NO), the process proceeds to step 114, and how the height adjustment function 14 is adjusted to determine whether the washing machine body 9 is horizontal is determined in step 107. Based on the result, for example, “Right-right rotation 2” or “R-R2” is displayed on the display means 19, for example, meaning “right adjustment function, two-turn right rotation”.

  After that, the adjustment degree is displayed even during the adjustment work by the installer or user (if the height adjustment function 14 should be adjusted to the same extent from the inclination at that time), the adjustment can be made efficiently. The work can be completed.

  The height adjustment function 14 has been described in the third embodiment so that the height can be adjusted manually. However, a stepping motor or the like may be used for the height adjustment function to automatically control the height. it can.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 10 is an operation flowchart of the washing machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  When the dehydrating operation is performed with the washing machine body 9 tilted, the gap between the water receiving tub 3 and the washing machine main body 9 is narrow, so even if there is a small amount of cloth, the water receiving tub 3 and the washing machine main body 9 collide. And generates a loud noise. In addition, in the tilted state, the center of gravity of the water receiving tank 3 is also displaced, so that during rotation at high speed of dehydration, the rotation is not stable and there is a risk of generating large vibrations / noise.

  When the installation is not performed horizontally, the product may be used without correcting the installation to the installation or user even if the contents are specifically notified to the installer or the user. Suggest specific countermeasures.

  Before the washing operation is started, the washing machine main body 9 is level with respect to the floor surface in the method of the first or second embodiment based on the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis acceleration data detected by the acceleration detecting means 15. Even if it is determined that it is out of the allowable range, the rotation speed can be tolerated to some extent, the product will not be disturbed, and the dehydration speed will not cause abnormal vibration. Reduce the number and start washing.

  As a result, although the dewatering performance is slightly lowered, the kinetic energy at the time of dewatering can be lowered to suppress vibrations and the washing operation can be performed to the end.

  It is also possible to display this fact by using the display means 19 so that the user can correct the installation state after the operation and before using the product next time.

  In FIG. 10, the operation starts at step 120, and the power-on switch 18f is turned on at step 121. In step 122, X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis acceleration data g 4 x, g 4 y, and g 4 z detected by the acceleration detection unit 15 are input to the control unit 17.

  In step 123, it is determined from the acceleration data whether the washing machine body 9 is installed horizontally.

  Since the acceleration detection and determination methods in steps 122 and 123 are the same as those in the first and second embodiments, detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

  If the inclination of the washing machine body 9 in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction is within the allowable angle in step 124 (YES), it is determined that there is no problem and the process proceeds to step 126, while it is determined that the inclination is outside the allowable angle ( In the case of NO), in step 125, the installation failure F for storing that it is outside the allowable range is set, and the process proceeds to step 126.

  In step 126, it is determined whether the start / pause switch 18e is pressed and the washing operation can be started. If it is determined that the washing operation has been pressed (YES), the washing and rinsing process is started. Proceed to

  In step 127, it is determined whether the dehydration process is started after the washing and rinsing process is completed. If the dehydration process is to be started (YES), the process proceeds to step 128 and thereafter, and the dehydration operation is performed.

  In step 128, it is determined whether or not there is an installation failure F stored in the previous step 125. If there is an installation failure F (YES), in step 129, the final rotational speed during dehydration is lower than normal. If the operation is controlled to 600 r / min and it is determined that there is no installation failure F (NO), in step 131, the operation is performed at 1200 r / min, which is the final rotation speed during normal dehydration.

  The operation is performed at the respective rotation speeds as described above until the dehydration process is completed. When it is detected in step 130 that the dehydration operation time has ended (YES), the process proceeds to step 132 and the dehydration process is terminated.

  In the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments, the acceleration detecting means 15 can detect three-axis accelerations of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, and the washing machine main body 9 I wrote about detecting the tilt, but even with only two axes, it can detect the tilt in either the front-rear direction or the left-right direction. It is effective to make it installed.

  Further, although the acceleration detecting means 15 is fixed to the water receiving tub 3, even if it is disposed in a part of the washing machine main body 9, the same effect can be obtained.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the control means 17 allows the input setting means 18 to set a special driving operation for confirming whether the washing machine is correctly installed. If the washing machine body 9 is installed horizontally by the detection values of the three axes or two axes detected by the acceleration detection means 15 when the special driving operation is set by the The user can be informed of the inclination of the installation floor, and can be prompted to adjust the inclination of the washing machine. As a result, the washing machine can be operated while being level with respect to the floor surface, so that vibration and noise during dehydration can be reduced.

In the second embodiment, the control means 17 puts the washing machine on a horizontal surface in the inspection process after manufacturing the washing machine in the factory, and at this time, the 3-axis or 2-axis detection detected by the acceleration detection means 15. The value is stored in the storage means, and the detected value detected by the acceleration detection means 15 when the stored value and the input setting means 18 are set to a special driving operation for confirming whether the washing machine is set correctly. By comparing the values and detecting whether the washing machine body 9 is installed horizontally, correction of detection variations due to component variations of the acceleration detection means 15 and assembly variations in the water receiving tub 3 is corrected. It is possible to detect whether or not the washing machine body 9 is installed horizontally.

  In the third embodiment, the control means 17 is detected by the acceleration detection means 15 when the input setting means 18 is set to a special driving operation for confirming whether the washing machine body 9 is correctly installed. By indicating how much the height adjusting means 14 is adjusted based on the detected value, the installation machine or user can easily and accurately set the washing machine body 9 in an easy manner. It can be installed horizontally. As a result, the probability that the washing machine can be operated in a horizontal state with respect to the floor surface becomes higher, and vibration and noise during dehydration can be reduced.

  In the fourth embodiment, the control means 17 detects whether the washing machine body 9 is installed horizontally based on the detection values of the three or two axes detected by the acceleration detection means 15 before the start of the washing operation. However, if it is determined that the machine is not set horizontally, the washing machine main unit should be operated by setting the rotation speed to be lower than the normal dehydration rotation speed during the dehydration stroke in normal operation. Even if the dehydration operation is performed without being installed horizontally, the kinetic energy is reduced by lowering the dehydration speed, and it is avoided that unsafe conditions such as large vibrations and product movement occur. become able to.

  As described above, the washing machine according to the present invention can inform the installer or the user of the inclination of the floor on which the washing machine is installed, so that the washing machine body can be operated without inclination. Therefore, it can also be applied to applications that require horizontal installation, such as dehydrators and centrifuges.

1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Circuit diagram of a part of the control circuit of the washing machine Front view of input setting means and display means of the washing machine Operation flowchart of horizontal state detection of the washing machine Schematic of acceleration detection means of the washing machine (A) Gravity distribution diagram to the acceleration detection means in the front-rear direction when viewed from the side when the washing machine is horizontally installed (b) To the acceleration detection means as viewed from the front when the washing machine is horizontally installed Gravity distribution map (A) Gravity distribution diagram on the acceleration detection means in the front-rear direction when viewed from the side when the washing machine is installed at an inclination (b) To the acceleration detection means when viewed from the front when the washing machine is installed at an inclination Gravity distribution map Operation flowchart of washing machine in embodiment 2 of the present invention Operation flowchart of washing machine in Embodiment 3 of the present invention Operation flowchart of washing machine in embodiment 4 of the present invention Vertical section of a conventional washing machine

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Rotating drum 3 Water receiving tank 4 Rotating shaft 5 Drum drive motor 9 Washing machine main body 14 Height adjusting means 15 Acceleration detecting means 17 Control means 18 Input setting means 19 Display means 30 Storage means

Claims (4)

A rotating drum having a rotating shaft in a substantially horizontal direction or a direction inclined from the horizontal, a water receiving tank containing the rotating drum elastically supported in a washing machine body, a drum driving motor for rotating the rotating drum, Two-axis or three-axis acceleration orthogonal to each other, acceleration detection means attached to the water receiving tub or the washing machine body, input setting means for setting a driving course, and display means for notifying the driving situation And a control means for controlling a series of washing operations, wherein the control means is configured so that the input setting means can set a special operation operation for confirming whether or not the washing machine is correctly installed, When the special setting operation is set by the input setting means, the detection value detected by the acceleration detection means detects whether the washing machine body is installed horizontally, Washing machine was controlled to notify the installation anomaly by the display means when the stationary state is determined to unacceptable. Storage means for storing the detection value of the acceleration detection means, etc., and the control means are installed on the horizontal surface of the washing machine in the inspection process after manufacturing the washing machine in the factory, and at this time, the two axes detected by the acceleration detection means Alternatively, the three-axis detection value is stored in the storage means, and the acceleration detection is performed when the stored value and the input setting means are set to a special driving operation for confirming whether the washing machine is set correctly. The detected value detected by the means is compared to detect whether the washing machine main body is installed horizontally, and when the installation state is determined to be outside the allowable range, the display means is controlled to notify the installation abnormality. The washing machine according to Item 1. One or two height adjusting means capable of adjusting the height of the washing machine are provided on the bottom surface portion where the washing machine main body and the floor are in contact with each other. When the special driving operation is set to check whether the washing machine body is installed, the detection value detected by the acceleration detection means detects whether the washing machine body is installed horizontally, and the installation state is out of the allowable range. 3. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein when the determination is made, control is performed so as to notify the display means of how much the height adjusting means is adjusted before the washing machine main body becomes horizontal. A rotating drum having a rotating shaft in a substantially horizontal direction or a direction inclined from the horizontal, a water receiving tank containing the rotating drum elastically supported in a washing machine body, a drum driving motor for rotating the rotating drum, Two-axis or three-axis acceleration orthogonal to each other, acceleration detection means attached to the water receiving tub or the washing machine body, input setting means for setting a driving course, and display means for notifying the driving situation And a control means for controlling a series of washing operations, the control means detects whether the washing machine body is installed horizontally based on a detection value detected by the acceleration detection means before the start of the washing operation. When the installation state is determined to be out of the allowable range, the washing machine is configured to operate at a lower rotation speed than the normal dehydration rotation speed during the dehydration stroke in normal operation.

Images